Five Things I Know I Think

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers have the best record in baseball and are the first team to reach 20 victories in 2014. Isn’t life great?

Even though the Brewers are beating down opponents more often than Arnold Schwarzenegger in any move ever, they still have some problems that need to be looked at. Their bullpen has already been overused, although dominant, and the offense continues to shy away from walks.

But the Brewers are still winning. And that’s all that matters.

Let’s take a look at the five things I know I think.

1. I think manager Ron Roenicke needs to use Wei-Chung Wang more. Through 27 games, Wang has only made three appearances. He’s essentially just taking up a roster spot right now, and the Brewers can’t send him down without offering him back to the Pittsburgh Pirates first. Eventually, Roenicke will need to throw Wang in there to give his other relievers some relief — no pun intended.

2. I think the Brewers should stay away from Kendrys Morales. Earlier this month, Andrew wrote about how the Brewers were scouting the first baseman and how if they were to sign him, they’d most likely wait until June. This would be a mistake. Incumbent first baseman Lyle Overbay and Mark Reynolds are getting the job done both offensively and defensively. Why alter something that’s working? Morales will just cost the Crew more money.

3. I think general manager Doug Melvin should begin to consider signing Francisco Rodriguez to an extension. K-Rod will be a free agent after this season, and if he continues to pitch the way he has been, multiple teams will come calling. The Brewers should make a move if they believe his success is the real deal. Rodriguez is only 32, although it seems he’s been pitching since the Dead Ball Era. He’s a proven closer, loves Milwaukee and won’t demand too much money. It’s something to think about.

4. I think Tyrone Taylor is going to be an exciting player. The 20-year-old hit for the cycle in his first four at-bats last night and is currently hitting .263 with three home runs for Class A Brevard County Manatees. We ranked him as the Brewers’ No. 2 prospect as did MLB.com. He can be an above-average outfielder for the Brewers if he can stay healthy.

5. I think Matt Garza‘s presence and Kyle Lohse‘s vocal leadership has completely changed the Brewers’ rotation. Garza is the type of guy who likes to fool around and have fun, but when it comes to business, he’s dead serious. I think he’s allowed Yovani Gallardo to loosen up, which is why Gallardo is pitching like an ace again. Coming into the season, Lohse said he wanted to become more of a vocal leader and help the less experienced guys in the rotation. And from the way Marco Estrada and Wily Peralta are pitching, it’s apparent it’s working.