Brewers - High Expectations

Brewer banner at Miller Park   5/4/2018
dwm photo

2018 was the second greatest season in Milwaukee Brewer history - finishing one game short of a World Series.  Only 1982 was better - sadly it ended on the wrong side of Game 7 in World Series.

2018 is over.  However, expectations are sky high.

MVP Christian Yelich is back patrolling right field for Milwaukee.  Lorenzo Cain plays Gold Glove center field and is probably the best lead-off hitter since Hall of Famer Paul Molitor ignited the '82 Crew.

Just feel the excitement, it is palpable as the Brewers get ready to start their season in Miller Park Thursday against the division rival St. Louis Cardinals.

I don't think expectations have ever been higher, and for good reason.  This team packs a punch with the bat and appears to have a formula for the starting and relief pitchers that works.

Leaders of the team welcome high expectations - Manager Craig Counsell closed the book on the past, but said the team bring that experience and knowledge along with a confidence that they can compete.

MVP Christian Yelich  8/20/18 (dwm)

You have to do it all over again.  You play another 162 games, navigating injury and adversity.  You can't win the division in March and April, but you can lose it if you aren't ready when the season starts.

Milwaukee seems to be a better team.  They brought back Mike Moustakas after picking him up in a trade deadline deal last season.  Former Los Angeles Dodger catcher Yasmani Grandal gives the Brewers another big bat in a potent line-up as he signed a one year deal in the off season.

The rest of the National League Central made moves too.  The rival Chicago Cubs expect to be better.  The Cardinals added big-time players to their always strong roster.  The Pirates made player moves and so did the Cincinnati Reds.

Milwaukee was a surprise team in 2018.  This year every team will be ready and waiting.

Last year's team had a contagious spirit of camaraderie and relaxed vibe.  They took the game seriously, but not themselves.  They found ways to win.  It's a young team with veteran experience sprinkled in to lead the team from March to October.

Milwaukee won 96 games last season to earn the Division crown.  It was magical.

2019 isn't about magic, it's about production and results.  I can't project the number of wins it will take - but count me as someone with Brewer fever.  I look for the Brew Crew to repeat as division winner in 2019.

Get there and I like our opportunity to win it all.  Go Brewers!