Round 2, Region 2: Least Liked Brewers of the Last Decade Bracket

Unlike in the Sheffield Region, not all of the “favorites” took home a victory in the first round of the Gagne Region. The 10-seed, Tyler Cravy, took down 7^th-seeded Mark Kotsay with shockingly little resistance (72%-28%). The rest of the region went to the higher seeds in the “Least Liked Brewers of the Last Decade.”

Another blowout was a bit of surprise as 8^th-seeded Jesus Aguilar took home 73% of the vote over the 9-seed, Eric Thames. You’d normally expect a tighter contest in the 8-9 battle, and it seemed like Aguilar was more well-liked than that. In fairness, many commenters said they liked both, so it was lose-lose.

Experts aren’t sure there are any clear potential upsets in the second round here, but if the voting in the Sheffield Region is any indication, a Cinderella can pop up out of nowhere. Can someone sneak his way into the Sweet 16? Vote for the players you “liked LEAST” and be a part of the action.

#1 Shaun Marcum vs. #8 Jesus Aguilar

Marcum had no issue blowing past 16-seeded Yasmani Grandal. Some detractors felt Marcum was over-seeded considering his overall performance in Milwaukee, but you would think he still holds a major advantage of Aguilar in round 2 despite his own blowout in the opener.

The memory of Marcum’s playoff drubbings remain fresh in many fans’ minds – tough to forget when a World Series trip is on the line. As for Aguilar, he quickly found favor with the Milwaukee faithful before dropping off just as fast. What do you have as the percentage-point spread in this one?

#4 Oliver Drake vs. #5 Taylor Williams

Based on the analysis (aka reader comments), Drake could be the sleeper to come out of this region. Not only was his sizable win in round 1 a possible sign of things to come, but the analysts have stressed the feeling they get just seeing Drake’s name. Meanwhile, Williams’ small victory against a 12-seed doesn’t bode well for his future performance.

It’s a battle between a goofy hurler with underwhelming stuff and a guy with electric weapons, but could never put it together. Figuring out which type of pitcher in general might be tough to decipher; however, it appears to be a true favorite in this specific matchup.

#3 Jacob Barnes vs. #6 Taylor Green

Barnes is another reliever that couldn’t find consistency, though he brought the heat with an 87% showing last round. Maybe he just needs another year or two to develop. On the flip side, Green used up all his chances in the big leagues. Now he has a shot to reach a level he never did as a player if he can pull off the minor upset.

It’s possible Green didn’t make enough of a mark as a prospect or potential regular in the Majors for enough fans to like him less than Williams, who has the edge thanks to the more recent failures. This might be one of those decisions based on timing rather than anything deeper.

#2 Ken Macha vs. #10 Tyler Cravy

Macha’s name triggered TONS of negative responses when he was given the 2-seed, leading many to think he may be the actual favorite in the region. His 92% margin of victory certainly says it’s possible. His opponent may be more formidable than many thought after Cravy became the first underdog to advance in the tourney.

Cravy’s attitude when he was in the organization is the type of thing fans often hold grudges for…plus he was hammered at the MLB level. Still, Macha’s impact on the Brewers – and subsequently, the fans – might have left harsher, more long-lasting scars than a player who had little-to-know effect on the franchise. Will Macha sleepwalk into the Sweet 16? I guess that’s up to you.

And with that, the matchups in round 2 of the Gagne Region is go from “on paper” to the reality of Brewers fans’ hearts and minds. Thanks again for participating. We hope this tournament entertains while we all miss baseball.