Brewers NLDS Preview

Yes, Ladies and Gentleman, the Milwaukee Brewers have ended their 26 year playoff drought. Tomorrow, the Brewers will take on the Philadelphia Phillies for game one of the best of 5, National League Divisional Series. The Phillies will send their young left-handed phenom, Cole Hamels to the mound. The Crew is going to counter with a phenom of their own, Yovani Gallardo. Gallardo you will recall tore his ACL on May 1st in a game against the Chicago Cubs. The 22 year old pitcher heals fast and made a start last Thursday against the Pirates and pitched 4 innings and striking out 7 batters. Yovani is relatively unknown around the league, but Brewers fans know his stuff and expect him to be on his game Wednesday afternoon.

The Brewers are going to have their usual lineup against left-handed pitching under Dale Sveum:

Mike Cameron CF
Bill Hall 3B
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
JJ Hardy SS
Corey Hart RF
Rickie Weeks 2B
Jason Kendall C
Yovani Gallardo P

Let's go Brew Crew, let's make this stay in the Playoffs a long one!!

Pirates vs Brewers Game 2, September 24th

Believe it or not the Brewers are once again tied for the Wild Card lead with only 4 games left in the season. Wednesday night's game was a good one. The Brewers trailed 1-0 going into the 4th inning. The Brewers offense exploded in the 4th, well kind of. Mike Cameron lead off the inning with a single, followed by a walk to Bill Hall. Ryan Braun then hit a lazy fly ball to center field and there was 1 out. Prince Fielder then laced a single that scored Cameron and tied the game at 1,Hardy, Weeks and Kendall all walked, giving the Brewers the lead at 3-1. CC Sabathia took over from there. CC had an amazing game pitching on 3 days rest. He only allowed one run and struck out 11 batters in 7 innings. The Brewers cruised to a 4-2 win, and with the Cubs beating the Mets, the Brewers are now tied for the wild card.

Most Valuable Brewer: CC Sabathia, he is amazing!

Pirates vs Brewers Game 1, September 23rd

The Pirates came to town for a much needed series with the Crew. The Brewers have played very well against the Bucos and have a 11-1 record against them this year. The Brewers got off to an early lead when Ryan Braun hit a RBI triple and scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the first. Dave Bush then Gave up 3 runs in the second and the Brewers Trailed 3-2 for most of the game. The Brewers scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th to take a 4-3 lead. Unfortunately Guillermo Mota gave up a 2-run home run in the top of the 8th to give the lead back to the Pirates. Jason Kendall hit an RBI double in the bottom of the inning to tie the game. Still tied in the bottom of the 9th Ryan Braun hit a 2 out single that brought Prince Fielder to the plate. The Big Fella crushed a 2-0 pitch into the Tundra Territory and the Brewers had a 7-5 walk-off win.

Most Valuable Brewer: Prince Fielder, he has been carrying this team on his big vegan shoulders.

Brewers vs Reds Series

The Series was not good at all for the Brewers. They went 1-2 in a series that they needed to win at least 2. Luckily the Mets went 1-2 over that time too, so the Crew remains a game and a half behind them for the wild card. The Brewers have off on Monday, then return home for a 3 game series with the Pirates. The Brewers are 11-1 against the Pirates this year, and need to win all 3 of the games at home. On Monday the Mets open up a 4 game series with the Cubs. The Cubs have nothing to play for at this point, but should be starting to get their rotation in order and may use their front line pitchers towards the end of the series. I just hope the Cubs make an honest effort at and do not just lay down for the Mets so the Brewers don't make it in the playoffs.

Brewers vs Cubs Game 3, September 18th

I am running out of words.........What looked to be masterfully managed game and a very well played game by the Brewers turned terribly wrong. Dave Bush made the start for the Brewers a day earlier than originally planned, but pitched very well. The Brewers were able to make Rich Harden work in the first inning, they made him throw 38 total pitches, and had the bases loaded, but were only able to score 1 run. The Brewers were down 2-1 going into the 6th inning, then they really got going. The Crew was able to put 4 runs in the inning and added an insurance run in the 9th to lead 6-2 going into the bottom of the 9th. Closer Salomon Torres came in and recorded the first 2 outs of the inning with no problems. Then it wasn't pretty, Aramis Ramierz doubled and Jim Edmonds singled bringing up Geovanny Soto. Soto tied the game with 1 swing of the bat. The Brewers were lucky to get out of the inning and into extra innings. Friday's starter Seth McClung was forced to enter the game, and he pitched very well in the 10th and 11th striking out 4 batters. The Brewers were unable to score in the 10th or 11th, and were unable to capitalize in the 12th with runners on 3rd and 2nd with 0 outs. Carlos Villanueva pitched the 12th and the Cubs were able to score and win the game 7-6.

Most Valuable Brewer: Dale Sveum, he managed his bullpen very well and put the team in a chance to win. His only error was turning the team over to their most trusty pitcher this season.

Brewers vs Cubs Game 2, September 17th

The Milwaukee Brewers were able to keep pace with a win at Wrigley Field, but still had their playoff chances hurt. That sums up much of how the Brewers final months of the season had been going. The Brewers started of very will, loading the bases with no outs and Prince Fielder at the plate. Coming off of a 2 homer night, Prince knew he could get the Brewers a big lead with a single swing of the bat, and he did just that. Prince hit a 3-RBI double down the right field line giving the Crew a 3-0 lead. Ben Sheets started the game and gave up only 1 hit in the first 2 innings. The hit happened to be a solo home run to Aramis Ramirez, and the 2 innings would be his only work. Sheets would leave with what was being described as forearm tightness, but would later reveal that he has been having elbow soreness for weeks. The Brewers would have to turn their hopes over to their bullpen. Mark DiFelice pitched 2 very solid innings and even laid down a sacrifice bunt. Todd Coffey followed with a well pitched 5th inning. Carlos Villanueva and Mitch Stetter combined to get out of the 6th unscaved. Eric Gagne looked very solid in the 7th. Guillermo Mota followed with a good 8th inning, and the Brewers headed to the bottom of the 9th with a 6-1 lead. Salomon Torres came in to get some work in the 9th and gave up 1 run, but the Brewers escaped with a 6-2 win. Dale Sveum was also given the first win of his managerial career.

Most Valuable Brewer: Mark DiFelice, came in and pitched the biggest 2 innings of his career. If that was good enough for Dale Sveum to give him the game ball, it is good enough for me to give him MVB honors.

Brewers vs Cubs Game 1, September 16th

Well the Dale Sveum era has officially started and in Milwaukee. Dale started off things withe shaking up the lineup, and I have to say that i like the lineup he put together:

Mike Cameron
Ray Durham
Ryan Braun
Prince Fielder
JJ Hardy
Corey Hart
Craig Counsell
Jason Kendall
CC Sabathia

Unfortunately the new lineup did not lead to many runs in Chicago. CC Sabathia would get his first loss of the season giving up 4 runs in 7 innings of work. Fielder provided most of the offense for the Brewers. He hit a monster 2 run homer in the 6th, and added a solo shot to lead off the 8th. Prince's biggest at bat came with runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs in the 9th with the Brewers down 5-4. He worked the count full, but struck out looking on a 3-2 slider by Kerry Wood that was right down the middle. In Prince's defense is was a good pitch, and the first breaking ball that Wood through that was halfway decent. The Brewers fell to the Cubs 5-4.

Most Valuable Brewer: Dale Sveum for making his big league managerial debut. Let's get some wins now buddy.

Brewers vs Phillies Games 2-4

This is getting painful to write............for those of you that look here to get actual news and recaps from the Brewer's games, I am sorry you will not find that for these last 3 games.

Game 2, September 13th

Brewers Lose

Game 3, September 14th (game 1 of double header)

Brewers Lose Again

Game 4, September 14th (game 2 of double header)

Yada, Yada, Yada....Brewers face Brett Myers on 3 days rest and he pitches a complete game 2 hitter....and Brewers Lose.


The Crew has blown a big lead in the wild card race and are now tied with the Phillies who have a much easier schedule down the stretch. The Brewers are 3-11 in their last 14 games and are playing their worst baseball of the year.

But Brewer fans, Tuesday is another day and the Brewers travel to Chicago to take on the Cubs. It is September, and anything is possible.........

Brewers vs Phillies Game 1, September 11th

The Brewers traveled to Philadelphia for the first of a four game series with the Phillies. Ben Sheets took the hill for the Brewers and was less than perfect. He gave up a 2 run homer to Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, and an RBI double to Howard later in the game. JJ Hardy hit his 24th home run of the year, and Prince Fielder finally added his 29th of the year, but the Brewers dropped game one of this important series.

Friday's game was postponed due to rain, this could be the break that the Brewers needed. The Brewers can take the day to regroup and get ready to play baseball. The last 3 games of the series are important and their offense needs to break out. Every batter is "pressing" at the plate and trying to hit a home run every pitch. Let's go Crew and take some games in Philly!

Most Valuable Brewer: Prince Fielder for finally breaking out of his home run slump, hopefully Braun can follow in his footsteps.

Reds vs Brewers Game 3, September 10th

Wednesday, the Brewers hoped to avoid the sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds. CC Sabathia took the hill and tried to be the Brewers savior once again. CC was dominating early. He was striking out Reds. He gave up a few hits here and there, but never was in real trouble. in the 5th inning with the Brewers ahead 1-0, CC found himself in his first real jam and gave up a 3 run homer to Jerry Hairston. CC would pitch through the 7th inning and leave with the Brewers still trailing 3-1. The Brewers added a run in the 7th. The Brewers finally got going in the 8th inning. With bases loaded and no outs, Tony Gywnn Jr. grounded into a double play scoring JJ Hardy. Mike Cameron then singled to score Ryan Braun and give the Brewers a 4-3 lead. Salomon Torres came on and struck out the side, preserving the win for the Crew. The Brewers got a much needed win and hope to keep things going as they start a series with the Phillies on Thursday.

Most Valuable Brewer: CC Sabathia pitched 7 innings, gave 3 runs on 8 hits, and struck out 8 batters. CC also went 1-2 at the plate with an RBI. The Brewers are now 12-1 when CC Sabathia is the starting pitcher. Not a bad deal for the Brewers.

Reds vs Brewers Game 2, September 9th

The Major League Baseball schedule consists of 162 games, the Brewers have played 145 games this year. With 17 games remaining the Brewers find themselves in trouble. They are lucky to be clinging to a 3 game lead in the wild card race. There are not too many positives to come way from the Brewers latest loss Tuesday night at the hands of the Reds. The Brewers looked to be in business in the 1st inning with the bases loaded and 1 out. The Brewers were unable to bust the game open, and were only able to score 1 run. Jeff Suppan started the game well, but got into some trouble in the 6th inning, giving up a 2 run homer to Edwin Encarnacion, and a solo shot to promising young outfielder Jay Bruce. The Crew continued to struggle at the plate. In the bottom of the 7th, after a Mike Cameron strike out, Bill Hall was walked and Jason Kendal was hit by a pitch. Ray Durham then pinch hit for the pitchers spot and he hit a 3 run homer to tie the game at 4. The Brewers would then continue to frustrate Brewer fans everywhere due to their inability to execute with runners in scoring piston and score runs when needed. Long story shirt, the Brewers went into extra innings and fell to the Reds in 11th inning by a score of 5-4.

Most Valuable Brewer: Ray Durham, he hit a huge pinch hit home run to tie the game.

Reds vs Brewers Game 1, September 8th

The Brewers faced All-Star pitcher Edison Volquez, and sent Dave Bush to the mound. The Brewers were one the board early, and tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the second. Durable catcher Jason Kendall was at the plate with a runner on when he hit his 2nd home run of the year to give the Crew a 3-1 lead. JJ Hardy added his 23rd home run of the year in the 5th inning and the Brewer lead was stretched to 4-1. Dave Bush was pitching very well, and had not given up a run since the 2nd inning. He did give up a solo home run to Joey Votto with 2 outs in the 8th, but finished the inning and leaving the Brewers with a 4-2 lead. Closer Salomon Torres came on to close the game, and that's when everything fell apart. The first 2 batters got hits, he walked the third, and it was all down hill from there. He Gave up 3 runs and the lead and the Brewers lost to the Reds 5-4. Not a whole lot to say other than the fact that we need to start winning if we want to make our post season dreams a reality.

Most Valuable Brewer: Jason Kendall, who finally hit home run #2 and 2 RBI's. His work behind the plate often goes unnoticed, but he is a big reason why the Brewers pitchers are having success.

Padres vs Brewers Game 4, September 7th

For Brewer fans this games was one to forget, for Padre fans it is on to remember. It was not pretty as Manny Parra took on Chris Young of the Padres. The action picked up in the top of third inning. Parra should have been out of the inning, but key errors by Bill Hall and JJ Hardy kept the inning a live and the wheels fell off for Para. He gave up 5 runs in the inning, none of which were earned. Manny also allowed a solo home run in the 5th inning and would be pulled after 5 innings of work. Meanwhile Chris young was working on a perfect game that was broken up by Gabe Kapler when he homered of Young with 2 outs in the 8th inning. David Riske gave up 4 earned runs in the 7th inning. The only positive from this game is that Mat Gamel, Angel Salome and Alcides Escobar all got an at bat during the 9th inning. The Brewers fell to the Padres 10-1.

Most Valuable Brewer: Mat Gamel, who recorded his first big league hit, which happened to be a double. His career batting average is now .500 and his career OPS is .1500. I get the feeling this kid will be winning more MVB's in the future.

Padres vs Brewers Game 3, September 6th

"A Miller Park Masterpiece!!" were the words that resonated in Brewers fans everywhere as they watched the game end on Saturday night. In one of the best pitching match ups of the year, Ben Sheets took the mound against Jake Peavy. Both pitchers came out and showed everyone why people associate their names with the word "ACE." The Brewers were able to grab a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning when Prince Fielder doubled in Ryan Braun. This was the only run that Peavy would surrender as he pitched 7 strong innings giving up only the 1 run and striking out 5. As well as Peavy pitched, Sheets was better. ben Would go the distance and try to record his 3rd complete game shut out of the year. Ben took gave up only 3 hits in the first 8 innings, but gave up 2 hits in the 9th and found himself in trouble with 2 on and 2 out. Benny was able to work his way out of it and induce a ground ball to 2nd base and the game was over. According to the Brewers TV announcers, Ben Sheets was just pitched a Miller Park Masterpiece! Nicely said and nicely done.

Most Valuable Brewer: Ben Sheets, see above for reason why.

Padres vs Brewers Game 2, September 5th

The B-52 Bomber took the mound for the Crew on Friday to try and break the Brewers loosing trend. CC was up to usually tricks of dominating opposing batters. CC was striking out Padres left and right, he left after the 7th inning with 9 strike outs and only giving up 1 run. CC Got the job done at the plate too. He went 2-3 with an RBI and put the Brewers in a position to win with a 2-1 lead when he left. Enter Eric Gagne. My goodness, I have defended this guy form day 1, but my patience are running thin. Gagne gave up a game tying home run to the first batter he faced. Gagne was able to finish off the inning without giving up another run. The Brewers were unable to score in the 8th and the 9th inning despite having runners on base. The Brewers once again were headed into extra innings. The 10th inning was uneventful. In the top of the 11th the Brewers found themselves in a whole heap of trouble. David Riske began the 11th with a fly out to right field. He then walked the next batter and gave up a single to Brian Giles. Brian Shouse was then called in and need only one pitch to induce a 1-6-3 double play. Into the bottom of the 11th we go. JJ Hardy found himself 0-5 in the game, but came to the plate with runners at 3rd and first with only 1 out. JJ found himself down 1-2 in a hurry, but was able to fight off the next 2 pitches. On his 3rd 1-2 pitch JJ hit a line drive single to left field and the Brewers won the game 3-2. I am concerned with the Brewers inability to manufacture runs and come up with key hits when they are needed. Nevertheless, the Brewers won and that is what good teams do.

Most Valuable Brewer: Brian Shouse, the Brewers needed the lefty to come in and get them out of a jam, and he did just that. Well done Brian Shouse, it isn't often that someone out shines someone who gets a walk off hit, but you did just that.

Padres vs Brewers Game 1, September 4th

Jeff Suppan started against the Padres as the Brewers looked to end their loosing streak and start a winning streak. The Brewers struggled throughout the game and hit a dismal 0-9 with runners in scoring position. The Brewers were only able to put up 2 runs on Shawn Estes. One of the runs was a solo home run by JJ Hardy his 22nd of the year. Mike Cameron also had a triple and a run scored. Jeff Suppan on the other hand gave up 5 runs (4 earned) over 5 1/3 innings of work. The Brewers fell to the Padres 5-2. Hopefully the Brewers get start their winning streak with CC Sabathia on the mound Friday.

Most Valuable Brewer: JJ Hardy who provided most of the Brewers offense when he hit his 22nd home run of the year.

Mets vs Brewers 3 game series, September 1-3

Sorry I have not updated the blog recently. I have had some work issues and some personal issues, but all is cleared up so let's talk Brewers baseball. If I could pick a series not to talk about it would have been this one. So I will make this post brief, but will get back to my regular postings after game 1 of the Padres series. The Brewers dropped 3 games to the Mets, but lost no ground in the NL Central because the Cubs also dropped 3 games to the Houston Astros. Kinda makes you wonder what if we could have won some games. Anyway, the Brewers control their own destiny at this point and should not worry about what any other team is doing until they take care of business first. I look for the Brewers to bounce back in a big way with this series against the bottom dwelling San Diego Padres. Let's go Brew Crew!!