Ballpark is an occasional series of posts following the Brewers season. In this post, I’ll make a few general observations about the Brewers, and their prospects this season.
The Milwaukee Brewers have been a professional ball club, under that name, since 1970. They played their first game on Tuesday, April 7th 1970 at County Stadium. (They lost to California, 0-12.) That year, they were fourth in the AL West, with a dismal 67-97 season. In the years since, they have had thirteen winning seasons (including two seasons with a .500 record.)
In 1998, the Brewers moved from the American League to the National League, with the slogan (if I recall correctly) “we’re taking this thing National.” The shift was seemingly a welcome one, as payrolls were generally less in their new league and division, and a traditionally different style of play in the National League would, presumably, help the Brewers competitive prospects.
Sadly, they have had only two winning seasons since switching leagues in 1998.
Last year was a winning season for the Brewers, along with a winning season in 2005. Although the Brewers finished only second in their division last year, there was more hope for the team — and there is again this year — than I have seen in many years before. We have reason for optimism.
Baseball has a long season (162 games) in a sport with a long tradition. The length of the season is arduous, and almost distracting: the 162 games are a prelude, really, to the post season. Competitive teams see it this way — the contest is not merely for the games through September, but to reach October and the playoffs. The Brewers, and their fans, have thought less about the post seasons as we have so seldom had that prospect before us.
What matters in the season ahead (one that I think will be a winning season)? Pitching, forward thinking to August and September, and division-oriented play. Interleague games, games against teams with celebrity players, and non-division play count for less than division success. Far less.
The Brewers must win their division to make the post season. That’s because each of the three National League divisions sends one team to the playoffs, and one additional team, with the best record after the division winners, goes also to produce an even number of four playoff teams. Both of the other NL divisions are likely to have second-place teams with records better than the Brewers, so it’s win the division or sit home in October.
I know that most analysts — including the full team at ESPN, to my knowledge — predict the Brewers to place only second in the division. I am more confident than that — improved pitching (especially if Sheets stays healthy) and a team that’s young but more experienced than last year, gives the Brewers a good chance of winning the National League Central.
Ninety games can win the division, easily. We can do this. Really.
Next from Ballpark: The series against the Cubs (March 31, April 2, 3) and what portends for the season.