Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

Nearly two decades ago, the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team made an improbable run to the Final Four and set the table for a cycle of success that featured 19 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament for a program that was seldom a qualifier for the Big Dance beforehand. Hear from players on that team -- Mike Kelley, Andy Kowske, Mark Vershaw, Jon Bryant and Maurice Linton -- as well as coach Dick Bennett. They think back to those four wins in March and subsequent loss in the national semifinal and attempt to paint a picture of how a team without any all-conference players could have huge postseason success.

This special episode and more can be found at the Journal Sentinel Wisconsin Badgers podcast feed at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. 

Audio clips from NCAA on YouTube. Music: Scott Holmes, "Driven To Success" available at freemusicarchive.org.

Brewers beat reporters Tom Haudricourt and Todd Rosiak join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Brewers re-signing infielder Mike Moustakas and the decision to start him out at second base instead of third. What makes him a fit for this team, what does it mean for the prospect second basemen in the organization (and Cory Spangenburg and Eric Thames), and is this finally the last of the Brewers preseason moves? 

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 in the aftermath of Brewers On Deck, discussing Rosiak's conversation with starter Jimmy Nelson and the 2017 ace's expectation to return to the rotation – and become the Opening Day starter. David Stearns and Rick Schlesinger got promoted, Miller Park will go by another name in 2021, rumors have circulated about free-agent pitcher Dallas Keuchel and is it possible we should be more concerned with an increasingly competitive NL Central?

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 reeled in a big fish on Wednesday, signing former Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal to a one-year free-agent deal. Journal Sentinel Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt stops by to talk all about it, from the surprising length of the contract and what it means for the other catchers on the roster to what makes Grandal such a special option for the Brewers. He was pretty bad in the NLCS, after all. Tom also touches on the forthcoming arbitration cases and where Jimmy Nelson fits into the picture, since it appears he'll be fully healthy heading into spring training. And is there one more move ahead for Milwaukee?

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 checks in to discuss a number of recent moves by the Brewers, including trades that sent Keon Broxton to the Mets and Domingo Santana to the Mariners. What does Tom make of the reported interest that the Brewers have in San Francisco ace lefty Madison Bumgarner? Do the Brewers still have another move left to make? Is the infield settled? How does the Brewers brain trust view the "depleted" farm system?

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

In this Winter Meetings edition of the Brewers podcast, Journal Sentinel beat reporter Tom Haudricourt gives a sense of where the Brewers stand heading into what typically marks a significant time in the MLB offseason in terms of player movement. Will the Brewers be standing pat or perhaps seeking to fill a void at second base now that Jonathan Schoop has been non-tendered? What does that decision say about the club's feelings on top prospect Keston Hiura? Could Milwaukee be investigating a Rule 5 Draft selection, and -- oh no, the Cardinals acquired Paul Goldschmidt.

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 Baseball Writers Association of America votes for manager of the year and MVP, where Craig Counsell finished second and Christian Yelich won, as expected. They look back at Yelich's September for the ages, the determining factors to his win and that Jan. 25 evening when the team acquired him in the first place.

Where did Counsell make the most difference this season, and would Counsell even be in the manager's chair if not in Milwaukee?

Tom then discusses the offseason briefly, and should Brewers fans read ANYTHING into the departure of both the hitting and pitching coach for the same jobs elsewhere?

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

Journal Sentinel writer Curt Hogg offers some early projections for the 2019 Brewers season and breaks down some key takeaways. Should we expect regression from Christian Yelich? Where can the Brewers best upgrade? Is Jesus Aguilar's power for real? Which player might surprise you as one who projects very well in 2019? 

Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Bob Buege (32:00), president of the Milwaukee Braves Historical Association and an author of books about the team. He discusses what the town was like during the Braves' 1957 World Series triumph and near misses in 1958 and '59. And what caused the events that came next, the decline of franchise popularity and its relocation to Atlanta?

Finally, JR chats with former Brewers second baseman Jim Gantner (52:00) about the 1982 team that won the American League pennant. What did World Series fever in Milwaukee look like at that time?

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 which players who should be back in 2019, and which players will be moving on. Among those discussed: Mike Moustakas, Jonathan Schoop, Erik Kratz, Chase Anderson, Xavier Cedeno, Dan Jennings, Matt Albers, Stephen Vogt and Eric Thames. Also, what are Craig Counsell's chances for Manager of the Year? Todd had a vote!

Speaking of Craig Counsell, JR is joined by former Brewers third base coach Rich Donnelly, who is the subject of a book released in early October, "The Chicken Runs at Midnight." The story relates to the 1997 World Series, when Craig Counsell scored the winning run for the Florida Marlins. The moment fulfilled a prophecy of sorts, bringing to life a phrase coined by Donnelly's late daughter, Amy. 

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

Journal Sentinel beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to look back at the end of the 2018 season, a Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. What elements stood in Milwaukee's path to the World Series, and which players truly rose to the occasion? It's not a full-fledged look at the offseason yet, but what are the most intriguing storylines ahead for this ballclub?

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