It might seem like fans of a baseball team that won only 68 games would have little to nothing to be thankful for, but Brewers fans still do have reasons to celebrate this Thanksgiving. Here are 10 of them: {INSERT_RELATED}
1. Miller Park.
2. Miller Park. I don't mean to be sarcastic or redundant here. Without Miller Park, Milwaukee would be among those cities mentioned as targets for contraction. Now the Brewers' challenge is to build a team worthy of playing in one of the best ballparks in the world.
3. All Star Game. This game, and all the hoopla around it, will focus the baseball world on Milwaukee in July.
4. Richie Sexson. This guy strikes out too much, but has the attitude to improve in that area. Sexson also has reached 100 homers at a younger age than any other slugger and has a ceiling that even his 6-7 frame won't reach.
5. Ben Sheets, Ruben Quevedo and Nick Neugebauer. These three pitchers are considered three of the best young pitchers in the game. Hopefully, new coach Dave Stewart is the guy who can help them develop their potential into reality.
6. Chad Fox, Mike DeJean and Ray King. These three relievers give the Brewers one of the most solid bullpens in the National League.
7. Geoff Jenkins. This guy is still young and, if he could stay healthy, would be right after Miller Park on this list. Let's hope Jenkins can find a way to remain in one piece and develop into the star many believe he can be.
8. Dave Stewart and Gary Matthews. These two coaches were just hired last week and have the credentials to make the Brewers' pitchers and hitters better.
9. Medical progress. As often as the Brewers get injured, just think what it would be like if modern surgical procedures and rehab routines had not been developed.
10. A dedicated, stable ownership. I know a lot of fans blame the Brewers' problems on ownership, but the Selig family -- Bud, daughter Wendy and son-in-law Laurel -- are dedicated to Milwaukee and baseball. So are the other investors in the franchise. Without that kind of dedication, there would be no Miller Park and baseball would have been gone from Milwaukee years ago. All owners can do is hire good baseball people to build a winner. Hopefully, GM Dean Taylor and manager Davey Lopes are those people. If not, the owners have to find others who can get the job done.
Twins' Fans
The Twins' fans held a big rally over the weekend to show support for their team and try to convince Major League owners to not eliminate the franchise. It could be too little, too late, since the Twins have been seeking such support for a couple years to build a new stadium. If the fans had responded earlier, the Twins might not even find themselves in the current situation.
But, even though the Brewers would pick up some market area if the Twins are gone, I have to admit my heart goes out to those fans. I would rather see one of the Florida teams included with Montreal in contraction. Two teams in Florida seem to be too many for the market. You also don't see the Marlins' or Devil Rays' fans showing such emotional support for their team.
Hall Honored
Shortstop Bill Hall, who played for the Brewers' Maryvale team in the Arizona Fall League, was picked to that league's All Prospect Team after hitting .291 in 37 games. Hall could play at Huntsville (AA) or Indianapolis (AAA) this coming season.
Spring Training
Speaking of Maryvale, the Brewers will open their spring training exhibition season there on Feb. 28 against the Oakland A's. The final two exhibition games will be played against the White Sox on March 29-30.
This writer will be in Maryvale March 17-24 and will write special Brew Crew Review columns from there.
Gregg Hoffmann's The Brew Crew Review was posted early because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Hoffmann normally writes TBCR on Thursdays and The Milwaukee Sports Buzz on Mondays.
