Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

The Milwaukee Brewers had a great week to get off the mat, with wins in five of their last six games. But Sunday's comeback win was dulled by the loss of all-star starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, whose oblique injury means the team must now patch together a rotation that already isn't clicking on all cylinders. Will it impact the team's trade plans, and who fills in now? Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the fallout, plus the incredible play of rookie second baseman Keston Hiura, the struggles of Tyler Saladino (not counting his Sunday grand slam) and another highlight-reel catch by Lorenzo Cain.

Then, JR plays his conversation with Brandon Woodruff -- recorded last week before the injury, of course. He talks about his magic playoff moment, a home run in Double-A that might be even MORE magical, how it feels to be part of an iconic moment for his bat and not his arm, and would he ever trim his beard again?

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Sure, the standings say the Brewers are still in the hunt, but a brutal 9-17 stretch has Milwaukee searching for answers. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt breaks down the issues, from a bullpen that has collapsed to an offense that has struggled to consistently drive in runs. Will the strategy at the trade deadline shift for the Brewers in light of the recent struggles, and what do the Brewers have to offer in a potential deal? What happens now with Corbin Burnes and Tyler Saladino? At least Jesus Aguilar is back on track, right?

Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Mauricio Dubon, one of the organization's top prospects who recently spent a short stint with the big-league club. 

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The final weeks of the first half were a struggle for the Milwaukee Brewers, who head into the break at 47-44. Host JR Radcliffe and guest Curt Hogg look back at the best wins, worst losses, best singular performances, best individual plays and moments of weirdness from the season thus far. 

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org. 

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the big roster move of the week that brought Keston Hiura and Tyler Saladino back to the big-league team, sent Travis Shaw to Triple-A and sent Hernan Perez packing. What does it mean when a popular clubhouse presence is cut from the roster? Could Hiura have been back sooner if the team wasn't going to give steady at-bats to Shaw? Will the team look to sign Mike Moustakas to a longer-term deal with their third baseman struggling? Also, Tom and JR talk about Jimmy Nelson's return to the injured list, the revival of Matt Albers, Adrian Houser in the rotation and the four all-star choices ... or five? ... for the 2019 all-star game.

JR also plays part of his conversation with Steve Garczynski and Ryan Topp of Milwaukee's Tailgate Baseball Podcast, looking specifically at the roster move and its implications, particularly for Orlando Arcia.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Milwaukee's ever-fluctuating starting rotation, including the decision to move Jimmy Nelson to the bullpen (and what appears to be his decision to not return to AAA), Adrian Houser taking Nelson's place, and Jhoulys Chacin's struggles to get back to form. Todd looks back at Yasmani Grandal at leadoff, ponders whether Chrsitian Yelich really can repeat as MVP even as Cody Bellinger produces an outstanding season for the league's best team, and discusses the prolonged struggles of two infielders and whether it means the team is any closer to recalling Keston Hiura.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

 The Brewers salvaged the Giants series and emerged from the weekend still in first place, but it was an up-and-down week. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss what the Brewers might have planned next for Freddy Peralta and Jimmy Nelson, particularly with Jhoulys Chacin set to return from the injured list. With Keston Hiura knocking on the door in the minors, has anything changed with Travis Shaw? Would the team consider moving an ailing Lorenzo Cain out of the leadoff spot? On the flip side, Christian Yelich has put Prince Fielder's club record of 50 home runs in a season at risk. Reliever Adrian Houser has been a revelation, and the Brewers appear headed toward four all-stars ... or more? 

Then, JR chats with relief pitcher Matt Albers about his memorable 2016 at-bat with the Chicago White Sox, his ups and downs with the Brewers, the impact Hurricane Harvey had on his family in Houston and the expression "big ole bucket of sassy."

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

There's a lot to discuss on this week's episode. Journal Sentinel beat reporter Tom Haudricourt takes one last look back at the team's early-week decision to send Keston Hiura back to Triple-A and the signings of Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel elsewhere ... notably the Cubs in Kimbrel's case. Plus, a look back at Jimmy Nelson's long-awaited return and the Brewers bouncing back from two ugly losses to four straight wins. 

Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Hernan Perez (35:00), whose pitching theatrics softened the blow of a 16-0 loss to the Marlins early in the week. He also catches up with Mark Richards (41:00), the new public address voice at Miller Park. 

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The Brewers had a solid week and enter in first place after a Sunday that saw some roster moves, but the most interesting moves are the ones still to come. Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak discusses the upcoming return of Jimmy Nelson on Wednesday, the looming return of Travis Shaw, and -- should we assume? -- the demotion of a hot-hitting Keston Hiura as a result. Plus, Orlando Arcia is having a great year, the bullpen is getting contributions from guys like Matt Albers and Adrian Houser, and the MLB Draft is about to get going -- and Todd chats about an intriguing 2018 selection, Drew Rasmussen.

Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Brewers starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez about his return to the Brewers, the milestones of his career and working with former Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Todd Rosiak breaks down what's made Brandon Woodruff so good, what's up with Jhoulys Chacin and discusses the healthy-but-not-yet-ready status of Jimmy Nelson. Plus, what do we make of Travis Shaw's struggles in his rehab, and when he comes back, is Keston Hiura the obvious corresponding move back to San Antonio?

Then, podcast host JR Radcliffe sits down with Brewers starter Zach Davies to discuss his hot start to 2019 and the rarity of being a control pitcher in the high-velocity modern landscape.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.