What we learned: June 2, 2014

This Weekend's Results

Brewers 11, Cubs 5

The Brewers wasted no time taking control of this game. They scored five runs in the first inning, and ended up with eleven runs in the game. Marco Estrada didn't have a good game, but recorded a quality start to keep the Brewers in good shape.

Cubs 8, Brewers 0

After a good offensive output on Friday, the offense went completely cold. They only managed four hits against Jason Hammel, who pitched a great game. Wily Peralta did well for three innings, but he injured his back in the second inning and started to unravel in the fourth. He ended up giving up six runs in the loss.

Brewers 9, Cubs 0

Once again, fortunes reversed in this game. The Brewers hit Jeff Samardzija for eight runs in three innings. Meanwhile, Kyle Lohse didn't need any help, pitching a complete game and driving in two runs in the process while holding the Cubs to three hits.

It's draft week.

The MLB First-Year Player Draft will take place this week, and we have plenty of coverage planned for you this week on Brew Crew Ball. Yesterday, Derek gave a quick intro to the week and some of what to expect. We will have plenty of coverage this week, and will even have draft threads up during the draft to discuss the Brewers picks. Make sure to check back in often this week and see what is going on.

There are different ways to handle Rule 5 players.

Wei-Chung Wang got in back-to-back games this weekend as two good opportunities came up for appearances. The Brewers still appear committed to holding on to him for the season, but what are their options? On Friday, Fred ran through the options that the Brewers have and the way they will likely play out. With the Brewers remaining in contention and leading a division right now, it's getting harder to use that spot on Wang. The Brewers could make a move, but they could risk losing him if they do.

Cram Session

The Offense

• Discussion has come out about batting the pitcher eighth in the Brewers lineup. Adam McCalvy has some details on the discussion in his Brew Beat blog.
• The Brewers have had some issues getting on base this season. Ryan Topp of Disciples of Uecker looks at it to see if it's a real problem or just an issue of perception.
• There's a lot of power in the Brewers offense. Justin Schultz of Reviewing the Brew analyzes how the Brewers are using that power this season.
• With him taking the #5 spot in the order, Khris Davis is bringing his own approach to it. Adam McCalvy looks at how Khris Davis is approaching the role.

Other Notes

• Will Smith has been good in relief this year, but is open to what his future role could be. Adam McCalvy has some quotes from Smith on his approach to this season.
• The Brewers have made a number of changes this month. The Brewer Nation blog recapped many of the changes that the Brewers have made through May.
• Ryan Romano of Beyond the Box Score looks at Carlos Gomez as one candidate who is using power to remain elite this year.
• Bill Berg of Reviewing the Brew notes that Kyle Lohse threw the 12th "Maddux" in Brewers history on Sunday.
• Miller Park Drunk looks at the career of Ron Roenicke, one that may be more about luck than anything else.
• Jim Henderson has been cleared to throw again, and Adam McCalvy has some notes on the progression of his rehab.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Aramis Ramirez played four innings and had two at-bats on Sunday for Wisconsin, and went 0-for-2 with 1 strikeout.  Brad Krause of Miller Park Prospects has a photo gallery of the game.
• Tom Gorzelanny pitched for Nashville on Friday, allowing 1 hit and 1 walk with 1 strikeout in 2/3 inning.
• Minor League Ball conducted a mock draft over the weekend. John Sickels has details on how the draft played out for the NL Central teams.
• The Brewers are set at catcher for a while, but there's still plenty of talent in the minors. Jay D of Reviewing the Brew looks at the current situation for the catcher position through the Brewers system.
• Jimmy Nelson returned to Nashville and picked back up where he left off. He struck out 11 in Saturday's game for the Sounds, and Adam Berry of MLB.com has some details on the start.
  
• The Brewers minor-league affiliates have been having some good seasons. Adam McCalvy runs down what the affiliates have done through the first two months.

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

Division Update

• Giants @ Cardinals
  Friday: Giants 9, Cardinals 4
  Saturday: Cardinals 2, Giants 0
  Sunday: Giants 8, Cardinals 0
• Reds @ Diamondbacks
  Friday: Reds 6, Diamondbacks 4
  Saturday: Reds 5, Diamondbacks 0
  Sunday: Reds 4, Diamondbacks 3
• Pirates @ Dodgers
  Friday: Pirates 2, Dodgers 1
  Saturday: Dodgers 12, Pirates 2
  Sunday: Pirates 5, Dodgers 3

Today's Division Games

• Royals (Danny Duffy) vs. Cardinals (Shelby Miller) - 7:10 pm
• Pirates (Charlie Morton) vs. Padres (Tim Stauffer) - 9:10 pm
• Reds and Cubs have the day off.

Today's Action

The Brewers open a four-game home & away series against the Twins tonight. The first two games are at Miller Park, and Matt Garza makes the first start for the Brewers. On the other side, Kyle Gibson starts for the Twins. First pitch is at 6:20 pm tonight, and Caitlin Swieca of MLB.com has the preview.