MLB Post-season outlook: How strong are the Milwaukee Brewers?
The Milwaukee Brewers will be in high spirits after qualifying for the post-season as National League Central Champions. Their last outing in the post-season was not so fruitful. The Brewers lost to Philadelphia Phillies in the Divisional Series in 2008,
but with Arizona Diamondbacks to play this time, the odds of exceeding in the playoffs are high.
The Brewers finished just four shy of 100 wins in the regular season, losing just 66 in the process. Although they could not impress in the first half, an upsurge of form after the mid-season classic saw them dominate their division and subsequently make
a strong statement for their post-season campaign.
Their opponents, however, cannot be undermined. The Arizona Diamondbacks made a strong comeback to topple reigning World Champions San Francisco Giants for the NL West crown. Subsequently, the Giants crashed out of the Wild Card race as well and had a rather
disappointing end to their title defence.
In the regular season, the Brewers played seven games against the Diamondbacks but could manage to win in just three. An upper-hand in the regular season will surely be encouraging for the Diamondbacks, but cannot ensure them qualification to the Championship
Series.
Offensively, the Brewers have proved themselves to be a powerhouse in the National League with the likes of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder at the core of their line-up. Rickie Weeks and Nyjer Morgan are capable enough of unleashing their arms in crunch situations,
adding to the depth in Milwaukee’s line-up.
Braun narrowly missed out on the batting title this season to Jose Reyes in the last game of the season. The All-Star slugger needed to go 3-for-4 in his last game but failed to connect a single hit. However, he still remains a strong candidate to be named
as Milwaukee’s MVP this year after having homered 33 times and saving as many bases. His performance against a high-quality pitching rotation of the Diamondbacks will be under the limelight and it is quite likely that Braun will not disappoint.
Fielder, playing his last season as a Brewer, has made his presence felt this season. The All-Star MVP and NL home-run derby captain has hammered 38 home-runs this season to make his season a special one and give himself a chance to grab the top honours
with the Brewers. A few of these mammoth hits in the Divisional Series will undoubtedly give advantage to Milwaukee and ensure them a safe path to the Championship Series.
The Brewers will play three out of the five games at Miller Park which, given their record, will be a huge advantage.
To compliment a strong offence, the Brewers have Yovani Gallardo and Zack Greinke leading their rotation. Greinke proved himself to be a dominant force on the mound in 2009, when he won the AL Cy Young Award. Playing at Miller Park, Greinke has an immaculate
win-loss record of 11-0. Gallardo, on the other hand, is on a strike-out streak and will be a key factor in determining his team’s chances in the playoffs. The ace pitcher has won 17 games this season and will be up against Ian Kennedy in the first game of
the Divisional Series.
John Axford has proved his stature on the mound as a closer and the Brewers will bank on his consistency to contain their lead in the depth of the game.
The Brewers have an appetite for success this season and that alone might be enough for them to go through to the Championship Series. Thereafter, a lot will depend on consistency and fortune. With Philadelphia Phillies the most likely opponent in the NLCS,
it will be anybody’s game.
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