clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

What we learned: April 11, 2014

Today's lessons include a new first base target, changing the Brewers lineup, and a comical take on Ron Roenicke's mindset on challenging.

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Rich Schultz

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 6, Phillies 2

The Brewers completed a six-game road trip sweep last night by beating the Phillies. Marco Estrada had a solid start, pitching six innings and allowing five hits, two runs, two walks, and six strikeouts. Khris Davis led the offense with a 2-for-4 day that included two RBI. Carlos Gomez had three hits and an RBI in the game, and Ryan Braun joined in with two hits and an RBI.

Kendrys Morales could be a target for the Brewers.

Mark Reynolds has had a good start to the season, but questions still remain about if he can keep it up and what to do with the other half of the "platoon" with Lyle Overbay. There is a possible solution still out there, and that solution could be signing Kendrys Morales. Rumors have come up that the Brewers are interested, and Noah looked at the likelihood of it happening yesterday. The biggest problem with signing Morales now is the loss of a draft pick, but it is possible he could improve the situation at first base. For now, the situation is decent for the Brewers, but if the situation changes, Morales could look more attractive as an option at first.

The Brewers have a problem at the top of their lineup.

So far this season, the Brewers offense has been successful. It would be hard to picture a problem in their lineup. However, that's exactly what Derek Harvey sees as he looks at the top of the Brewers lineup. He notes that while Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura are good options for the top, their similar profiles mean that opportunities for stealing bases will drop, and can be wasted in front of hitters that don't need help driving in runs. It's hard to imagine the Brewers changing such a successful offense right now, but it doesn't hurt to look at areas of improvement, even while the Brewers are winning.

Cram Session

Tyler Thornburg and the bullpen

A humorous take on Ron Roenicke and Instant Replay

The "Happy" Video

Other Notes

Minor League Update

Team Level Record Yesterday This Weekend's Series
Nashville Sounds AAA 3-5
Iowa 5, Nashville 1
Omaha @ Nashville
Huntsville Stars AA 6-1
Huntsville 6, Pensacola 3
Pensacola @ Huntsville
Brevard County Manatees A+ 5-2
Lakeland 6, Brevard County 5
Brevard County @ Dunedin
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers A 4-3
Wisconsin 3, West Michigan 0
Wisconsin @ South Bend

Division Update

Team W L GB
Brewers
7
2
-
Pirates
6
3
1
Cardinals
5
4
2
Cubs
3
6
4
Reds
3
6
4
  • Pirates 5, Cubs 4: Travis Wood struck out nine and pitched six scoreless innings, but after leaving one batter into the seventh, the bullpen melted down and allowed five runs on home runs by Travis Snider and Pedro Alvarez.

This Weekend's Games

  • Rays @ Reds
    Friday: David Price vs. Johnny Cueto - 6:10 pm
    Saturday: Alex Cobb vs. Alfredo Simon - 12:10 pm
    Sunday: TBD vs. Tony Cingrani - 12:10 pm
  • Cubs @ Cardinals
    Friday: Jeff Samardzija vs. Joe Kelly - 7:15 pm
    Saturday: Carlos Villanueva vs. Adam Wainwright - 1:15 pm
    Sunday: Edwin Jackson vs. Michael Wacha - 1:15 pm

This Weekend's Action

After a 6-0 road trip, the Brewers return to Miller Park to start a six-game homestand. They have their first game against a NL Central opponent as they take on the Pirates. Here is the weekend's matchups.

Friday: Francisco Liriano vs. Wily Peralta - 7:10 pm
Saturday: Edinson Volquez vs. Yovani Gallardo - 6:10 pm
Sunday: Charlie Morton vs. Kyle Lohse - 1:10 pm