Sports
Something brewing in Milwaukee?
Sports Reporter
Mschr395@uwsp.edu
In 2007, optimism surrounding the Brewers was brought to a whole new level. Storming out of the gates to a 24-10 start, the Milwaukee Brewers seemed destined for their first playoff appearance since...well before most of us were even a thought.
The Brewers looked as good as anyone and as they held an 8.5 game lead in the NL Central near the end of June.
But the dream of a postseason in Milwaukee came crashing down as the young Brewers had a horrible second half of the season and finished in second place behind the Chicago Cubs.
Although the collapse put a damper on the season, the Brewers gained a lot of experience and had a lot of positive points which they can build on.
Rookie Ryan Braun stormed on to the scene, setting several rookie records as he went on to capture the National League Rookie of the Year. Prince Fielder became a household name as the big slugger belted 50 home runs and drove in 119 runs. Carlos Villanueva and Yovani Gallordo showed that they have what it takes to be dependable pitchers at the major league level.
Now as 2008 begins, the Brewers will look to continue to develop as a team and try to win the NL Central title for the first time in franchise history. Let’s take a look at the team outlook for 2008…
Lineup: The Brewers offense certainly exceeded their expectations last year as they belted a major league leading 231 home runs, although their defense let them down at times.
Leading the way offensively will be the aforementioned Fielder and Braun who combined for 84 home runs in the middle of the lineup. Fielder is the only lefty in the projected starting lineup, and will likely bat third in the order. Braun, who will have very high offensive expectations, will be making a switch from third base to left field this year. He had the worst fielding percentage of any third baseman last year, but the switch to left field should give him a new approach to defense.
Rickie Weeks is expected to resume his role in the leadoff spot, but will have to improve his on-base percentage. His health should no longer be an issue, and his improving glove should bolster the defense.
JJ Hardy saw a power surge last year, blasting 27 home runs. Hardy is a line drive hitter who may see a little dip in his power numbers this year. He is known more for his defense, but the fan favorite is improving his all-around game.
Bill Hall, who will return to the infield after his one year stint in the outfield, saw his numbers drop significantly last year after a monster 2006 season. Hopefully his return to the infield and new contact lenses will help him keep focused at the plate and become a threat in the middle of the lineup once again.
Corey Hart had a breakout ’06 season, hitting .295 in his 20 home run/20 stolen base campaign. His rare combination of power and speed will compliment the big bats in the middle nicely. He will be the staple in right field.
Jason Kendall, who will hold down the catching position this year, will have to improve on his sub-par numbers last year. He is a contact hitter who will likely hit in the nine hole this year, which puts leaves the eight spot open to the pitcher in a strategic decision. Kendall was brought in for his veteran presence and is known for working well with the pitching staff.
Mike Cameron, who was signed to a one year deal in the offseason, will roam in centerfield when he finishes his 25-game suspension for testing positive a second time for a banned substance last season. Cameron had a great spring, and if he can keep his strikeouts down he will add some welcome pop with his bat and great range in the outfield.
Craig Counsell, Tony Gwynn Jr, Gabe Gross, Gape Kapler, and Joe Dillon will be expected to contribute when called upon off the bench. Gwynn, Gross, and Kapler (who was managed a single-A club last year) are expected to start in Cameron’s place before he comes back.
The Brewers have a solid lineup top to bottom. They won’t have to look at the five through nine slots as detrimental to the offense as the case has been for several years. They should be able to win several games by just out mashing opponents, and will look to improve on their franchise record home run total from last year. They key though is in their defense. If the defense can tighten up and save some runs, the Brewers will boast one of the best lineups in the league.
Pitching: The Brewer’s collapse in 2007 was largely blamed on inconsistent starting pitching and the bullpen’s struggle in the second half. The Brewers have a revamped bullpen and a lot of depth in the starting rotation which could propel them to a NL Central Championship.
Francisco Cordero was the best pitcher out of the Brewer’s bullpen last year, posting a 2.98 ERA with 44 saves. Cordero left for Cincinnati through free agency in the offseason, leaving a hole in the closer role.
Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin did some wheeling and dealing in the over the winter to give Ned Yost a whole arsenal of new weapons out of the pen.
Eric Gagne, who played with the Rangers and Red Sox last year, signed a 1-year $10 million deal to become the Brewers closer. Gagne sat out two years with arm injuries, and came back last year where he struggled in the second half. Signing Gagne may be the biggest risk the Brewers made this offseason, and only time will tell if the 10 million dollar man can return to dominant form.
David Riske (4-years $17.5 million), Salomon Torres (2 years, $7 million), and Guillermo Mota (1 year $3.2) are all middle relief arms who should fill in the gap between the starters and Gagne.
Brian Shouse and Derrick Turnbow are the only two returnees. Turnbow was dominant for the first two months last year before he ran into some control problems. He has some of the best stuff in the game and can be dominant when he gets in under control. Shouse is once again expected to be a lefty specialist, and did a satisfactory job in that role last year.
The starting rotation should be the deepest it has been since the Carter administration. The days of Ricky Bones, Jamie Navarro, and Rafael Roque are long gone. With eight starters battling for a job in the rotation, the Brewers should have several solid options to work with.
Ben Sheets, the oft-injured starter who has not pitched a full season since 2004, is expected to be the ace of the staff once again. When healthy, Sheets can be dominant. If he can remain healthy, he will put up some great numbers and anchor the young staff.
Yovani Gallardo and Carlos Villanueva both became full-time starters in the rotation for the second half last year. Gallardo instantly made himself a household name in Wisconsin with a very impressive rookie campaign. Gallardo struggled out of the pen early in the season, but was arguably their best pitcher in the second half.
Jeff Suppan will be expected to be the workhorse once again. The innings eater is prone to giving up a lot of runs, but is a consistent cog in the middle of the rotation.
Manny Parra has had a couple of stints in the major leagues, but the lefty will take over a bigger role this year as a spot starter and situational reliever.
Chris Capuano was an 18-game winner in 2006, but struggled mightily last year as the Brewers lost 22 straight games that he pitched in. Capuano was expected to earn a spot in the middle of the rotation, but a recent injury to his elbow could have him on the shelf all year.
The strong starting rotation and veteran bullpen still come with some question marks heading into the season. However, the Brewers and their fans feel that the front office made a some moves that will put the team in a position to win more games in 2008.
2008 Fearless Forecast: The Brewers are not going to sneak up on anyone this year. The Brewers may not be able to replicate last year’s amazing start (24-10), but they should have enough experience and talent to stay strong down the stretch. The Cubs are the sexy pick in the division after an impressive run last year. Personally, I think it is going to be a great race in the NL Central. The division is weak once again, so the Brewers have a good a shot as anyone to get into the playoffs. Personally I think the Brewers and Cubs will battle until the last day of the season. That said, this team has more talent than I have ever seen on a Brewers roster. It’s been a long wait Brewer fans, but I think the patience will finally pay off when playoff baseball comes back to Wisconsin this October.