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Craig Counsell is interviewing with the New York Mets. How does that change what we understood about the situation? (10.26.2023) Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

Craig Counsell is reportedly set to interview with the New York Mets, even before his contract expires at the end of the month. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg discusses how that changes the perception of Counsell's future in Milwaukee and whether or not that decreases his chances of staying with the Brewers. Curt and host JR Radcliffe also discuss the departure of Eric Lauer and William Contreras's cryptic tweet. Oh yeah, and the team that beat the Brewers in the playoffs, the Arizona Diamondbacks, is heading to the World Series.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music interlude "Back In Time" by Dirk Dehler on Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org).

Brandon Woodruff, Craig Counsell and a look back at our preseason predictions (10.19.2023) Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss the dramatic blow to the 2024 Brewers with the long-term injury to Brandon Woodruff and what the options are for his roster status going forward. Plus, still no news on Craig Counsell's future: What's up with that? The guys discuss two popular topics during the postseason: The playoff model itself and what's "on the record" in the clubhouse after the Orlando Arcia/Bryce Harper fiasco. Then, they re-visit their preseason predictions to see how they did. Spoiler alert: It's really rough for one of them.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music interlude "Back In Time" by Dirk Dehler on Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org).

Could the Brewers actually keep Corbin Burnes in 2024? That and other offseason questions (10.11.2023) Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe provide a post-mortem look at the 2023 Brewers season, even though numerous unanswered questions (like Craig Counsell's status for next year) remain unknown. General manager Matt Arnold met the media Tuesday, and did he perhaps indicate that Corbin Burnes would be back in 2024? How does Brandon Woodruff's health alter the landscape, when will the team add Jackson Chourio and other top prospects to the fold, and how can this team get better on offense with such a weak free-agent class?
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music.

Playoffs end swiftly for the Brewers, and we're still processing. What held this team back? (10.05.2023) Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss the team's two losses to Arizona in the wild-card series, bringing the 2023 season to a screeching halt. Is the sustained lack of success in the playoffs really just a series of bad breaks, or something bigger? How did the Brandon Woodruff injury derail the dream from the start? Rough outings for Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams and (one bad inning, anyway) Freddy Peralta. Jesse Winker really got two postseason at-bats? What are the expectations for manager Craig Counsell returning to the team? Plus, a look at the moments that could have turned the tide (Evan Longoria? Really?) and the bigger question of how to evaluate the 2023 campaign. Was this success?
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clip: "ABC" by Jackson 5.

It's Brewers vs. Diamondbacks in the first round of the playoffs and a conversation with Jim Henderson (10.02.2023) Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

The Milwaukee Brewers are National League Central champions and drew the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the MLB playoffs. What do we need to know about Arizona and its 1-2 starting-pitching punch? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe talk about the notable similarities between the two teams, the playoff roster, the future of Craig Counsell (especially with the Mets managerial job opening), a magical final week that included a champagne celebration and The Caleb Boushley Game.
Then, JR is joined by bullpen coach Jim Henderson (1:05:00), a former Brewers closer himself who has overseen an impressive unit this season.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips: "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

Brewers clinch a playoff spot, plus a discussion about stadium financing (09.25.2023) Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

The Milwaukee Brewers are headed to the playoffs in 2023, though that division title still remains a little bit elusive. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writers Curt Hogg and JR Radcliffe look at an eventful week with some great offensive performance (but also some hiccups). What's up lately with Joel Payamps? Will the team carry Rowdy Tellez into the postseason? Tyrone Taylor just keeps cruising. Is there any level of concern with the outings by Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta in Miami? Do the Brewers really want to avoid the Cubs in the first round?
Three Up/Three Down (37:30) looks at a strange vibe in St. Louis, some outfield adventures and, of course, Tellez pitching to seal up a postseason clinch. Remembrew When (52:45) goes back in time to a streak that will make Brian Anderson's absence from the field look like nothing at all. In Curt Blanche (59:45), Curt advocates for a roster move that will surprise you.
Then, JR sits down with Journal Sentinel business reporter Tom Daykin (1:08:30) to look at the newest updates around American Family Field stadium financing, including a new plan that would ask for $600 million from taxpayers. Why the massive increase, and just what is this money going to do? Can the city and county be compelled to contribute? How does this compare to other stadium situations? Is a "beer district" the answer?
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips: "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

Are the bats turning the corner as Milwaukee surges to a division title? Plus a conversation with Brock Wilken (09.18.2023) Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Milwaukee's superb 5-2 week at home has the Brewers cruising toward a division title; are the bats really turning the corner, or does the offense still have issues to solve? Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss a week of big homers (including Mark Canha's unforgettable grand slam on Saturday). Should Mark Canha come back in 2024? Joey Wiemer's struggles resulted in getting optioned to AAA; what's the concern level with the rookie players' improvement over the season? Josh Donaldson arrives. The pitching, specifically Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta, continues to be lethal. And David Stearns is officially headed to New York.
Remembrew When goes back in time to the Milwaukee Braves and perhaps the greatest pitching performance ever. Curt Blanche questions a popular belief about the Brewers' struggles on offense.
Then, JR has a conversation with 2023 first-round draft pick Brock Wilken, who appeared in Milwaukee early last week before heading to Class AA Biloxi. They talk about his penchant for power, his defense at third base and his first season of organized baseball.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips: "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

An unforgettable near-miss at history in Yankee Stadium, plus a chat with Wade Miley (09.11.2023) Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

The Milwaukee Brewers threw 10 1/3 innings of no-hit baseball on Sunday in Yankee Stadium ... and lost. The missed opportunity is a microcosm of the team's offensive struggles, but it was an otherwise healthy performance with the bats this week. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss what's behind the bats' turnaround in September (spoiler alert: a little bit of luck) and if the offense can compete when the offense rolls around. Sunday's game featured the best of ace Corbin Burnes and a defensive play by Sal Frelick that ranks among the best in history. JR and Curt chat about Josh Donaldson, Andrew Chafin, Brice Turang and more.
Remembrew When looks back at another memorable three-game set in Yankee Stadium in 1981, and Curt Blanche compares Burnes and Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
Then, JR chats with Wade Miley, who himself threw a no-hitter a couple years ago with the Cincinnati Reds. He talks about his comfort in Milwaukee and the unusual highlights of his career.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips: "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

The Josh Donaldson addition, a week full of close games and a conversation with Bryse Wilson (09.04.2023) Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

The Brewers went 3-3 against the Cubs and Phillies, picking up one important tiebreaker along the way and setting the stage for what could be three huge games in Milwaukee to end the season. It's a decent spot, with a 3 1/2 game lead in the National League Central and 26 games to go. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss the success of new additions Mark Canha and Carlos Santana, the expanded roster, the return of Colin Rea and the polarizing reaction around the signing of Josh Donaldson.
Remembrew When looks back at a Phillies game that perhaps came to mind after a thriller Friday, and Curt Blanche floats an unconventional playoff rotation idea.
Then, JR sits down with Brewers reliever Bryse Wilson (57:30), one of the many success stories in the bullpen this year. He also happens to have a brother who's a standout football player at a Power Five program (with a big first week, to boot).
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips: "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

A conversation with Devin Williams and breaking down the white-hot Brewers with the Cubs up next (08.28.2023) Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

The Milwaukee Brewers are on a roll, winners of eight straight heading into a pivotal battle with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe discuss the successful run and what's allowed Milwaukee to turn a corner offensively. William Contreras has certainly helped, but so has health and a couple surprising players emerging in the bullpen. Who are the likely names to add in September? Rowdy Tellez returns. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio discusses Craig Counsell's future in Milwaukee, and the franchise honors CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets.
Three Up, Three Down takes a look at Brice Turang's big week, Josh Hader returning (but not pitching!) for the Padres, and a huge defensive play by Christian Yelich (but also some decline on offense).
Remembrew When looks back at the home stretch of the 2008 season, and Todd's Take of the Week looks ahead to the Cubs.
Then, Curt Hogg sits down with two-time all-star closer Devin Williams (1:00:15), who had another great week and has been sensational for the Brewers all season.
Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips: "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.

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