By know, you already know how the 2008 Brewers season came to an end. On Saturday night, the team showed they still had a little bit of gas left in the tank by beating the Phillies 4-1. On Sunday afternoon, the season concluded with a 6-2 loss. J.J. Hardy earned our Player of the Game for Saturday, while Gallardo's relief efforts earned him the nod for Game Four.
When it comes down to it, the Brewers had one hell of a year, but they just didn't have anything left. Some guys, like Corey Hart, burned out a long time ago. Others, like Hardy and Braun, tried to keep the candle burning. A late home run by Prince Fielder will make people forget how unclutch he was in the posteason, while I don't believe any one will ever buy a Jeff Suppan jersey again.
Despite making the playoffs and getting a postseason victory for the first time in 26 years, there are going to be a lot of questions as we head in 2009. Will Dale Sveum be welcomed back to manage this team? (I say it's 50/50.) Will we see another overhaul of the bullpen? (Likely, although they did well in the playoffs.) Do the Brewers have a chance at CC Sabathia? (I'm almost optimistic this can happen.)
We can address those at a later date. Because right now, I want to take the chance to talk about how cool the MLB Playoffs are. Somehow, I lucked into a ticket opportunity where I was going to be able to go to every home game. I'm still not sure what I will do with my unused NLCS and World Series tickets, but I'm not throwing those away anytime soon.
I'm a 24 year old guy, so Brewers and playoffs have never happened in my entire life. I took every opportunity to soak it all in, and Saturday was one of the most fun times I've ever had at a sporting event, if not the most. The place was just electric, especially in that first inning. I have never been at a place as loud as Miller Park was to start Game Three.
Throughout the entire game on both Saturday and Sunday, the crowd was basically on the edge of their seat waiting for any moment to explode. Fans were focused on every pitch like it was the last one, and I couldn't imagine if it was like that every game. On all levels, watching playoff baseball at Miller Park is a completely different experience than watching a regular season game.
After the Brewers won on Saturday, that city partied like they had just won the World Series. My group sat in the parking lot for another two hours after the game, just partying and chatting it up with anyone we could find. If you walked by two idiots yelling "DODGERS 2, CUBBIES 0 IN THE THIRD INNING" after the game, well then you and I unintentionally met the other night.
What I'm trying to say is that watching the Brewers in the playoffs, at Miller Park, was an experience that surpassed my expectations. I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure that I'm always in attendance should they make the postseason again, because it's just such as unique and amazing happening.
I just hope I don't have to wait another 26 years.
Because I don't feel like waiting until I'm 50.
5 comments:
I forgot to mention the odd scene of the Phillies celebrating their NLCS berth while the Brewers were receiving a standing ovation for their season.
The Brewers need to go out and get an ace for next season or we could be in trouble. We're going to free up alot of money when we dont resign gagne, sheets or cc. I hope we trade prince for a good pitcher. (matt cain would be nice)
The Brewers need to take a serious look at Jake Peavy. The Padres have made it clear that they are slashing payroll & Peavy has made it clear that he wants to play for a contender. The guy is locked into a 4 year deal worth $50 million with a club option for a fifth year. Sure the Crew would have to give up some talent to get Peavy, but he'd be locked up a heck of a lot longer than 3 months.
Better that than having CC take up 25% of payroll.
When I called into ESPN's Heller & Murphy (Madison 1070) with this idea they shot it down & said we'd have to give up too much, then went on to say they thought ERIK BEDARD would be a decent option. I almost wanted to throw up.
BTW the last week was pretty great stuff for the Crew & I'm glad my family, friends & I got to be part of it. We got to the entire Cubs series & I took my best friend to Game 3 & my dad to Game 4. It made me so happy to see my old man happy ... man, did he have to suffer through a ton of lousy seasons ... taking him Sunday was the least I could do to "cleanse his palate". Thanks Brewers for all the great memories!!!
Yes, a lot of payroll will be freed up with some of these contracts coming off the payroll....
...but also keep in mind that a lot of the younger players' salaries will increase substantially next year and the coming few seasons as they enter arbitration years.
There needs to be millions accounted toward keeping them, if they are kept. Can't forget that.
Who would you be prepared to give up for Peavy? It would need to start with Mat Gamel and Alcides Escobar, plus more, or else it ain't happening. It will be expensive.
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