7 Reasons Why Milwaukee Brewers Will Win World Series

By (Correspondent) on September 4, 2011

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MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 1:  Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers pauses on the field after  flying out in the 9th inning during their game against the St Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on September 1, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Cardinals beat t
Mark Hirsch/Getty Images

September is finally here.  Not only does that mean that football is here, but it also signals that the most exciting portion of the MLB season is just around the corner.  Teams have brought up reinforcements from the minors to make a late run at a playoff spot.  

The Milwaukee Brewers are one team that has a legitimate shot at reaching the World Series this season.  They have what it takes to reach the series and even win the whole thing.  Here are seven reasons why Milwaukee will win the 2011 World Series

1. Rickie Weeks' Return

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 22: Rickie Weeks #23 of the Milwaukee Brewers gets his throw off to complete the double-play, avoiding the slide of Brandon Crawford #35 of the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning during an MLB baseball game at AT&T Park July
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers' second basemen, Rickie Weeks, has been out for over a month now with an upper ankle sprain.  The injury could have been a big blow to a team that was in a race for the NL Central crown.  Instead of struggling, the Brewers have actually thrived during Weeks' absence from the lineup, extending their NL Central lead to 8.5 games over St. Louis.  

Although Jerry Hairston has done well filling in at second base, he does not possess the power and speed that Weeks brings to the table.  With Weeks back in the lineup, the Brewers' offense will be among the best in baseball.  

2. Zack Greinke's Emergence

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 02:  Pitcher Zack Greinke #13 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on September 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

When the Milwaukee Brewers traded for starting pitcher Zack Greinke in the offseason, they figured that they were adding a bona fide ace to the rotation.  However, Greinke struggled in the first half of 2011, recording a 5.45 ERA before the All Star break.  

Fortunately for the Brewers, Greinke has turned things around since then and has been the ace that Milwaukee needs him to be.  In his last 10 starts, Greinke is 7-2 with a 2.41 ERA.  His emergence in the second half has really bolstered the Brewers' rotation.  With him returning to form, the Crew's rotation is much better.  

3. Lights Out Closer

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 22: John Axford #59 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning during an MLB baseball game at AT&T Park July 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The Brewers won the game 4-2. (Photo by
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Since starting the 2011 season with a string of shaky outings, the Milwaukee Brewers' closer John Axford has been simply dominant.  

Axford has converted 40 out of 42 save opportunities in 2011.  That statistic alone shows his worth as a closer.  He has only given up four home runs in over 63 innings pitched. Axford emerged in 2010, when he recorded 24 saves in 27 opportunities.  

But in 2011, Axford has brought his game to a whole new level and has arguably been one of the best finishers in baseball.  

When the Brewers take a lead into the ninth, they have a closer who will shut the door almost every time.  

4. Dynamic Duo

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 1:  Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers takes off his helmet after hitting a line drive for the final out during game action against the St Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on September 1, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The
Mark Hirsch/Getty Images

Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are elite MLB hitters.  They give the Milwaukee Brewers one of the best tandems in all of baseball.  The other National League contenders do not have a duo that competes with them.  

Braun may very well win the NL Batting crown this season.  Fielder currently leads the NL in RBI.  Both players are having outstanding seasons and present a huge dilemma for opposing pitchers.  Both players have playoff experience and know that 2011 is the year that they need to make big things happen.  

The duo of Fielder and Braun gives the Brewers an advantage over just about any team.  

5. Complete Lineup

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 1:  Corey Hart #1 of the Milwaukee Brewers runs to first base during game action against the St Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on September 1, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Cardinals beat the Brewers 8-4.(Photo by Mark Hirsch
Mark Hirsch/Getty Images

There is little doubt that the Milwaukee Brewers have a potent lineup.  When looking at the regular batting order, it is pretty difficult to find any weaknesses.  The stellar play of center fielder Nyjer Morgan has been a boon to the lineup.  

The Brewers' acquisition of Morgan flew under the radar, but he has been great in Milwaukee.  Even SS Yuniesky Betancourt has enjoyed a breakout second half.  

The only hole in the lineup would appear to be 3B Casey McGehee.  Despite hitting .239 in 2011, he has performed better in the second half, hitting .272 with a .796 OPS.  

The Brewers' lineup does not afford opposing pitchers any breaks.  The Brewers get production from every spot in the lineup.  

6. Home-Field Advantage

MILWAUKEE, WI - AUGUST 31: Corey Hart #1 of the Milwaukee Brewers points after hitting a home run during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park on August 31, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers have been stellar at Miller Park.  The Brewers are 50-19 at home this season, the best in the majors.  The Brewers will likely have home field advantage for one series in the playoffs. That gives them a great advantage in the opening series.  

Although the Crew will not have home field advantage if they meet the Philadelphia Phillies in the playoffs, they will still have a good chance of winning because they will likely take care of business when in Milwaukee.  

Teams who thrive at home generally have a good chance at winning.  The Brewers only need to win a game or two on the road, and they could potentially win any series.  

7. Starting Rotation

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 24:  Shaun Marcum #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on August 24, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Milwaukee Brewers' rotation has been great in 2011.  The team's weakness last season has become an advantage over most teams this year.  The staff has stayed healthy throughout the season and is no longer a hindrance to the Brewers' playoff aspirations.  

Although the Crew's rotation is not as good as the Phillies' starters, the difference between the two is not as vast as it once was.  If the starters can keep games close, the Brewers have a good chance of winning nearly every game.  

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