Play Ball!

Here we go Brewer fans! It’s been a long, boring semi-cold winter waiting for baseball to return to Milwaukee, but it’s finally back, and yesterday, it was better than ever. Our beloved Brewers played some late inning small ball to beat the Pirates 5-2 in front of 45,023 screaming fans.

Ned Yost said yesterday that it’s only one game of 162, but that one game was probably the most anticipated game in years. After the 81-81 season last year, (snapping the 12 year losing streak), and all the buzz that was generated in the off season about this up and coming Brewer team, fans were absolutely rabid for a victory yesterday. Those fans were not disappointed. Not only did our boys get the win, but a dramatic, come-from-behind win provided by a 2-run single from veteran Jeff Cirillo, and cemented by a towering 2-run homer from Carlos Lee.

The team that took the field yesterday had a different energy about them than last season. While there were some Opening Day jitters, (Prince Fielder going 0-4, all strikeouts), there was also confidence, and determination to get it done. And get it done they did, despite some questionable calls by what must have been a Pittsburgh-based umpire team. The strike zone seemed to move, as if by magic, during the time it took Doug Davis to replace Perez on the mound. Either that or home plate umpire John Hirschbeck had dirt in his eyes every time Davis pitched.

And apparently 2nd base umpire Mark Carlson seemed to think that something more had to be done to tag a runner than have the ball in your glove and your foot on the bag. JJ Hardy stretched like Rubber Man to make an amazing play at second base, clearly tagging Jason Bay in time. Clear to everyone except Carlson that is, who decided that Bay was safe.

Carlos Lee was determined to not strike out during his 11-pitch at bat. He said after the game that when you hit foul ball home runs, you generally end up striking out, but he wasn’t going to strike out. He was determined to hit the ball, and hit it he did, to the tune of about 405 feet.

Speaking of hitting the ball, how about Doug Davis yesterday? While he never got on base, he hit the ball solidly, not once but twice. And he managed to pitch 6 solid innings as well. It was definitely a welcome sight to see Davis handle the ball with as much authority at the plate as he did on the mound. Doug said he didn’t like being considered a guaranteed strikeout, so he worked a lot on his batting mechanics during spring training, and it seems to have paid off. Let’s hope that this trend will continue for Davis and for all of our pitching staff.

While we’re on the subject of our pitching staff, I must mention Derrick Turnbow, who, according to Matt Wise, is officially a rock star. The energy level in the stadium was significantly amped up when Derrick walked out of the bullpen before the 9th inning. Every time he walks out onto the field, I’m reminded of the movie “Major League” and the scenes featuring Charlie Sheen as the ‘Wild Thing’ pitcher. That’s the way Derrick Turnbow affects the fans here in Milwaukee, and with good reason. 99 mile-an-hour fastballs are impressive no matter how you look at it. Couple that with his easygoing manner and good old boy attitude and you definitely have a winning combination. I spoke with Derrick at length back in December, and he is just as nice as he is talented, and I for one am thrilled that he’ll be with us for three years. I also read that Derrick got married during the off-season, so congrats to Derrick on the new contract and the new wife.

I’m off to the park again tonight to see Chris Capuano face off against former Brewer Victor Santos. I couldn’t miss Cappy’s season debut, and it gives me a chance to wear my newly autographed #39 jersey. Tonight should also mark the first time we’ll get a look at new Brewer Corey Koskie at third base. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action. Congrats on the Opening Day win guys. Let’s get another one tonight! Go Brewers!