It has been a tough stretch lately.No hitting. No starting pitching. No releif pitching. And often a combination of these factors. But take heart, Brew fans. Every dark cloud has a silver lining.

Last year we finally had a winning season. 2008 was going to be the year of the playoffs. It has been over a quarter century. This time, the law of averages is in our favor, It is time for the breaks to go our way.

Yesterday, a bloop single lead to the Maelins first 3 runs. Sunday a bad call by the first-base umpire in the 9th inning gave the Astros a 4th out - and a chance to tie. Remember all the Astro's softly hit balls that turned into runners in all 3 weekend games? When is the last time you heard or saw a Brewer hard hit ball down the line be called fair? Finally, recall that the Crew was not playing great even before this streak - but they had a winning record,

Was last year a fluke caused by many above average or even career seasons? Sure, there were a few, but remember what Bill James said about most players getting better until they peak around age 26 to 28. How many players are getting nearer to that peak? What are the odds that things will get better this season. The everyday players will bring up their averages sharply and start hitting the long ball (althouigh I doubt they will match 2007's total of HR's). The starters will bring their ERA's down into the 3's or 4's (Ben will be in the 2's). The releivers will impove as a whole, and  the closer will remain a problem (but not as bad as now). Because this will all happen in a compressed "season" (129 vs, 162 games), we should win 70 to 75 more games this year,

Let the turn-around begin! And let the fun resume in Brew Crew land!