Reviewing the Brew » brandon phillips

Series Six Pack: Brewers Seeing Red Again

Benjamin Orr — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:00:25 +0000

Well, the good news is at least we’re back at home. The bad news is we have to play the Cincinnati Reds (66-42). The Milwaukee Brewers (48-59) have turned from possible contenders to now playing spoilers. It’s the best we can manage for our buddies of the NL Central, right? This is a series that I believe really is more so for the Reds to try and win if they want to expand their lead in the NL Central. However, I do not count out the Brewers because come on, who doesn’t like an underdog? The Brewers have gone 2-7 against the Reds this year and I’m hoping we can turn it around a little bit, just to show everyone we’re not that dead. This series is a short home stand for the Brewers, who then will go on a six-game road trip after Wednesday’s game concludes. (more…)

Previewing the Brewers-Reds Series #2

Benjamin Orr — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:00:50 +0000

Tonight will mark the Milwaukee Brewers‘ (33-39) second series of the season with the Cincinnati Reds (39-32). We lost the previous series against the Reds back in May, only winning one game in that three game series. Since May, the Reds have continued be red hot while the Brewers’ struggles have not faded at all. This time the Reds will be heavily favored again, especially since this series takes place at the Great American Ball Park in Cincy. Tonight’s match-up will see the Brewers’ Yovani Gallardo (6-5, 4.22 ERA) against the Reds’ Mat Latos (5-2, 5.20 ERA). The Brewers have struggled all season with division games and this series isn’t any easier. The Reds have been in first or at least tied for first for a good portion of the season so this is a series they must win to fend off the surging Pittsburgh Pirates. On the other hand, the Brewers must win, if not sweep, this series in order to keep their hopes up for the rest of the 2012 season.

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Recap on Tap: Reds 2, Brewers 1

Benjamin Orr — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:54:44 +0000

What's going on John? Mandatory Credit: ©Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Okay yeah, I’m about two days late, but life’s been crazy. So before tonight’s game, which starts a new series, let’s go over our past game with the Reds shall we? Simply put, it was an absolute pitchers duel. There really can’t be worse feeling for either pitcher, Zack Greinke especially, in knowing you pitced one of the best games you’ve pitched in awhile and still getting a no decision. Well hey, on the positive side of it, at least it wasn’t a loss! Johnny Cueto pitched extremely well for the Reds as well. As always, our problems came within our bullpen. John Axford not only got his second loss of the season (with a 5.59 ERA now) but also gave up the two runs that would lead Cincinatti to victory. Ryan Braun did hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth off of Sean Marshall, but that wasn’t enough as the Brew Crew lost 2-1. Now, let’s examine this game.

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Braun and Fielder each win Silver Slugger Awards

Lou Olsen — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:54:24 +0000

On Wednesday night, the MLB gave out the Silver Slugger Award. This award is given to the top offensive player at each respective position. Last year Ryan Braun and Yovani Gallardo each took one home. This year it was the Beast Mode Brothers, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.

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Brewers Only Nab 1 Gold Glove Nominee…and no one is surprised

Lou Olsen — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:14:11 +0000

Not only should you not be surprised that the Brewers defense was not on the minds of all Gold Glove voters, but you should also not be surprised that it is Ryan Braun. It’s a two-for one deal on lack of surprise gum (there’s no gum). Ryan Braun, very quietly, had an almost flawless season [...]

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FanSided NL Player of the Year: Matt Kemp

Lou Olsen — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:37:58 +0000

It is hard to argue with the man that FanSided writers named the NL Player of the Year. While it is not the person we as Brewers fans would like it to be, it is hard to be disappointed by the outcome.

Matt Kemp was one of the best players in baseball this season, hands down. I can not even remember the last time we were legitimately talking about a guy walking away with the Triple Crown in the middle of September. Kemp finished first in the league in home runs (39) and RBI’s (126), Kemp missed out on the oh so elusive award by ending the season 13 points behind Jose Reyes in batting average.

What I want everyone to keep in mind as they read this, Braun and Prince were certainly not shafted by the FanSided universe. Credit is given where credit is due. The members of the FanSided family are just and true. Here is the list:

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Brewers Buy or Sell: Blog Red Machine

Lou Olsen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:00:43 +0000

This Weeks Guest:

John Heitz:

John is a contributor for the Fansided joint, Blog Red Machine. John currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA. Blog Red Machine provides amazing baseball insight, as it pertains to the Cincinnati Reds. John also writes a recurring column about a statistic he created to evaluate bullpen success. He happens to be a Dayton Dragons (Reds single-A affiliate and new record holders of most consecutive sell-outs in all of pro sports) super-fan as well. Please keep in mind these were bought and sold on Friday, so John had no way of knowing the outcome of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s games. Alot has changed since then.

The way this works is simple. I make 4 realistic statements about the Brewers. John tells me if he is “buying” it or “selling” it. Then he has to defend himself. If it was just a True or False test, then what would be the point.

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Milwaukee Brewers and the Small Market All-Stars

Colin Bennett — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:45:25 +0000

Time is running out on the All-Star Ballot before the Midsummer Classic in Phoenix this year, and for some reason I have only voted 75 times. I can only help but think that if I created 12,000 new e-mail addresses, Prince and Rickie would be starters in the All-Star game. As it sits now, those two – plus Lucroy – are on the outside looking in when it comes to their respective positions.

What remains so frustrating about this is what we in Milwaukee actually take pride in: being a successful small market team.

We're the three best friends that anyone could have! (photo from foxsportswisconsin.com)

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Joey Votto ruined my Dad’s birthday…A true story

Lou Olsen — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:48:47 +0000

You better not ruin my birthday Votto...I'm watching you.

It was my Dad’s birthday today. Most of you probably do not care, but it is a pretty important part of this mini-article. If you saw the title and were expecting me to talk about something else, you are going to be disappointed. This article is about a certain Reds player, who shall remain named, ruining a very pleasant day for a very special man.

Quick Game Synopsis: Shaun Marcum was great. Kameron Loe gave up a game winning 2-run homer to Joey Votto in the bottom of the 8th. And then I puked. Brewers lose 4-3.

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Opening Day is Here!!!! Reds and Brewers Series Preview

Lou Olsen — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:38:40 +0000

In honor of the holiest of all baseball days, I slaved tirelessly with Steve Engbloom, head writer of Blog Red Machine ,to put together a series preview for everyone. I would like to take this moment to thank Steve for working on this with me, I had a great time putting it together. We had so many ideas, but eventually we had to narrow them down just a little bit. In this article you will find a game-by-game pitching breakdown, “6 pack of Brew’s” interview with Steve, and finally a who’s Hot/Cold section. Our goal in putting together this super article was to give our reader’s a special opening day gift. I hope that you all enjoy the fruit of our exhausting labor. Happy Opening Day Brewskies and Brewskettes!!!!!!

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