Wisconsin's biggest sports story in 2013

Wisconsin was filled with many positive and some negative sports stories throughout 2013, but most people can agree that Ryan Braun's suspension and Aaron Rodgers' injury were the two biggest ones. Now the question is which one of these was the biggest story?

You can make an argument for either one of them, but Braun being suspended for Performance Enhancing Drugs is the bigger story.  While Rodgers' injury affected him and the entire team, as the Packers only went 2-4-1 without him, they still have a chance to win a Super Bowl.  Plus the injury only affects the organization this season.

While on the other hand Braun's suspension does not last just this year, the effects will carry on for the years to come.  You can say what you want about Braun, but his suspension will live with him throughout the rest of his career.  It just does not affect him though; it affects many more including the Brewers organization who have to deal with all the bad PR surrounding him.  Brewers' fans have also felt betrayed by Braun as he admitted that he never used PEDs.

2013 has been a roller coaster year, as there have been many great sports stories, but also some negative ones too.  Unfortunately the biggest story was Ryan Braun's suspension because of the impact it had on so many people.  Lets just hope 2014 is a better sports year, filled with a couple of championships.

Michael Young is a perfect fit at first base

Finding someone to play first base for the 2014 season has been atop the Milwaukee Brewers shopping list since the beginning of the offseason, and it is now time for the Brewers to finally check it off their list.  While they have explored options including resigning Corey Hart or trading for Ike Davis, nothing has happened yet.  One solution could be veteran infielder Michael Young.

The 14-year veteran is 37 years old, and although his great years are behind him, he still has enough left in the tank to be a solid contributor next season.  Young split last season with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers showing his ability to still hit for average and get on base (.279/.335/.395).  While Young has played on the left side of the infield for most of his career, he has experience playing anywhere in the infield including first base.

Bringing in Young would not only fill their opening at first, but it would also allow the Brewers to give Hunter Morris more at-bats and time to develop in Triple-A.  He would also be a great clubhouse guy, who could teach the young Brewer hitters a few things about being successful big league hitters.

In this stage of Young's career he can still be a solid contributor, while playing on a short term deal for an affordable price.  He solves the Brewers first base issue for the short-term while the Brewers wait for their young first base prospects to be major league ready.  Signing Young makes so much sense, that the Brewers need to make sure that he is wearing their jersey next season.

Jesse Crain is worth the risk

First base is a glaring question mark for the Milwaukee Brewers right now, causing the bullpen holes to go under the radar, but they are just as important.  Jim Henderson, Brandon Kintzler and Tom Gorzelanny are the only relief pitchers guaranteed a spot for next season; otherwise the Brewers have a handful of players who have struggled to produce consistently at the major league level.

Veteran righty, Jesse Crain would be a great fit for the Milwaukee Brewers.  An All-Star a year ago, he missed the final three months of the season with a shoulder injury, but when he was healthy he had a 0.74 ERA in 36.2 innings while striking out 46 batters.

Assuming he is healthy and the Brewers could sign him to a contract with a small base salary, that is incentives based would be one of the biggest steals on the free agent market as he was having a career year until he got hurt last season.  

The Milwaukee Brewers have vacant spots in their bullpen, and signing Crain would solidify one of those spots.  He has had successes over his nine-year career pitching in late inning situations, and he would bring experience to a young Brewers bullpen.

The 3rd Man In Sounds Off: Brewers should trade Braun

It was a disastrous season for the Milwaukee Brewers a year ago as their face of their franchise, Ryan Braun, missed 101 games throughout the 162 game schedule.  Braun was on the shelf for 36 games due to injuries, and then missed the final 65 games for using Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Doug Melvin has said that Braun is not available for trade, but I think they need to rethink this.  With the Brewers years away from being a competitive ball club, trading Braun would be the solution to rebuilding one of the worst farm systems in all of baseball.  Braun definitely has trade value if the Brewers put him on the block even with seven-years, $113 million remaining left on his deal, and with the controversy surrounding his PED use.

While he still has to prove that he can be a productive player, he is in the prime of his career, and Braun said that he used the banned substance only at the end of the 2011 season to help with the injury, meaning we should all expect him to return to his MVP level of production.

With this free agent class only having one superstar available, and many teams needing a big bat, teams would have lined up to give Melvin their offers.  Plus as we have seen this offseason, players who have been cracked with using PEDs, have not seen their value decrease at all.  

Braun is one of the most affordable superstars in all of baseball, and while he brings some negative attention to the franchise, he still possesses great value.  Milwaukee is making a huge mistake by not dealing Braun to rebuild their farm system for the future, and this could be a decision that affects them long term with all four NL Central teams continuing to get better.

Ryan Braun speaks to the media

Who's on first?

After a disappointing season, the Milwaukee Brewers will have many questions entering the offseason.  First base was a revolving door for the Brewers, who used seven different players at that position, and finding someone to play there consistently, will be important.  

Brewers' management will have to decide if they want to bring back Corey Hart or promote slugging prospect, Hunter Morris.  Corey Hart was suppose to be the team's everyday first baseman this season, but he never stepped foot onto the field, due to two knees surgeries.  In Hart's nine seasons with the Brewers, he has been a solid contributor, averaging 17 home runs and 54 RBI's with a .276 average in 105 games.  Ever since he became an everyday player in 2007, he has averaged 139 games per season, and has been a two time All-Star.  

The other option the Brewers have is prospect Hunter Morris.  The slugging prospect had a good season this year, while he did not hit for a high average (.247), he did possess a lot of power.  In 134 games, he hit 24 home runs and drove in 74 RBI's.  The one negative Morris presents is his strikeout to walk ratio.  He struck out a 122 times compared to only 43 walks.  While this is something he will have to improve on, he is only 25 years old and possess good upside.  

This will not be an easy decision for Melvin and Co. to make, but they need to think about the future.  Hunter Morris is the best option for the Brewers going forward.  While he is not an established big leaguer like Hart, he possesses the potential of being a good Major League player.  The Brewers will not be a competitive team next year, so why pay a veteran more money to be in the way of their future?  It is time for the Brewers to move on from Hart and give the starting first base job to Hunter Morris.  

Get ready for the struggles

Remember when the Milwaukee Brewers won the National League Central Division crown, and were two wins away from making it to the World Series?  That was only two years ago, but the Brewers have gone from one of the best teams in baseball to one of the worst.

The 2013 season has come to a close and the Brewers finished with a disappointing 74-88 record, but their record was the least of their problems.  The Brewers struggled with injuries throughout the entire season, and lost Ryan Braun to a 65 game suspension for his connection to the Biogenesis Clinic in Miami.  While all teams have to face adversity over the course of a 162 game schedule, the Brewers never found away to overcome them.  This is what sets the mediocre teams apart from the best teams in baseball.

The main reason why the Brewers were unable to overcome their difficulties was because of the lack of quality prospects in the farm system.  While Khris Davis, Scooter Gennett and Tyler Thornburg all did a good job of filling in when needed, these three players, and frankly all the prospects that are within three years of playing in the majors, have no star potential.

In order to be successful each season you have to be able to develop young players.  While not every one of them will be a star, you need to at least have a few of them with the potential to be one.  The blame for the lack of development and poor evaluation of players in the draft has to be placed on Doug Melvin.  While he is not a scout, he is the one who hired all of them and makes the final decisions on the players.

With the lack of quality prospects, it will hurt the Brewers success over the next three to five years.  While the Brewers did trade some of their best prospects away in trades, the Brewers have hardly done anything to improve their system.  This season they should have traded away numerous veteran to get pieces to build for the future, but Melvin decided not too.

This poor judgment and lack of ability to restock the farm system will cost the Brewers and should cost Melvin his job.  He has made many poor decisions over the course of his tenure, and while the Brewers did have some success, it does not balance out all of the disappointing seasons.

The Brewers have one of the worst farm systems in baseball, and with none of their prospect possessing huge upside, it will not get any better.  This will hurt the Brewers success at the major league level for the years to come, and Doug Melvin should be blamed and loose his job because of this.

It has only been two years since the Brewers came two wins away from making it to the World Series, and now they have become one of the worst teams in baseball.  Being a small market team, the Brewers need to draft well and be able to develop prospects.  This has not happened recently, and because of this, the Brewers will not be competitive for the foreseeable future.

Gomez hits homer, benches clear

Brewers Beat Marlins 2-0

After four days off for the All-Star Game festivities, the second half of the Major League Baseball season is here.  While it was only four games, both the Brewers and Marlins offenses were sluggish out of the gate. 

It was a pitching dual through the first three innings with both pitchers only surrendering three hits apiece.  The Brewers had an opportunity to score in the bottom of the first inning.  With one out, Jean Segura started the inning with an infield base hit.  Ryan Braun then came to the plate, only to popup to shortstop, Adeiny Hechavarria for the second out of the inning.  Jonathon Lucroy drew a walk, and then the Brewers perfected a double steal, with Segura making it to third and Lucroy taking second.   With two outs in the inning, the Brewers tried to get on top early, but All-Star Carlos Gomez grounded out to third, to end the threat.

The Miami Marlins would come back in the top of the second inning to get two, two out base hits, only to strand the runners on first and second.  Jeff Bianchi of the Brewers did get a base hit to left with two outs in the bottom of the inning, but would remain at first to end the second. 

In the third, the Miami Marlins went a quiet 1-2-3, with Kyle Lohse striking out two batters.  Norichika Aoki did his job for the Brewers by leading off the inning with a base on balls.  The Brewers tried to rally again with two men out, when Lucroy singled to center, but they failed to score after the lead of walk.

For a second consecutive inning, the Marlins went down in order, and it was not until the Brewers came up when we would finally saw some scoring.  Leading off in the bottom of the fourth inning, Juan Francisco broke the zero, zero tie by hitting an opposite field homerun off Justin Turner, his 12^th of the season.  Rickie Weeks then followed with a walk, and would steal second base with one out recorded by Bianchi.  Pitcher, Kyle Lohse then hit a weak foul ball right to the third basemen, Polacido Polanco, for the second out.  Aoki would then walk for a second consecutive at-bat, but Jean Segura grounded out to end the scoring threat. 

Kyle Lohse was cruising threw the first four innings, keeping the Marlins bats relatively quiet.  Lohse would get into some trouble early in the fifth when Hechavarria would single to right, and advance to second on a rare error by Aoki.  After his hit, Lohse would not allow him to score, striking out two and getting pitcher Justin Turner to hit a weak ground ball to shortstop.  The Brewers were finally able to do some damage with two outs in the inning, with Carlos Gomez crushing a ball down the left field line for his 15^th homerun of the season.  This gave the Brewers a 2-0 lead after five.

Logan Morrison hit a two out double in the top of the sixth inning, but the Marlins failed to continue the two out rally.  Rickie Weeks did lead of the bottom of the frame by reaching on a hit by pitch for the Brewers.  The Marlins then made a pithing change by bringing in right-hander Ryan Webb for Justin Turner.  Webb would finish off the inning by pitching a clean sixth, to keep the score at 2-0 Brewers. 

Kyle Lohse’s night was over.  After six strong innings of shut out baseball, John Axford came in out of the bullpen in relief.  It would be a quiet game the rest of the way, with both teams using two more relief pitchers each to get the job done.  Francisco Rodriguez closed it out in the ninth inning to record his 10^th save of the season, giving the Brewers the win, and improving their record to 39-56.  Kyle Lohse would pick up the win with Justin Turner being saddled with the loss.  The final score was the Brewers two and the Marlins zero. 

As Ron Roenicke would say after the game, “We played good baseball tonight, we pitched well, got a couple of base hits, defensively I thought we played a nice job, but whether we get back to .500 or not, we have to really play well there is no doubt about it, we have to play really good baseball…”

The Brewers pitching staff pitched nine strong innings of shut out baseball, and helped the Brewers start off the second half of the season on a positive note.  The usual stars did not lead the offense with Aramis Ramirez on the disabled list and Ryan Braun going zero for three, instead Carlos Gomez and Juan Francisco’s homeruns made the difference in tonight’s game.  Time will tell if the Brewers can get back to .500 ball, but tonight they started off on the right foot, with their excellent pitching and solid offensive performance.   

Carlos Gomez is Finally Living Up to Expectations

Carlos Gomez is an electric player.  His ability to steal bases, make amazing catches and hit homeruns with ease makes him a fun player to watch no matter what team you are rooting for.  He has always had the athletic ability to be a successful Major Leaguer, but early on in his career he struggled and was unable to live up to the expectations of being a top prospect. 

At the age of 16, the New York Mets signed Carlos Gomez as an international free agent, who was considered to be a five-tool player, and he instantly became one of the Mets top prospects.

On May 13, 2007 Carlos Gomez made his MLB debut for the Mets, not even five years after they signed the youngster out of the Dominican Republic.  While Carlos Gomez quickly became a fan favorite in New York, he struggled in his limited amount of action.  Even though he batted a disappointing .232 in 125 plate appearances, he showed signs of becoming a star in the making with his excellent speed and defensive abilities. 

In the following offseason, the New York Mets had their eyes set on the two-time Cy Young Award winner, Johan Santana, who the Minnesota Twins were actively trading.  The Mets were able to swing a deal for the lefty, but had to part with numerous prospects including Carlos Gomez. 

This trade allowed Carlos Gomez to leave the Mets crowded outfield, and gave him the opportunity to compete for a starting outfield spot in Spring Training.  Gomez was able to beat out Denard Span and Jason Pridie to win the starting centerfield job.  Throughout the season he showed glimpses of stardom, but also made many plays that made you shake your head in disbelief.  He hit for the cycle once in 2008 and led the MLB in 30 bunt base hits, but he was picked off a major league high 10 times and committed eight errors. 

In 2009 Gomez received only 349 plate appearances, compared to the 614 he received a season ago, and he continued to struggle at the plate producing a .229 batting average.  Even though he was disappointing at the plate, he continued to improve defensively with a .997 fielding percentage. 

His career in Minnesota did not last long, in the offseason he was traded for a second time in his short career to the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop J.J. Hardy.  While he continued to develop into an elite defender and base stealer, he still continued to struggle at the plate. 

It was not until the 2012 season, where he experienced his greatest success, producing career highs with a .260 batting average, .305 on-base percentage, 19 homeruns, and 37 stolen bases.  His terrific performance earned him a three-year contract extension worth $24 million, making him a Brewer through the 2016 season. 

Carlos Gomes said during the All-Star media session at Citi Field about his early career struggles, “For five years, I’ve been trying to do what others have told me – hit ball on the ground, bunt it. For five years, that hasn’t worked. Why do I need to keep trying to do that if it’s not working?’” 

When asked what he want to do.

“I’m going to try to hit the ball with power,” Gomez told them.

This move has paid off big time for the young star.  He is now having the best season of his career for the Brewers in 2013, posting numbers that fans and coaches expected of him when he first broke into the big leagues back in 2007 with the New York Mets. 

“Now I step up to the plate and every time I think, I think of hitting home runs to center field,” Gomez said. “That’s my approach and everything is coming together.”

This approach has shown, at the All-Star break, Gomez has a .295 batting average with 14 long balls and 45 RBIs.  He is fifth in stolen bases with 21 and ranks first in triples with 9 in the National League.  Not only has his hitting improved, but also he is having another great defensive season.  He has a .996 fielding percentage with only one error committed, and he has made multiple homerun saving catches.  Gomez also ranks higher than anyone in the MLB, including the best player in the game –Miguel Cabrera, with a 5.7 wins above replacement. 

Carlos Gomez has developed this season into the five-tool player everyone thought he would eventually become.  He has demonstrated that he can do damage with the bat, while also being able to change the game with his amazing speed and great defense. 

The Brewers made the right decision by locking Carlos Gomes up to an extension before the season.  He is finally living up to the expectations he had when he was once a top prospect, and is having the best season of his big league career.

Carlos Gomez is an All-Star this season, but do not be surprised if that is the only recognition he receives for his outstanding play.  He has been arguably the best defensive centerfielder this season and deserves to win the Gold Glove Award, ending the Brewers long drought of 30 years with out a Gold Glove winner.  He also should receive some MVP votes, while it is a long shot that he wins it, his WAR and overall statistics are just as good as any other deserving candidate in the National League. 

Everyone was wondering when Carlos Gomez would finally have a breakout season and live up to the high expectations, and this season he is finally producing at a level he was expected to do since day one.  While it took many years and struggles to become a consistent contributor at the Major League level, Carlos Gomez has transformed his career from when he first started with the Mets becoming one of the best centerfielders in all of baseball.  

Thoughts on The Hebrew Hammer

Everyone has the right to their day in court, and is innocent until proven guilty.  I have always given Ryan Braun the benefit of the doubt, and have been a big fan of his, however I am beginning to have my doubts.  Here are some of the thoughts that are running through my head.

Major League Baseball has kept a close eye on Ryan Braun ever since his first positive drug test back in 2011, leading me to believe he has not taken any banned substance since, but recent news has led me to change my beliefs.

Ryan Braun had a meeting on June 29th with Major League Baseball to answer questions regarding his connection to Tony Bosch and the Miami-area clinic, Biogenesis of America, which has allegedly distributed performance-enhancing drugs to around 20 MLB players.  Braun, who has denied using PEDs in the past, refused to answer any questions during the meeting, making it harder to believe that he only used Bosch as a consultant when fighting his suspension after the 2011 season.

If he was innocent he would have answered all of the questions asked to him, knowing that he was not going to get penalized because he was clean.  Due to him not answering a single question, it makes him looks suspicious and guilty of using PEDs.

It is just a matter of time until MLB hands out a suspension to Braun, and when it happens it will be a dark day in baseball.  After everyone thought the new drug testing was signaling an end to the steroid era, baseball will only be taking a step back.

One of the faces of baseball's new, clean era will become just like Sosa, McGwire, and Bonds - a cheater.  Ryan Braun's legacy and reputation will be tarnished, and he will never be looked at the same way.

Once compared to Robin Yount for his great play on and off the field, along with his excellent tools to become the next face of the Brewers organization, all thrown away because he tried to get a competitive edge on the rest of MLB players.

While everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the truth of Ryan Braun will soon be released.  Since Ryan Braun's MLB debut back in 2007, I have continued to support him through all of the highs and lows of his career.  No matter if he is found guilty or not of using PEDs, I will have my doubts on Braun and will never look at him the same way I did before.

Milwaukee Brewers Latest Trade Rumors

The Texas Rangers could use another quality starting pitcher. They could also use another solid option in the outfield. The Milwaukee Brewers could be the solution to both equations.

Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com tweeted early Thursday that the Rangers have expressed interest in outfielder Norichika Aoki during discussions with the Brewers about right-hander Yovani Gallardo. Perhaps they can get both?

It's not going to be cheap, but the Rangers have a lot of young talent, particularly on the mound and in terms of middle infielders down on the farm. Top prospect Jurickson Profar isn't likely to be part of such talks, at least one would presume.

Other arms that the Rangers have been linked to by common sense include Cubs righty Matt Garza.

Courtesy of Jason A. Churchill and EPSN 

Carlos Gomez's Amazing Game Saving Grab

Who Will the Brewers Deal at the Deadline?

With the MLB Non-waiver Trade Deadline less than a month away, the Milwaukee Brewers expect to be one of the most active teams, trading away multiple veteran players in order to rebuild their weak farm system.  While everyone, with the exception of Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez, will be available, it is unrealistic to expect the Brewers to be able to completely clean house.  Here is who the Brewers will deal by July 31st:

Yovani Gallardo, RHP

Even though Yovani Gallardo is having the worst season of his big league career, he is young, experienced, and has two-years remaining at an affordable total of $24.5 million on his deal.  Not only are all three of things a plus, but Gallardo has playoff experience and success throughout his career making him even more of an attractive option for teams looking to add a frontline starter at the deadline.  It is not a question if Yovani Gallardo will be traded, but when will he be traded.  The Diamondbacks appear to be the favorite to land the righty, but do not be surprised if the Dodgers and Rangers make a strong push for him as well.

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP

Francisco Rodriguez has had an excellent season so far for the Brewers as their closer and set-up man, making him a likely trade piece.  Many teams are looking for bullpen help, and K-Rod would be a great option for any team in contention, due to the fact that he has experience and success pitching late in ball games.  While many teams will be vying for his services, the Brewers should not expect to receive an overwhelming offer for him because he will only be a two-month rental.  The Brewers will trade K-Rod by the deadline, and the Diamondbacks, Tigers, and Red Sox are the three favorites to acquire the experienced veteran.

Kyle Lohse, RHP

Although Kyle Lohse only has a record of 4-6, his ERA (3.46) and WHIP (1.16) still suggests that he could be a solid pitcher on a team looking to make a late season playoff run.  The Brewers signed Kyle Lohse days before Opening Day, surrendering a first-round pick, in hopes of making another playoff appearance, but the Brewers have struggled as a whole, making it time to recoup their losses.  It will not be easy to trade the 34-year old pitcher with two-years and $22 million remaining on his contract, but multiple teams (Dodgers, Giants, Rangers) are in search of a quality pitcher, who has playoff experience, making Lohse a player who will be dealt by the Brewers before the deadline.

The Brewers will be one of the most active teams around the deadline, with numerous teams interested in their players, but only three of them will be traded - Gallardo, Rodriguez, and Lohse.  

Milwaukee Brewers: Time to Look Towards the Future

The Milwaukee Brewers currently sit near the basement of the National League Central, and it is hard to imagine any significant improvement over the remaining part of the season.  The Brewers have struggled to be consistent this season due to injures and the lack of quality pitching depth.

Depth in the minor leagues is a major issue with the Brewers.  The Brewers have the worst farm system in the MLB, and they lack prospects that can make a significant impact at the major league level.  Being a small market team, the Brewers need to build through their farm system in order to sustain success year after year.

In order to build up their farm system, the Brewers need to rebuild.  Rebuilding is not fun, but it will help the Brewers become a successful franchise over a longer period of time.  The Brewers have numerous major league players who other clubs would be interested in.  Some of these players include Aramis Ramirez, Corey Hart, Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse and Ryan Braun, all of whom could bring a solid package of prospects back in return.  

The Brewers have struggled mightily this season, and it is time for them to enter rebuilding mode.  The Brewers need to start unloading some of their major league talent in order to build up their farm system, to insure sustainable success year after year.

Don't Blame Roenicke for the Brewers Struggles

The Milwaukee Brewers have struggled mightily this season with a disappointing 19-30 record, but you cannot blame Ron Roenicke for the teams poor performance.  Doug Melvin is the one to blame.  He assembled this team and Roenicke can only do so much with the little amount of talent he has.  Here are three reasons why all of the blame should be placed on Melvin:

1st -- Pitching wins championships and the Brewers lack the pitching to be competitive.  Their starting five is filled with average pitchers who are at best middle to back end of the rotation pitchers and they have all been dreadful this season.  The Brewers pitching staff holds a 4.48 ERA overall and that is mainly because Yovani Gallardo, Marco Estrada, Mike Fiers, Wily Peralta and Hiram Burgos all hold an ERA close to or well over five.  The only exception is Kyle Lohse who has had a solid season as the ace of the Brewers staff.  The Brewers have struggled to find any consistency from their starting rotation and it has really hurt them this season.

2nd -- Doug Melvin made the decision to bring back John Axford this offseason and made him the closer before Spring Training even began.  Axford has been dreadful this season posting a 6.64 ERA with ZERO saves and three blown saves in 20 1/3 innings, and has already been removed from the closer role.  With the Brewers now having to use different options in the ninth inning, it has hurt the entire bullpen.

3rd -- As a small market ball club, you need to have a strong farm system to be competitive year in and year out.  The Brewers have a weak farm system that was ranked 29th by Keith Law of ESPN entering the season.  With no pitching or hitting prospects projected to have huge upside, the present and future is not bright for the Milwaukee Brewers.

The blame has to be put completely on Doug Melvin's shoulders for this disappointing season and he should be fired for this.  He has not been able to build a consistent playoff contending team over the course of his tenure because he does not know how to build a team through the draft and develop prospects and it is finally starting to show.

It is Time to Bench Rickie Weeks

With the second overall pick in the 2003 MLB Draft the Milwaukee Brewers select... Rickie Weeks!  Once a highly touted prospect, Rickie Weeks has never been able to live up to his abilities and expectations.  His 10-year career has been filled with numerous injuries and disappointing play, but this season has been worse than any other.

Through 32 games this season Weeks is hitting a dreadful .188 average with two home runs and nine RBIs.  He is on pace to strike out 197 times this season, which would be a career high.  For a guy making $10 million this season and with tons of athletic ability there is no excuse for these awful numbers.

With $21 million remaining on his contract the Brewers can not part ways with him, but they need to bench him.  His lack of production has hurt the Brewers offense with being unable to deliver in the clutch and produce in the middle of the lineup.

Scooter Gennett would be a solid replacement for the Brewers at second base.  He is a left-handed batter who would help break up the right-handed heavy lineup and he is a career .303 hitter in the minor leagues.  Even though he does not present a real powerful bat, he is able to get on base, unlike Rickie Weeks.

The one weakness for Gennett is his defense.  Last season he had 19 errors and holds a career .966 fielding percentage.  While he defense is below average, Weeks has never been great with the glove as well.  Throughout Rickie Weeks' career he has a .969 fielding percentage.

It does not matter if a player makes $10 million or the league minimum, if they are unable to produce at a major league level and help their team win, then they should not be playing.  Rickie Weeks needs to be benched and replaced by the young and talent Scooter Gennett.

What should the Brewers do with Rickie Weeks?  Leave your comments below.

A Star is Born in Milwaukee

Jean Segura has burst onto the scene with the Milwaukee Brewers after being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels last season.  Jean Segura has hit the cover off the ball throughout the first month of the season, hitting .367 with three home runs and nine RBIs.  He ranks first in average and second in on-base percentage and slugging percentage among MLB shortstops.  Segura has been solid on the base pads, besides when he went backwards, stealing seven bases.

Not only has he been an impressive at the plate but he has been a solid defender as well, with a .991 fielding percentage.  Jean Segura has developing into one of the best young shortstops in the game today and has been a great acquisition by the Brewers front office.

Even if Segura does not keep up this extremely high level of production he still deserves to be the National League starting shortstop in the All-Star Game over Troy Tulowitzki.  Tulowitzki does have more pop in his bat, but Segura beats him out in wOBA (.422 to .418).  Segura is also able to hit for a higher average, steal more bases and remain on the field unlike Tulowitzki.

Segura has been the prize of the Zack Greinke trade last July and has had an impressive start to this season, developing into a solid young player.  Although it is early, he does deserve to be the starting shortstop in the Midsummer Classic this season, as long as he is able to produce at a relatively high level.

What are your thoughts on Jean Segura?  As of now is he the NL starting shortstop?  Please leave your comments below.

Brewers Need to Sign Francisco Rodriguez

The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen has been a major disappointment this season and it is time for them to add a new veteran arm.  In eight games the bullpen has blown two saves in three opportunities and has a 6.11 ERA.

Francisco Rodriguez is the answer to the Brewers problems.  The Brewers have been reported to be interested in his services and this would make sense for both parties.  Even though he had a miserable season last year with a 4.38 ERA in 72 innings, he did finish off strong with a 1.20 ERA over the final month of the season.

K-Rod would give the Brewers a veteran relief pitcher that has been a successful closer over his career.  Throughout his 11 year career he has averaged a 2.70 ERA in 72 innings with 29 saves.  As a closer he has won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award twice (2006, 2008), and has led the American League in saves three times (2005-2006, 2008).

Signing Francisco Rodriguez would be a smart move for the Brewers if they were able to sign him to a minor league deal.  This forces him to earn his way back to the majors, by showing the Brewers that he is still capable of being a solid pitcher, and the Brewers would not be on the hook for an enormous amount of money if he does not pan out.

Adding Francisco Rodriguez would be a low risk, high reward move for the Brewers, and he could provide the Brewers with a reliable closer option that they desperately need.

Milwaukee Brewers: Time to Make a Change at Closer

It is time Brewers' fans for John Axford to be taken out of the closer role.  John Axford has been the Brewers closer for two and a half season, and we have witnessed the good and bad from the "Ax Man."  Last season, Axford was dreadful, blowing nine games, which was the highest among National League closers, and was one of the main reasons why the Brewers were not playing in October.

Throughout the entire offseason, the Brewers were supporting him and made it well known that he would be the closer this season.  To give the job to him without making him earn it in Spring Training, was a huge mistake, and it already has proven to cost the Brewers. 

In his first appearance on Opening Day, Axford allowed a game tying home run, giving him a blown save.  Last night, in a non-save situation with the Brewers trailing, Axford allowed two home runs, putting the game out of reach for the Brewers to even make a comeback.  This was very frustrating because instead of trailing by only a run, the Brewers were down by three.  

John Axford has never been the same since his career year in 2011, and it is time to make a change before he hurts our playoff chances for a second consecutive season.  The veteran left-hander, Mike Gonzalez, needs to be given the ninth inning duties.  He is an experienced veteran who has proven success in the majors, and most importantly, has been a closer before.

The Brewers need to move John Axford out of the closer role, and give the closing duties to Mike Gonzalez.  John Axford has had his opportunities, and he has not taken advantage of them.  This move needs to happen as soon as possible before Axford starts hurting our chances at playing in October.