So Brewers fans, which downer should we talk about – the Brewers’ track record on nationally televised games, or how its stars fare following landing a huge contract? Let’s start by clarifying that expectations for the Crew this year vary; some think the team’s holes from last year have been filled, while others think there are still too many areas of concern for the team to make the playoffs.
Regardless of predictions for the year, I bet all Brewers fans were stoked on Opening Day, high on the hopes that a fresh season brings. Starting the series against three post season favorites – Rockies, Cardinals and Cubs – was daunting, but also an opportunity to build confidence early and get some qualities wins on the record, especially against division rivals.
And heck, to do it on Fox Saturday baseball on a gorgeous afternoon at Miller Park would be . . . a dream. Just like it was last year. Aaaand the year before that. The Brewers don’t have many chances to show the country its talent – mostly because there wasn’t much of that recently. But during the past three years or so, when the Attanasio era was in full swing with Braun, Fielder and Co., the Brewers are woeful in nationally televised games. Oh, well, maybe it’s better to fly under the radar, right? We’ll get back to that in a bit.
Another disconcerting trend continued this weekend is the flop of a big-money signing. First there was Derek Turnbow, a little-known closer who, after a grand coming out party in 2005 and landed a three-year $6.5 million contract . . . only to struggle following his All-Star Game appearance in 2006 until being sent to the minors in ’08. Then the Crew landed Jeff Suppan, who at the time seemed to solidify the pitching ranks instantly. After the gigantic four-year, $42 million deal was signed, Soup never really blossomed into the all-star the team and its fans expected.
Certainly, one outing does not a season make. In the same way, the first weekend of the year won’t determine its direction for any team. Sunday night, in fact, the Brewers eked out a close win against the Cards on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Hopefully the Crew can build some consistency and momentum during the season. And hopefully Milwaukee – team and fans included – can sustain the excitement we felt leading up to Opening Day through September to buy some quality wins . . . and not bust in October.
Regardless of predictions for the year, I bet all Brewers fans were stoked on Opening Day, high on the hopes that a fresh season brings. Starting the series against three post season favorites – Rockies, Cardinals and Cubs – was daunting, but also an opportunity to build confidence early and get some qualities wins on the record, especially against division rivals.
And heck, to do it on Fox Saturday baseball on a gorgeous afternoon at Miller Park would be . . . a dream. Just like it was last year. Aaaand the year before that. The Brewers don’t have many chances to show the country its talent – mostly because there wasn’t much of that recently. But during the past three years or so, when the Attanasio era was in full swing with Braun, Fielder and Co., the Brewers are woeful in nationally televised games. Oh, well, maybe it’s better to fly under the radar, right? We’ll get back to that in a bit.
Another disconcerting trend continued this weekend is the flop of a big-money signing. First there was Derek Turnbow, a little-known closer who, after a grand coming out party in 2005 and landed a three-year $6.5 million contract . . . only to struggle following his All-Star Game appearance in 2006 until being sent to the minors in ’08. Then the Crew landed Jeff Suppan, who at the time seemed to solidify the pitching ranks instantly. After the gigantic four-year, $42 million deal was signed, Soup never really blossomed into the all-star the team and its fans expected.
Certainly, one outing does not a season make. In the same way, the first weekend of the year won’t determine its direction for any team. Sunday night, in fact, the Brewers eked out a close win against the Cards on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Hopefully the Crew can build some consistency and momentum during the season. And hopefully Milwaukee – team and fans included – can sustain the excitement we felt leading up to Opening Day through September to buy some quality wins . . . and not bust in October.
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I watched that Sunday Night game and was happy we could play well with the country watching. Is it me, or are we cursed when it comes to nationally televised games?
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