2009 Milwaukee Brewers

2009 Milwaukee Brewers / Franchise: Milwaukee Brewers / BR Team Page[edit]

Record: 80-82, Finished 3rd in NL Central Division (2009 NL)

Coaches: Chris Bosio, Bill Castro, Brad Fischer, Stan Kyles, Willie Randolph, Ed Sedar and Dale Sveum

History, Comments, Contributions[edit]

The 2009 Milwaukee Brewers were expecting to make a run at the NL Central title, after having won the wild card in 2008. However, they had trouble moving beyond .500 in the season's first months, as their starting pitching was beset by injuries and ineffectiveness. They suffered another key injury when second baseman Rickie Weeks went down for the season. In spite of their indifferent play, they remained in the race for the division title, because of the failure of rival teams to step forward.

After the All-Star break, the Chicago Cubs started getting hot. With the Brewers losing increasing ground, they made a series of bold moves on August 12, in hope of salvaging their season, in an approach that brought to mind the previous season's gambit of firing manager Ned Yost with two weeks left to play. First, pitching coach Bill Castro was let go, to be replaced by AAA coach Chris Bosio. Second, veteran infielder Bill Hall was designated for assignment, and finally, starting shortstop J.J. Hardy was sent down to the minors, in spite of having the regular at the position since 2007, to be replaced by rookie Alcides Escobar, a stand-out fielder whose bat had always been a question mark.