Brewers Start Off Strong

The Brewers are once again off to a fantastic start to the MLB season, ending the first week 5-1 and on top of the NL Central. There have been a few themes to Milwaukee’s start, and here’s a closer look at them:

1. Aggressiveness

The Brewers have been very aggressive on the basepaths so far in 2008. As a team, they have successfully stolen a base 9 times, and have only once been caught stealing. There is a lot of speed on this young team, including Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks, Tony Gwynn, Bill Hall, Ryan Braun, and Gabe Kapler. Not to mention the fact that with Jason Kendall, the Brewers have a catcher that can go from first to third on a base hit. No play, however, announced Milwaukee’s aggressiveness more emphatically than Rickie Weeks’ shoulder-first approach into home plate against the hated cubbies (I refuse to capitalize “cubs” – sticking it to ‘em).

2. Solid pitching efforts

In the 6 games played last week, all 6 starting pitchers made it past the 5th inning, and there was only 1 bad start (Dave Bush against the cubs). The pitching staff ended the week with a 3.17 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and only 19 walks. The bullpen has been solid, but it’s a long season and I’m not quite sold on Gagne as a closer. Gagne bounced back from his performance against the cubs to earn a save against the Giants on Saturday, but that was at home and against a weaker offense.

3. Good defense and great offense

Defense will be an important issue for the Brewers as the season progresses, and hopefully the move back to 3B for Bill Hall and the move to the OF for Ryan Braun will improve the team’s play. So far, so good, as the team has only allowed 2 errors. Offensively, it’s going to be hard for opposing pitchers to contain the Brewers. Milwaukee is averaging 6 runs per game, and they have carried over an important aspect from last season – scoring in the first inning and before their opponents.

The Week Ahead

The Reds come to town for a 3-game series starting tomorrow night, and then it’s off to New York for a weekend series against the Mets. Tomorrow night, the Brewers will face Cincinnati’s young starter Johnny Cueto, who recorded 10 strikeouts in 7 innings against Arizona in his first start. Milwaukee faces Aaron Harang on Thursday, who in 14 career games against Milwaukee, has given up 16 homeruns and has a lifetime 4.58 ERA.

Question of the Week

Can the Brewers win a World Series with 2 "Gabes" on the roster (Gabe Gross & Gabe Kapler)? Has a team ever won the title with 2 "Gabes"?