Crew sweeps Cubs, then welcomes back an old friend

Sweeping the Cubs has become much more common as of late, not just for the Brewers but for most of the National League.  A team that just a few short seasons ago, won the NL Central in back to back seasons, has now fallen into complete disarray.  The Brewers had to have this series, and the pitching really helped them get it done.  It’s hard to imagine another team playing Brewers baseball on the road, but the Cubs were only able to muster up 4 runs in the three game series.  If I did not know any better, I would think that the Cubs were stealing our road strategy.

Rickie Weeks is a luxury this team can not afford any more (it’s just a turn of phrase, they signed him in the off-season).  After his “severe ankle sprain” in last night’s game, the Brewer wasted no time in re-acquiring Felipe Lopez.  Some of you may remember his time with the Brewers in the back end of the 2009 season.  At the time he was a great player who just needed a place to call home, sadly it just never worked out for him.  The Brewers picked him up off of the Rays Triple-A squad for $50 and a sack of marbles (I have no evidence to support that this was the trade value, but I am probably not that far off).  During Felipe’s brief stay in Milwaukee, he was very good.  Lopez hit well over .300 and was a very serviceable middle infielder.  Since then, his career has gone the way of Old Yeller.

I think Colin put it best yesterday, so I will leave my thoughts on Weeks’ injury at that.  It is bad, but not the end of the world.  However, he is expected to be out 3-6 weeks.  According to the frog calendar in my office, that means he will miss all of August and half of Spetember.  The timing could not possibly have been worse.

John Axford successfully closed every single game of this Cubs series…so much for the “sharing closers” idea.  I never really thought that idea made any sense.  Axford has come on as one of the best closers in the game, so the thought of letting someone else do it in his place, is not something I am a fan of.  After Wednesday’s win, John now holds the all-time Brewers record for most consecutive saves.  We here at RtB are elated that our pal John Axford has carved his name into the Brewers history keg.

In much more pathetic historical news.  Craig Counsell went 0-for-3 today, making his current hitless draught the longest in Brewers history.  Congrats Craig, there is still time to retire and ride off into the sunset on your own terms.  You may remember me recomending that a few months back… no, well I did.  Time to hang up the spikes big guy…err little guy.

     Do you love minor league baseball chatter?  If so, you need to check out Fansided’s newest joint Seedlings to Stars.  Lead Writer Nathaniel Stoltz, wrote a terrific article yesterday about the K. Davis boys (Khris and Kentrail).  Please go over and check it out here.  These are two young outfielders who could be future stars, or end up as trade bait.  Either way Nathaniel does a nice job looking at what makes them special.  Check it out. 

     I am thrilled about the sweep, but I am even more thrilled about the ump who blew the tag call in that Pirates/Braves game on Tuesday.  If you have no idea what I am talking about, this is the best article to check out.  This article comes complete with video.  Part of me feels bad for the Pirates, because these are the types of play that can really destroy a hot streak.  However, the timing could not be any better for the Brewers.  This blown call could go down in Pirates lore as the turning point of this season. 

Well, since there is no game tonight, I encourage you all to watch ‘Wipeout’ on ABC tonight.  Not because I am receiving some sort of kick back from ABC, but because my old college buddy Patrick will be a contestant on tonight’s show.  Be sure and check it out if you are sitting at home wishing that Brewers baseball was on.

Until tomorrow.  Go Brewers!!