Milwaukee Brewers

Contributor: David Hannes, mvn.com/mlb-brewers

2007 Record: 83-79

2007 Summary: The 2007 Brewers started out strong, leading the NL Central from April 14th through July 31st, but a second half drop-off, combined with a late surge by the Cubs, resulted in the Brewers finishing in second in the division, just 2 games behind Chicago. The power attack was paced by All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder, who became the youngest player in history to win the NL season home run crown with 50 on the year, as well as Rookie-of-the-Year Ryan Braun, who added 34 dingers despite having played most of the first two months in the minors. But both the starting and relief pitching struggled, as ace Ben Sheets once again wound up on the DL and finished at 12-5, 3.84, in 24 starts, while the other four starters --Jeff Suppan, Chris Capuano, Dave Bush, and Claudio Vargas--all finished with ERA's above 4.60.

2008 Key Additions: C Jason Kendall, C Eric Munson, OF Gabe Kapler, OF Mike Cameron, RHP Eric Gagne, RHP David Riske, RHP Guillermo Mota, RHP Salomon Torres.

2008 Key Losses: C Johnny Estrada, C Damian Miller, IF Tony Graffanino, IF Corey Koskie, OF Geoff Jenkins, OF Kevin Mench, OF Laynce Nix, RHP Francisco Cordero, RHP Matt Wise, RHP Chris Spurling, RHP Scott Linebrink

2008 Brewers Starting Lineup:
1. Rickie Weeks, 2B
2. Mike Cameron, CF
3. Prince Fielder, 1B
4. Ryan Braun, LF
5. Corey Hart, RF
6. J.J. Hardy, SS
7. Bill Hall, 3B
8. Pitcher
9. Jason Kendall, C

2008 Brewers Starting Rotation: Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan, Yovani Gallardo, Claudio Vargas, Carlos Villanueva

2008 Brewers Closer: Eric Gagne

2008 MVP: Ryan Braun

The Brewers will be successful if: The 2008 Milwaukee Brewers can win the NL Central if their pitching improves from last season. Ben Sheets needs to stay healthy for 30 starts, while Jeff Suppan needs to return to his 2006 form. Yovani Gallardo's place as a permanent part of the rotation will pay dividends if he can extend his 2007 performance throughout the season. The overhauled bullpen needs to become more consistent than last year's version, and bullpen coach Bill Castro will need to quickly learn the strengths and weaknesses of his new arms. Of course, the offense needs to be there, too, meaning Prince Fielder will need to repeat his 2007 performance, while Ryan Braun needs to produce throughout a full season.

2008 Season Prediction: The Brewers should win the NL Central and make it to the NL Championship Series.

Standings Prediction:
1. Milwaukee Brewers
2. Chicago Cubs
3. Cincinnati Reds
4. Houston Astros
5. St. Louis Cardinals
6. Pittsburgh Pirates