They are always my Brew Crew

Banner outside Miller Park
5/4/2018  dwm photo

Despite losing their first series after winning six, Milwaukee has the most wins (37) in the National League and a two game lead on Chicago in the Central Division.

It isn't a perfect team, but it shows promise.

My expectations before the season was a team ready to play every night.  It starts with pitching,  Both starters and relievers are doing an excellent job keeping games close and the team in position to win.

Jhoulys Chacin, a free-agent pitcher, is the anchor in the starting rotation so far, turning in good starts after shaky performances in his first three games.

It seems there is baseball luck on the Brewer's side.  So far, no games are lost to weather which is big when you look at the schedule.  The Chicago Cubs have played five fewer games because of bad weather; meaning five fewer off-days later.

Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich, brought in before the season to add hitting and strong outfield play to the line-up, have met expectations.

This team has the right mix of
talent and personality.  5/4/18 (dwm)

You can't predict a team's finish after 60 games, but there is evidence it isn't a fluke.  Because they get contributions at the plate, on the field, and off the mound I think they can keep it going.  While losing streaks are inevitable, this team should not endure many 5 game losing streaks (or more).

Manager Craig Counsel is coming into his own as skipper.  In his fourth season he close to having more wins than losses on his record.  Which is an accomplishment after losing 31 more games than he won during the first two years.

The Brew Crew needs to play well against the Cubs and the Cardinals to reach the playoffs.  So far, they are 19 - 12 on the road, 18 - 11 at home.  If they win as much as they lose on the road and maintain a winning record at home the rest of the way they get a ticket to the postseason.

Detractors point out that many of the wins are against teams with losing records.  That doesn't bother me; good teams beat the teams they are supposed to win and break-even against tougher competition.

This Milwaukee club is doing that this year.  I'm excited to watch the next 102 games - go Brewers!