The Phillies own the best record in the majors and have been penciled in as the NL champs since their acquisition of Cliff Lee in the offseason gave them one of the best starting rotations in major league history. But do the surging Brewers — winners of 16 of 18 games entering Monday night — pose a threat to the NL favorites?
Philadelphia obviously has an advantage in starting pitching. Zack Greinke, Yovani Gallardo and Shaun Marcum are quality pitchers for the Brewers, but they aren’t exactly being looked at from a historical perspective.
But the Brewers’ lineup and bullpen could give them an edge in the postseason.
Milwaukee features two MVP candidates in the middle of its order. Ryan Braun (.326, 22 HRs, 77 RBI) and Prince Fielder (.305, 27 HRs, 89 RBI) are ranked in the top 13 of the NL in every Triple Crown category.
The Brewers also made one of the best trade deadline deals, acquiring Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez to shore up the back of their bullpen. Rodriguez is embracing the eighth-inning duties while John Axford (34 saves) remains the team’s closer. Veteran righty LaTroy Hawkins also has pitched well with a 1.67 ERA and a team-high 18 holds.
And winning in Milwaukee won’t be easy for any opposing team. The Brewers own the best home record in the majors and haven’t lost a series at Miller Park since the All-Star break.
The Phillies may still be the team to beat, but the Brewers aren’t far behind.
– Jeffrey Tomik
