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Earlier today, I wrote that Jonathan Lucroy should be starting at first base while Aramis Ramirez is on the disabled list and Mark Reynolds is at third base. That would allow Martin Maldonado and his awesome catcher's ERA and hot start with the bat to be in the lineup more often. It would also allow Lyle Overbay and Jeff Bianchi the opportunity to not play and stop annoying us with their not-goodness.
Today, the Brewers are starting Mark Reynolds at third base, Jonathan Lucroy at first base and Martin Maldonado at catcher.
Ron Roenicke, you sly, sexy devil. I always knew you had your eye on Brew Crew Ball. I knew one day you would come around and say, 'ya know what, maybe those guys are right'. You had it in you all along, Ron! I'm proud of you.
In all seriousness, this is basically the best possible lineup the Brewers could have on the field right now. Rickie Weeks is hitting well and is in, the trio mentioned above are all in, both Carlos Gomez and Ryan Braun are in -- Oh yeah, Carlos Gomez is playing his first game in nearly a week after injury/suspension/illness has kept him out.
The Brewers don't really have the easiest task against the Braves, who are among the best in the MLB in pitching this year, but this lineup can only help things. Good news is Mike Minor has had ups and downs through his first three starts of 2014 after missing all of April with a shoulder injury. In two starts against the Giants, he allowed just two earned runs in a total of 12.2 innings. Against the Cardinals, however, he gave up six in 4.1 frames. Here's hoping his weakness is NL Central teams.
Meanwhile, Wily Peralta is still amazing. He has a 2.05 ERA on the year is coming off a seven-inning performance against the Pirates that saw him allow just one run on five hits and a walk while striking out four. He's also got his old buddy back behind the plate. He's also facing the baseball's most inept offense. Everything indicates Peralta should be in for a great start. Then again, I made fun of the Cubs twice and the Brewers lost their series to Chicago. So, uh...the Braves offense is on the up and up, guys! They could surprise people!
Go Brewers!
