Top Ten Keys for the Brewers to make the playoffs (or not)

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Brewers Bar | MVN - a Milwaukee Brewers blog » Blog Archive » Top Ten Keys for the Brewers to make the playoffs (or not)–Part I

It’s that time of year again. Pitchers and catchers report on Saturday, followed soon thereafter by the position players. As I’ve done in years past, I’ve identified what I feel are the Top Ten things that need to happen in order for the Brewers to make the postseason. Qualifier: In years past, I put together two lists–one of reasons why the Brewers could make the playoffs, and another why they could not make the playoffs. Often, I found that the reasons on one list could actually go on the other, e.g. “Ben Sheets’ health.” Obviously, if Sheets is healthy, the Brewers chances of making the postseason improve, and, if not, their chances diminish. So I am combining the lists into one and just calling it “keys” to making the playoffs (or not).

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Top Ten Keys for the Brewers to make the playoffs (or not)–Part II

Brewers Bar | MVN - a Milwaukee Brewers blog » Blog Archive » Top Ten Keys for the Brewers to make the playoffs (or not)–Part II

The 2008 Milwaukee Brewers open their spring training camp this weekend facing a number of obstacles in their quest for the postseason. I previously identified what I thought who were the top five individual players that would make a difference in whether or not the Brewers make the playoffs or not…more importantly, here are the areas where the team or groups of players need to improve:

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Alright, To take a look at those.

#10: Jason Kendall needs to be an upgrade over Johnny Estrada

That one makes sence and I'm sure Kendall will be an upgrade from the terms the Brewers are looking it from him.


#9: Ben Sheets needs to be consistent…and healthy

Yeah, Sure

Isn't that a key every year.


#8. Eric Gagne needs to return to being a dominant closer

He just need to say heathty for most of the year and I'm sure he;ll do good.


#7. Bill Hall needs to return to his 2006 form

That sure would be a bonus.


#6. Jeff Suppan needs to step up and become competitive with the other #2 pitchers in the league

I'm sure Jeff will be solid as always but I'll be happy with what we get from him if he steps up or not.


5. Re-tooled bullpen needs to be better than the ‘07 ‘pen

Yeah, That is a given and the new guys do have to get the job done but the Brewers have alot of pitchers there so that is a good thing.


4. The defense needs to improve

That should happen with another year behind them.


3. The ‘08 Brewers will need to find a way to hit RHP…especially late in the game

That's a given. When the game is on the line is always when they have be at there best.


2. The ‘08 Brewers need to do better when they have runners in scoring position

A vilid point and that brings us back to #7 and Bill Hall for he has a grate late inning hitter with runners on.


1. The #2-#5 starters need to have more quality starts

Just getting out Vargas and Bush from starting spots with help that without question.