What we learned: April 24, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 5, Padres 2

It was unlikely heroes that led the Brewers on Wednesday.  The offense got a jolt from Jean Segura, who hit his first home run of the season to give the Brewers a 4-1 lead.  Khris Davis also added a solo shot to support Kyle Lohse, who pitched seven strong innings against the Padres, allowing only one earned run.

Khris Davis needs to make some adjustments.

Through the first few games of 2014, Khris Davis has struggled.  The Brewers took a shot on Davis this offseason by trading away Norichika Aoki, and they need him to perform if they want to maintain their success this season.  Derek looked at the performance of Khris Davis through yesterday and found some early trends that may explain his rough start.  It's still early in his career so there is plenty of time to adjust.  Hopefully he will make the adjustment and get back to where he was.

There is a chance that Carlos Gomez's appeal could last until Logan Schafer returns.

Right now, the Brewers depth situation with their offense is a bit rough.  They only have four outfielders on the roster right now, and also are missing a player with Martin Maldonado serving a suspension.  The best case scenario for the Brewers is to wait for Logan Schafer to return before Carlos Gomez serves his suspension, but could an appeal take that long?  Noah looks at some recent suspension appeals and makes the case that it could happen.  Any amount of depth that could return would be helpful.  The suspension could happen at any time, and all we can do is hope that it comes at a good time for the team.

Cram Session

The Bullpen

• The bullpen will be back to full strength for the Cubs series.  Adam McCalvy reports that Brandon Kintzler will be activated from the DL in time for Friday's game, and Alfredo Figaro will probably return to Nashville.
• The bullpen has had to cover a lot of innings lately.  Curt Hogg of Disciples of Uecker looks at the current state of the bullpen after they had to cover two extra-innings games in three days.

The Offense

• Scooter Gennett has done well so far in his time starting, and it earned him a higher spot in the batting order.  Adam McCalvy has some quotes from Gennett about the new spot, and how he has responded to it so far.
• Could the Brewers aggressive approach at the plate be good for the team?  Jonathan Judge of Disciples of Uecker makes the case that the aggressive approach is helping the offense out.

Cases for the Brewers

• In a special to WISports.com, Ryan Topp of Disciples of Uecker has the first three of nine reasons why this year's Brewers team is for real.
• Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says that people don't like this year's Brewers team, but it has given them an identity that has helped them take early control of the division.

Other Notes

• The Brewers will be giving out sunglasses to students on Fridays all season long.  John & Cait take a look at the promotion and the new model of sunglasses coming out this Friday.
• If you haven't seen it yet, Marcus Hanel posted an Instagram video yesterday.  In it, we are introduced to Wei-Chung Wang Wednesday, featuring some dance moves from Wang and the rest of the bullpen.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Brent Suter of Huntsville had the game of the day, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning before giving up a leadoff single in the ninth.  He also faced the minimum through eight innings, with the one baserunner reaching on a walk but was then picked off first. Suter finished the day with seven strikeouts, one walk, one hit, and one earned run.  He is 3-0 with a 1.08 ERA for Huntsville.
• Jay D of Reviewing the Brew has a profile of the shortstop position through the Brewers minor league system as it currently stands.
• Pete Goodchild of Reviewing the Brew takes a quick look through the minor-league system after the first few weeks of the season.

Check out morineko's daily minor league update for a more in-depth look at yesterday's minor league results.

Division Update

• Diamondbacks 7, Cubs 5: It was the 100th birthday of Wrigley Field, and it ended up being an appropriate game for the occasion.  The Diamondbacks scored five in the ninth inning to take a 7-5 lead and spoil the celebration.
• Reds 5, Pirates 2: The Reds stole four bases, and Charlie Morton gave up four hits with five walks as the Reds took the series lead over the Pirates.
• Mets 3, Cardinals 2: Michael Wacha was his own worst enemy, walking five Mets in addition to three hits he gave up.  Two of those were with the bases loaded in the fourth, which gave the Mets the lead for good.

Today's Games

• Reds (Tony Cingrani) @ Pirates (Brandon Cumpton) - 11:35 am
• Cardinals (Lance Lynn) @ Mets (Bartolo Colon) - 12:10 pm
• Diamondbacks (Mike Bolsinger) @ Cubs (Edwin Jackson) - 1:20 pm

Today's Action

The Brewers have a day off for the first time in more than two weeks.  They will return to action tomorrow against the Cubs.  In the meantime, everybody Wang Chung tonight.