Opening Day, Brewers at Giants Game 1

Finally the 2009 baseball season is underway. Many of us were left wanting more after the Brewers historic run back to the playoffs last year. October seems like it was years ago and expectations from Brewers fans are high. Many of the experts are writing the Brewers off for 2009 saying that their offense will be good, but the lack the pitching to make a run at the playoffs. Many experts pick our beloved Brewers to finish 3rd in the NL Central Division. We will have to see what happens............

Anyways, game almost never happened. There was talk of a rain delay, then the game started on time. Jeff Suppan took the hill for the Crew and 2008 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was pitching for the Giants. The Crew made the young pitcher work and was able to chase him out of the game after just 3 innings, and hanging 3 runs on him. Jeff Suppan struggled from the get go. He gave up a 3-run triple in the first, and a 2-run homer in the 4th. Suppan only made it innings giving up 6 runs on 6 hits. The bullpen was not much better. Seth McClung gave up 1 run in 2 innings, but walked 3 batters. Dave Bush pitched 1 inning to get some work out of the bullpen, but gave up 2 runs. Jorge Julio got some work in the 8th inning and gave up a solo shot to Randy Winn.

The Brewers had some bright spots at the plate. Rickie Weeks went 2-3 with a walk and was also hit by a pitch. For those Rickie-Haters that is an OBP of .800. I know it is only the first game, but I want to give him some credit for the amount of heat that he takes. Mike Cameron was 1-1 with 4 walks and 0 strikeouts. The Brewers also stole 4 bases off of former gold glove catcher Benji Molina. Rickie and Ryan Braun had 1 a piece and Mike Cameron stole 2 bases.

Looking ahead to game to the young ace of the Brewers staff, Yovani Gallardo pitches against former Cy Young winner Randdy Johnson. My prediction is Ryan Braun goes yard off Johnson today.

No more MVB this year instead I will give out a Golden Brat to the player of the game.

The Golden Brat goes to Rickie Weeks for being patient at the plate and getting on base like a lead off hitter should. Since it is opening day I will also be giving out some Golden Sauerkraut to Mike Cameron just because I can.