Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

Former Brewers reliever Ken Sanders, a standout on the first Brewers teams of 1970 and 1971, looks back at the birth of the franchise. He and host JR Radcliffe talk what the early days were like, Tommy Harper, Sanders' crazy numbers, his ability to stay healthy despite massive workload, the origin of his "Bulldog" nickname and ... the time he listed and sold the Field of Dreams (yes, that one, in Iowa) as a realtor. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Could labor trouble keep the baseball season from happening at all in 2020, even if it's deemed safe to play? Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss where the concern level should be. Other topics: The club's release of numerous minor leaguers, the potential new wrinkles that would come with empty stadiums and what damage would be wrought if a season doesn't happen at all. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt and host JR Radcliffe discuss the famously stingy Brewers Walk of Fame and have a boatload of suggestions for new inductees. What about Plesac, Cirillo, Bamberger, Caldwell, Fielder, Sheets and Doug Melvin? Plus, should Cecil Cooper's number be retired by the organization?

The Brewers had never enjoyed a winning season until 1978, when the free-agent acquisition of Larry Hisle was one of many key moves that turned the franchise around. Hisle joins podcast host JR Radcliffe to revisit that campaign, chatting about rookie Paul Molitor, Cy Young candidate Mike Caldwell, colorful manager George Bamberger, the strange free-agent process of the times and the challenges of the American League East. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt and host JR Radcliffe look back at the wild 2008 season, during which the Brewers snapped a 26-year playoff drought. What did we forget from the memorable midseason acquisition of CC Sabathia and the thrilling season finale? In what under-the-radar way did Sabathia's hitting influence the biggest moment of the season? How did Yovani Gallardo's injury ripple throughout the season? Was it the right call to fire Ned Yost with 12 games left? Did we forget how great Ben Sheets was? Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Former Brewers player and manager discusses his recollections from two different memorable seasons in Brewers history. He was a player on the 1987 "Team Streak," with an unforgettable game-winning homer on Easter Sunday, and he was the interim manager in 2008 when the Brewers went on a magic ride to the postseason. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewerfan.net's Jim Goulart swings by to discuss the Brewers minor-league system. What exactly does it mean to have one of the lowest-ranked farms in MLB; will it hurt the team in the short-term? Sure, we know the team traded prospects away and had some reach the big leagues, but the system is still a problem, right? How has the team's approach to Latin America changed in recent years and impacted the list of prospects? Who are the guys to watch that we're not discussing. And how does a guy in Massachusetts become an expert on Milwaukee Brewers minor leagues, anyway?

Tom Haudricourt looks back at the craziest season in Brewers history, 1987, and a team which he himself christened as 'Team Streak' in the Milwaukee Sentinel. Who called Tom in the press box in the ninth inning on Easter Sunday? Which three players got irritated before that game because of an Easter egg hunt? Did Tom accidentally set up an opposing manager to help Paul Molitor extend his hitting streak? What gets forgotten about Juan Nieves' no-hitter, and what happens in Milwaukee if Nieves and Teddy Higuera stay healthy? Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers legend Rollie Fingers joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the 1981 season. He talks about the strike that shortened the year, the wild Winter Meetings that brought him to Milwaukee, and his run to winning the American League Cy Young and MVP.

Former Brewers player Jerry Hairston visits for an extended conversation about the 2011 Milwaukee Brewers. He and host JR Radcliffe discuss the circumstances that brought him to Milwaukee midseason (and why he specifically sought out a trade to the Brewers) and landed him the starting third-base gig in the playoffs. He offers his best Zack Greinke stories, his memories of Tony Plush and Game 5 of the NLDS and why he thinks about that team as much as the 2009 Yankees team, with which he won a World Series ring.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Host JR Radcliffe and Brewers beat writers Todd Rosiak and Tom Haudricourt speculate on what Major League Baseball's return would look like and discuss the special edition 50th anniversary section in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. How did the guys choose their "Mount Rushmore," specifically Ryan Braun and Cecil Cooper over Prince Fielder, and their 50th anniversary all-time team? Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

In this special abbreviated episode, Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak discusses the huge new contract signed by outfielder Christian Yelich. How much of a hometown discount did he take? What is it about Milwaukee that led him to an extension? How did his brewing deal impact the rest of the Brewers offseason. Holy smokes, can you believe this?Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporters Tom Haudricourt and Todd Rosiak check in with host JR Radcliffe for the first episode of Spring Training. What did the Brewers see in Freddy Peralta to offer him a rare long-term extension? How will Brock Holt be deployed? Orlando Arcia, Corbin Burnes and the other stories of Spring Training so far, and is the roster already pretty much set in stone?Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the top-of-mind issues as the Brewers depart for Spring Training. What's Corey Knebel's timeframe? What position group is most up for grabs? Who's an intriguing breakout candidate, and which non-roster invitee is going to be the most fascinating to watch? Plus: Any news on Carlos Gomez coming back to retire as a Brewer or the MLB rule changes in 2020? Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt and host JR Radcliffe look back at Brewers On Deck, where topics included sign stealing, the health of Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain, Ryan Braun entering perhaps his final year as a Brewer, sign stealing and the injury to Luis Urias. Also, the big one: Are the Brewers potentially done making moves, even if it means a much lower starting payroll in 2020? Then, JR is joined by new Brewers pitcher Josh Lindblom (33:50), a former Korean league standout who's returning to the United States with a three-year contract.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to catch up on the offseason, including the additions of Justin Smoak and Eric Sogard, plus the extension to manager Craig Counsell. This can't be it, can it, even with the number of new additions? That gaping hole at third base and the huge disparity between last year and this year's payroll are noticeable. Tom discusses the departures of 2019 players to other teams and weighs in on what's holding back the rival Cubs from making any offseason maneuvers.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the flurry of activity for the Brewers thus far in the offseason, including the additions of Josh Lindblom, Brett Anderson, Avisail Garcia and Ryon Healy. Is it possible the Brewers are just going to avoid big-ticket additions at all this year? Tom discusses what might be next for Ryan Braun in 2020 and beyond, the outfield glut created by the addition of Garcia, the rotation as it stands and what he'd tell a panicked Brewers fan worried that the Brewers aren't pursuing bigger fish.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the flurry of activity for the Brewers, including a trade with the Padres and the mass departures of Mike Moustakas and non-tendered players Travis Shaw, Junior Guerra, Alex Claudio and Jimmy Nelson.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the official departure of catcher Yasmani Grandal, who signed a four-year deal with the White Sox. Could the Brewers have realistically matched the offer? Also, they discuss the changes to the Brewers' uniforms announced earlier in the week. Why didn't the team simply stick with the original ball-in-glove logo?Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Milwaukee's surprising decisions to cut ties with Chase Anderson and Eric Thames, and what the motivation behind it might be. Plus: Lorenzo Cain finally gets his Gold Glove, two others are in contention for National League postseason hardware and are the Brewers heading back to the ball-in-glove logo? Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The 2019 wild-card game turned out to be a gut punch for the Milwaukee Brewers, and now we look ahead to 2020. How will this busy offseason shake out for the Crew? Do they have any chance of re-signing Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas? What will they do with Jimmy Nelson and Travis Shaw? Is there a chance they eschew signing a starting pitcher yet again?Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the decisions facing the Brewers, including question marks and just about every spot on the diamond. 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 look back at a memorable final week of 2019, including a sweep in Cincinnati that guaranteed a playoff berth and three straight losses in Colorado that kept Milwaukee from the NL Central title. How do the Brewers stack up against Washington star pitcher Max Scherzer? Might there be any surprises on the wild-card roster? Are we ready for this?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 the rapidly changed fortunes of the Milwaukee Brewers, now a near-lock to make the playoffs. Where are Keston Hiura and Brandon Woodruff at in their returns from injury? What's Todd seeing from Trent Grisham lately? How will the Brewers work this same magic with the roster once the rules change in 2020? Will there be any surprises on a potential playoff roster? How do the Brewers stack up against likely wild-card foe Washington? Then, JR chats with reliever Jay Jackson, who has gone from unheralded minor-league signing to a key member of the Brewers' late-season surge. He talks about his multi-year stint in Japan, the wild ride of the 2019 season and how he got his own logo. 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 the crushing loss of Christian Yelich to injury last week. Yet, the Brewers are in the midst of a hot streak that has them right in the thick of the playoff chase. Could they really still do this without Yelich? Are his MVP chances kaput (spoiler: not necessarily)? When will reinforcements like Keston Hiura and Brandon Woodruff arrive? Will the team lean on Ryan Braun down the stretch after his heroic grand slam Sunday? Will Yasmani Grandal catch every inning the rest of the way? Then, JR chats with Brewers first-year pitching coach Chris Hook, who's been riding the wave of the up-and-down Brewers season. How does his ascension to the big leagues compare to his ascension as a player? 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 won three straight games against the Cubs over the weekend, leaving them just two games out of a playoff spot. But injuries are taking their toll; is there anybody left to keep this team rolling? Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to talk about the uplifting week, the chances of contract discussions with Yasmani Grandal and Christian Yelich, the recurring struggles of Travis Shaw and Jimmy Nelson, the sneaky excellence of Eric Thames, questionable umpiring and when we might see Keston Hiura and Brandon Woodruff again. 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 chats about where Milwaukee stands after yet another 3-3 week -- but back-to-back shutouts over the Cubs to get within 3 games of the second wild card. Does he think the club could bring back Jeremy Jeffress after he was designated for assignment on Sunday? What about the million injuries (Hiura, Braun, Moustakas, Houser, Cain, Woodruff), and what could we see out of Brent Suter and Jimmy Nelson. Plus, "Relax Roxane" and the ESPN Body issue might ultimately just be footnotes in the 2019 season if it doesn't end in the playoffs, but we do know one thing: Christian Yelich isn't afraid of the spotlight, and that might be a great thing.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 state of the Brewers on the cusp of a monster stretch against the Cardinals and Cubs. He offers a brief post-mortem on Jhoulys Chacin's Brewers tenure after he was designated for assignment and looks at options for the 2020 rotation. Then, the guys look back at Friday's near no-hitter; could Josh Hader have been used in the seventh? How much juice do we still have for no-hitters, especially as they become more of the combined variety? True story: Tom left his parents in the car of the stadium parking lot in Baltimore so he could finish writing about Juan Nieves' no-hitter in 1987. Then, JR chats with Jordan Lyles himself, the author of six no-hit innings Friday. He talks about his desire to play football for Steve Spurrier, his role in a zany 2018 game and everyone in his family given "J" names ... until now. 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 look back on the absurdity of Saturday's 15-14 Brewers win in 14 innings, although it was a rough overall week with a lost lead Monday, a brutal blowout Sunday, a frustrating 2-1 setback Friday and two nail-biting wins in between. What do we make of Josh Hader's continued struggles, as well as the team's decision to send down Freddy Peralta to the minors? Are we seeing cracks in the foundation with the starting pitching? Does Craig Counsell agree with everyone else that the team's struggles with runners in scoring position are a true concern? Is it premature to start looking at some of the fascinating roster decisions awaiting the Brewers in 2020? With the zany Saturday game in mind, JR sits down with Brewers broadcaster Bill Schroeder to look back 35 years at the Brewers' 7-6 loss to the White Sox in 25 innings -- the longest game in modern MLB history. Schroeder, who had five plate appearances in the game, looks back at what stood out from that memorable two-day extravaganza. 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 were able to win five of their six games last week -- including four of them without Christian Yelich -- but should we be worried about the continued wobbles in the bullpen and the ongoing health issues of the starters? Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt chats about that and more, including Keston Hiura's defense, the demotion of Travis Shaw and the Brewers Wall of Honor ... would the club make an exception for CC Sabathia? Then, host JR Radcliffe sits down with Devin Williams, a new arrival to the Brewers pitching staff and chats about his eventful journey to the big leagues. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The free-falling Milwaukee Brewers get swept in Chicago; is there any way they claw back into the playoff chase? Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss what's gone wrong, what's left to cling to, and how he evaluates what the Brewers did at the trade deadline. Did they give up on Jesus Aguilar and Mauricio Dubon? Plus: Trent Grisham arrives earlier than expected, Travis Shaw's struggles continue, and did the Brewers truly misfire with Miley and Smyly? Plus, how concerning should Baseball America's rock-bottom ranking of Milwaukee's farm system be?Then, JR Radcliffe sits down with former Brewers general manager Doug Melvin to look back at a memorable 2015 trade deadline maneuver that sent Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers to the Astros for Domingo Santana, Brett Phillips, Josh Hader and Adrian Houser. The exchange featured some wild drama, when an earlier trade to the Mets was nixed -- possibly by a crying infielder? Melvin talked about the zaniness of the moment and how his staff was quickly able to make lemonade out of a lemon.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Brewers figure to be busy, but can they do enough to overcome a sudden shortage of starting pitchers? Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the wild swings of Milwaukee's 3-3 week and what the Brewers have to offer in a potential trade before Wednesday's deadline. Updates on Travis Shaw, Jeremy Jeffress, Keston Hiura and Christian Yelich, who is back in the Triple Crown chase. Then, JR sits down with the red-hot Hiura, mere hours after he was named National League Player of the Week. How does he react to being the subject of fan conversation this year, and how did he create that compact swing? After that, it's a chat with the man who replaces Hiura as the organization's top prospect, Brice Turang. Could the 2018 first-round draft choice be part of any trade packages this week? The 19-year-old discusses his favorite artifact from his father's Major League playing days, the stressful time before he signed with the club last summer and working his way upward through the organization.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

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.

Keston Hiura's promotion to the big leagues was the big story of the week, including his first big-league home run Sunday. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt talks about the mixed bag of his first week and whether or not he's here to stay. Plus, Tom talks about the reborn rotation, including Brandon Woodruff, with Jimmy Nelson potentially set to return in the coming weeks. Other topics: Jacob Nottingham, Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta.Then, host JR Radcliffe sits down with Brewers first baseman Eric Thames to talk baseball … but also The Masked Singer.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 Milwaukee's disappearing offense in the final two games of the Chicago series after things were going so well over a seven-game winning streak. An update on the offensive struggles of Travis Shaw, plus others also scuffling at the plate, including Lorenzo Cain. On the flip side, the pitching has been magnificent. Has Gio Gonzalez really been the cure for what ailed them? Is Corbin Burnes going to be a bullpen guy for the rest of the season? Then, JR chats with Brewers TV play-by-play announcer Matt Lepay, who fills in each year when Brian Anderson is calling NBA playoff games for TNT. Matt talks about his standing reservation as the Brewers' Plan B, as well as his full-time role as Badgers football and basketball radio man. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Ryan Braun's monster week helped the Brewers sweep the Mets, including an insane 18-inning victory Saturday. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Braunaissance, as well as the team's fascinating decisions when it comes to pitchers Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta. How has Zach Davies emerged into the team's ace? Has Lorenzo Cain already won the 2019 Gold Glove? What to make of Travis Shaw's struggles (and is there any scenario where Keston Hiura fits into the equation)? Plus: a discussion on the impact of losing last year's pitching coach, Derek Johnson.Then, JR sits down with another Brewers starter, Jhoulys Chacin, who has been a rock for the Brewers since he signed a low-profile free agent deal last offseason ... and he appears to be coming around. He talks about his opening day home run, the ups and downs of his career and his time as an ace for last year's World Series contender.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

Gio Gonzalez is back in Milwaukee after signing a one-year contract, and he made his season debut with the club Sunday. How does that shape the Brewers starting rotation going forward? Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak discusses that along with the injury to Christian Yelich, the struggles of Jesus Aguilar, the down velocity of Jeremy Jeffress and where the Brewers bullpen stands. Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with outfielder Ben Gamel about his viral warmup ritual, watching big brother Mat get drafted by the Brewers and seeing mentor Edgar Martinez earn induction into the Hall of Fame. 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 went 3-4 on their homestand last week and have scuffled in their starting rotation. Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel discusses Corbin Burnes' demotion and addresses whether or not he thinks the Brewers overestimated what they had in their three young starters. Plus: Christian Yelich is beyond incredible, the offense (particularly Jesus Aguilar) has nonetheless not been clicking on all cylinders, and is the bullpen suddenly a team strength? Lastly, is Keston Hiura on the table as an option if Mike Moustakas needs to miss time?Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Aaron Wilkerson, whose first Major League hit was a home run Wednesday. The pitcher said he only has had one at-bat ... since HIGH SCHOOL. Plus, he discusses life in independent-league baseball, the shift to the minors and overcoming Tommy John surgery in a non-traditional way.Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The Milwaukee Brewers endured a tough week in Los Angeles, dropping four of six games, with the primary concern being the team's starting pitching. Brewers beat reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss what could possibly remedy the situation as the team's young trio of starters endures growing pains. Todd also talks about the looming return of Jeremy Jeffress to the bullpen and what that could mean for the other pitchers on staff, the red-hot bat of Yasmani Grandal and the power numbers of a former Brewers player, Khris Davis -- is there any way he could have stayed in Milwaukee?Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

The white-hot Milwaukee Brewers just sliced through the Reds and Cubs, and we're talking all about it. Journal Sentinel beat writer Todd Rosiak joins JR Radcliffe to discuss the team with the league's best record. The Josh Hader Experience is incredible, but is it sustainable? What would the return of Jeremy Jeffress mean for the shape of the bullpen? Which of the three young guns in the rotation -- Freddy Peralta, Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff -- has the best chance to become a superstar? What do we make of the starts for Chase Anderson and Ryan Braun? And should we worry about any of the slow starts from offensive players? Then, a discussion with Alex Wilson, the newest member of the Brewers organization, chatting about celebrity doppelgangers, bouncing back from Tommy John, getting traded off his childhood team and high socks. 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 discusses the white-hot start of Christian Yelich (four homers in four games? Seriously?) and the other memorable moments of the first 2019 homestand, including a Lorenzo Cain catch and a Josh Hader inning that will be talked about for a while.Could the Brewers attempt to sign Yelich to a long-term deal, contributing to a hot trend of stars signing extensions in Major League Baseball? Does it appear Hader will be used any differently this year than last year? What's the biggest factor in the Craig Kimbrel buzz? How does Todd evaluate the first start of Corbin Burnes, with 12 strikeouts in five innings but also three homers?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 checks in one last time before opening day Thursday, looking at the state of the Brewers before St. Louis arrives in town March 28. Injuries have shaken up the bullpen to a degree; are we giving up hope on a Craig Kimbrel acquisition? What should we know about newcomer Alex Wilson? How does Mike Moustakas look manning second base? What are the storylines to follow early in the season, and quite simply: do the Brewers look like a playoff team in 2019?Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.

With 10 days to go before opening day in Milwaukee, Brewers beat reporter Tom Haudricourt swings by to deliver his state of the Brewers, including whether or not we should be concerned about the struggles of the starting pitchers. Plus: the latest on Jimmy Nelson, the likelihood of Craig Kimbrel becoming this year's late-arrival reliever, Baker Mayfield in camp and how the new rules might impact Milwaukee. Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Sound effect: WALLA Ballpark Cheer William Tell Overture Organ by AshFox on freesound.org.