Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

The Milwaukee Brewers return home needing back-to-back wins to reach the World Series after falling behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the series, 3-2. The series resumes Friday, with the hope of extending it to Saturday.

Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Milwaukee's unusual maneuver to start Wade Miley and use him for one batter Wednesday, as well as the dirty play by LA's Manny Machado on Tuesday (or was that Wednesday morning?). What's the mood like with the team as they prepare to return home, with Miley returning to the hill Friday? What's to blame for the offense's struggles? Has the "bullpenning" technique been a success?

After that, JR is joined by Lane Grindle, a member of the Brewers radio broadcast team. Grindle chatted about the series, but also his role, his experiences with Bob Uecker, his thoughts on Machado and how he views the energy level at Miller Park in the playoffs thus far ... has it been a little quieter than expected?

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 experienced some highs and lows at Miller Park in the first two games of the National League Championship Series. Brewers beat reporters Tom Haudricourt and Lori Nickel join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the series, tied 1-1 and heading to LA. What to make of reliever Jeremy Jeffress; is he struggling or unlucky? What's the outlook now that the team's 12-game winning streak has been snapped, and how about the performances of Wade Miley and Brandon Woodruff?

Then, JR is joined by Brewers infielder Travis Shaw, who talked about his time in Boston (and the possibility of meeting his old team in the World Series) plus more during the Brewers workout on Thursday.

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 announced their starter for Friday's Game 1 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it's yet another surprise. Brewers beat reporters Tom Haudricourt and Todd Rosiak discuss Craig Counsell's decision to line up Gio Gonzalez, Wade Miley and Jhoulys Chacin for the first three games of the series, and is Chacin really available in relief? Also, current general manager David Stearns and former general manager Doug Melvin are both mentioned as GM candidates elsewhere. 

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 are preparing for Friday's NLCS opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. During Wednesday's workout, Ryan Braun -- the only holdover from the last Brewers team to make the NLCS -- spoke with reporters about the Dodgers challenge ahead. Then, host JR Radcliffe is joined by Brewers top prospect Keston Hiura, who is off to a white-hot start in the Arizona Fall League.

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 reporters Tom Haudricourt and Todd Rosiak join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the white-hot Milwaukee Brewers, now winners of 11 straight games and on their way to the NLCS. The guys discuss the masterful use of the bullpen, the efforts of Mike Moustakas and Erik Kratz, the steps the Brewers took to make it happen and the mystery of Colorado never using Kyle Freeland.

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

It's an emergency podcast! Host JR Radcliffe is joined by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel colleague Curt Hogg to discuss the end of the 2018 regular-season, a 3-1 victory for the Brewers over the Cubs that granted Milwaukee the National League Central Division title. JR and Curt review the big moments, then take a look at how the postseason roster might shake out for the National League Division Series beginning Thursday. Some tough calls await.

Then, JR and Curt hold a "draft" for the most memorable moments of the season, arriving at a list of 18 choices.

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 reporters Tom Haudricourt and Todd Rosiak are both on hand to discuss an amazing finish to the 2018 season, during which the Brewers won their final seven games to tie for the NL Central title. As they prepare for the tiebreaking "Game 163" in Chicago (and the wild-card game or NLDS to follow), the two writers and host JR Radcliffe look at what to expect going forward. How will Craig Counsell handle the pitching staff? What do we make of Chase Anderson? And what will fans remember most from this torrid final week. It's Christian Yelich, isn't it?

After that, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio speaks to members of the media Friday after his team clinched its first playoff berth since 2011.

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

With one week to go in the regular season, the Milwaukee Brewers are looking to solidify their playoff standing. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the team's surprising decision to skip Chase Anderson in the series, the consistent success of Gio Gonzalez, Lorenzo Cain's injury scare and a reborn Corey Knebel. Also, it's going to come down to Javier Baez and Christian Yelich -- how much does positional versatility matter to MVP voters?

Then, JR is joined by Brewers minor leaguer Tim Dillard (32:30), whose brilliant social media presence makes him one of the most recognizable figures in the organization, even if he hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2012.

And finally, JR chats with Curtis Granderson (49:30), the newly acquired outfielder who has made his presence felt in his lone month with the Brewers. Conversation topics include the stadium that bears his name at UIC and the unusual reason why he decided not to be a Cubs fan growing up.

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 Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Brewers' 3-3 week, the considerations awaiting them as they zero in on a playoff berth, including thoughts on Jhoulys Chacin, Curtis Granderson and Junior Guerra. 

Then, JR and Curt Hogg look at which Brewer -- Lorenzo Cain or Christian Yelich -- deserves the MVP spotlight, and who makes the list of top-five most valuable Brewers this season?

Finally, JR is joined by Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff, discussing his back-and-forth journey in 2018, his infamous MLB debut short circuited by pregame injury, the decision to trim his beard and a made-for-Hollywood moment in his 2016 return to play following the tragic death of his older brother, Blake. 

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 beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss a white-hot week for the Brewers, with five wins in six games putting them 2 1/2 games ahead in the wild card race -- and breathing down the Cubs' necks. A Sunday dispute turns into a magic moment. Corey Knebel, Gio Gonzalez and Jonathan Schoop have found themselves. What's up with the fan reaction to a Christian Yelich off day, and yeah, let's talk about the Cubs "rivalry."

Then, JR chats with Brewers lefty Wade Miley, whose own rediscovery has been huge this season. Topics include his unusual offseason, his near-miss Rookie of the Year campaign, a funny story involving Alcatraz and his favorite song by … Miley.

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