Brewers Sweep Phils, Complete Perfect Road Trip

Entering the 2014 season, the Milwaukee Brewers certainly knew they would immediately have their work cut out for them.  A challenging opening portion of the schedule had been staring them in the face.

However, the Brewers have responded admirably to the challenge, sending a loud message that they won't be intimidated.

After dropping two out of three to Atlanta at Miller Park, the Brewers proceeded to Boston, sweeping the Sox and spoiling Opening Weekend for the defending world champs.

From there, it was on to the city of brotherly love, where the Milwaukee took the first two games from Philadelphia.  Ryan Braun's three-homer performance help to ruin Philly's home opener on Tuesday.  The following night, Braun and Mark Reynolds drove in a pair apiece while Matt Garza limited the Phillies to three earned runs over six frames.

Having defied the odds and proven themselves to that point, the Brewers entered the final game of the road trip with high spirits and added swagger.  Milwaukee defeated Philadelphia Thursday evening by a score of 6-2, besting Cliff Lee while completing a three-game sweep.  Khris Davis collected two hits and two RBIs to help lead the Crew, while Marco Estrada allowed a pair of runs and struck out six in as many innings en route to his first victory of the season.

The 6-0 mark represents the third best road trip in Brewers history, landing them atop the NL Central at 7-2 overall.  Over those first nine games, Milwaukee boasts a 0.98 bullpen ERA, as well as a 1.95 team ERA, both tops in the majors.

For what it's worth, the Brewers have not lost a game since their beloved puppy mascot Hank endured his unfortunate surgery.

The Brewers return home this weekend to face the second-place Pirates for three games, followed by three against the third-place Cardinals.  The rival opponents are one and two games behind the Crew, respectively.

Though it is still quite early, the Brewers have opened their season in very promising promising fashion.  Optimism, energy, and confidence are soaring among players and fans alike.

Clap along, Brewers fans...

Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man

Crew Sweeps Defending Champs at Fenway

Opening Weekend in 'Bean Town' did not go according to plan for the Boston Red Sox.

The 2013 World Champions, returning home to begin a new chapter, were given more than their championship rings.

They were given a rude welcome by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The first interleague series for both clubs was largely one-sided, with Milwaukee outscoring its opponent 17-8 en route to a three-game sweep.

Marco Estrada pitched well in Boston's home opener on Friday, allowing one earned run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out six.  He exited a 2-2 game following a very promising start to the season.  A four-run ninth inning was the difference in the game, with Lyle Overbay's two-run double igniting the scoring.

Brandon Kintzler's scoreless eighth inning ultimately earned him the win, while Francisco Rodriguez's flawless ninth inning completed the 6-2 victory.  It was not a save situation for 'K-Rod', who has emerged as the club's closer in place of Jim Henderson.  The incumbent Henderson was largely inconsistent during spring training, prompting a change at the pivotal role.

The Brewers proceeded to get the final say in Saturday's extra-inning affair.  Wily Peralta allowed five runs over five innings, though just two of those were earned.  Suspect infield defense allowed for three Red Sox runs in the opening frame.

Despite two errors and various missed opportunities with men on base, the Brewers prevailed.  Logan Schafer's 11th-inning double scored Khris Davis, who enjoyed his first career four-hit game.  The single tally was enough for Rodriguez, who struck out the side in a flawless bottom half of the 11th.  Tyler Thornburg was perfect the previous inning while striking out a batter and earning the victory.

Coming off his first Opening Day victory, Yovani Gallardo was equally impressive in Sunday's series finale.  'Yo' scattered seven hits and kept the Sox scorless over 6 2/3 innings.  Zach Duke and Tyler Thornburg went the rest of the way to preserve the 4-0 shutout.  Aramis Ramírez continued his hot start to 2014 by singling and driving in his sixth run of the season.

While the series featured home runs from Jonathan Lucroy, Mark Reynolds, and Carlos Gomez, Milwaukee's most controversial name continues his search for his first dinger of 2014.  Embattled superstar Ryan Braun was kept relatively quiet in Boston, singling twice in nine at-bats while striking out twice and leaving four men left on base.

Braun was held out of Saturday's lineup as he continues to battle a sore thumb.  The lingering injury affects a nerve between the thumb and index finger of Braun's right hand.  The slugger has been battling this issue since last season, during which Braun made his first career trip to the Disabled List before ultimately being suspended by Major League Baseball.  Though surgery is an option, Braun would prefer to avoid that route.

Despite the sluggish start for Braun, it was an extremely positive weekend for the Brewers.  The three-game set marks Milwaukee's first sweep of Boston at Fenway Park since the final series of the 1993 season, during which the Brewers outscored the Sox 24-12.

Portions of April and May will continue to present plenty of challenging opponents for Milwaukee.  However, regardless of who they face, the Milwaukee Brewers have sent an early message that they fear no opponent.

Just ask the World Champions.

Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man

Braun Arrives at Camp, Ready to Turn Page

No matter where you reside in the midst of this treacherous winter, one thing is for certain.

It's always sunny in Arizona.

With pitchers and catchers having been in Phoenix for close to a week, the Brewers are just one day away from their first full-squad workout of spring training.  On Thursday, Milwaukee's face of the franchise became the focus of spring camp.

Returning from his 65-game suspension, Ryan Braun is eager to get back to the game he has missed for far too long.  Upon his arrival in Phoenix, Milwaukee's embattled superstar was almost immediately attacked by a media hive.

To this point, Braun has made few public appearances while providing minimal information regarding his PED use and consequent 65-game suspension.  On Thursday, Braun maintained an unwillingness to divulge details and rehash the past.

Instead, Ryan reiterated his desire to move forward and concentrate on baseball.  He acknowledges his past mistakes and expresses deep remorse for decisions which cost both him and his team.

Braun understands that the healing process is exactly that; a process.  He will be unable to immediately restore his reputation and earn respect overnight.  Braun realizes that it will take time for him to regain the trust of others.

By the same token, Braun acknowledges that there is only so much he can do to rebuild his image.  Though he can try everything in his power to prove himself, Ryan concedes that people are entitled to their opinions.

Having put his past mistakes behind him, Braun has set several goals for himself in the season to come.

Braun hopes to put together his most productive season in 2014.  He cited his 2012 campaign, during which Braun endured a bottomless pit of accusations and animosity, following his successful appeal of a 50-game suspension.

That season, Braun led the National League with 41 home runs, 108 runs scored, 356 total bases, and a .987 OPS en route to his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance.  He also finished second to San Francisco backstop Buster Posey in NL MVP balloting.

Braun has agreed to shift to right field, his third position since joining the major leagues in 2007.  Braun's position switch is designed to accommodate Khris Davis, an up-and-coming slugger whose specific skill set projects him as a left fielder.

Though Braun hopes his positional transition is a smooth one, he intends to work hard in his new outfield corner during spring training.  Possessing an above-average throwing arm and solid range, Braun is confident he'll excel at his new position.

Braun has promised to be the best he's ever been in 2014.  Having been away from baseball since the end of July, Ryan is extremely eager to get back to the diamond and disprove his critics.  If Ryan Braun had something to prove in 2012, he now has a mammoth-sized chip on his shoulder for the season to come.

"I think I'm pretty strong mentally and emotionally, and I'm able to deal with adversity and challenges.  As baseball players, we're all regular people, normal people who all deal with challenges and adversity.  I think the biggest challenge sometimes in this game is not having peripheral vision.  You want to just focus on the task at hand.  I was able to do that pretty well in 2012."

-Ryan Braun

Thank you for reading, and have a nice weekend!

Barrel Man

2013 Milwaukee Brewers: Year in Review

The Milwaukee Brewers endured a roller coaster of a 2013 calendar year that contained a little bit of everything.

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

Aoki Dealt to Royals; Davis to Start in Left Field

In the final days of October, the Brewers exercised outfielder Norichika Aoki's club option for 2014.  Despite the exercised option worth just under $2 million, Aoki had long been considered trade bait.

Kansas City has taken that bait, acquiring Aoki in exchange for left handed pitcher Will Smith.  Smith was productive for the Royals in 2013, posting a 3.24 ERA while striking out 43 batters in 33.1 innings of work.  He maintained an impressive 0.93 WHIP while limiting opposing hitters to a .202 batting average.

The 24-year-old Smith brings much needed depth to a Brewers' pitching staff that was largely inconsistent in 2013.  Though Smith can start and pitch out of the bullpen, Doug Melvin has indicated that Smith will be a member of the Brewers' starting rotation in 2014.

The move creates an intriguing scenario which team officials have discussed over the past several weeks.  The Brewers plan to move the recently reactivated Ryan Braun to right field, paving the way for Khris Davis to take over in left.

While many believe Braun to be athletic enough to play just about anywhere on the diamond, Davis' skill set profiles him specifically as a left fielder.  Davis, who turns 26 later this month, made the most of his brief opportunity in 2013, slugging 11 homers and driving in 27 runs in 136 at-bats.

Davis Homers Against Cubs

Aoki was productive with Milwaukee, banging out 321 hits and swiping fifty bases while batting .287 over the course of two seasons.  A solid player on the field who brought a positive clubhouse presence, Aoki will surely be missed by teammates and fans alike.

On Sunday, June 29 at Miller Park, all fans in attendance will receive a Norichika Aoki bobble head.  The bobble head will feature Aoki wearing a Japanese-style Brewers uniform.  It will be interesting to see how the Brewers market this promotion, as Aoki will not be wearing a Brewers uniform of any kind in 2014.

Thank you for reading, and have a nice weekend,
Barrel Man

2014 Milwaukee Brewers: Potential Lineup

Greetings Brew Crew fans!

Though it's only October, it's never too early to start contemplating potential Brewers lineups for the season to come.  Granted, pieces can always be added and subtracted between now and the 2014 season.  However, with the pieces the Brewers have currently, I feel that this lineup will give the Brewers their best chance to compete in a competitive National League Central Division:

SS-Jean Segura 
The Brewers' young shortstop enjoyed an impressive 2013 campaign, earning his first All-Star nod at the tender age of 23.  An up-and-coming superstar, Segura possess excellent speed and decent power.  Though Segura will produce at any spot in the Brewers' lineup, his calling may be as a table setter at the very top.

CF-Carlos Gomez
Coming off his strongest season in the major leagues, the Brewers' 2013 Most Valuable Player is perhaps their best overall athlete.  Gomez is a power threat at the plate and practically automatic on the base paths, swiping 40 bases in 47 attempts this past season.  Batting behind Segura and in front of the big boys, Gomez will be able to utilize his talents and capabilities.

RF-Ryan Braun 
Returning from suspension, Braun will likely be a distraction early on.  National media will be all over the Brewers both at home and on the road, but for all the wrong reasons.  Regardless, Braun is a natural athlete and proven superstar.  Players like Ryan Braun don't simply forget how to hit a baseball.

3B-Aramis Ramírez
2013 proved to be a frustrating campaign for Ramirez, who was hampered by injuries.  The aging third baseman will be 36 in June, and is clearly past his prime.  However, he showed some pop late in 2013 and is entering a contract year.  Players always seem to push a little harder during contract years.  Though retirement following 2014 would be a possibility for Ramirez, it is possible that he will try to impress in 2014, hoping to play another season or two with a different club.

C-Jonathan Lucroy
The Brewers' backstop has shown steady improvement each season both at and behind the plate.  Lucroy possess solid plate discipline and decent power, stroking a career-high 18 long balls in 2013.  Lucroy's pop and good eye at the plate make him an ideal candidate to bat fifth in the order.


1B-Corey Hart
Though Hart is currently eligible for free agency, he has yet to file.  The Brewers are in desperate need of help at first base and may be willing to offer Hart a one or two-year deal.  Hart has already expressed a willingness to return to Milwaukee at a reduced salary.

LF-Khris Davis
In 2013, the Brewers' left field prospect received a decent amount of playing time in the absence of Ryan Braun.  Davis made the most of his opportunity, slugging 11 home runs and driving in 27 runs in just 136 at bats.  Though it is possible that the Brewers will option Davis back to Triple-A Nashville, it is more likely that they will try and make room for him on their 25-man roster in 2014.  Davis will turn 26 in December and seems to be pounding on the door for an opportunity.  In order to compensate Davis, Braun would have to shift to right field, a move currently being discussed by Doug Melvin & Co.

2B-Scooter Gennett/Rickie Weeks
This is perhaps the most interesting position to analyze.  Weeks batted just .209 in 104 games in 2013, battling injuries as he has throughout his career.  Gennett made the most of his 213 at bats, batting .324 and belting six home runs.  However, Weeks is under contract, and is a decent power threat at the plate when healthy.  A platoon is possible, as is a "Duke 'em out" scenario in Spring Training.  Time will tell how the second base situation unfolds in the season to come.

You will notice that this potential lineup does not include Norichika Aoki.  The Brewers do hold a team option on Aoki, which is expected to be exercised.  However, the emergence of Khris Davis has led to speculation that Aoki might be used as trade bait, following his exercised option.  The Brewers are in need of help at starting pitching, something I'll discuss on my next blog post.

Thank you for reading!
-Barrel Man