Milwaukee Brewers: How realistic is the second Wild Card?

The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped the first two games of their four-game set with the Cubs. Both games went into extras and both games ended with the Cubs high-fiving instead of the Brew Crew. The NL Central title essentially belongs to Chicago at this point. Can the Brewers secure the second Wild Card?

The last time the Milwaukee Brewers won the National League Wild Card CC Sabathia wore blue and gold. Since then, Major League baseball added a second Wild Card in 2012, and now the post-season is within reach for 10 teams every year. The 2017 Brewers are still in the mix, but can they catch the Rockies with only eight games left on the schedule?

What happened to the NL Central crown?

The Cubs happened. After sleep-walking through the first half with a 43-45 record, the Cubs woke up. Since the All-Star Break, Chicago has a 43-22 record. They quickly pushed the Brewers out of the top spot, and now have the division essentially wrapped up.

The Brewers elimination number sits at four. Even if the Brewers win all eight of their final games, the Cubs would have to lose at least six of their last nine just to force a tie. It’s not impossible, but this scenario appears unlikely right now.

How close are the Brewers to the second Wild Card?

While the Brewers are still chasing instead of leading, the second Wild Card is a much more realistic option at this point. However, let’s not forget that the St. Louis Cardinals are ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers in the race for the second Wild Card, too. The Brewers are two games in back of the Rockies, and both teams have eight games left. Simply put, the Brew Crew needs to win two more of their final eight games than the Rockies. If the Brewers win six out of eight, Colorado has to lose at least four to force a tie.

Next: Is there an overlooked aspect of the Brewers pennant chase?

The Milwaukee Brewers currently have 81 wins. One more victory, and they have a winning season. Few predicted that the Brewers would reach 81 wins in the spring. This season was meant to be a rebuilding year. Instead of rebuilding, the Brewers fought for a division title and appear to have lost. While it sucks to lose, this team was never supposed to happen. September was when the next wave of prospects would arrive. The prospects are still on their way, but now they’re coming to a team capable of fighting for a playoff spot.