Fast start gives hope to fans that their Brewers can make playoffs

by Gerald Winters
The 2006 Major League Baseball season got off to a wonderful start for the Milwaukee Brewers, winning their first five games of the season, and seven of their first eleven. During that stretch, they took three straight from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and two of three for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

However, this past week has been more of a test for the Brew Crew, going 2-5 for the week, losing two of three to the Houston Astros, and three of four to the Cincinnati Reds.

It is still early in the season, but the Brewers cannot afford to fall too far behind the Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League's Central Division.

In spite of their recent struggles, the Crew have had some bright spots this young season. Leading the way, and showing that he belongs in the big leagues is power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder.

So far this season, he is batting .347, with 3 homeruns and 11 runs batted in. He is slugging .528, and his on base percentage is .405.

The big fella has even managed to steal a base already this year-not something you would expect from a 260 pound first baseman. He and leftfielder Carlos Lee (.319, 8hr, 16 rbi's) are providing the power, while they are relying on that talented infield crew of Bill Hall, Rickie Weeks, and J.J. Hardy to set the table.

Hall has been a versatile performer on the in field, seeing playing time at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. His moving around the diamond defensively has had little effect on his offense, however.

Despite getting off to a slow start to begin the season offensively, he has certainly come on as of late, batting .308 over his last seven games to raise his average to a respectable .271 on the year.

He has also been able to provide solid defense in the field, wherever he plays.

Weeks is also starting to put it together offensively, batting .294 with 10 runs scored and 2 steals over his last 10 games. And combined with Hardy, they have formed a wonderful double play combination, turning 15 so far this year.

Hardy has been consistent offensively this year, and has shown some power, hitting 3 homeruns so far this year. But defensively is where he has really sparkled, committing only 1 error this season at short.

The pitching staff this year will be anchored by Chris Capuano, who has gotten off to a good start-- 3-2 with an earned run average of 3.00, and 34 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings pitched.

He is joined in the rotation by righty Dave Bush, (2-1, 3.54, 23 K's) who pitched in Toronto for the Blue Jays, last season; lefty Doug Davis, who has gotten off to a slow start so far (0-2, 7.66); and right-hander Tomo Ohka, whom the Brewers should have for the entire 2006 campaign, after coming over from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline last season. The possible key to the entire pitching staff could very well depend upon the health Ben Sheets.

After ending the 2005 season on the disabled list with arm trouble, Sheets had a late start this season, but has looked good in his two starts thus far this season. He is 0-2 with 4.50 era, but he does have 16 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched so far this season. It appears that he is rounding into form, and should be on top of his game soon.

The bullpen is anchored by the closer Derrick Turnbow, who already has 6 saves so far. They have also gotten back a familiar face in Danny Kolb, who pitched last season in Atlanta for the Braves, after pitching for the Brewers in 2004, and should provide a bridge between the starting rotation and Turnbow in the setup role.

With the addition of Corey Koskie to provide some veteran leadership, the Brewers have a capable offensive attack-speed at the top of lineup with Weeks and Hall, and a formidable middle with Fielder, Lee and right-fielder Geoff Jenkins (.250, 3hr, 8 rbi), the Central Division crown is not out of the question.

With strong pitching from Capuano and Ohka, and if Sheets can remain healthy for the entire season, along with solid defense, the Brewers can certainly challenge the Astros, who went to the World Series last year and are currently leading the division, and the Cardinals, who actually won the division last year. With the injury to the Chicago Cubs Most Valuable Player candidate Derrick Lee, the Cubs will have a lot of work to do to replace his production, while the Reds and Pirates do not figure to threaten the top of the division.

Last season saw the Brew Crew do something they hadn't done in over a decade-finish with a .500 record (81-81 in 2005).

In 2006, I expect that this team is headed for even greater heights, even if that means simply a finish ABOVE .500 for the first time in 16 seasons.