2013 MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers
By Aaron Somers
Milwaukee finished 2012 at 83-79, enough for 3rd place in the NL Central but still far enough behind the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds that they faced a big task this past offseason. Entering the winter we all knew that Zack Greinke would be gone and most assumed that Shaun Marcum would follow, but questions remained as to who would support Yovani Gallardo in the starting rotation. Enter Kyle Lohse, who will quietly face plenty of pressure as he joins the Brewers rotation – not because it’s a top market, but because he held out (or his agent, Scott Boras, did) so late into Spring Training, perpetuating the notion that Lohse was all about the money and not prioritizing winning.
With the start of the 2013 Regular Season upon us, it seemed like the ideal time to check in with each of our team sites here at FanSided MLB and check out what our experts have to say on the upcoming season. From Reviewing the Brew, let’s check in with Editor Benjamin Orr and see what he had to say about the team’s best and worst case scenarios, as well as what’s most likely to happen.
Best Case Scenario
The rotation gels together nicely after the losses of Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke. The addition of Kyle Lohse will help, but if Milwaukee can figure out the pitching (starting and the newly formed bullpen), expect to see them sneaking into the playoffs via Wild Card.
Worst Case Scenario
2012 happens again. Injuries, slumps and stolen mascots from the sausage race. The absolute worst thing that can happen are multiple season ending injuries to say Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo and Jonathan Lucroy. Also the bullpen could implode like last year even though it’s pretty much brand, spanking new.
Most Likely to Happen
The team will finish in the middle of the division, maybe a game or two behind St. Louis, but hopefully in second place vying for a Wild Card shot. It’s uncertain how the pitching staff will pan out, but the offense is dynamite and when Corey Hart comes back, they’re going to rock n’ roll all night (and maybe every day game too).
The Brewers will undoubtedly face plenty of questions this season – how healthy will Corey Hart be, will Biogenesis catch up to Braun, will Lohse be worth the investment – but the Brewers should find themselves back in the middle of the division. Braun, Lucroy, and Aramis Ramirez bring an offensive core that will help them win games but depth may ultimately be their biggest need. Gallardo should have a solid season and may benefit from having a pitcher behind him with job security beyond the end of the season.
Keep up with all of your Brewers news at Reviewing the Brew all season long.