Milwaukee Brewers: 5 Positives of the First Half

Not everything has been terrible for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015. Though they are one of the worst team’s in the league right now, there have been some highlights on the field in Milwaukee this season. Here are the five biggest bright spots in a sad season in Milwaukee.

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1. Taylor Jungmann‘s Start

When Jungmann was drafted he was supposed to be great and in his first seven starts, he has been excellent. Not only was he able to record the team’s only complete game in the first half, but he has also been able to keep the Brewers in every start he has made (even though he has battled some of the league’s best starting pitchers in many of his starts).

I don’t expect him to be a front of the rotation starter and dominate his whole career, but Jungmann’s awesome start and improved command is showing that he may have what it takes to be a middle of the rotation arm for the foreseeable future.

2. Gerardo Parra‘s Outfield Presence

Before the season began, I saw Gerardo Parra as simply an above-average fourth outfielder who wasn’t quite good enough at the plate to see everyday at-bats. But through the first half of the season he has proved otherwise. Not only was he able to earn a spot in the lineup, but he has played like a team MVP. Through 87 games, Parra is batting .309 with nine home runs and 29 RBI’s. This has both helped the offense and also raised his continually growing trade value.

3. Adam Lind‘s Bat at First

After years of the first base position being a joke in Milwaukee, Lind has helped to solidify the spot. By remaining healthy, Lind has preformed as one of the top first basemen in the National League. He has 15 home runs and a .292 batting average. Without his bat, this team would be in an even bigger hole than they are already in.

4. Ryan Braun‘s Health

Heading into the season, Braun’s health was one of the biggest concerns. Last year he played hurt and it showed. Coming off of a career worst season, Braun has rebounded nicely. Batting .275 with 16 home runs, Braun has gone from a question mark to an all-star again.

5. K-Rod’s Dominance

I had big doubts when the Brewers again brought K-Rod back, but he has been nearly perfect. He is 19 for 19 in saves with a 1.41 ERA and an awesome 0.875 WHIP. Coming off a year where he allowed 18 home run, he has surrendered just two throughout the entire first half.

Next: Ryan Braun Earns Spot on All-Star Team