The platoon advantage is a well-accepted baseball truism. Teams try to arrange their lineups and manage their substitutions so that they can have right-handed hitters face left-handed pitchers, and vice versa. Oakland became famous in 2012 when its shocking run to the playoffs was significantly aided by a masterful use of platoons. Milwaukee does not […]
Author: Seth Victor
GAME 95 RECAP: INDIANS 7, BREWERS 5
TOP PLAY (WPA) The Brewers entered the third inning with a relatively commanding 4-1 lead. Despite how early it was in the game, Milwaukee’s win expectancy was over 80 percent. Kyle Lohse, though, continued his poor season and quickly gave up the lead. After pitcher Cody Anderson struck out to lead off the top of […]
The Costs and Consequences of the Brewers’ Local TV Contract
While payroll is not the only—or even ultimate—determining factor in a team’s success, the ability to spend a lot of money on players undoubtedly helps. That financial flexibility can be utilized in multiple ways; smart teams will spend millions on both impact free agents and locking up their young players. Organizations such as the Tampa […]
Game Ninety Recap: Dodgers 4, Brewers 3
TOP PLAY (WPA) All season long, the Brewers have had one of baseball’s best bullpens. Their bullpen DRA ranked fifth in the majors coming into Sunday’s game, and they were 25-2 when they have led at the beginning of the seventh inning and 30-0 when leading in the eighth inning. However, two of the club’s best relievers […]
What Has Changed With Ryan Braun?
The combined 2011 and 2012 version of Ryan Braun was one of baseball’s best players. He won the 2011 NL MVP and posted back-to-back six-win seasons. However, the 31-year-old has spent the last three years as a good — but not great — player. In short, he has transitioned from being one of the game’s elite hitters […]