Following division realignment, the Brewers found themselves in an improved, five-team NL Central Division. At 74-88, the Crew finished eight games ahead of the rival Cubs, 23 games behind the Division Champion Cardinals, and 16 games behind the Wild Card Reds.
Following moths of internet rumors and speculation, Ryan Braun was finally suspended by Major League Baseball in July. The suspension was the result of a positive PED test from October 2011, a documented relationship with former Biogenesis operator Anthony Bosch, and obstruction of MLB's investigation into the now-defunct Biogenesis clinic. Braun sat for the final 65 games while his teammates strung together a 33-32 record.
2013 Milwaukee Brewers: Memorable Moments
Despite Braun's disappointing fall from grace, 2013 yielded impressive campaigns for several of his teammates.
Acquired from the Angels in July 2012, shortstop prospect Jean Segura burst onto the Milwaukee scene. In a 2013 All-Star season, Segura swiped 44 bags and slugged 12 homers while batting .294.
Following a three-year extension signed during the offseason, center fielder Carlos Gomez put together a 2013 All-Star campaign of his own. Carlos stole 40 bases, belted 24 homers, drove in 73 runs, and collected 12 outfield assists en route to team MVP honors and an NL Gold Glove Award.
Signed to a three-year deal near the conclusion of Spring Training, veteran right hander Kyle Lohse enjoyed a strong 2013 Brewers debut. In 32 stars, Kyle earned 11 victories while striking out 125 batters and maintaining a 3.35 earned run average. On September 25 at Atlanta, a masterful Lohse tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout.
While pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Wily Peralta battled inconsistencies in 2013, right handed prospect Tyler Thornburg impressed down the stretch. In just over 66 innings pitched, Thornburg held opposing batters to a .225 batting average while owning an ERA just over two.
Closer Jim Henderson impressed as the team's closer, converting 28 saves in 32 chances while maintaining a 2.70 ERA. Henderson replaced an inconsistent John Axford, who bounced back and forth between closer and setup roles before eventually being traded to St. Louis.
In just 136 at-bats, left field prospect Khris Davis crushed 11 home runs, drove in 27 runs, and belted 10 doubles while batting .279. Davis' impressive 2013 debut has earned him a starting role in 2014, forcing the Brewers to shift Braun to right field.
Second base prospect Scooter Gennett impressed in his 2013 debut, hitting .324 in just 69 games. The emergence of Gennett may spell the end for Rickie Weeks, whose ongoing injuries and inconsistencies led to a disappointing 2013 season.
Outfielder Norichika Aoki enjoyed a strong 2013 showing in Milwaukee, swiping 20 bases and belting 20 doubles while hitting .286. Following the season, the Brewers exercised Aoki's club option for 2014, only to deal him to Kansas City in exchange for left handed pitcher Will Smith.
Following surgeries on both knees, versatile slugger Corey Hart missed all of 2013. In Hart's absence, Brewers first basemen combined to bat a dismal .211. Hart has since signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Mariners, ending his memorable tenure in Milwaukee.
Needless to say, the Milwaukee Brewers saw their share of positives and negatives over the course of 2013. Regardless of adversities faced or challenges lying ahead, Brewers fans have reason to be optimistic about their beloved team. A surplus of young talent and a returning superstar yield a bright future for the Milwaukee Brewers.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and my absolute best for the year ahead!
Barrel Man
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