What we learned: May 7, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Diamondbacks 7, Brewers 5

The Brewers offense got the team off to a great start with a five-run first inning, building an early 5-2 lead.  However, the Diamondbacks chipped away at the lead, adding on runs in the fifth and sixth innings.  They would take the lead in the eighth with three runs off of Brandon Kintzler, and the Brewers offense couldn't mount a comeback.

The first base situation has been good so far this season.

At the start of the 2014 season, the Brewers decided to rely on a platoon of two players who had come in on minor league deals with spring training invites.  Now, over a month into the season, we have seen that platoon pay off as the two have helped the Brewers put together their hot start.  Yesterday, Derek evaluated the platoon of Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay and reported on how they have done in the first month.  The numbers have been good so far, but there is room for improvement.  The Brewers could look at a few changes to potentially improve the situation, but at least for now, it is a good situation for the team.

Cram Session

Brewers Offense

• The Brewers have struggled on offense, and one of the culprits has been a low walk rate.  Michael Hunt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has his take on how the Brewers need to walk more.
• Carlos Gomez has been a free swinger, almost to the point where it is a problem.  Curt Hogg of Disciples of Uecker analyzes how a more selective Gomez could improve his ability at the plate.
• Martin Maldonado has had limited playing time this season, but has made the most of his starts. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel wrote about how Maldonado has put up good numbers despite limited playing time.
• The Brewers have had the lowest success rate for stealing bases this season, and it has resulted in a change in strategy.  Ben Tannenbaum of The Brewers Bar looks at how the Brewers have changed strategy so far this season.

Other Notes

• Tom Gorzelanny has been out all season while rehabbing, but is finally closing in on a return date.  Adam McCalvy notes that Gorzelanny will go on a rehab assignment soon, but will need the full 30 days for the assignment to get back to game shape.
• Brandon McCarthy of the Diamondbacks is a big dog lover, and is also a fan of Hank the Ballpark Pup.  Before yesterday's game, he got his big chance to meet Hank, and John & Cait have details of the meeting.
• The Brewers are debuting new technology at Miller Park to allow fans to upgrade their seats at the game.  The Brewer Nation blog has details on how the program will work.
• Yesterday morning at Miller Park and around Milwaukee, the Brewers placed balloons as part of their Spring Madness promotion. John & Cait have more details on the promotion.
• John Steinmiller rappeled down a building as part of Shatterproof, and he has details of the event in the John & Cait blog.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Adam McCalvy takes a look at Huntsville catcher Shawn Zarraga, who has become a prospect of note in the Brewers system with a hot start to the season.

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

Division Update

• Pirates 2, Giants 1
• Red Sox 4, Reds 3
• Braves 2, Cardinals 1
• White Sox 5, Cubs 1

Today's Games

• Giants (Tim Lincecum) @ Pirates (Gerrit Cole) - 11:35 am
• Reds (Mike Leake) @ Red Sox (Jake Peavy) - 6:10 pm
• Cardinals (Adam Wainwright) @ Braves (Mike Minor) - 6:10 pm
• Cubs (Travis Wood) @ White Sox (John Danks) - 7:10 pm

Today's Games

The Brewers go for the series win in the rubber match of the series this afternoon.  They will have to go through a familiar nemesis to do it as Bronson Arroyo starts for the Diamondbacks.  The Brewers will counter with Wily Peralta as they attempt to get the series win.  First pitch is at 12:10 pm, and Adam McCalvy has the preview.  The game will not be televised on FS Wisconsin, but will be on MLB Network.