Welcome to Reviewing the Brew, the definitive source for Milwaukee Brewers news, analysis, and more. This blog is a testament to the unwavering spirit and passion of Brewers fans, providing comprehensive coverage of the team, from in-depth game analyses and player spotlights to exploring the team's rich history and its impact on the community.
Beyond reporting on the Brewers' triumphs and challenges, Reviewing the Brew goes beyond the surface to bring you insightful perspectives on strategy, player development, and the inner workings of the clubhouse.
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Man standing on a virtual baseball diamond in a studio setting, with a large screen behind him displaying a life-size figure of a player in a Milwaukee Brewers jersey. The Milwaukee Brewers had a mixed bag of seasons in 2023. They finished with a record of 86-76, which was good enough for third place in the National League Central division. The Brewers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Despite the disappointing finish, there were still some bright spots for the Brewers in 2023. The team's pitching staff was one of the best in the National League, with a 3.55 ERA, which was fourth-best in the league. The Brewers also had a solid offense, which ranked eighth in the National League in runs scored.
The Brewers started the season hot, winning 19 of their first 25 games. However, they hit a rough patch in June and July, losing 27 of 39 games. The Brewers were able to rebound in August and September, but it was too late to catch the St. Louis Cardinals for the division title.
One of the key factors in the Brewers' disappointing season was their inability to win close games. The Brewers lost 29 games by one run in 2023, which was the most in the National League. The Brewers also struggled against left-handed pitching, with a .228 batting average and a .304 on-base percentage against lefties.
Despite the team's overall struggles, there were still some memorable games and highlights from the Brewers' 2023 season. Here are a few examples
- On April 29, the Brewers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 18-10 in a game that featured 11 home runs, the most in a single game in Brewers history.
- On June 14, Corbin Burnes struck out 15 batters in a complete game shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals.
- On August 4, Willy Adames hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Brewers a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Despite the team's disappointing finish, there were still a few individual players who had standout seasons for the Brewers in 2023:
- Corbin Burnes- Burnes had another Cy Young Award-caliber season, leading the National League in ERA (2.94) and strikeouts (258).
- Willy Adames- Adames had a breakout season in 2023, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 24 bases. He also finished second in the National League in RBI (123).
- Rowdy Tellez- Tellez had a solid season at first base, hitting 31 home runs and driving in 89 runs.
Other notable performances from the Brewers in 2023 included:
- Brandon Woodruff- Woodruff finished the season with a record of 14-9 and a 3.83 ERA.
- Luis Urías - Urías had a career-high .292 batting average and stole 14 bases.
- Aaron Ashby- Ashby made 18 starts for the Brewers in 2023, finishing with a record of 7-5 and a 3.77 ERA.
Milwaukee Brewers players on the field, with their names and jersey numbers visible, as they seem to be involved in a mid-game discussion or transition. The Milwaukee Brewers entered the 2023 season with a clear plan in mind - pitch well and defend well. The team's pitching staff was one of the best in the National League, with a 3.55 ERA, which was fourth-best in the league. The Brewers also had a solid defense, with a .983 fielding percentage, which was sixth-best in the league.
The Brewers' pitching staff was led by Corbin Burnes, who had another Cy Young Award-caliber season. Burnes led the National League in ERA (2.94) and strikeouts (258). He also finished the season with a 12-8 record.
In addition to Burnes, the Brewers' pitching staff also featured Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, and Aaron Ashby. Woodruff and Peralta both had solid seasons, with ERAs below 4.00. Ashby was a rookie in 2023, but he showed flashes of brilliance, striking out 117 batters in 107 innings pitched.
The Brewers' pitching staff was also able to rely on a strong bullpen. Josh Hader was the team's closer, and he converted 34 of 37 save opportunities. Devin Williams was also a key member of the bullpen, striking out 109 batters in 68 innings pitched.
The Brewers' offense was not as consistent as the team's pitching staff in 2023. The Brewers averaged 4.2 runs per game, which was 13th-best in the National League.
One of the Brewers' biggest offensive strengths was their ability to hit home runs. The Brewers hit 206 home runs in 2023, which was ninth-best in the National League. Willy Adames led the Brewers with 32 home runs, followed by Rowdy Tellez with 31 home runs.
However, the Brewers also struggled to score runs in other ways. The Brewers had a .239 batting average in 2023, which was 17th-best in the National League. The Brewers also had a .314 on-base percentage, which was 20th-best in the National League.
Milwaukee Brewers players in a moment of camaraderie, engaging in a celebratory gesture on the baseball field. The Milwaukee Brewers are entering a new era of baseball, with a number of young and talented players poised to lead the team for years to come. However, the Brewers also face some challenges in building a championship contender, including their limited financial resources and their need to address some key weaknesses.
The Brewers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, led by a number of highly touted prospects, including:
- Jackson Chourio -Chourio is a 19-year-old shortstop who is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. He is a plus hitter with power and speed, and he has a good glove as well.
- Sal Frelick -Frelick is a 23-year-old outfielder who is known for his contact skills and his ability to play all three outfield positions. He is also a good baserunner and defender.
- Garrett Mitchell -Mitchell is a 24-year-old outfielder who is known for his speed and his ability to hit for power. He is also a good defender in center field.
- Aaron Ashby -Ashby is a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher who has the potential to be a frontline starter. He has a fastball that reaches the mid-90s, and he also has a good slider and changeup.
- Joey Wiemer -Wiemer is a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who has the potential to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. He has a good fastball and a good curveball, and he is still developing his changeup.
The Brewers can build a championship team by following these strategies:
- Develop their young players -The Brewers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, and they need to make sure that they are developing their young players properly. This means giving them opportunities to play in the major leagues and to learn from the veterans on the team.
- Make smart trades -The Brewers are a small-market team, so they cannot afford to overspend on free agents. Instead, they need to make smart trades to acquire talented players who fit their needs.
- Sign free agents to fill specific needs -The Brewers should not be afraid to sign free agents, but they need to make sure that they are signing players who fill specific needs on the team.
- Create a positive and supportive team culture -The Brewers need to create a positive and supportive team culture where players feel comfortable and respected. This will help the players to perform at their best and to win games.
- Invest in analytics and technology to improve decision-making -The Brewers need to invest in analytics and technology to improve their decision-making process. This will help them to identify talented players, to develop their players properly, and to make smart trades.
Jubilant moment of victory or celebration, showing a group of baseball players in striped uniforms, likely from an earlier era, enthusiastically huddled together on the field. The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division. The team was founded in 1969, and they have played their home games at American Family Field since 1970.
The Brewers have a rich history, dating back to their days as a minor league team in the American Association. The team won the American Association championship in 1945 and 1956. In 1969, the Brewers joined MLB as an expansion team.
The Brewers won their first division title in 1981, and they advanced to the World Series that year. However, they lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. The Brewers won their second division title in 1992, but they lost the National League Championship Series (NLCS) to the Toronto Blue Jays in six games.
The Brewers have had a number of iconic moments in their history. One of the most memorable moments came in 1982 when Brewers outfielder Gorman Thomas hit four home runs in a single game. In 2008, Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo threw a no-hitter against the Houston Astros. And in 2021, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich won the National League MVP award.
The Brewers have also had a number of legends play for them over the years. Some of the most notable Brewers Hall of Famers include Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Trevor Hoffman.
Here are a few of the most iconic moments in Brewers' baseball history:
- Gorman Thomas hits four home runs in a single game -On May 13, 1982, Brewers outfielder Gorman Thomas hit four home runs in a single game against the Chicago White Sox. Thomas became the first Brewers player to hit four home runs in a game, and he remains the only Brewers player to accomplish this feat.
- Yovani Gallardo throws a no-hitter -On June 2, 2008, Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo threw a no-hitter against the Houston Astros. Gallardo was 22 years old at the time, and he became the youngest Brewers pitcher to throw a no-hitter.
- Christian Yelich wins the National League MVP award -In 2021, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich won the National League MVP award. Yelich hit .370 with 50 home runs and 122 RBI in 2021. He became the first Brewers player to win the National League MVP award since Ryan Braun in 2011.
The Brewers Hall of Fame honors the greatest players in the team's history. The following are some of the most notable Brewers Hall of Famers:
- Hank Aaron -Hank Aaron is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He played for the Brewers from 1954 to 1975. Aaron is the all-time leader in home runs (755), and he is also the all-time leader in runs batted in (2,297).
- Robin Yount -Robin Yount is one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history. He played for the Brewers from 1974 to 1992. Yount is the Brewers' all-time leader in hits (3,142), doubles (586), triples (105), and home runs (251).
- Paul Molitor -Paul Molitor is one of the most consistent hitters in baseball history. He played for the Brewers from 1993 to 1995. Molitor is a seven-time All-Star and a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
- Trevor Hoffman -Trevor Hoffman is the all-time leader in saves (601). He played for the Brewers from 2009 to 2010. Hoffman was a two-time All-Star and a two-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award winner.
Two Milwaukee Brewers players in a moment of interaction, with one player congratulating the other, likely after a successful play or hit during a game. The Milwaukee Brewers have a number of talented players on their roster, both current and rising stars. Here is an in-depth analysis of some of the key players:
- Corbin Burnes -Burnes is one of the best pitchers in baseball, and he is the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. He is known for his devastating fastball and his ability to strike out hitters. Burnes is still only 27 years old, so he is still in the prime of his career.
- Willy Adames -Adames is a dynamic shortstop who has quickly become one of the most popular players in Milwaukee. He is known for his flashy defense and his ability to hit for power. Adames is only 26 years old, so he is still developing as a player, but he has already shown that he is a star.
- Rowdy Tellez -Tellez is a powerful first baseman who is coming off a career-high 31 home runs in 2023. He is also a good fielder and a reliable hitter in the middle of the Brewers' lineup. Tellez is only 27 years old, so he is still getting better.
- Brandon Woodruff -Woodruff is a solid right-handed pitcher who has been a consistent performer for the Brewers in recent years. He is not as flashy as Burnes, but he is a reliable arm who can give the Brewers a chance to win every time he takes the mound. Woodruff is 29 years old, so he is in the prime of his career.
- Christian Yelich -Yelich is a former MVP who is still a very good player, even though he is not at the same level as he was a few years ago. He is still a dangerous hitter in the middle of the Brewers' lineup, and he is also a good fielder. Yelich is 31 years old, so he is still in the middle of his career.
A number of former Brewers have gone on to have successful careers in other places. Here is a look at some of the most notable former Brewers:
- Josh Hader -Hader was one of the best closers in baseball while he was with the Brewers, but he was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022. He is still a very good closer, and he is one of the key players in the Padres' bullpen.
- Lorenzo Cain -Cain was a Gold Glove center fielder who played for the Brewers from 2018 to 2021. He is now a free agent, and it is unclear if he will play in 2024.
- Mike Moustakas -Moustakas was a Gold Glove third baseman who played for the Brewers from 2019 to 2021. He is now a free agent, and it is unclear if he will play in 2024.
- Ryan Braun -Braun was a seven-time All-Star and a one-time MVP who played for the Brewers from 2007 to 2020. He is now retired.
- Craig Counsell -Counsell was the Brewers' manager from 2015 to 2022. He is now a special assistant to the general manager.
Milwaukee Brewers player named Fielder celebrating with raised arms in front of an exuberant crowd, capturing a moment of excitement at a baseball game. The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in baseball. Brewers fans are known for their tailgating, their love of Bernie Brewer, and their unique chants and cheers. The Brewers fan experience is truly unique, and it is one of the reasons why Miller Park is one of the most popular ballparks in Major League Baseball.
The Brewers fan experience begins even before you enter Miller Park. Many fans arrive early to tailgate in the parking lot. Tailgating is a great way to socialize with other fans and get pumped up for the game. The Brewers also have a number of pregame activities for fans to enjoy, such as live music and games.
Once inside Miller Park, fans are greeted by a sea of blue and yellow. The Brewers have a number of unique traditions that make the fan experience even more special. For example, after every Brewer's home run, Bernie Brewer slides down a giant slide. And after every Brewers victory, fans sing "Roll Out the Barrel."
The Brewers are more than just a baseball team. They are a part of the Milwaukee culture. The Brewers have a number of community outreach programs, and they are always looking for ways to give back to the city.
The Brewers also have a number of events and promotions throughout the year that celebrate Brewers culture in Milwaukee. For example, the Brewers host a number of themed games, such as Country Night and German Heritage Night. The Brewers also have a number of events for fans of all ages, such as Brewers Kids Club Day and Brewers Fan Fest.
A moment of celebration for a Milwaukee Brewers player who is being drenched with water, likely following a victory or personal achievement on the field. Being a professional baseball player is a dream come true for many, but what does it really look like behind the scenes? What goes into making a game day happen? And what's it like to work in the Brewers' organization?
A typical day in the life of a Brewer player starts early, with a wake-up call around 6:00 AM. After a quick breakfast, players head to the ballpark for a morning workout. This workout may include hitting, fielding, and running drills.
After the workout, players have some time to relax and prepare for the game. Some players may take a nap, while others may watch a film or listen to music. Around 1:00 PM, players start to get ready for the game. This includes putting on their uniforms, stretching, and warming up.
The game typically starts at 7:00 PM, and players are expected to be ready to go from the first pitch to the last. After the game, players have a brief meeting with the coaching staff to discuss the day's performance. Then, they head to the weight room for a post-game workout.
The Brewers' coaching staff plays a vital role in the team's success. They are responsible for developing players, coaching them during games, and creating a positive and supportive team environment.
Here are some insights from the Brewers' coaching staff:
- On developing players -"The most important thing for us is to help our players reach their full potential. We do this by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. We also create a learning environment where players feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes."
- On coaching during games -"Our goal is to help our players make good decisions on the field. We do this by providing them with feedback and guidance. We also trust our players to make the plays when it matters most."
- On creating a positive team environment -"We believe that a positive team environment is essential to success. We create this environment by fostering a sense of camaraderie and respect. We also encourage our players to have fun and enjoy the game."
The Brewers' coaching staff is committed to helping the team win. They are also committed to helping players grow and develop both on and off the field.
As of the completion of the 2023 season, the Brewers have played 8,676 regular-season games and compiled a win–loss record of 4,215–4,461 (. 486). They have qualified for the postseason nine times and have a postseason record of 21–30 (. 412).
These are records of players with the best performance in distinct statistical pitching categories during their career with the Brewers. Jim Slaton is the career leader in wins (117), starts (268), shutouts (19), and innings pitched (2,025+1⁄3).
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