It is well known that in 2020 the Milwaukee Brewers offense struggled mightily. The Brewers were fifth last in team batting average and second worst in team strikeouts. As a result they struggled to score runs each game and terms like batting average with runners in scoring position made fans cringe.
Compared to last years roster, the 2021 Milwaukee Brewers roster did not change drastically. Lorenzo Cain has returned after opting out of last season and they added bats Kolton Wong and Jackie Bradley Jr. In 2020, Christian Yelich and Keston Hiura were not good and much of the Brewers success this year depends upon them bouncing back.
Unfortunately four games into the 2021 season, the Brewers offense has not done enough to convince fans that this years offense will be any different. This has resulted in lots of early season frustration and concerns.
On opening day the Brewers trailed by 3 runs heading into the 9th inning before the offense came to life after the Twins Bullpen retired 11 straight Brewers. In game 2, the storyline of Jose Berrios and Corbin Burnes pitching dual no hitters overshadowed the offensives struggles, but when the offense again faltered in the finale of the Twins series and in game one versus the Chicago Cubs the concerns became real again.
Through four games, the Brewers offense has a batting average of .163 and has complied 47 team strikeouts. Keston Hiura remains hitless and Christian Yelich’s nine strikeouts actual tops Keston Hiura’s eight.
It is safe to say that this is not the offensive start that anyone wanted to see. However, the regular season is 2.46% complete so while fan concerns are real, the callings for benching of players and firing of hitting coach Andy Haines is something I do not understand.
It is often said in the baseball world that it takes approximately 150 at bats from a player in a given season before assessing what is going on. At that time, hitters will be making adjustments and looking to correct what hasn’t been going well. For some, this could be anywhere from the 35 to 50 game mark depending upon where they hit in the batting order.
All that being said, the idea here is not to dismiss any of these early season offensive concerns. Given the way last season went that would not be wise, but rather give it more time. Have faith that our hitters will find success, our coaches will coach, and that we can get back to watching what should be a potent Brewers offense take the field each and every day.
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