What we learned: August 11, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 9, Dodgers 3

The Brewers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead to support Kyle Lohse, but it wouldn't last. The Dodgers got a single run in the sixth and two in the seventh to take a 3-2 lead. That would be the only lead the Dodgers had, though. The Brewers would score four runs in the bottom of the seventh with two singles, a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and two errors. They would get three more in the eighth for the final margin.

Brewers 4, Dodgers 1

Making his first MLB start in over a year, Mike Fiers did not disappoint for the Brewers. He pitched eight innings and only allowed one run, three hits, and a walk, with five strikeouts. Meanwhile, the offense came to support him, thanks to home runs from Khris Davis and Carlos Gomez, as well as an RBI single from Aramis Ramirez.

Dodgers 5, Brewers 1

Despite getting a first-inning run against Clayton Kershaw, the Brewers just couldn't get past him. He locked the Brewers down after that, and the Brewers were their own worst enemy, screwing up the few chances they got. Jimmy Nelson made another solid start for the Brewers, pitching six innings and allowing two runs, but the Brewers couldn't back him up with offense.

Mark Attanasio has transformed this franchise as team owner.

As talk about the upcoming choice for MLB commissioner continued, a slight fear remained that Mark Attanasio could be the choice for the position. No one wants to lose Mark Attanasio as owner, especially considering how things had gone before he arrived. On Friday, Noah took a minute to appreciate what Mark Attanasio has done as owner. He has increased payroll, put winning first in the franchise, and revived a fanbase that had wanted to see a winner for a long time. He's probably not going anywhere anytime soon, but it's a scary thought that he might leave someday.

Cram Session

Team News

• Before Saturday's game, the Brewers optioned Rob Wooten to Nashville to clear a roster spot for Mike Fiers to make his start on Saturday.
• Matt Garza is still sidelined with his injury, and will not resume throwing until he is pain free.
• Jonathan Lucroy is dealing with a minor strain in his hamstring, and got a day off on Friday to get some rest.

Pitching Notes

• After dealing with an unstable rotation in 2013, the Brewers rotation has been much more reliable in 2014. Mike Bauman of MLB.com looks at how the stability in the rotation has made the Brewers a contender this year.
• Jeremy Jeffress has been getting some work in the setup role recently, and Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com notes that he can see himself as a closer one day.
• Adam McCalvy also notes that in their search for bullpen help, the Brewers went after Jim Johnson. Johnson ended up signing a minor-league deal with Detroit.
• What would it take for Wily Peralta to sign an extension? Ryan Topp of Disciples of Uecker breaks down what a potential extension for Peralta would look like.

Other Notes

• After never collecting a hit in the minor leagues, Jimmy Nelson has three hits in his last three games for the Brewers, including a double off Clayton Kershaw on Sunday.
• In monthly awards for the Brewers, Ryan Braun took the player of the month award for the Brewers in July, and Zach Duke was named pitcher of the month.
• In other awards, Jonathan Lucroy was recognized as the Brewers winner of the MLBPAA Heart and Hustle Award prior to Friday's game.
• Despite recent baserunning blunders, Adam McCalvy notes that Ron Roenicke is still committed to an aggressive baserunning style.
• If you missed Friday's game, you missed a broken bat from Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers...on a check swing. Mark Townsend of Big League Stew has video of the broken bat.
• Recently, a new challenge known as the "Ice Bucket Challenge" has made its way around social networks as a way to raise money and awareness for ALS. Ryan Braun was issued the challenge and completed it, and then he followed it up by issuing the challenge to three other Brewers: Carlos Gomez, Kyle Lohse, and Jonathan Lucroy.

Minor League Update

Playoff Picture Update

• Nashville Sounds
  Currently leads Memphis by 2 games for the division playoff spot.
  Magic number is 21.
• Huntsville Stars
  Guaranteed a playoff spot through first half division winner.
  1 game behind Tennessee for second half division lead.
• Brevard County Manatees
  Trailing Daytona by 4.5 games for second half playoff spot.
  Elimination number is 19.
• Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
  Tied with Cedar Rapids for second place in second half, one game behind Kane County.
  Currently would win tiebreaker vs. Cedar Rapids and make playoffs.
• DSL Brewers
  Eliminated from playoff contention.
• Helena Brewers
  Trailing Billings by 3 games for second half playoff spot.
  Elimination number is 21.
• AZL Brewers:
  Trailing AZL Indians by 5.5 games for second half playoff spot. Second half elimination number is 12.
  Second place in overall standings for division, would make playoffs if AZL Indians win second half and AZL Brewers are second overall.

News & Notes

• Brad Krause of Miller Park Prospects looks at some of the players performing well recently throughout the Brewers system.
• Michael Trzinski of Reviewing the Brew continues looking through some of the best farm teams in Brewers history with the 1984 Beloit Snappers.

Division Update

• Cardinals @ Orioles
  Friday: Orioles 12, Cardinals 2
  Saturday: Orioles 10, Cardinals 3
  Sunday: Cardinals 8, Orioles 3
• Padres @ Pirates
  Friday: Pirates 2, Padres 1
  Saturday: Padres 2, Pirates 1
  Sunday: Padres 8, Pirates 2
• Marlins @ Reds
  Friday: Marlins 2, Reds 1
  Saturday: Marlins 4, Reds 3
  Sunday: Reds 7, Marlins 2
• Rays @ Cubs
  Friday: Rays 4, Cubs 3
  Saturday: Rays 4, Cubs 0
  Sunday: Cubs 3, Rays 2

Today's Division Games

• Cardinals (Shelby Miller) @ Marlins (Tom Koehler) - 6:10 pm
• Tigers (Justin Verlander) @ Pirates (Jeff Locke) - 6:05 pm
• Reds have the day off.

Today's Action

The Brewers start a four-game series against the Cubs today. Yovani Gallardo will face Jake Arrieta in the first game of the series. First pitch is at 7:05 pm, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com has the preview.