Three Things the Milwaukee Brewers Need to Do to Make a Powerhouse

The Milwaukee Brewers are a team on the verge of being a perennial playoff contender, and they have added the necessary pieces for this year with the additions of Wolf, Davis, and Hawkins.

Here are three things the Brewers need to do to make a playoff push for this year and years to come.

3. Keep the Young Guys

In '08 the Crew made a run to the playoffs with then newly-acquired C.C. Sabathia carrying the load. Although Mark Attanasio needed to make the deal to get them to the playoffs, we lost a few big parts of our farm system. I think that the Brewers need to AVOID a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline.

It could mean that we miss the playoffs this year, but with much-awaited depth at the SP spot we can wait a year to make a push. Lucroy, Salome, Braddock, Cain, and Axford are just some prospects that could help us in the near future.

2. Keep the Coaching Team Intact As Long As Possible

Ken Macha finally has his team back, along with a few new pieces. Weeks has recovered from his wrist injury, we have a new speedy center fielder in Carlos Gomez, and the exciting defense of Alcides Escobar. There's also more pitching stability with Wolf and Davis eating some innings and Hawkins joining an already-stellar bullpen.

Dale Sveum is an excellent hitting coach, Willie Randolph did wonders with Weeks' defense, and Rick Peterson is a very good pitching coach. With this group of coaches, the Crew can be a very dangerous team.

1. Pay the Man!

Everyone knows who I am talking about. We have one of the most dangerous, if not the most dangerous, three-four combo in the majors, led by Prince Fielder. How many teams home-grow a beast that hits 50 homers in just his second season? Fielder already has 160 HR in four full seasons and parts of a fifth.

Braun is locked up long term, JS Online reports that Gallardo may receive an extension soon and with Bill Hall, and with Jeff Suppan and David Riske's contracts coming off the books, I think the Crew NEEDS to throw the bank at Fielder and keep our three-four tandem for years to come.