Five Reasons Milwaukee Brewers Fans Shouldn't Give Up On Their Team

Back up!  Step away from the ledge of the US Bank Building! There's still hope!

Let me explain why despite their recent struggles, a 2-7 home stand that includes a 4 game split with the NL worst San Diego Padres and back to back last at-bat losses to the hapless Reds, the Milwaukee Brewers are right where they want to be heading into today's game against the Reds. 

Although the Brewers have been struggling so far in September, their lead in the NL Wild Card race has only shrunk by one game over the Phillies during this month.  With only 17 games to go, the Brewers head into the most critical and decisive five-game stretch of their season. 

I'll give you five good reasons why, after this weekend, every Brewer fan will be able to exhale and focus on how they are going to get their playoff tickets. 

1)CC Sabathia pitches today! 

Now I know what you are thinking.  At first glance you would want your ace and perhaps the NL MVP pitching in one of those critical games against the Phillies.  However, there are several advantages to having CC pitch today's game. 

He will not have to pitch in that launching pad called Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philly against a line-up full of power hitters like Utley, Howard, Rollins, and Burrell.  Instead, he gets to pitch in pitcher-friendly Miller Park against a line-up of young and inconsistent hitters. 

Advantage CC and the Crew.  Having CC pitch another dominant game will allow the Brewers to leave for their 4 game series in Philly on a high emotional note. 

2)The struggling Brewers offense will get back on track

Bronson Arroyo, the Reds starter today, has given up 26 home runs this year.  That is tied for the 9th most in the National League this year.  For an offense built around the long ball, that is a welcome sight.

3)The Brewers get to get out of Milwaukee. 

Why is this good?  Well, the fans at Miller Park have grown rather hostile over the past 9 games of the home stand and may be starting to affect this team's psyche. 

I don't care what players say, being booed at home can eventually affect the way they play.  The fans have constantly booed players such as Rickie Weeks, Eric Gagne, David Riske, and Bill Hall on this current home stand. 

Although all fans have a right to express their displeasure with a team/players performance by booing, it rarely helps to turn things around.  Getting out on the road will allow these players a chance to relax and not have to worry about being booed after a key strikeout or giving up a late hit. 

Let the brutal fans in Philadelphia get on their players during this four game series and see how they react.

4)Citizens Bank Ballpark is one of the best hitter's parks in the major leagues

This is just what the Brewer's home run happy ball club needs.  The Brewers have never been known for manufacturing runs and are third in the National League in team homers. 

In order to break out of their current funk a healthy dose of the launching pad in Philly, against pitchers like Kyle Kendrick and Cole Hamels who are prone to the long ball, will help the Brewers to put some runs on the board.

5)The pressure is squarely on the Phillies. 

The Brewers will head to Philly with at least a two game lead.  A Brewers win and Phillies loss today means the Brewers can head to Philly knowing the only way they leave without the Wild Card lead is a sweep by the Phillies. 

The Phillies are chasing the Brewers.  The Brewers still need to play with a sense of urgency, but a split of the four-game set would be enough to scratch 4 more games off the schedule without losing their standing as the NL Wild Card Leader.

So relax Brewer fans.  Step away from the ledge.  I know we are all still concerned about the Cardinals and Astros continuing their pursuit of our beloved Brewers.  But lets focus on these next five games and we can talk about the Cards and Astros on Monday!