Houston, We Have Realignment

Yount Statue circa 2008 NLDS

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• Ryan Braun is the first Brewer MVP since Robin Yount won twice in the 1980s. A member of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers and signed through the year 2020, Braun finished ahead of Triple Crown threat Matt Kemp of the .500 Dodgers. Prince Fielder finished third as he heads out of town. The job to bat behind the 30-30 Braun will most likely fall upon a free agent like Derek Lee or all-star Rickie Weeks.
• As we edit our book, Bobby Valentine is close to becoming the Red Sox manager. The Stamford resident might get the job before our deadline to submit the book. Dale Sveum becomes the Cubs manager. Who knew when he was busy filling in for the Brewers 2008 playoff run that he'd become a hot commodity. Wally Backman is been bumped up to AAA Mets team.
• The sale of the Astros is complete and they will be moved to the AL giving each league 15 teams and making interleague play a daily part of the MLB schedule. The Marlins have a new look while the Blue Jays went back to their old look. A new CBA has been reached by MLB giving them 21 straight years of labor peace.
• Juniper and Cyrus are doing fantastic. Cyrus keeps improving his language and sense of humor while Juniper approaches her third week on planet Earth. Shira is a super-mom superhero.

Suds Series Duds

Not looking good for the Brewers after Game Six first inning. Already trailing 4-0...ouch. That's eleven first inning runs in this series. After the '82 series I said, "Damn you Willie McGee." It looks like this year it'll be "Damn you David Freese." The good thing is its only the first inning so maybe the Cards will finally go cold and the Brewers will explode over the course of the next two games. That's a big "IF" As I'm writing this Corey Hart finally does something...leadoff homer! I'm hoping Larussa gets swept again in the World Series, I'm even more hopeful he doesn't even make it that far. Ron Darling just said a three-run lead means nothing in this ballpark. As I explained to Shira, this is the reason I wanted the Phillies in the NLCS, I knew I'd be very aggravated if they lost to the Cards. *UPDATE* Chris Narveson is in, let's see if the Crew can comeback from 4-1 deficit...No Cardinal starting pitcher has made it out of five innings...The Braves slump allowed the Cards to get in, the Phillies created their own demise by beating Braves to allow Cards into playoffs. **Update** Five homers in first two innings...Weeks and Lucroy each homer...it's 5-4 Cards... *UPDATEx3* Bott 3rd...9-4 Cards...not much fan, not much pitching...feels like a beer league softball game...is the gong rule in effect...I thought this was a new pitching era we are in?!? *Last Update* Barring a ridiculous comeback it looks like Rangers v. Cards. A very memorable run for Brewers halted.

Power Rangers

A few random thoughts:
-A baby and a book on the way! The Brewers in the playoffs...can't complain!
-Speaking of the playoffs...it's cool to hear Brewers announcer Brain Anderson call the games with Darling and Smoltz...not so cool to see them trailing for two games now.
-One thing we all learned...don't pitch to Rangers Nelson Cruz in the 11th...he has two hrs and 7 RBI. Can you say A.L.C.S. M.V.P.
-Red Sox dysfunction continues...Theo leaves to try and end curse in Cubbie-land. Francona allegations along with beer and fried chicken in the clubhouse.
-Received my second Triumph check yesterday! Looking forward to the next editing phase. Really enjoyed the writing process and would love to do it again!

Suds Series, Game One

Wishing Princess Mommy A Happy Birthday!

The Brewers and Cardinals renew their rivalry in another phase. It started in the 1982 World Series, continued in the N.L. Central, and now re-emerges in the 2011 N.L.C.S. Yesterday, we missed the live action of the game, but for good reason. We threw an amazing birthday bash for Shira. When I spoke to our family and friends I mentioned I figured everyone would be giving up Week Five NFL and the day in between Yom Kippur and Columbus Day. Little did we know the Brew Crew would be scheduled for Game One. Cyrus et. all had a blast...the food, the venue, the DJ...all were excellent. It was so great to see everyone on this festive day. I got a few updates from Jon, Mike, and Greg. We caught a few of the final outs at Grandpa Rays. The Beer makers scored six runs on 22 pitches in the fifth inning. The game included homers from Braun and Prince. When they both homer the Crew is 28-9. Jerry Hairston, Jr., son of former major leaguer and grandson of Negro Leaguer, had two hits in the two-hole. The Cards, ironically, give me hope in the post-Prince days that will follow the playoffs. As long as Braun is healthy (and signed through 2020), and the Brewers have pitching (Gallardo, Greinke, Marcum) they should remain competitive in the NLC and able to lure some decent players. Game Two is moments away. I'm looking for another home victory as the playoffs move at a quick pace.

Tony Plush F Yeah

I remember exactly where I was in 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers won their only other playoff series. White Plains with my walkman on listening to the 0-2 comeback vs. the California Angels. Tonight I'll remember exactly where I was when Tony Plush aka Nyjer Morgan  knocked in Carlos Gomez to advance the Brew Crew to their first NLCS. The Brewers become the first team to make the ALCS and NLCS in baseball history, but they will face their heated rival and 1982 World Series opponents, The St. Louis Cardinals. I had a feeling only Brewers or Phils would win tonight after Yankee defeat yesterday.  In two nail-biter games that included some pacing and edge of my seat sitting, the Brewers prevailed 3-2 in ten, while the Phils lost 1-0 in a game in which Chris Carpenter threw a gem against his friend Roy Halladay. The Brewers game had all the makings of a choke. The announcers reminded us that Axford had 43 straight saves , the Brewers were 83-1 when leading after nine...well they coughed up the lead. But with Greinke warming up and Gomez on first I finally started to feel confident. Morgan stepped up and I was hoping he'd beat Braun to the game winning punch. Fielder and Nyjer couldn't even speak afterwards, but Braun composed said this is what you play for, it's fun isn't it? I still can't get over this, with Philly loss they now have homefield advantage as long as they play. As I was getting aggravated about Brewers possible blowing game I went into Cyrus' room and gave him a kiss, I can't wait to watch playoff games with him! As my mom pointed out Shira will have to have another baby since each time she has been pregnant the Brewers have been in the playoffs!?

Brewtober Time

Signs at Miller Park..."I've waited my whole life for this"...kid, you are ten years old how about me or the fat guy in the row behind you with the kielbasa? Robin Yount threw out the first pitch then went into Beast Mode. Another sign read "Brewers send those snakes on a plane". Ha. A much needed 9-4 victory. The sideline reporter asked Yount who he was rooting for because he briefly coached Arizona. Really? Do some better research. The Crew is up 2-0 for their first post season series lead ever, BUT they were once trailing 0-2 so i'll take nothing for granted here. Braun and Prince already have more hits than last post season, here's hoping they can keep producing. Meanwhile, my dad made his new Yankee Stadium debut. He went with Mike and the boys. The Yanks almost pulled it off as Tigers catcher slipped on wet Yankee logo. Cyrus enjoyed watching some of the game with me, while Shira inches closer to due date!

Bob McClure Blues

2B Jim Gantner batted .333 in the 1982 World Series.

The other night I was thinking about how most of the eight playoff teams had recently been to the World Series. Then I realized more specifically seven of the eight teams had arrived at the Fall Classic in the 2000's. the only team on the outside is the Milwaukee Brewers. Their last visit is the well-mentioned 1982 team. Harvey's Wallbangers were up three games to two in the '82 World Series (the last post season series lead until last night). Without Rollie Fingers though the team faltered as Darrell Porter, Keith Hernandez, and Willie Mcgee doomed the Brew Crew. I'm really pulling for a Brewers-Phillies LCS because I don't want to see anymore success for the Cards, they've had their fair share. Below is listed the most recent World Series appearance for the 2011 playoff contenders:
Texas Rangers 2010
Philadelphia Phillies 2009
New York Yankees 2009
Tampa Bay Rays 2008
Detroit Tigers 2006
St. Louis Cardinals 2006
Arizona Diamondbacks 2001
Milwaukee Brewers 1982

Homefield Beasts!

The Brew Crew fought hard for the home field advantage and it paid off early with a Game One 4-1 victory over Arizona. Yovani stymied the D'backs and Braun and Fielder had five of the Brewers eight hits. After spotting the Cards a field goal, the Phillies roared back for an 11-6 victory. But back to the Brewers, not too long ago we started to show Cyrus some Pixar movies. He's seen all three Toy Story movies, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. This morning Yahoo ran a story about Brewers Beast Mode connection to Sully and Mike Wazowski. The series continues today at 5pm and you can be sure i'll be donning some Brewers gear.

Quiet Before the Playoff Storm

Inside Miller Park before Game Three of 2008 NLDS

Talk about a great advertisement before the playoffs...if the country isn't ready for some playoff baseball after Wednesday night they never will be. Just hours away from the start of the 2011 baseball season. There are many reasons that fall is my favorite season and this is one of them! This picture is from my 2008 playoff visit to Milwaukee. The Brewers have clinched home field for the NLDS. They 57-24 at Miller Park including Zach Greinke's 11-0. However, he won't pitch until Game 3 in Arizona when hopefully the Brew Crew has at least one win. In '08 Milwaukee was just happy to be there. This time around there are high expectations. Of course, Johnathan Axford hasn't blown a save since April, so I'm prepared for the law of averages and the worst. GM Doug Melvin was on the radio yesterday, I never realized the 1982 Brewers were the fourth highest paid team in the league. I won't let my Yankee friends in on that piece of info. USA Today ranks Milwaukee #2 out of the eight playoff teams. Yikes. Another kiss of death. Here are my thoughts on the teams involved using the newspapers ratings:
1. Phillies- From perennial doormats to five-time NLE champs. I've long stated this team goes as Rollins goes. However, late season acquisition Hunter Pence could be the breakout player of the playoffs now that he is the main cog in the Phils lineup. Mayberry kind of reminds me of Jayson Werth's first few Phillie seasons. If the rotation performs the way they have all season, it's hard to disagree with the experts that it's their World Series to lose.
2. Brewers- Ryan Braun ranks #10 all-time on the list of most homeruns in first five seasons. Prince Fielder is #11. It would be great to see the Crew take it in Prince's walk year. Braun is signed through 2020 and the rotation is solid so hopefully there are a few more chances for me to fly out to Milwaukee for some playoff baseball. Weeks, Hart, Betancourt will need to provide some fireworks on a steady basis. K-Rod to Axford...fingers crossed!?!
3. Rangers- No Cliff Lee, no MVP-type season from Josh Hamilton, No Vlad Guerrero. But Rangers are back in the playoffs. They won't sneak up on anybody this season. They have a remade pen, Mike Napoli, Kinsler, Cruz, and Nolan Ryan's pitching philosophy. Don't mess with Texas!
4. Rays- The Legend of Longo. I traded Verlander in fantasy for Longoria and Prince. My team was in last place and remained out of it. Longoria's home run was straight out of fantasy, now if only Rays fans would show up for some playoff games. Maddon is a genius! A-rod payroll = $32 mil. Rays payroll = $42 mil. While Manny and Sox watch, Damon adds to his Cooperstown plaque.
5. Yankees- When the Bombers won in '09 we all knew they were the best team, but most agree they are not the best this year. However, they are the Yanks and have won it all with less than 90 win teams.  If they should outslug everyone and win another, I like many Yankee haters will be disappointed. Another Yankee title will lead to massive rewrites of this book. A Diamondbacks-Yankees ten year reunion will be unwatchable for me. Unless Kirk Gibson can pinch hit and homer off of Mariano.
6. Cardinals- Damn you Tony Larussa, Damn you Albert Pujols, Damn you Willie Mcgee! If the Brewers and Cards meet in NLCS it won't be there first playoff battle. The two teams met in the 1982 when I watched Gorman Thomas foul off about hundred balls before succumbing to Whitey Herzog's Cards. A team that should get swept in first round but will most likely be a hard out.
7. Tigers- I'm glad Verlander goes into playoffs with a recent loss. I'm convinced he will lose twice to Yankees. Would love to see him dominate while 2003 Marlin Miguel Cabrera goes wild on Yankees sorry staff. Valverde is another reliever without a blown save, I'm sure the Yankees will him at least once.
8. Diamondbacks- A wonderful worst to first story. But they are playing my favorite team so they won't get any fan interest from me. Built on pitching and D they will most likely beat Brewers or take them to five.

Epic Fail.

When the Brewers visited Boston back in June I considered the thought that this could be a World Series preview. After all, in 2009 we saw Phils-Yanks in regular season only to view them in the Fall Classic in October. Well who would've thought the Brew Crew would make the playoffs and not the Sox. It looks like Yovani will be starting Game 1 of LDS vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. I'm hoping for Rays-Tigers and Brews-Phils in LCS...it'll probably be a ten year anniversary of D'backs and Yanks. In 2009, Shira was pregnant with Cyrus and we drove down to Philly to catch Game 1 of LDS on Yom Kippur. This time around lots of the excitement took place on Rosh Hasanah. Shira has been learning how to use her iPad while Cyrus is now in his big boy bed. We are so proud of him! At the deli last night he was saying, "Go Phillies"!

Wild Card Wednesday

Here come the LDS! But not after the most thrilling day of regular season baseball ever. With 8 games of significance and two dramatic endings on the final day I'm almost ready to forgive Selig for the steroid era. As the Red Sox entered a rain delay they did so knowing the Rays trailed the Yanks 7-0. However, the Rays chipped away as the Triple-A Yanks played. Dan Johnson entered the game to Safety Dance but proceeded to hit a home run to send it to extra innings. As has been the case for much of this summer of book writing, Jon, Rich and I followed the game on our FB page. So we were not stunned when play resumed in Baltimore and the Red Sox choked the season away. In what will most likely be his final game with Boston, Papelbon struck out the first two before pitching Orioles batting practice. Carl Crawford, there's irony for you, failed to make the catch or throw to keep the game tied. Less than ten minutes later, Evan Longoria capped off the comeback with an Epic homer for the ages. Too bad the stadium wasn't packed. With zero playoff match ups set for the ALDS at the start of the night  we now know the Rays will play Texas and Yanks will host Verlander and Tigers. Meanwhile, in the N.L. to much less fanfare from us, the Phillies finished an unnecessary comeback to eliminate the Braves. Atlanta and Boston are now brothers in 2011 misery. Of course, the Brewers made life easier for themselves by winning against the Pirates. They didn't waste the game 162 start by Zack Greinke and prevailed to earn home field advantage over the Diamondbacks and avoid Phils,who get the Cards, in first round. Ryan Braun  played on Rosh Hasanah and Jose Reyes didn't, but anyone who wastes a moment on that story tomorrow is missing the point of this unheard night of baseball. Somebody needs to write a book about this night. of night in baseball. Hmmmmmm....

Clinched!

The Brewers became the first team in MLB history to win a division in both leagues (AL East in '82 & NL Central '11). It's a real thrill to have followed them through both. 29 years...wow that's some wait. From Yount to Braun I've seen it all. Braun came up huge again tonight with leaping catch for double play then clutch homerun. Matt Kemp might have near triple crown and 40-40 but Braun is going to playoffs with Prince, Plush, Weeks, Yovani, Grienke, Axford, and K-Rod! It was very cool how the team watched the Cards-Cubs game with the fans then celebrated afterwards. I felt a wave of nostalgia listening to them in '82 at the bowling alley comeback vs. Angels. I went to Milwaukee in '08, but this time around I'm more hopeful because of the pitching. All right Brewers fans get out your goggles! When I was ten they made it to the World Series can't wait to see how this turns out.

Magic Number?!?

Who would've thought the Brew Crew would have the lowest magic number (11) at this point. only this weekend did I come to the realization that it's looking pretty good for the Brewers. Ryan Braun has taken the batting average lead. He's closing in on 30-30 (27 hrs) and 100 runs and RBI. Here's hoping the pitching, health, and hitting can keep up for some more...

Irene Interruption

Our annual trip to Citizens Bank wasn't meant to be. With Shira being pregnant we were looking to unload the tickets. However, mother nature (who shook things up with an east coast earthquake this week) has Hurricane Irene heading our way. Yesterday the Phillies called us to tell us the game is moved to Saturday night. In the meantime, Rit, Jon, and I are finishing the book up. Jon just informed me that we got Bill "Spaceman" Lee to do the afterwards! Meanwhile, my Brew Crew has a 9.5/10 game lead and they landed on the cover of SI! Hopefully, the weather isn't as bad as it sounds. Looking forward to this fall classic and even more important Cyrus' new sibling!

Bierbraurers!

What an exciting summer! Season 24 has just concluded and  it has been busy, busy, busy. For starters, Shira is in her third trimester and Cyrus awaits his sibling. However, I think Cyrus believes the child will be his size at birth. Rit, Jon, and I have about 15,000 more words to wrap up the Red Sox book due out next spring. We visited Fenway in the spring for some research and are thrilled at the way the book is turning out. Meanwhile, my Brew Crew is in the midst of a 20-3 run. I'm sure by pointing that out they'll cool down, but that's bound to happen regardless of what I think or hope. They are currently up 7.5 but I've seen plenty of epic collapses in baseball to know no lead is safe. Ryan Braun (.327) is second in batting and Prince is second in RBI (92). They are combined for 50 homeruns, let's hope they stay healthy. Gallardo (13), Greinke (12), Marcum (11), and Wolf (10) have led the way on the hill.

All In!

The night of the all-star game was a big one for the Brew Crew. While Ryan Braun was injured and didn't start Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder did so. Prince hauled in the MVP when he became the 1st Brewer to homer in the all-star game with his towering three-run shot. Fielder may be playing in his final season with the Brewers, but they are clearly making a run for it. Moments after the all-star game the Brewers (tied for first at 49-43 with those damn Cards) sent two players-to-be-named later to the Mets for K-rod. With just a one game lead over the surprising Pirates, the Brewers have plenty of opposition for the NLC. At the half way point, Jose Reyes and Adrian Gonzalez  lead each league at .354. Prince has 22 homers and 72 RBI, while Jose Bautista has 31 homers while batting .334. A second straight "Year of the Pitcher" seems to be happening again. Jered Weaver (1.86) and 12-win Jair Juurgens (1.87) both have sub-2.00 ERAs. Verlander (12) and Sabathia(13) are also having excellent seasons.  Reyes has 124 hits and 15 triples, but the biggest mystery is whether or not he will remain with the Mets. Play resumes tonight with 19 teams either in first or less than ten games out, it should be an excellent end of the season.

Prince or Bust!?

Prince Fielder leads the league in RBI and XBH this has propelled the Brew Crew to a Major League best 27-9 record since May 9th. The Brewers moved into first place last night, and we get ready to go see them take on the Bosox at Fenway this weekend.

Home Brew

The Brewers are currently in 2nd place in the NLC. They have the best home record in baseball at 21-7. Yovani Gallardo leads the majors with 8 wins and Ryan Braun leads MLB in all-star votes. While it seems likely Prince will leave in the off-season, Braun is signed thru 2020!

Back to Milwaukee?!

Xmas is early for Brewers fans like myself! Shortly after trading for Shawn Marcum from the Jays, the Brew Crew traded for 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Grienke from the Royals. In a rare blockbuster trade the Brewers have upgraded their rotation AND somehow managed to have a better offseason than the Yankees. This prompted me to promise my nephew we would go to Milwaukee if they return to the playoffs in 2011. It'll be my 30th anniversary as a Brewer fan and what better way to celebrate. Bark already returned my text and he is down for going back as always.

#19

The Pilgrimage to the Yount statue reached its conclusion two weeks ago. Got the chance to see Yount shag some flyballs during my tour with Dave. Two weeks since the memorable game and Sveum is gone. Actually he only had a .500 record in his 16 games. As for Yount it was cool to see his statue and see him be a part of the second most successful team in Brew Crew history. I wore #19 & #91 in honor of Robin Yount. I have several more pics which I'll post at some point.