What we learned: May 1, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Cardinals 9, Brewers 3

It was the B-lineup out again for the Brewers, but this time the results were not as favorable.  Matt Garza was knocked out of the game after 3+ innings with a thumb injury, and Wei-Chung Wang got hit hard eating three innings for the bullpen.  Carlos Gomez and Mark Reynolds provided the offense with a home run each, and Martin Maldonado made his debut as a pitcher in the game.

Wei-Chung Wang needs to see more action in games.

Yesterday, Wang got into a game for the fourth time this season.  He has seen the least action of any of the Brewers relievers, and it means other relievers have to pitch more often.  Fred Hofstetter looks at the reasons why the Brewers need to use Wei-Chung Wang more often.  It may be tough, but it's the best for maintaining bullpen usage.  Hopefully the Brewers can find a way to get some balance here.

The early wins the Brewers have accumulated will be helpful.

The Brewers had 20 wins in April, giving them a faster start than any of us expected.  It has given us a lot of optimism for the rest of the system.  How helpful is having the hot start? Jordan argues that the hot start will help the Brewers make some decisions to compete down the stretch.  With early success, it's easier to argue that the Brewers can compete later in the season and make moves to help the team now.  It's early to think about potential roster changes or trades, but it will help somewhere down the stretch.

Cram Session

The Brewers Hot Start

• Mike Oz of Big League Stew breaks down how the Brewers have surprised everyone with the league's best record.
• The hot start has resulted in several writers updating predictions, and Jonathan Judge of Disciples of Uecker joins in with his updated prediction for the Brewers final record.
• Over on Brewers.com, Tracy Ringolsby wrote about how the Brewers hot start is a statement directed at their rivals.

The Bullpen

• After the game, Adam McCalvy reported on Brew Beat that the Brewers are considering adding another reliever.
• Tracy Ringolsby looks at how Francisco Rodriguez has stepped up into the closer's role since taking it at the beginning of the season.
• The run Will Smith allowed on Tuesday was the first run he has allowed this season, and Jim Henderson welcomed him to the "ERA club".
• Wel-Chung Wang Wednesdays is starting to catch on, and John & Cait has the new video for the second week of it.

Other Notes

• Justin Schultz of Reviewing the Brew has five opinions on the current state of the Brewers.
• David S. Grant of Reviewing the Brew looks back at the Brewers choices at first base in the offseason to evaluate the decisions they made.
• Kyle Lohse has been one of the Brewers best starters this season.  Ryan Topp of Disciples of Uecker revisits the deal over a year after it was originally signed.
• The Brewers made a schedule change yesterday, changing the time of their June 2 game to 6:20 pm.

Minor League Update

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

Division Update

• Cubs 9, Reds 4: Anthony Rizzo made it on base four times with two RBI and two runs scored to help the Cubs salvage a game in the series.
• Pirates @ Orioles was postponed due to inclement weather.

Today's Games

• Pirates (Charlie Morton) @ Orioles (Bud Norris) - 3:05 pm
  Pirates (Brandon Cumpton) @ Orioles (Chris Tillman) - Game 2
• Cardinals and Cubs have the day off.

Today's Action

The Brewers now travel to Cincinnati for their first series against the Reds, a four-game series at Great American Ball Park.  The game will feature Marco Estrada facing off against Homer Bailey.  First pitch is at 6:10 pm, and MLB.com has the preview.