It's that time of year again. Lawn mowers are cranked up by 8 on Saturday morning. Dandelions create a sea of yellow that can be seen from miles. And the Brewers are once again stirring the pot in Milwaukee.

But unlike last year's crew, which had won 19 games by this point, the 2010 cast doesn't look as alive, and has given away a handful of games. So what's the problem? Who needs to go? And can the Brewers crank it up and chop down opponents like a lawn mower disposes of those pesky yellow weeds?

It's time to take a swing at those questions, and others.

Question: At this point, what is the bigger problem: inconsistent hitting or inconsistent pitching?

Answer: Both. Not only do the Brewers have a 36 percent conversion rate on save opportunities and boast a 5.12 team ERA, but they are second in the National League with 418 total bases and third with 139 runs. However, in nine of their first 26 games the Brewers have two runs or less, going 1-8 during those games.

Question: Why is Prince Fielder struggling so much? And should he be traded this season?

Answer: I'm suspecting Fielder has struggled to find any rhythm at the plate because he's pressing. He may never admit it, but he's out to prove to the baseball world that he does deserve the money he is "silently" asking for, and when you want something too badly you often overdo it, which is precisely what Fielder seems to be doing. It certainly explains why he has struck out 27 times already this season.

As for being traded this season, I feel as though it needs to happen. This contract cloud that continues to hover over the big first baseman and the organization itself is only going to continue to slow the development of himself and this team this season and long-term. I love watching Fielder hit, but the Brewers clearly won't be able to afford to keep him around, so the sooner he is traded the sooner the Brewers can move on with the core of hitters they have that are producing, lead by Ryan Braun.

Question: How tight of a leash is Ken Macha currently wearing?

Answer: To me, Ken Macha is like the guy or gal who allows their dog to take a dump on your fresh green lawn without scolding the animal or picking up the brown present the dog left. He doesn't hold his players accountable and Brewers fans saw what the last manager who supposedly had the same mentality. I suspect that Macha's leash is getting tighter and tighter, which could mean that the players under him could see theirs tightened as well.

Question: Will Chris Narveson be a permanent fix to the Brewers starting pitcher woes?

Answer: Now, I confess, I was hot when they decided to promote Narveson to the rotation, because I didn't believe he was a good solution at the time due to his previous relief appearances and the fact he's a left-hander. I stand corrected, though, as Narveson looks like he's going to develop in to a solid long-term third or fourth option, and in essence along with Yovani Gallardo has really saved the Brewers rotation in the past seven games.

Question: Where do you feel Manny Parra's final destination will be on this roster?

Answer: Closer. I will continue to beat this until its dead. Parra has the stuff to be a solid closer, and I believe the only factors holding him back are Trevor Hoffman, his immaturity and the fact that he's a left-handed closer; a rarity at the big-league level.

Question: Do the Brewers have a player at the minor-league level who could give the offense a spark and some consistency?

Answer: No. Angel Salome is currently inactive and their top power, third baseman Adam Heether, who has five homers this season, is batting a meager .209.

Question: Is it time to jump off the Brewers bandwagon?

Answer: Absolutely not. It's too early in the season. All it takes is a few minor tweaks and the starting rotation to come around and the Brew Crew will be back on track.