Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

What an incredible week for the Brewers. Milwaukee went 6-0, sweeping the mighty Dodgers in the process, got some remarkable all-star news and won twice via walk-off. Host JR Radcliffe and Brewers reporter Curt Hogg discuss the shocking news of Jacob Misiorowski getting added to the all-star team (coincidentally after dominating the Dodgers?), the news that Trevor Megill is headed to Atlanta for the showcase as well and another strong start from Brandon Woodruff. Now 16 games above .500, the Brewers hit the all-star break on a high. Plus: Andrew Vaughn arrives in a huge way, Pat Murphy's decision to openly bench Joey Ortiz, Sal Frelick's injury and walk-off winners from Jackson Chourio and Caleb Durbin.

In Three Up, Three Down (40:30), they talk Jesús Made in the Futures Game, Andruw Monasterio's heads-up baserunning, last year's No. 1 pick having a moment and ... Adrian Houser? In Remembrew When (54:30), JR revisits another week that could be considered the greatest in franchise lore, and Curt Blanche (1:00:15) tackles one component of All-Star Weekend.

Then, JR interviews two Brewers players, including Andrew Vaughn (1:05:15), who had a sensational first week in Milwaukee with a home run in his first at-bat and game-tying hits in eventual walk-off wins twice. He also chats with Anthony Seigler (1:10:15), another newcomer who has the unique distinction of being able to throw with either hand.
Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Brandon Woodruff returned to a big-league mound for the first time in more than 1.5 seasons, and the early returns were excellent. His winning showing against Miami capped a 3-3 road trip as Milwaukee heads into the final week before the all-star break. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss that outing, the first shaky performance from Jacob Misiorowski (and levels of concern), all-star Freddy Peralta, what's next for Chad Patrick and the injury to Rhys Hoskins bringing about the dawn of the Andrew Vaughn era.

In Three Up Three Down (42:30), they discuss a chilly reaction between a pitcher and infielder, the team's trouble stealing bases, and the continued struggles of William Contreras. In Remembrew When (1:04:15), JR revisits an iconic Woodruff moment. Curt Blanche takes aim at a holiday staple (1:09:45).

Then, JR catches up with infield coach Matt Erickson (1:14:45), one of the few Wisconsinites on the Brewers' Major League staff. He talks about his unique big-league career and his time as long-tenured Timber Rattlers manager in his Appleton hometown.

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The Brewers are sitting in a playoff spot and just two games out of first place in the National League Central, even after a gut-punch loss Sunday. That's because the team won four of its other five games during the week, continuing a trend of red-hot Brewers baseball. Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak catches up with host JR Radcliffe about the past week (after our regularly-scheduled episode focused on the minors). They discuss Miz vs. Skenes, Joey Ortiz back in a groove, Anthony Seigler, bullpen concerns, the pending return of Brandon Woodruff, Quinn Priester on absolute fire and who might be the team's All-Star.

In this special episode of Microbrew, Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe take a deep dive into the Brewers farm system, a talent-rich territory that Curt recently profiled with his prospect rankings at jsonline.com. They discuss the top tier stars Jesús Made and Luis Peña. What makes them special, and is 18 years old too early to identify greatness? They discuss the next tier of players (Cooper Pratt, Jeferson Quero), the controversial prospects who could go either way (Braylon Payne, Brock Wilken, Eric Bitonti) and the players who could potentially help the Brewers this season (Anthony Siegler). Does the pitching dry up after Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson? What about the new names to know, like Brailyn Antunez? Who aren't we talking about enough?

Then, JR has interviews with three players discussed, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers players Bishop Letson, Blake Burke and Marco Dinges. They discuss their baseball journeys and Dinges and Burke re-live an epic College World Series against each other just last year.

We'll be back next week with our regular week-in-review of the big-league Brewers.

Jacob Misiorowski was asked on last week's podcast what he could do for an encore to his great debut, and he mused, "Six innings, no-hit?" Well, guess what? Misiorowski was even better the second time around, working six perfect innings in a productive week of road baseball for the Brewers, which also included some offensive fireworks. Host JR Radcliffe is joined by special guest Spencer Michaelis to discuss the majority of the week, which including a narrow win at Wrigley and a series win at Target Field. What does the new Garrett Mitchell injury mean for this team (and specifically hot-hitting Isaac Collins)? What's a good timeline for Brandon Woodruff? What are some of the craziest components of Misiorowski's six perfect innings to open in Minnesota?

In Three Up Three Down (42:15), a fan climbs the net for a bat, a bad call turns favorable and a Miz stat that really pops. In Remembrew When (1:02:15), we don't go back very far to find the last time a player drove in eight runs in a game, like Christian Yelich did Friday. Finally, the take of the week (1:06:15) explores an error in Major League Baseball's statkeeping.

Then, JR chats with relief pitcher Rob Zastryzny (1:16:15) on his unusual upbringing (born in Edmonton, Canada, and grew up in Texas), the lack of run support at Missouri, winning a ring with the Cubs in 2016, his circuitous journey back to Milwaukee and more.

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

An eventful week of Brewers baseball included a 4-3 record, including a thrilling debut for top prospect Jacob Misiorowski, who worked five no-hit innings in a 6-0 win. His arrival also meant an abrupt departure for Aaron Civale, traded to the White Sox after expressing dissatisfaction with his move to the bullpen. Plus: The Brewers may have just been right about Quinn Priester. The confusing nature of Freddy Peralta. The continued struggles of Joey Ortiz. An offense that still needs a spark.

In Three Up Three Down (47:00), there's some tension in a battle with the Cardinals, Sal Frelick's screamer and Abner Uribe continues to shine. In Remembrew When (1:03:30), a look back to the 1980s and perhaps the buzziest pitching debut in franchise history. Curt Blanche (1:08:00) tackles a popular food item.

Then, JR sits down with Jacob Misiorowski himself (1:15:15), talking his memories growing up watching the Royals, Miz the wrestler, the Futures Game, draft night and how he tops that first outing.

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The offense endures a quiet weekend against San Diego, resulting in three shutouts and a consistent trend of a team that struggles to slug the baseball. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at how this team needs to improve; do they need to move in a different direction at shortstop? Third base? Plus: What's the latest in the long-gestating return of Brandon Woodruff after a freak setback during a rehab outing? Are we closer to Jacob Misiorowski arriving? Can Chad Patrick really win National League Rookie of the Year? When will Nestor Cortes return? Why doesn't Pat Murphy trust Aaron Ashby?

Three Up Three Down (45:15) ponders Tyrese Haliburton, Wade Miley, a giant emu and JR's teenage son foreseeing a Caleb Durbin walk-off homer (and letting his father hear about it). Remembrew When looks back at 2013 when the tables were turned between the Reds and Brewers on a game-winning home-run theft (1:05:30) and Curt Blanche checks in on curious choices made by the Brewers in the pinch-running department (1:09:15).

Then, JR catches up with the man of the hour, Caleb Durbin (1:15:30), discussing his Illinois roots, his time with fellow speed demons with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, his wrestling background, the intense academic standards required to play for his DIII baseball program and his recent success.

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The Milwaukee Brewers came into the week having not swept any series this year, and now they've swept them back-to-back. Including two walk-off wins, an eight-run inning, a series of strong individual hitting performances, Milwaukee took down Boston at home and then cleaned up against the best team in the National League, Philadelphia. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe discuss how real it is, the somewhat concerning injury to Christian Yelich, the decision to cut ties with Tyler Alexander, the back-to-back rough starts from Freddy Peralta, the excellence of Rhys Hoskins and the ascendance of Caleb Durbin.

In Three Up Three Down (25:00), they discuss big Sal Frelick moments, Chad Patrick and Quinn Priester and the walk-off grand slam by Yelich. Remembrew When looks back at another memorable walk-off granny (40:10) against Boston and Todd's Take of the Week looks at the big homestand ahead (46:15).

Then, JR sits down with Brewers reliever Abner Uribe (49:30), discussing his origins with the Brewers, his celebrations and more. That's followed by a conversation with USA TODAY sports columnist Bob Nightengale (55:15) to discuss the viability of Brewers owner Mark Attansio as a candidate for baseball commissioner, looming labor strife in the league and how the Brewers are regarded nationally.

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

Memorial Day is typically the time when you can throw out the "it's early" caveats, and thus far ... the Brewers don't look the part of a playoff team, even after a 4-3 week. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe examine whether or not the team's struggling bats turned a corner this week in Pittsburgh, but much of the discussion focuses on Pat Murphy's deployment of his bullpen arms and how that's holding back the team's ability to win games. Brandon Woodruff is still working through his rehab, Jacob Misiorowski is still in Nashville and was this a Caleb Durbin breakthrough?

In Three Up, Three Down (43:40), they talk Brice Turang's defense, Rhys Hoskins' dance moves and huge performances from Logan Henderson and Carlos Rodriguez. Remember When (1:03:00) goes waaay back for a Milwaukee connection to Pete Rose's reinstatement. Curt Blanche (1:12:00) is ready for a tweak to roster rules.

Then, JR sits down with Brewers utility man Isaac Collins (1:17:30) to discuss his Minnesota roots and his former high-school teammate, eventual Wisconsin Badgers basketball standout Brad Davison. Plus, how sweet was his first big-league hit against the team that drafted him?

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.

The Brewers' offensive doldrums continued with four shutout losses in a stretch of five games and a brutal week of baseball, albeit one that ended with a win over red-hot Minnesota. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe look at all the areas the offense has floundered this year, starting with the left side of the infield. Christian Yelich is having his worst offensive season. Jackson Chourio is up and down (he was up on Sunday with a crazy homer-saving catch). William Contreras is laboring. How are they going to get out of this? At least the pitching has been strong, despite injury setbacks for Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana. Jacob Misiorowski is dominating and ready for promotion.

In Three Up Three Down (34:30), a couple intriguing under-the-radar roster moves, a cribbage board and team meetings, Remembrew When looks back at one of the greatest games in stadium history (1:00:45) and Todd's Take of the Week examines a week ahead against lesser competition ... is this already a do-or-die week for the Brewers? (1:04:30).

Then, JR is joined by another exciting rookie, Logan Henderson, who's been excellent in two starts. They discuss his late-blooming and injury-obstructed rise to the big leagues, the impact of Hurricane Harvey in his life and his Nickelodeon namesake, plus his scouting report on longtime teammate Misiorowski (1:07:30).

Music intro from bensound.com. Musical cues (in order): "I Got What You Want" (Extended Version) by Gloria Tells, "Arriving at Dusk" by American Legion and "Screaming Fool" by Andreas Dahlback, all from www.epidemicsound.com.