Brewers manager Craig Counsell is entering his ninth season with Milwaukee. This year, he is in a contract year and also has a new GM in Matt Arnold above him. Recently, Counsell sat down with Mike Heller of 97.3 The Game to discuss the goal of bringing the team back to the playoffs under a new GM.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell discusses the goal of bringing the team back to the playoffs while under a new GM.
During the interview, the Brewers offense and Christian Yelich were discussed. When asked about the outlook on this year’s offense and what may be different, Craig Counsell provided the following response.
“Scoring runs is a function of nine guys taking turns, driving the bus, and hopefully getting nine guys who are tough outs throughout the game. We have a good offensive unit, we have depth, we can survive injuries.”
The Brewers offense does have some new players on it when compared to last year. On paper they appear to have more depth and are hopeful that a few offensive juggernauts can return to form.
New players on the team include Jesse Winker, Abraham Toro, Owen Miller, Brian Anderson, William Contreras, Luke Voit, and Tyler Naquin. Prospects like Garrett Mitchell and Brice Turang are also expected to see extended looks at playing time and eventually Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer.
Mike Heller also got Craig Counsell’s thoughts on what he needs from Christian Yelich in 2023.
“We are hopeful that we will get a better version of Christian. A better version of him still makes us better. That players still in there, whether that’s an .800 OPS guy, gets on base a lot, or more homers. The thing is you don’t know. It could be the home runs, it could be getting on base, but all the tools are still there.”
In regards to the change with Matt Arnold as the GM as opposed to David Stearns, Counsell understandably was not able to provide all the answers as to what the differences between the two are.
“I don’t know all the answers to that yet, but it’s a different person, so you expect some differences.”
The full episode is listed above. It is a great 22 minute listen between Mike Heller and Craig Counsell.
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