Milwaukee Brewers Become Instant Contenders With Ryan Braun In Lineup
National League MVP Ryan Braun is the first player to successfully challenge a drug-related suspension and appeal it. The Milwaukee Brewers left fielder will not have to serve a 50-game suspension and is free to join the team in spring training Friday. With this heavy weight lifted off the shoulders of Braun and the Brewers, it is now time to get down to business.
Milwaukee was two games away last season from their first World Series appearance since 1982. They ended up losing to division rival and eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals in game six of the National League Championship Series.
The loss of key players including Prince Fielder, LaTroy Hawkins, Jerry Hairston, Takashi Saito and Mark Kotsay does not bode well for the Brewers but that does not mean they cannot repeat as National League Central division champs. Milwaukee has added Aramis Ramirez, Jose Veras and Japanese sensation Norichika Aoki while also bringing up several talented players from their farm system including Mat Gamel and Taylor Green.
The first step of remaining a contender in 2012 was to figure out a way to make up for Fielder’s incredible offensive numbers. Ideally the Brewers wanted to do this with one player and were able to do so with the signing of Ramirez. In 569 at-bats Fielder had 95 runs, 170 hits, 38 home runs, 120 RBI, 107 walks, 106 strikeouts and a .299 batting average. In 565 at-bats Ramirez had 80 runs, 173 hits, 26 home runs, 93 RBI, 43 walks, 69 strikeouts and a .306 batting average.
Ramirez had more hits, less strikeouts and a higher batting average which are very important attributes to bring to a team. It is also important to remember that he has played the last eight and a half seasons at windy Wrigley Field. His overall numbers will for sure go up playing at Miller Park. Ramirez will be able to protect Braun in the lineup similarly to what Fielder has done over the past few years which will be good for the overall offensive production.
Milwaukee will have one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball again this season with ace Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson all returning. Gallardo was tied for fourth in the National League with 17 wins last year while the starters and relievers combined for the fifth most strikeouts (1,257) and second most wins (96).
The Brewers will also be featuring the best setup/closer duo in all of baseball with Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford. Rodriguez came over to Milwaukee from the New York Mets in a trade that took place directly after the All-Star game ended. In 31 games with the Brewers last season, Rodriguez went 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 33 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Axford set the franchise record in saves in a single season with 46 and also tied for first in the NL.
With good pitching and plenty of offensive production from several talented players there is no doubt the Brewers will not only be favorites to win the NL Central division but also to represent the National League in the World Series.
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