The "Slipping Away" of the Brewers 2009 Season

rOb K

Aug 19, 2009

The Milwaukee Brewers started off on a pretty decent note. They lost their first game, which featured starting pitcher Jeff Suppan who might as well be a tee ball player (NOTE: Tee ball doesn't have pitchers). Despite that loss, they went 12 and 10 in the first month, which by that kind of ratio the Crew would still be in contention at this point. This was also following up an absolutely phenomenal season in 2008. However, a couple of injuries (one being the red-hot Rickie Weeks) seemed to plague them as they started a downward spiral. Many people may be scratching their heads as to why they are in such a bad position after actually making the playoffs last year. At the start of this season, the Brewers roster was generally the same, with the exception of losing C.C. Sabathia and gaining Trevor Hoffman. The problem is pretty apparent, considering one of the Brew Crews star players 9Ryan Braun) complained about it. Pitching is very weak. One part of the problem may be that Jeff Suppan has been playing more than he should be, and after losing a stellar starting/relief pitcher (Sabathia), gaining a veteran closer (Hoffman) doesn't mean a thing. Proof of that would be despite Gagne's struggle last year, C.C. helped carry them to the playoffs. Back on topic, management has attempted to fix this problem, but it's a case of "too little, too late". With Corey Hart out and Weeks missing the majority of the season, nine and a half games back is just nine and a half too many.

Next season the Brewers better have a more weathered (no pun intended) bullpen all around. If it's a matter of money, forget about Suppan (who they can forget anyway) and Hoffman. Without better starting AND relief pitchers, the game becomes Milwaukee bats vs. Milwaukee pitching. Just as I saw in an 8-5 loss, it doesn't matter how well you hit and how many homeruns you score, when your pitching isn't up to snuff.