Milwaukee Brewers: Is Eric Sogard the X-factor on offense?

With a 5 1/2 game lead now cut down to one in the span of a week, some feel that the Milwaukee Brewers are showing signs of 2014.  Can the return of second baseman Eric Sogard help avoid a meltdown?

The Milwaukee Brewers have just been swept in Pittsburgh to the red-hot Pirates. They have also dropped the first game of their series with the Phillies.  To be fair, the pitching of the Phillies ace Aaron Nola was a huge factor in the Brewers loss. Nola had an excellent game.

Needless to say, if you have been watching the last six games, you can clearly see that there is something not right with the Brewers. It could be due to fatigue, or it could be because they are now starting to feel the pressure of the pennant race. Maybe it is due to the injuries that the team has suffered recently?

There is an easier solution than most would even consider.

Is Eric Sogard what this offense has been missing?

The same Eric Sogard who owns a career slash line of .248/.311/.331 could not possibly be the answer. In his time with the Brewers though, Sogard has slashed .331/.438/.485. He has tickled three homeruns over the fence and driven in 14 runs in 43 games played.

Those numbers do not jump out by any means, but compared to what current lead off man Jonathan Villar is doing, Sogard is an improvement.  Villar is batting .222/.284/.347 with eight homeruns and 30 RBIs. However, he has played in 79 games. Those numbers are clearly hurting the Milwaukee Brewers offense.

Once the Brewers get their leadoff man back tomorrow you can hopefully bank on a win. It is not just the numbers of Sogard that make him valuable. His personality also makes a difference. He always seems to have a smile on his face even if the team is behind.

Next: Should The Brewers Deal For Sonny Gray?

This could be a bit of a stretch, but the Milwaukee Brewers need a spark. Getting Sogard back could be the fuse that ignites another long winning streak for the still-in-first Milwaukee Brewers.