2007 Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Prediction
May 22, 2008
Most teams who finish near the bottom of the league in pitching, hitting, and defense also finish at the bottom of the league in the standings, but Milwaukee was able to finish a close fourth in the National League Central in 2006. Another year of the same caliber play is not going to produce the same results with the rest of the teams in the Central getting better. Luckily, the Brewers have not reached their potential. They battled a host of injuries last season and were still effective. With sustained health, the prospects of a very solid starting rotation, and big sticks in Prince Fielder, Ricky Weeks, and Bill Hall, the Brewers could challenge for a Central title in 2007.
Ben Sheets is a legit ace and Cy Young Award candidate. Chris Capuano is one of the best young south paws in baseball. Jeff Suppan comes over from the Red Birds and the Brew Crew will hope that they can steal some of the Cards’ World Series magic. With Dave Bush and Vargas the Brewers could have the best starting rotation in the NL Central. On paper, these guys all have 15-win potential. Of course we know it won’t all shake out that way. But if these guys all get over the 10 win mark, the Brewers are more than likely making a trip to the postseason.
The offense starts with lead off hitter Ricky Weeks who torched NL Central pitching last season hitting at over a .300 clip. This guy has great speed as well and will steal you over 30 bases. Expect a breakout season from Prince Fielder. He set a Milwaukee rookie record last season with 28 homeruns. This kid will be a 45-plus guy before it‘s all said and done. Bill Hall was a big surprise in 2006 and the Brewers won’t be able to afford anything but another great year at the plate from him.
Most of the time we just talk about pitching and hitting, but there is a little part of the game called defense that can be the difference between a good team and a great team. Defense could be a concern for the Brewers. I’m not sure Bill Hall’s move from short stop to center field will go as smoothly as it did for former Brewer great Robin Yount. The Brewers defense struggled last season and this move has me a little worried heading into 2007.
Milwaukee may have missed the boat last season not capturing a Central title in a down year for the division. Of all the seasons to run into injury problems. 84 wins would have won the division in 2006, but this year it will likely only get you third or fourth. Expect another solid season from the Brew Crew, but a division title is likely still a couple years away.
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