Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

The Milwaukee Brewers made a stunning maneuver Aug. 1, trading star reliever Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres for four players. Host JR Radcliffe and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg take a quick reaction to the news. Why now, in the throes of a pennant race? Which player is key to the return? How does the Brewers bullpen look now? 

Then, JR plays his interview with Doug Melvin (20:00) looking back at the trade to get Hader in 2015, a multi-layered transaction that included a player crying on the field, an airplane tweet, a downtown Milwaukee dinner gone wrong, a no-hitter and a cheating scandal. 

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe throw out a bunch of names -- some more seriously than others -- with the trade deadline right around the corner. Will the Milwaukee Brewers make a move? Does it change anything now that Freddy Peralta's health outlook has taken a positive turn and the offense has found a groove? Among the topics: Christian Yelich truly seems to have discovered something atop the lineup, Hunter Renfroe on fire, Devin Williams and his scoreless streak, Kolten Wong's shaky defense, Jackson Chourio arriving in Wisconsin and the players Milwaukee could conceivably offer in a trade.

Then, JR chats with Mike Caldwell (51:00), who won two World Series games for the 1982 Brewers, a team commemorating its 40th anniversary at American Family Field on Friday. Caldwell discusses his recollections from that season, his stellar 1978 campaign, an unforgettable 1979 brawl and his reputation as a Yankee Killer.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers started the second half with some drama and some injury news, but also three wins over Colorado. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe take a look at the offensive outpouring. It's a mixed bag for Josh Hader after his late first-half struggles. Aaron Ashby signs a long-term deal. The impact of Jace Peterson's injury. Can Luis Urías step into the void or is an upgrade needed? Star prospect Jackson Chourio is headed to Appleton.

Then, JR chats with Rickie Weeks (33:30), a player development assistant better known as a former all-star second baseman. They chat about his new gig, memories during his playing days and especially about his good friend Prince Fielder, who's about to join the Brewers Walk of Fame.

JR also chats with Stephen Watson (52:15), the newest part of the Bally Sports Wisconsin team about his Philadelphia roots, his journey that brought him first to Madison and the new role with pregame and postgame shows.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers' first half came to a close with a whimper, and podcast host JR Radcliffe is freaking out a little alongside Brewers reporter Curt Hogg. They discuss a brutal week for closer Josh Hader (2:30), the absurdity of a consequential balk call in San Francisco (10:10), how Milwaukee could realistically pursue Nationals star Juan Soto (20:00), the demotion of Keston Hiura (29:30) and a look back to the first half (33:30), including the non-Burnes MVP, the game of the year, biggest surprise, biggest disappointment and biggest gut punch. Is it unfair to view the first half as a disappointment, even though Milwaukee will open the second half as a first-place team?

Then, JR chats with baseball writer Keith Law (71:00), who knows all levels of baseball as well as anyone. They discuss the things that ail Hiura and Christian Yelich, the rise of Jackson Chourio as a top prospect, the way baseball views Milwaukee's draft and development efforts and what he would do if he were in charge of the Brewers for the rest of the season.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers are indeed still 2 1/2 games up in first place in the National League Central, but after a 2-4 week against NL Central also-rans at home, the team's struggles on offense, defense and now in the bullpen feel more worrisome. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss what the trade deadline can realistically improve, whether we're too harsh in evaluating the Brewers offense, the ongoing puzzle of Keston Hiura and one of the craziest games of the year. Plus, minor-league prospect Jackson Chourio is lighting up Brewers nation and a walk-off that wasn't in Remembrew When.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers enter the week two games up in first place after a productive six games, two of which were started by Brandon Woodruff at his best. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe look at the other injury issues, some good (Aaron Ashby) and some bad (Adrian Houser, Tyrone Taylor). They discuss Christian Yelich at leadoff, the center field situation, the arrival of Pedro Severino and scenes from a 19-2 win, plus Jonathan Davis' incredible catch, Corbin Burnes' sprint and more.

Then, JR sits down with outfielder Hunter Renfroe, discussing his cannon arm, a memorable World Series home run and his work with military causes (happy Fourth of July, by the way!)

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers survived a tense 4-3 week in which they improved their standing in the National League Central, but when does Milwaukee need to add difference makers on offense? Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak takes an early look at the trade-deadline landscape for a Brewers team in flux with some players returning from injury, and another key one lost with one. Are the Brewers better than the Cardinals? Andrew McCutchen rebounds, Rowdy Tellez socks two homers against his old team and a check-in on Keston Hiura.

Then, podcast host JR Radcliffe sits down with Brewers reliever Hoby Milner and gets to know one of the surprises of the 2022 season.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers got well with a three-game sweep in Cincinnati, and a new homestand is about to kick off with a bang -- four games against the team with whom the Brewers are tied for first place in the Central, the St. Louis Cardinals. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe take a look at some of the past week's key contributors but spend a lot of time talking about Lorenzo Cain, whom the Brewers designated for assignment this week after a strong four-plus year run with the Brewers. Plus: What happens when Pedro Severino is ready? What are the thoughts on the City Connect jerseys? Craig Counsell reaches a milestone, a controversial send at third base and a Remembrew When that looks back at a different alternate jersey issue back in 1977.

Then, JR chats with Bally Sports Wisconsin host and former Brewers utility man Vinny Rottino, gauging his impressions on the upcoming draft, his own journey to the big leagues, his pivotal role in a wild 2007 game, stories about Craig Counsell and Prince Fielder and his impression of the current team.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The pitchers joined the hitters in a slump, and the Brewers stumbled to their longest losing streak in seven years. It's over now, but Milwaukee now finds itself outside of a playoff spot. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe try to make sense of it and whether it can be written off as simply a particular bumpy stretch for an otherwise quality team. JR chats with Jason Alexander, one of the bright spots in the recent malaise. Plus: Hoby Milner, Christian Yelich leading off, the first hiccup for Josh Hader, the return of some key players and loss of others. Remembrew When takes a look back at Team Streak's 1987 nadir and Curt discusses the former Brewers pitcher who might have been even better in the age of the "pitching lab."

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Brewers offense endured an injury-riddled week of struggle, Milwaukee's worst week of the season before. We're here to talk you off the ledge ... or feed the panic. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at just how seriously Brewers fans should worry about an offense that just can't find a groove, particularly the slumping veterans. What's next for Lorenzo Cain? What's up with Andrew McCutchen and Keston Hiura? Are we sure the Brewers will start getting healthy this week? Plus: Remembrew When looks back at doubleheader madness in 1997 and Curt Blanche takes on an official scoring issue.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.