Brewers Year in Review: Top Defensive Plays

As we approach the end of 2018, it is always fun to look back on some of best highlights of the season. When looking at more advanced defensive metrics, Milwaukee was one the best teams in MLB (second in Defensive Runs Saved and fourth in overall defense according to Fangraphs). With such a quality defensive team, examples of defensive prowess are easy to come by. The problem is narrowing them down into five. In no particular order, here are five of the top defensive plays made by the Brew Crew in 2018.

Lorenzo Cain Saves Orlando Arcia

June 18 vs. Philadelphia

LoCain seems to always be in effortless position to make a play. In this case, he had Orlando Arcia’s back as the ball comes out of his glove while attempting another over-the-shoulder catch. This time, Cain came up with the amazing play.

Ryan Braun Dives for the Catch

August 11 vs. Atlanta

Losing 6 of the last 9, Ryan Braun makes an all-important diving catch to maintain a late lead that also led to a vital win. If this ball gets down, the Braves may have swept this series. This play was critical as Milwaukee marched towards the playoffs.

Brent Suter Shows His Athletic Grace

June 27 vs. Kansas City

Brent Suter had several nice moments for the Brew Crew in 2018. He even hit a home run off Corey Kluber. While doing a somersault and launching into a dive, he was able to tag Alex Gordon for the second out of the inning.

Lorenzo Cain Robs David Freese in the NLCS

October 13 vs. Los Angles

LoCain had a few of these home run robberies in 2018, and some of them were better catches than this one, like when he robbed Cody Bellinger or Jody Mercer. But the moment makes this one. He makes this catch in game 2 of the NLCS, and it was made on Brewer-killer David Freese. If what happened late in this game didn’t happen, this catch would have been the critical moment of the game. Oh what might have been!

Keon Broxton Goes High Up the Wall to Rob Brian Dozier

July 4 vs. Minnesota

Keon Broxton seems to make these types of catches all the time. And it is a crime to leave out his diving catch during his career game against Cincinnati. But this might be the catch of the year for the Brewers. This catch came in the ninth inning to help preserve a two-run victory.

There are countless other plays that could have been, and maybe should have been, on this list. Plays made by Lorenzo Cain could have filled the entire list. The fact that Orlando Arcia does not show up on this list is just amazing. Just thinking of the multitude of plays he made going into the hole, twirling, and throwing out the runner are a highlight reel. The five plays listed are deserving, but there are other plays that are quite possibly just as deserving. So don’t hesitate to let us know what plays you think should have been included.

Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs