For the Milwaukee Brewers of the new millenium and their fans, a win percentage above .500 has become the number by which we may define whether or not the season was a success.
Each spring begets hopes for the upcoming season that are far brighter than the one before. (nota bene "the one before" is always a mediocre season). This trend reeks of the unrealistic rationalization that this team can compete for an NL Central title in late May.
As you could have predicted, this season is no different.
There are many things I will love to watch about this team. The right side of the infield. The continued improvement as one of the league's younger teams grows into their full potential. Ben Sheets, Chris Capuano, and Dave Bush. A centerfield that is devoid of Brady Clark (with the added bonus that Ned Yost finally has a position that Bill Hall can call home).
Each spring begets hopes for the upcoming season that are far brighter than the one before. (nota bene "the one before" is always a mediocre season). This trend reeks of the unrealistic rationalization that this team can compete for an NL Central title in late May.
As you could have predicted, this season is no different.
There are many things I will love to watch about this team. The right side of the infield. The continued improvement as one of the league's younger teams grows into their full potential. Ben Sheets, Chris Capuano, and Dave Bush. A centerfield that is devoid of Brady Clark (with the added bonus that Ned Yost finally has a position that Bill Hall can call home).
Of course, the 4-year $42 million deal signed by Jeff Suppan, the trade of Doug Davis, the uncertainty at SS and 3B and at the back of the rotation, and the lingering taste of vomit in my mouth (cough...Kevin Mench) from the Carlos Lee deal last July are a sufficient reminder that my right hand still has shit in it and my left hand is empty of any wishes fulfilled.
Why, in the one year that Milwaukee decides to spend some money on free agents, did they choose Jeff fuckin' Suppan? I know, I know, he was the NLCS MVP. He's also 32, with 4.60/1.42 career ERA/WHIP and a below average K/9 ratio (If I had my 2007 Baseball Prospectus in front of me right now, there would be far better evidence for why this may turn out to be another case of a veteran that overachieves in the playoffs being rewarded with a contract that will later appear to be indefensible.) Pissing and moaning aside, this year is as good as any for the Brewers to make the stretch run for the NL Central interesting. Neither the Astros nor the Cardinals appear to be capable of completely dominating the division and the Cubs and Reds look to be stronger than last season. Opening in April with a series against each divisional opponent, the importance of a strong start is just as relevant as its ever been. If this team can hang around past the All-Star Break, Beer Town could be in for an exciting end to its summer. If the Brewers follow form with an impressive 40-game start, then show cracks and fissures in the guise of injury and inconsistency, the dam will be broken by the end of July and we'll be having the same conversation one year hence. As ever and either way, the journey is the reward. And I'm as ready as I've ever been for its beginning.
Why, in the one year that Milwaukee decides to spend some money on free agents, did they choose Jeff fuckin' Suppan? I know, I know, he was the NLCS MVP. He's also 32, with 4.60/1.42 career ERA/WHIP and a below average K/9 ratio (If I had my 2007 Baseball Prospectus in front of me right now, there would be far better evidence for why this may turn out to be another case of a veteran that overachieves in the playoffs being rewarded with a contract that will later appear to be indefensible.) Pissing and moaning aside, this year is as good as any for the Brewers to make the stretch run for the NL Central interesting. Neither the Astros nor the Cardinals appear to be capable of completely dominating the division and the Cubs and Reds look to be stronger than last season. Opening in April with a series against each divisional opponent, the importance of a strong start is just as relevant as its ever been. If this team can hang around past the All-Star Break, Beer Town could be in for an exciting end to its summer. If the Brewers follow form with an impressive 40-game start, then show cracks and fissures in the guise of injury and inconsistency, the dam will be broken by the end of July and we'll be having the same conversation one year hence. As ever and either way, the journey is the reward. And I'm as ready as I've ever been for its beginning.
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