It ain't over...
Last week, "The Bullpen" made reference to writing a blog about how the Milwaukee Brewers were all but eliminated from the playoff hunt. I let him cover the tab for lunch before informing him that he would be fired without a second thought if he ever did such a thing. He put the thought to rest, which is good because I could never fire one of my heterosexual life partners, anyway.
(The Bullpen notes: To add context, my comments came during a conversation about how the Crew's bullpen was the main factor why the team was/is essentially out of it. I also said, in jest, that I would stop watching baseball altogether if the Brewers were to be the second wild card and somehow advance to the divisional series. I believe my rant went something like this.)
Not long ago, I would have agreed that the race was all but over. I never would have written a blog about it, but in convo, I may have agreed. A three-game sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies just after the all-star break seemed to be catastrophic and the proverbial nail in the coffin. This series seemed especially ominous given that all three losses were at the hands of our bullpen, which just happens to lead the National League in blown saves this year (27). The Crew traded Zack Greinke shortly thereafter, called up Jean Segura and a couple pitchers from the minors and appeared to throw in the towel on 2012 and look to the future.
(Side note: I hope Greinke’s last words to Runnin’ Ron went something like, “Ron, it’s been real. Maybe I’ll be back, but I’ve gotta ask … why on earth did you NOT hold me back for Game 6? We were 17-0 when I started at Miller Park. Why, Ron? WHY?”)
I’ve said this before, but the possibility of a comeback is one of the more exciting things about the game of baseball. A team can be all but left for dead and, three weeks later in which they go 16-5 (as the Brewers have) and all of the sudden you can start to talk about "what if?"
As of today, the Crew sits five games behind the 2011 NL Wild Card winners, the St. Louis Cardinals for the second National League wild card spot. (The Atlanta Braves have all but sewn up the first wild card.) That is a lot of ground to make up with just 21 games remaining, but the 2011 World Series-winning team was actually in a worse position at this point last year, so anything is possible.
I REALLY wish we had a couple series with the Cardinals left -- mostly because it’s easier to overtake someone if you play them. But, after going 4-9 in their previous 13 games, it seems the Cards may finally have leveled off and are playing to their fans' 2012 expectations. There are 21 games left -- and it’s certainly a long shot -- but it should be a fun three weeks nonetheless. I only wish we had a Rachel Phelps to inspire us.
(The Bullpen notes: Paging Front Row Amy?)
Anyone else holding out any hope that we can make a magical run? Or is everyone already engrossed in the NFL season?
Tim Thompson is a carsalesman, farmer, and huge fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. He lives in Milton area with his wife and two kids. Tim is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Sep 15, 2012 at 11:51 a.m.
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Yup. The MLB average is 17. If we were there the Cards would be chasing us but whatayagunado:)
Sep 15, 2012 at 2:35 a.m.
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27, YIKES...I knew it was over 20..Pretty sad, because if they held just half of those (which is still bad) they'd be in the drivers seat to make the playoffs. Water under the bridge now. They still have a chance at it. Not a real good chance, but a shot nonetheless.
Sep 14, 2012 at 8:09 a.m.
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27 for the season, but who's counting;)
Sep 14, 2012 at 1:44 a.m.
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Don't see how a true Brewer fan can't be excited?? Sure if the bull pen would have not blown about 20 games early in the season, they would be a sure fire playoff team now. Nonetheless, they are making a HUGE surge, while everyone ahead of them is staggering home. They really do have a decent shot at the playoffs with the extra wild card slot this year. Philly was another team written off for dead, and they are just as hot as Milwaukee is. It really is going to be an exciting last 3 weeks in baseball! Both the NL and AL have many teams all within a few games of making the playoffs, and many will go home just short.. Really is going to be fun to watch for any true baseball fan!
GO CREW!!
Sep 13, 2012 at 2:25 p.m.
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There are most def a lot more fans now than two weeks ago:) That's all part of it tho. I welcome them back!! I understand the expectations for their fan base and I believe the same for pretty much all fan bases. If you don't expect your team to win then either you are not a fan, or you root for one of 2 or 3 teams in MLB. Even brewer fans thought 'maybe?' in March of '02!! I put that in there because they are pretty much the exact words a Cards fan posted on this website earlier in the season and that makes me chuckle :)
Sep 13, 2012 at 1 p.m.
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The run the Brewers have been on is amazing. I have been saying all along that it is a very long season. I agree with you Tim that this type of comeback is one of the more exciting things about the game of baseball. My hat is off to the Brewers organization no matter how it ends.
I do hope, however, that somebody is adding air to the tires of the Brewers bandwagon, because I now am hearing from Brewer "fans" that I haven't heard from since the day after the Cards beat the Brewers in Milwaukee to win the 2011 NL Pennant. That type of "fan" is not good for the game.
One other note: Cardinals fans expectations for 2012, or any year for that matter, are to make the postseason, and then make a run for yet another(#12) World Series Championship!!
Sep 13, 2012 at 10:58 a.m.
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NVgrf reminds me of those people who claim to hate MSNBC or Fox News, yet always seem to know what their most-hated network is saying. I'm sure there's a name for that condition, but I don't care enough to take the time to look it up.
Sep 13, 2012 at 8:17 a.m.
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Funny post goodamerican. He's not always the best with words(especially typed:) but I've got seriously love for sturmer19. He gave me the thought for this blog in fact!!
Sep 13, 2012 at 8:15 a.m.
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NV goes that way because it knows no other way. That post NV, is hilarious and I'm so glad you took the bait. I wrote that w you in mind because those are your words for Brewers fans earlier this year when we were struggling. Almost exactly. Now it's disrespect?? LMAO.
Also, please stop acting like you don't read every single word I post;)
Sep 12, 2012 at 4:58 p.m.
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Thanks for the laughs NVgrf! You write some pretty funny posts. That being said.....you are only funny because your posts are so ridiculous and full of disrespect. I always feel much better about my life after I read how angry you are toward people. Thank you for all your great posts and being my sunshine when I am feeling down.
Sep 12, 2012 at 1:37 p.m.
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In that I was in the mood for a few laughs, your title caught my attention right away. And here was the topper: "...it seems the Cards may finally have leveled off and are playing to their fans' 2012 expectations." This statement demonstrates how very little you know about baseball and the MLB teams involved. Cardinal fans ALWAYS have expectations of winning the World Series. EVERY YEAR!! You apparently have never met many of them in your lifetime. You are a bit old for fantasies. The reality is that the Brewers have as much chance of getting a Wild Card spot as you have of writing sports for the Chicago Tribune. You might be better served writing about your hopes and dreams for next season.
Sep 12, 2012 at 1:34 p.m.
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If the Cardinals had any other schedule the rest of the way it might have been feasible for the Brewers to overtake them. However the Cardinal's last fifteen of their last 20 games are against teams in this order, Houston, Chicago, Houston, Washington, Cincinnati. In that order, they will be playing nine straight games against the two worst teams in the Central, then they will be up against two teams who will be in the mode of getting their rotations set for the playoffs. That all spells doom for the Brewers. So, we might as well get used to the old Cubbies saying "There's always next year!"
Sep 12, 2012 at 8:13 a.m.
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OK, Tim, now just four games. As I just tweeted, I'm hesitant to go all-in emotionally. The odds are still long. But what a joyous run this has been. And what a statement about Roenicke and the character of this team. And even if the Brewers fall short this year, they've seriously elevated the excitement level for next year.
Sep 12, 2012 at 2:44 a.m.
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The red stockings??
Sep 11, 2012 at 9:32 p.m.
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The red stockings??
Sep 11, 2012 at 7:46 p.m.
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I have been to Miller Park and it is a fantastic baseball venue. Be proud Brewer fans, knowing that you have a very good team. On a side note, can you guess who MY Team is? (please be kind lol)
Sep 11, 2012 at 12:53 p.m.
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Back to normal fair-weathered attendance...and yes...they're done.
Sep 11, 2012 at 12:37 p.m.
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Exactly. Let's just hope that chsmkr isn't using that same negative nancy attitude to make their cheese:)
Sep 11, 2012 at 11:57 a.m.
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I am still hanging on to the potential comeback. Sure there's been a few times after another blown game that I've wanted and even stated that I've thrown in the towel. For example: after K-rod blew the forth game in the Cubs series! I was pretty upset. Mostly because he blew a four game sweep against the Chubs. I texted my Uncle and told him it was officially Packer season minutes after that game was completed.
I regret that statement, but I bounced back the next day and continued to keep hope.
To be a Brewer fan for as long as some of us have, you have to be a believer. The question is to a die hard Brewer fan is: why wouldn't you be?
Sep 11, 2012 at 11:19 a.m.
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Uhhh, they've been out of it since mid-July. You all keep enjoying the kool-aid though.
Sep 11, 2012 at 10:50 a.m.
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I am with you and cousin Brad...........I will always believe till they are absolutely out!!!! And they are always fun to watch. I watch Packers if the right time.............BREWERS FIRST!!!!
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