It’s hard to believe, but the Brewers have already played 20 games in the MLB season. After a 5-3 loss against the Boston Red Sox last night, the Brewers are 14-6 through 20 games. They have done a lot of good things early in the season. While it is still early and there’s a ton of baseball to be played, here are my initial thoughts on this team so far.
They Don’t Rely On The Home Run Ball
Coming into their 20th game of the season, the Brewers have 23 home runs (24 if you include Rowdy Tellez’s solo home run last night). Those 23 home runs were good for a tie for ninth in the league. In most years, this is a team that is usually in top five and has to stay in the top five to contend.
In today’s game, the home run ball is more of an emphasis. We see it constantly every night. A lot of hitters are home run or strike outs. With the Brewers +33 run differential through 20 game,s they are showing they can score runs and produce at a high level without having to rely just on the home run ball. That is something we haven’t been able to say in awhile.
It’s Been A Different Player Stepping Up Most Nights
When you you think of this roster, you think of Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Christian Yelich, Willy Adames, and Rowdy Tellez. Rightfully so as these players have put up some monster season with the Brewers. There was a ton of new names on the roster coming into this year. It’s been a mix of veteran and rookies.
New catcher William Contrearas leads the Brewers with a .302 batting average while Brian Anderson leads the team with 15 RBI’s. Both players are new to the roster. Rookies Garrett Mitchell, Brice Turang, and Joey Weimer have had their moments as well and have contributed quicker than most of us have thought. Unfortunately, due to an shoulder injury for Mitchell, we may not see him the rest of the season. All these new players have had timely hits especially on the latest road trip.
The Pitching Has Been Fantastic
For years, this team has relied on thier offesne. Over the last few seasons, it’s been the pitching. The bullpen especially was a question headed into this year. With the loss of Brad Boxberger and Josh Hader, it was Devin Williams, Matt Bush, and a bunch of unproven players.
Peter Strzelecki has become the seventh inning man has currently has a 1.04 ERA, Bryse Wilson has a 0.82 ERA coming into last night’s game. Joel Payamps has a 2.25 ERA while rookie Gus Varland has a 2.70 ERA. Overall, this pitching staff has a 2.96 team ERA. That is a really good number despite a ton of new faces.
Again, it;s early in the season and there is a long way to go. However, it’s hard not to be positibe about this start and for what’s to come the remainder of the season.
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