Milwaukee Brewers: What's Wrong with the Brew Crew Early in 2011 Season?

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Milwaukee Brewers Open 2011 Season On 0-4 Skid, But What's the Biggest Issue With Bernie Brewer's Ballclub?

It wasn't supposed to be like this in Milwaukee this season. Things were supposed to finally be different. With a re-vamped pitching rotation, a potent-as-ever offense, and all the talent money (and prospects) could land them, the Brewers were supposed to contend for the NL Central title.

But, instead, they've hit the ground in the 2011 Major League Baseball season by faceplanting, en route to an 0-4 start and a place firmly in the NL Central cellar.

Sure, it's early, extremely early, with 158 games to play still. But could the Brewers' struggles be emblematic of something deeper, more troubling than just a case of early season jitters or a spring slump?

One of the biggest issues has been the bullpen. While the rotation has been lights out through four games, the bullpen has done everything they can to turn those lights back on, and make them blink, spin and change colors.

The bullpen has blown two of four games so far, with relievers taking the loss in both outings. But while the 'pen has been bad, we knew it wouldn't be very good. Is there anything else that could be the issue here?

One area that is giving this team issues that shouldn't be is the offense. Despite featuring big boppers Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Casey McGehee and Corey Hart, on top of the all-around bat of Rickie Weeks, the Brewers have scored 6 on Opening Day, 2 in their next game, three the day after that, and just one against the Atlanta Braves today.

In other words, with the exception of that big Opening Day (the blame for which falls solely on the bullpen), the Brew Crew has seen it's big bats go mysteriously silent.

Here's the thing: as much as the Brewers revamped rotation will improve, if the team stops hitting, it won't matter. Even with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, you're not going to win 1-0 games every time out. It just doesn't work that way.

So, while Brewers fans cry into their pilsners, wailing and gnashing their teeth about their abysmal bullpen, let's not absolve the bats from guilt here, as well; they're just as guilty as the relief staff.

For more baseball, check out 2011 MLB Predictions: Each Team's Biggest Concern Heading into the Season.

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (1)