USATSI_9663270_168381442_lowres

Strategic Failure

The narrative of the 2017-2018 offseason for the Milwaukee Brewers will be one of success; to the vast majority of observers, the Brewers had an unexpected successful season, winning 86 games with a low-payroll, prospect developing, minor league veteran, emerging star team. That no one expected the Brewers to reach the playoffs will be used […]

USATSI_10291042_168381442_lowres

Deconstructing the Pirates

With the Brewers embracing a systematic rebuild following the 2014 and 2015 collapse, it is worth scrutinizing other building cycles around the MLB. As the Brewers play in Pittsburgh, the Pirates are winding down their second disappointing season following their 2013-2015 contending run. Pittsburgh fully rebuilt their baseball operations, analytics, and player development system under […]

USATSI_10250233_168381442_lowres

Considering the Keystone

Heading into the 2017 season, few Brewers fans were worried about second base. Jonathan Villar had spent the previous summer making good on his potential, authoring a 4.7 WARP season along the way. Scooter Gennett and Yadiel Rivera provided a decent insurance policy: one could be relied on for some decent at bats, while the […]