Milwaukee Brewers: What Has Been Their Biggest Problem Thus Far?

The Milwaukee Brewers have a boat load of issues that even a therapist couldn't fix. Every game a new problem arises, a cause for concern among Brewers' fans.

Pitching, mainly the bullpen, has been an issue all year for the Crew. They rank 13th in the National League with a 4.26 ERA.

Fransisco Rodriguez (0-4, 4.34) and John Axford (1-2, 4.94) have not been as dominant as they were a year ago. Neither has been able to find the strike zone. In 52 innings, they have a combined 27 walks. That's just barely under one walk per inning.

Not what you want from your setup man and closer.

Hitting has been easy to laugh at as well. Ron Roenicke's team has a mundane .240 batting average, which ranks 14th in the National League. When your lineup consists of Cody Ransom, Edwin Maysonet and a struggling Rickie Weeks, you aren't going to have much offensive success.

The Milwaukee Brewers have glaring issues on both sides of the ball, yet their biggest flaw has nothing to do with skill or talent. The Brew Crew's biggest problem is that they don't seem to care.

Do you remember beast mode?

Every time a Brewer came through with a big hit, they would look to the dugout with their arms stretched and roar. With the departure of Prince Fielder, beast mode has ceased to exist. Milwaukee's energy and passion are nowhere to be found. They have no fire in their bellies. 

They have almost made it to the All-Star Break without a player ejection, with the exception of Tim Dillard being tossed for throwing at a hitter. Not many teams can say that. Roenicke hasn't even been ejected yet.

I haven't even seen a Brewer argue with an umpire. I have seen looks and shaking heads, but no stir of emotion.

I'm not saying getting ejected is a good thing. I'm just pointing out that sometimes you need to get mad, let your emotions flow and show your teammates you care.

The 2011 Milwaukee Brewers team showed immense passion day in and day out.

They were having fun and winning. This year, everything is different. Yes, injuries have taken their toll. Yes, last year's team had more talent.

But the biggest reason why the Brewers are struggling is because their fire, which ran all of last year, has burned out. Someone needs to get the lighter fluid and start it up again.

Where is Tony Plush when you need him?