With another half of the season to go, the Journal Sentinel turned to readers for their opinions on whether the Brewers had their second straight division title already wrapped up, or if the other NL Central teams posed a threat.
Readers remain queasy about Brewers’ division control
The overwhelming majority of readers are not confident in Milwaukee’s control over the division. Eighty-nine percent of voters believed the Brewers’ division rivals could make a run for the top seed, while just 11% are confident in the Brew Crew’s ability to maintain command.
Most voters doubted the current status of the pitching staff. While the Brewers have been linked to some starting pitchers around the league, they are also waiting for their own players to return from the injury list, including two-time NL reliever of the year Devin Williams.
Other readers noted the high-end talent on the rival divisional rosters.
Below are some of the responses, edited lightly for clarity.
Voters doubtful Brewers’ lead can hold up
Mike S: The Brewers do not have enough pitching as of today to have anything wrapped up. That may change in the 2nd half as some of the pitchers on the IL return to duty.
Bill: Brewers bullpen has been solid but they can’t continue with this kind of workload. Unbelievable job so far with the starting pitching but feels like duct tape and paperclips. Hopefully we can match the 1st half success but it will be tough.
Chris: A patchwork starting rotation with an occasional opener while relying heavily on a valuable, but highly used, bullpen just doesn’t seem sustainable. Maybe exceptional defense and solid, but unspectacular bats can maintain the division lead or at least keep the Crew in contention. But the rest of the season horizon seems hazy in my eyes.
Anthony G: Key Brewers (Contreras, Yelich, Turang, Ortiz) having nice seasons while all challengers have key players underachieving. But the Reds’ roster is strong, the Pirates’ young pitchers are elite, the Cards’ veterans are rebounding, and (Craig) Counsell is under pressure to have the Cubs produce. Crew needs to make decisions on Bauers, Mitchell and Black, add a bullpen arm, rent a starter, and let Murph continue his solid managing.
