Yesterday I wrote a hypothetical article about the five reasons why the Brewers would not win the American League East this season. I think they’ll win it. But if they don’t, I’ll bet my Donkey Kong Tabletop Arcade that I know why.
Today, I’m ready to be optimistic. I love this team. I’m confident that this Milwaukee Brewers team is as good as any we have seen in this city since the days of the Milwaukee Braves. They are ready to win the division, possibly more, and here’s why…
1) Veteran leadership. I know, this is one of those intangibles. But the fact is that talented, veteran teams win. They know how to win. They’ve been there before. Now that the Brewers played the Yankees in their divisional playoffs in the strike-shortened 1981 season, this team has now been battle tested. Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, Gorman Thomas, Ben Oglivie, Mike Caldwell, Pete Vuckovich and Cecil Cooper will not let this team lose. They will not make mistakes based on nerves. They will play smart baseball and come up big in tough spots.
2) Rollie Fingers. Rollie Fingers is the best pitcher in baseball. He is the best player. As the 1981 AL Cy Young and MVP winner, it’s silly to dispute it. While the rotation is only average and the bullpen as a whole may be a bit scary, all you need to do is get to the seventh inning with a lead. Rollie Fingers will close the door.
3) Offensively gifted infield. If Paul Molitor and Robin Yount keep getting better, we may be looking at an historic group playing on the dirt of County Stadium. California has Carew, Grich and DeCinces. Baltimore has Murray and that kid Ripken. The Yankees have Randolph, Smalley and Nettles. Only the Royals’ infield of Willie Aikens, Frank White, U L Washington and George Brett compares to that of Cecil Cooper, Jim Gantner, Robin Yount and Paul Molitor in the American League. The Brewers have possibly the best hitting first baseman and shortstop in the game. If Paul Molitor stays healthy, he will be mentioned in the next tier after George Brett.
4) Power. Let’s face it, the Brewers didn’t pitch that well last year. Their team ERA of 3.91 was better than only the Twins and Mariners in the American League. So why did they win more games than any other team in the AL East last season? Offense. More specifically, the ability to hit the home run ball and score a ton of runs. They were second to only the prolific Red Sox in runs scored and slugging percentage a year ago, and fourth in home runs. Robin Yount is showing more power with each passing season. Ben Oglivie and Gorman Thomas are both capable of winning the home run title. Cecil Cooper should hit close to 30. Ted Simmons is ready to rebound. This team is scary offensively.
5) Timing. In baseball, you are often at the mercy of timing. The Red Sox had Ted Williams, but never the surrounding cast to get him a World Series. The Brewers in 1982 have all of the pieces, and they are players who are all at the right stages of their careers to win. Rollie Fingers, Larry Hisle and Don Money are the only players who are or will turn 35 this season. Two of the team’s youngest players (Robin Yount and Paul Molitor) are veterans of this game. Molitor, 25, is in his fifth season. Yount, 26, is in his ninth. The Brewers aren’t relying on a single rookie to make a significant contribution. The closest is Mark Brouhard, in his third season, who will likely start the majority of games in right field. This team is neither too young nor too old. They are experienced, yet still in their prime.
This team is ready.