If you’re not one of those baseball nerds who follows every single thing going on in the Milwaukee Brewers Organization, don’t worry, because The Sports Bank’s Nick Grays has you covered with what happened in the past week and what’s going on in the future.
And if you are one of those nerds, feel free to join in on some good old analysis of America’s pastime in the Brew City.
This week we discuss the Sports Illustrated cover story and another showdown with the Cardinals!
Standings:
Milwaukee Brewers (81-54) (23-15-5 in series)
– FIRST in the NL Central
– Lead the St. Louis Cardinals by 10.5 games
– Run Differential at +60 (up 11 from last week)
– Brewers are a league-best 50-16 at home (Phillies have 46 home wins)
Last Week’s Headlines:
My SI Cover Story Rant
While I commend Lee Jenkins for his article on the Brewers “Living the High Life,” I can’t help, but admit that I walked away slightly disappointed that there wasn’t a heavier emphasis on this team’s pitching staff.
Yes, Nyjer Morgan (a.k.a. T-Plush) brings excitement and a lunatic-mindset to the team, but I’m not so sure that’s the story of the year in Milwaukee. The story is how great the starting rotation has been top to bottom.
There may have been a small blurb on Gallardo, Greinke and Marcum, but that doesn’t do justice to how critical the pitching has been. There’s no doubt that the Brewers are ultimately winning because of a starting rotation who boasts the best winning percentage in the majors.
Looking Ahead:
Even More NL Central Play
The week begins with one of those rare off-days on Monday followed by the St. Louis Cardinals visiting Miller Park for the last time this regular season. The two teams will meet in St. Louis next week.
The Cardinals are fresh off a devastating week where they were 3-4 including being swept at home versus the LA Dodgers. If St. Louis has any aspirations of winning the NL Central and becoming playoff bound, they must take at least two versus the Brewers. However, with Milwaukee playing at Miller Park, I can’t see that happening.
Next, the Brewers travel to Houston to take on the lowly Astros in a three game series. I wouldn’t worry about the Crew too much as they are 9-3 against Houston already this season.
Monday, August 29th (OFF)
Tuesday, August 30th 7:10 PM (vs. St. Louis)
Probable Pitchers: RHP Shaun Marcum (11-4) vs. LHP Jaime Garcia (10-7)
Wednesday, August 31st 7:10 PM (vs. St. Louis)
Probable Pitchers: LHP Randy Wolf (11-8) vs. RHP Edwin Jackson (3-2)
Thursday, September 1st 3:10 PM (vs. St. Louis)
Probable Pitchers: RHP Yovani Gallardo (15-8) vs. RHP Jake Westbrook (10-7)
Friday, September 2nd 7:05 PM (@ Houston)
Probable Pitchers: RHP Zack Greinke (13-5) vs. RHP Brett Myers (3-13)
Saturday, September 3rd 6:05 PM (@ Houston)
Probable Pitchers: TBA vs. RHP Bud Norris (6-8)
Sunday, September 4th 1:05 PM (@ Houston)
Probable Pitchers: TBA vs. TBA
What did you think of the Brewers’ SI Cover Story? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.