I've been consciously trying to avoid writing about the Brewers much this year to not jinx anything. However, with a 10-game lead in the division with 27 games left to play, I think it's safe to say that the Crew is running away with the NL Central and likely playoff bound, barring a 2007-esque collapse. This has certainly been one of the most enjoyable seasons I've ever witnessed as a fan, and for the first time in my lifetime, I legitimately feel like this team is a World Series contender.
When the Brewers made the playoffs for the first time in 26 years back in 2008, I think it's safe to say everybody was just happy we made it. The same could be said in 2011 - that was a better team, but by the time they reached the playoffs, they were so gassed and pitching on fumes that I think we all knew they were not making it to the World Series. The 2018 team fell one game short of the World Series, but even for how complete that team was with Christian Yelich winning the MVP that year, I would have been happy just making the World Series. That team's crutch was only having one or two competent starters and relying heavily on the bullpen, and by and large the team continued that philosophy in their 2019 and 2020 playoff runs. But the 2021 team finally has a rotation that can match the bullpen, sometimes going 6 or 7 starters deep in a rotation without a dramatic drop-off in performance. Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Freddy Peralta were all-stars this year and all serious Cy Young candidates, and Adrian Houser and Eric Lauer both also are turning in a sub-4 ERA right now. This team was unapologetically built on run prevention and the defense has been stellar all year, but one could argue it's the emergence of the offense over the last 2+ months that has propelled this team to the stratosphere it's in now. While certainly not to the level of our previous playoff clubs, they are getting timely hitting, great at-bats, and most importantly fewer strikeouts up and down the lineup on a nightly basis. Christian Yelich has even emerged from his nearly 2-year slump to start contributing. Outside of a long-term injury to several players at one time (knock on wood), it's hard to imagine what could slow down this team in September or October. Besides the rotation, I think that is precisely what sets this team apart - the depth. Every guy on the 26-man roster contributes and steps up when called upon and there are no wasted spots. When a player or a pitcher goes down, I have never felt like this team is in trouble, it is a true "next man up" mentality that Counsell and Stearns have been preaching since they joined the management.
The Brewers are currently on pace for 98 wins, which would be the most in franchise history. This year would also mark their 4th year in a row making the postseason, something that would have been unfathomable to me 10-15 years ago. The Brewers are nearing a territory that the Packers have been in for nearly 30 years, in which I expect them to not only be competitive but have a good chance of making the playoffs every year. I don't remember what the length of time was (I think 5 years but don't quote me), but I heard the other day that the Brewers are 2nd only to the Dodgers in the National League for wins over that time frame, and outside of Milwaukee I don't think many people are getting that answer correct. This is the year we go for it and this is the year where just making the playoffs is not enough - World Series or bust!
touch with baseball when his childhood heroes Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Jim Gantner retired but the Great Home Run Chase of 1998 reignited his passion. As a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Erik became involved with the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity. With this group Erik traveled to Portland, OR and Baltimore, MD to work on construction projects and help the group raise $25,000 to partially sponsor a house in Milwaukee. Also at UWM, Erik met Peter Nagel. The two attended their first Brewers game together during Opening Weekend 2003. Despite their failure to ignite the coals at their first tailgate, the two had a blast and were soon making weekly trips to the ballpark. Erik has gone on to several colleges and changed careers several times, and has moved all the way out to New Hampshire, but has always stayed true to his baseball roots by holding part-time stadium usher jobs. To this day he looks back fondly on his incredible cross-country journey.
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