The State of the Brewers
Sports talk radio has been a-buzz for the last few weeks about the new Brewers team and management. People are being way too optimistic.After their loss to the Cubs on Saturday, a couple of sportzdorks on TMJ went on and on about how the Brewers could play .500 ball or better this year.
I think people need a reality check.
Yes, the Brewers are improved on paper from last year.
Yes, the main weakness of the Brewers last year (hitting) was addressed.
But the Brewers don't play in a vacuum. They are still only the 5th best team in their division.
First of all, the best team in the NL is the Cards, hands down. Houston is second based solely on their pitching, although with Garner at the helm, it's only a matter of time before he works his magic and scuttles their season. Cincinnati and the Cubs are going to struggle this year, but they are still a step above the Brewers.
Just look at this weekends games. Friday was a comedy of errors. The Brewers hit the snot out of the ball, but couldn't put it together and translate it into runs. The Cubs hit much worse, but managed to make those hits count.
That's what good teams do. You aren't going to have 14 hits every night. If you need 14 hits to score 4 runs, you aren't going to win very many games.
On Saturday they threw up a goose egg.
On Sunday, they were up 5-0 until they put in one of their middle relievers who proceed to give up 5 runs. The Brewers would not score again. Brady Clark misplays a ball in the outfield and an out turns into a triple. One high-bouncing ball later, and the crew went down to defeat.
This is how the season will look. Bright spots that turn into frustrating losses.
Inconsistant and frustrating are the words of the year.
My prediction 74-88, 7 games better than last year.
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