Editor's Note: Kevin Rogers' pro baseball selections can be purchased daily on VegasInsider.com Click to win.
It took the Milwaukee Brewers 162 games a season ago to clinch the franchise's first playoff berth since 1982, nailing down a spot in the postseason on the final day of 2008. The Brew Crew's October stay lasted just four games, getting eliminated by the eventual World Series Champion Phillies. Despite the loss of CC Sabathia to the Yankees, and Ben Sheets not returning to the pitching staff, the Brewers have a shot over the next ten days to blow open the NL Central division race.
With the month of June coming to a close, needless to say it was a rocky month for Ken Macha's club. The Brewers dropped three of four at Florida, but recovered with a series victory at Atlanta. Returning to the friendly confines of Miller Park turned out to be a nightmare, as the Brewers were swept by the red-hot Rockies, then the Crew lost two of three to the White Sox. Following a high-scoring series sweep at Cleveland, Milwaukee fell in all three games at Detroit. The Brewers have won five of their past nine, including Tuesday's victory over Johan Santana and the Mets.
Despite the roller-coaster ride of June, the Brewers have maintained their grip on the NL Central lead with the recent struggles of the Cardinals and Cubs. Milwaukee has done this even though the team ranks in the bottom ten in batting average and ERA. So how have the Brewers made their way to the top of their division? Basically taking care of their division counterparts, winning 20 of 31 games against NL Central teams.
Yovani Gallardo has taken over the responsibility of team ace this season, picking up victories in eight of 13 decisions. It's tough to find Gallardo's best role since he's been consistently good at home and on the road. However, Gallardo has drilled the 'under' in six of seven day games, including Wednesday's 1-0 setback to the Mets.
Past Gallardo, none of the regular starters have an ERA below 4.80. Jeff Suppan has delivered a quality start in only seven of 16 outings. Suppan has been abysmal at home, winning only one of six decisions at Miller Park, while owning an ERA of 6.08. Suppan has been a much better play on the road, compiling a 4-1 road mark, while Milwaukee is 7-2 in Suppan's road appearances.
Braden Looper's first season in Milwaukee has been a success, considering the Brewers have won 10 of Looper's 16 starts. As opposed to Suppan's struggles at home, Looper has pitched fantastic at Miller Park, winning four of five decisions. Dave Bush is expected to return to the Brewers rotation before the All-Star Break after getting placed on the disabled list with arm fatigue. Bush began the season winning six of his first eight starts, but the arm problems likely set in as Bush hasn't registered a quality outing in his last six trips to the hill.
The bullpen can hardly take the blame, as all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman has converted 18 save opportunities, while owning an ERA of 1.93. Following the disastrous signing of Eric Gagne last season, Hoffman has been lights out in his 23 innings of work this season. Milwaukee's 'pen ranks seventh in baseball in ERA, while leading the league in saves with 24.
The two constants in the middle of the Milwaukee lineup have not disappointed, as Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are each carrying their collective weight. Braun, who will likely start in left field in the All-Star Game, leads the team in batting average (.327), while placing second in doubles (18), homers (16), and RBI (57). Guess who's first in those categories? Yep, Cecil's son. Fielder is hitting a solid .307 with 20 homers and 74 runs batted in.
The Brew Crew has a stretch ahead of them that can make their season. It won't necessarily break the season unless Milwaukee goes on a complete tail-spin before the All-Star Break. Milwaukee has dropped the first two games of a four-game set at Wrigley Field, then the Crew returns to Miller Park for a six-game homestand. Both the Cardinals and Dodgers invade Milwaukee beginning Tuesday July 7 with St. Louis in town for three games.
A good trend to look for over this ten-game stretch for Milwaukee is its tendency to finish 'under' the total in day games against right-handed starting pitchers, doing so in 14 of 20 games. The Crew picked up another 'under' Friday against Carlos Zambrano, despite losing 2-1 in 10 innings. Milwaukee faces Rich Harden on Saturday, then Joel Piniero is expected to take the mound for St. Louis on Thursday July 9 for a 2:20 first pitch.
Whether or not the Brewers can get through this stretch unfazed, this division is still up for grabs with the last place Pirates only six games out of first entering July, and the Cardinals and Cubs slowly returning to health. If Milwaukee can get their rotation straightened up past Gallardo, this Brewers team can be dangerous heading towards October.
