Despite the Brewers being in a more comfortable divisional spot, they’re a pretty even match for the Baldelli Brigade. Both teams are within one win of each other, and although the Brewers have a slightly better run differential (+79 vs. +47), the Twins have a slightly better team OPS (.751 vs. .733). A series sweep could put them within striking distance of the dastardly Guardians, so what are some weak spots Minnesota can exploit?
The Rotation is as Weak as It Has Ever Been
It must be nice over there in Minneapolis, with a healthy rotation full of players with two functioning arms. Is it the best rotation in baseball? Surely you know the answer to that but don’t fret. The Twins will be at the top of their rotation in these two games, trotting out Pablo López (5.11 ERA) and Joe Ryan (3.53 ERA). Meanwhile, the Brewers will use Freddy Peralta (4.11) and Aaron Civale (4.94 ERA). Depending on your belief in Pablo and whether he’s been scammed by the stats so far, Minnesota arguably has a leg up in terms of starting pitching in this series.
To make matters worse for the Brewers, the Twins lineup has been swinging lately, posting a .819 team OPS since June 1st, second only to the Mets. Furthermore, their offense will work especially well against Peralta and Civale.
Peralta predominantly throws a four-seam fastball and a slider. In 2024, the Twins have a combined .784 OPS against those pitches, the best in MLB. They may struggle a little more with Civale’s cutter/sinker/sweeper combination, but honestly, the person who has struggled the most with his arsenal this year has been Civale himself. Since arriving in Milwaukee, he has a 5.46 FIP and 1.41 WHIP over two starts. Over 17 starts with the Rays. He had a 5.07 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, so it’s safe to say that it might not be his year.
Don’t Let Them Steal
Like a refrigerator, the Brewers are most effective when they’re running. They’re second in MLB in stolen bases with a whopping 133, 87 more than the Twins’ figure of 46. The main suspects will be known as speedsters Brice Turang and Christian Yelich, who have stolen a combined 51 bags. While lacking the same on-base skills, Blake Perkins and Sal Frelick have top-decile sprint speed and have been known to snag bases when given the chance to do so, combining for 28 between them.
Unfortunately, neither Ryan Jeffers nor Christian Vázquez are particularly adept at preventing the run game. Luckily, there are other ways to prevent the opposing team from making a break from it. More diligent pickoff attempts and intentional infielder positioning are just a few ways to stop Milwaukee in its tracks. If you want to be less ethical about it, you can always send Justin Topa to pull a Nancy Kerrigan job since he isn’t doing much these days.
Pitch To Them - It Won’t Hurt
Like an empty soda fountain, the Brewers ain’t got no pop, at least not since June 1st. They’re slugging just .371, 26th in MLB, and their .123 ISO is the worst in MLB since then. Their 33 home runs are 29th in MLB, just one more than the last-place Marlins. What has been limiting their power? They’re hitting ground balls at a 47.1% clip, the highest in MLB over this span. This poor quality of contact has drastically limited their ability to put runs on the board.
López and Ryan both have strikeout rates >27.0%. Even if they’re not fanning hitters, they could still collect some outs through soft contact. Even if the Crew logs hits, they may be limited to singles with few extra-base hits. Without a real power/RBI threat other than maybe Willy Adames, the Twins shouldn’t be too worried about unloading their heat onto the Milwaukee men.
It’ll be a great pair of games, and with this year’s head-to-head results currently at 1-1, hopefully, we’ll get a definitive ending to this DiamondCentric derby.
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FAQs
Bonus: The Girl Behind Home Plate – Amy Williams
According to a profile in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last October, Williams wasn't even a baseball fan until she attended her first Brewers game in 2007.
What is the carry in policy for the Brewers? ›
Carry-in Policy
Non-clear bags 9” x 5” x 2” or smaller, clear single-compartment bags 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller, and one-gallon clear resealable bags will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags (maximum size: 16” x 16” x 8”) and for ADA/medically necessary items.
Why do the Brewers have MKE on their hats? ›
The hat utilizes the initials MKE, the abbreviation for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, with a hidden 414 behind it—a nod to the city's area code.
Do the Brewers close the roof when it is hot? ›
While Major League Baseball rules in all postseason retractable roof situations, it allows the home team to make the final roofing decision before each regular season game. According to WUWM Radio, the Brewers' self-imposed threshold is 60 degrees.
Who is the Brewers player that broke his hand? ›
CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs reliever Colten Brewer punched a dugout wall after getting pulled in the third inning of Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels. His weekend only got worse from there. The right-hander later learned he fractured his left hand.
Why do the Brewers ring the bell? ›
Berry said the bell was intended to commemorate "an instinctual play." "It can be pitching, it can be whatever," he said. "Certain instances that might get overlooked, if someone does a really smart, intelligent play – a high IQ play – we ring it up for them."
Can you bring a vape in Brewers Stadium? ›
Milwaukee Brewers – American Family Field
Use of tobacco products in any form, including smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in American Family Field except in designated areas.
How much does food cost at a Brewers game? ›
414 Value Menu The 414 Menu, a value menu available at 12 concession stands spanning each level of ballpark offers four items a la carte, for just $4 each – a junior hot dog, junior nachos, Cracker Jack and 16 oz. soda. The value pricing offers more flexibility for fans at every home game.
How much is a beer at American Family Field? ›
How much does beer cost at an MLB game?
| Team | Stadium | Beer price per ounce |
|---|
| Chicago White Sox | Guaranteed Rate Field | $0.69 |
| Cincinnati Reds | Great American Ballpark | $0.69 |
| Detroit Tigers | Comerica Park | $0.69 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | American Family Field | $0.69 |
24 more rowsMay 5, 2023
The Brewers also have a tribute to Aaron, the No. 44 on the right sleeve in the form of a patch on their uniforms. The team will wear it throughout the course of the season home and away to honor the Brewers and baseball legend. The Atlanta Braves will wear No.
A number of Puerto Rican MLB players, as well as Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brent Suter, also wore number 21 in honor of Clemente. Beginning in September 2021, Latin American players and Roberto Clemente Award winners were given the option to wear number 21 during Roberto Clemente Day.
Why do the Brewers have a grill on their uniforms? ›
The stylized patch is a nod to the city's love of outdoor grilling and summer living. A City Connect uniform would not be complete without acknowledging this tradition and the Brewers tailgating experience – a right of passage for many fans.
Can fans go down the slide at Brewers stadium? ›
Adventure is waiting for you at American Family Field! Start off your Brewers game day with a ride down Bernie's Slide. Discover what it feels like to be Bernie Brewer when the Milwaukee Brewers slug a home run. The experience is available before select home games at American Family Field for 2-8 people.
What was the Brewers worst season? ›
The Brewers' best season record occurred in 2011 when they finished 96–66 (. 593). Conversely, their lowest season record was 56–106 (. 346) in 2002.
How long does it take to open the roof at Brewers stadium? ›
The roof can open or close in ten minutes with three of the movable roof panels stacking on the left side and two movable roof panels stacking on the right side of the ballpark. Each movable roof panel moves independently of the others, rotating on a fixed pivot bearing behind home plate.
Who plays behind home plate in baseball? ›
The catcher must be behind home plate in the catcher's box, while the pitcher must be on the pitcher's mound, with one foot in contact with the pitcher's rubber.
Does Brian Anderson still call the Brewers? ›
He is joined by color commentator Bill Schroeder. The duo occasionally also did games for WMLW, a local over-the-air channel in the Milwaukee metro area, but Fox Sports Wisconsin has since become the exclusive local broadcast partner for the Brewers. Anderson remains a member of the Brewers' broadcast booth today.
Does front row Amy have a bobblehead? ›
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame produced the limited edition Front Row Amy bobbleheads in conjunction with AJ Collectables.
Who is the Brewers fan announcer? ›
Bob Uecker enters his 53rd season as a broadcaster for his hometown team, calling games on Newsradio 620 WTMJ and the Brewers Radio Network. He is celebrating his 68th year in baseball.
