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Milwaukee Brewers News Clips Monday, April 6, 2015

Opening Day

Journal Sentinel http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/usually-  Usually stoic Kyle Lohse excited to be opening stoic-kyle-lohse-excited-to-be-opening-day-- day pitcher for Brewers  Brewers fans should prepare for screening at for-brewers-b99474721z1-298731391.html Miller Park Usually stoic Kyle Lohse excited to be opening  GM opens first season in hometown day pitcher for Brewers  Brewers' had no issues with thumb By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel in April 5, 2015  Preview: Brewers vs. Rockies

Madison.com With few exceptions, it's difficult to tell what emotions  Brewers: Set for opener, Milwaukee eager to Kyle Lohse is experiencing at any particular time or what put September collapse in the past exactly is going through his mind.

Fox 6 (WITI) Calm, cool and collected is his natural demeanor.  Thousands to fill Miller Park Monday for Brewers : Excitement palpable for Excitable? Rarely. sold out game That personality should serve the CBS Sports veteran right-hander well when he takes the mound  COLORADO AT MILWAUKEE Monday afternoon at Miller Park for the 2015 season Racine Journal Times opener against Colorado. The pomp and circumstance of  GREG GIESEN: Brewers heading into season opening day can be a distraction to a starting pitcher if he of wonder allows it.

Denver Post (Blog) "Any time it's your first time out in the season, you get  Brewers write fans “excuse” notes to attend opening day vs. Rockies little butterflies," said Lohse, making his first opening day start in his three years with the Brewers. "If you

don't, something's wrong with you.

"But you learn how to control yourself, control situations like that. You have to stay focused on your job."

Lohse hasn't always been a model of self-control. Now

36 and with more than 13 seasons in the big leagues, he was a bit high-strung when he broke in with Minnesota

in 2001. He threw hard, reacted poorly at times to

adversity and often was his own worst enemy.

"It was a struggle to control my emotions," he said. "I

was a young, hard-throwing kid who tried to do too much with about every pitch I threw. It took a while to

2 figure out what I needed to be mentally and how to No longer a hard thrower, Lohse learned how to carve up execute the best pitch I can. hitters with an assortment of pitches, stellar control and poise on the mound. The results were two banner seasons "In St. Louis, beginning in '08, I kind of figured out what with St. Louis — 14-8, 3.39 ERA in 2011 and 16-3, 2.86 kind of pitcher I should have been. I was still throwing in 2012. pretty hard then. Then that thing happened with my arm the next year." "Ever since I've been healthy, it has been a different career," he said. "I'm a different pitcher out there. I still "That thing" was a mysterious condition in his right like to think I'm getting better as I get older. I don't need forearm that led to sudden fatigue on the mound, painful an upper 90s fastball to get the job done. I can control the swelling and diminished feeling in his hand. Lohse game in other ways." struggled to a 6-10 record and 4.74 that season, and things didn't improve in 2010 when he The Brewers were the beneficiaries of an unusual free went 4-8 with a 6.55 ERA in 18 games before being shut agent market after the 2012 season in which teams down and finally diagnosed properly. declined to offer Lohse a big deal that also would cost them a first-round draft pick. A few weeks into spring Lohse suffered from a rare ailment called exertional training, with principal owner Mark Attanasio and agent compartment syndrome, a swelling of the muscle sheath Scott Boras hashing out the details, Lohse signed a three- in the forearm that cut off blood flow to the hand. He year, $33 million contract that has worked well for the tried to hide the long surgical scar running from elbow to club. wrist with an elaborate tattoo but there was no disguising the different pitcher Lohse would become. Lohse, who quickly developed a reputation as a clever prankster to fear in the clubhouse, had a deceiving 11-10 "When I look back at it, it's probably one of those things record in 2013 with a more revealing 3.35 ERA, that helped me out," Lohse said. "I was out there followed by a 13-9 campaign and 3.54 ERA last season. throwing without being able to make my fingers and Not only was Lohse a beacon of consistency on the hand do exactly what I wanted. The concentration it took mound, his strong yet understated presence proved to get the ball anywhere near where I wanted was helpful to teammates off the field. immense. Brewers right-hander , who broke in with "It was a really weird situation. I learned how to control Minnesota in 2006 — Lohse's last year there — said what I could. I learned a lot from being around (then those leadership traits were evident even then. Cardinals ace) Chris Carpenter and what he had to say. He had about seven surgeries including Tommy John so "He was a veteran there and I was in my first time in he had been through a lot. camp," said Garza. "He gave me crap, normal rookie stuff. But whenever I needed help, he was always there "He really helped me with the mental part. I talked with to lend an ear. Coming up the same way, kind of being him about being able to block things out. That's why I the same type of personalities and same type of have the mentality that I'm going to take the ball competitors, it's easy to get along with each other now. whenever I'm given it and do everything I can to make the most of every pitch."

3 "We're really good friends; we trust each other. We have http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/298712511.ht the same ideals. I'm going to have your back and I know ml you're going to have mine. That's what you're supposed Brewers fans should prepare for screening at to do in this game." Miller Park By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel Lohse had two season-opening assignments in St. Louis, April 5, 2015 both with unusual circumstances. In 2008, the Cardinals and Rockies were rained out after three innings, and Despite the renown passion that Brewers fans have for Lohse got the call the next day in the makeup game tailgating before games, fans should give themselves instead of throwing a simulated game as planned after more time to get into Miller Park in 2015 due to security reporting late to camp. screening procedures put in place in all ballparks by Major League . This is an MLB-wide process to "I did pretty well," said the modest Lohse, who pitched which all teams must comply. five shutout innings in what became a 2-1 loss.

To provide even more time for fans entering Miller Park Four years later, Lohse pitched the actual opener in on opening day Monday, the gates to the ballpark will Miami, where the Marlins opened their new ballpark in a open 2 ½ hours before the game at 10:40 a.m. The carnival atmosphere that included players being escorted parking lots will open at 10:10 a.m. on the field by elaborately costumed dancers. Again, he came through, allowing only two hits and one run in 71/3 First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. with the Brewers innings. taking on the Colorado Rockies.

Lohse would gladly take those results in the Brewers' All fans will be required to go through metal detectors opener against the Rockies. And, though you'd never via walkthrough and/or handheld detectors prior to being know from his now-trademark poker face, there will be granted access to Miller Park. To help expedite the some serious adrenaline flowing. process and minimize delays, the Brewers will implement express lanes for guests entering without a "I'm looking forward to the atmosphere and the big bag. crowd — and the roof. That helps," he said. "I'm definitely going to be excited with all the stuff going on Fans will be asked to remove cell phones, cameras and but it would be the same whenever my first start of the other large metal objects prior to entering but will not be season is." required to remove shoes, wallets, coins or belts. Guests will be encouraged to take prohibited items to their cars because items left at the gate are not the responsibility of the Brewers.

Anyone with questions about the screening process or

prohibited items should call the Brewers’ guest relations at 414-902-4900.

4 http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/colorado- nice because there's so much family there that will be rockies-gm-jeff-bridich-opens-first-season-in- around. I think my traveling secretary is going to give me hometown-b99474124z1-298724661.html a few dirty looks (over ticket requests)." Colorado Rockies GM Jeff Bridich opens first If you research the phrase "chip off the old block," Jeff season in hometown Bridich's photo might be next to the definition. Growing By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel up in Whitefish Bay, he followed his father to Marquette April 5, 2015 High and Harvard University, with both playing baseball at each school. Marquette University High School is closed for spring break this week, a bit of fortunate timing for a certain Jeff played baseball and football at MUHS, where his longtime mathematics teacher. father was head coach in baseball and assistant coach in football. His brother, Nick, also played baseball for the Otherwise, Rick Bridich might have to ignore his career Hilltoppers under his father. as an educator and play hooky Monday afternoon to attend the Milwaukee Brewers' season opener at Miller "Every male in my family on both sides went to Park. Marquette High," said Jeff. "I'd drive to school with my brother and dad. It's kind of funny how many similarities "Had we been in school, I might have found a way to I have with (Rick), just life experiences. It's tough for me have someone cover my classes," he said. "As it turns to say I've learned more from anyone other than my dad out, I'm free to do whatever I want to do." and mom."

Beyond his love of baseball, Bridich has good reason to Rick Bridich never envisioned teaching or coaching his be in the stands on Monday as well as the following two sons at the venerable school at W. Wisconsin Ave. and games matching Milwaukee and Colorado. The series is N. 35th St. After graduating from Harvard, he planned to the first for the Rockies under new general manager Jeff take some time off and see the world before enrolling in Bridich, Rick's older son. either law school or business school.

"I'm proud every day of all of my kids, but that will be a Then, Bridich received a phone call he wasn't expecting. fun day," Bridich acknowledged. "We're trying to work with Jeff in arranging tickets for everybody." "Marquette was suddenly looking for a teacher late in the summer in my field, and they were also looking for a At 37, Jeff Bridich became the youngest general manager football coach," he recalled. "The principal called and in the majors last Oct. 8 when the Rockies promoted asked me to consider working there. He convinced me to their senior director of player development to replace come there for a year and after a year I was sold." retiring Dan O'Dowd. The 2015 schedule already had been released at that time, and Bridich knew his team Forty-two years later, Bridich is still teaching at MUHS. was opening the season in his hometown. He gave up coaching a decade ago after nearly 30 years with the baseball program, including 11 as head coach, to "That is pretty cool," said Jeff. "If there was any other spend more time with his wife, Mardi, and do some of place (to open) than Denver and , for me, the things you forfeit while spending half of your life as personally and selfishly, it would be where it is. It will be

5 a coach. The Bridiches also have a daughter, Liza, who is homered over the Monster to help the Crimson earn a an architect in City. berth in the College . No other father-son combo at Harvard had ever hit home runs at Fenway. Bridich cherishes the time he spent coaching his sons before Jeff graduated in 1996 and Nick two years later. "It's kind of fun to be the answer to that Harvard trivia question," said Rick. "What an honor that was for me," he said. "I loved it and made sure both boys understood that once we hit the Though also proud to be part of that historical feat at field they were going to be treated like anybody else, and Harvard, Jeff quickly gives the nod to his father for the my expectations for them were going to be the same as bigger accomplishment. my expectations for any of the other ballplayers. "I hit mine with an aluminum bat," he said. "My dad hit "They were both bright enough to understand that. They, his with a wood bat. That's more impressive." like me, are very competitive. All three of us saw the As for following his father to Harvard, Jeff said, "Well, virtue of not just being competitive but also about being they said yes. It's tough to say no to them. My father's meticulous about what we do and how we go about legacy helped. I knew it would be a place I could go and doing it. Being prepared, and pitching and playing play baseball and compete at a Division I school. defense, with a little offense, will always win a game."

"It just happened to be a program that was on the way Jeff was the catcher and leader of the team. Nick, who up. I was fortunate to be around guys who were very would go on to play baseball at Butler, was a middle talented. Not just students but student-athletes. We went infielder, primarily a . Beyond the pride to a bunch of NCAA tournaments. We played against every father has in his offspring, Rick could see his boys some big programs — Miami, UCLA." were "pretty good players."

Harvard baseball tree "They were both very good athletes and loved the game," said Bridich, who grew up on Milwaukee's south side. There was a time not long when Harvard would not have been considered a breeding ground for future MLB Jeff was all-state in both football and baseball, and it was executives. That changed in recent years with the game's in the former sport that his father thought he'd be a star at nod to modern analytics, and other new- Harvard. But Jeff was destined to follow in his dad's wave methods of assessing performances of players. footsteps as a baseball player for the Crimson.

In other words, smart guys are now welcome. Oakland He matched his father at Harvard in special ways. assistant general manager David Forst, two years ahead Playing in the annual Baseball Beanpot tournament of Bridich, and former Arizona assistant GM Peter featuring Harvard, Massachusetts, Boston College and Woodfork, now an MLB executive, found their way to Northeastern at Fenway Park as a junior in April 1999, the big leagues from Harvard. he smacked a two-run over the Green Monster in a 13-12 semifinal loss to the Huskies. Before them came Paul DePodesta, who gained "Moneyball" fame as Oakland's assistant GM and now Twenty-six years earlier, also in a game against serves as vice president of player development and Northeastern in the NCAA sectional semifinals, Rick had

6 scouting for the . And before DePodesta senior director of player development, also known as was Michael Hill, now president of baseball operations farm director. for the . That status put Bridich in position to succeed O'Dowd, Of that Harvard baseball tree, Jeff Bridich said, "With assuming team owner Dick Monfort would promote from baseball being the sport it is and the competitive element within, which he did. combined with the business that it has become, for those Bridich faces a formidable challenge in turning around a reasons probably more than any you see the Ivy League franchise that lost 96 games last season and hasn't had a influence. Teams are looking for people with a bunch of winning campaign since 2010. During the opening series skill sets and interests. against the Brewers, however, that quest will share time "I looked at the competitive aspect. I knew once I was with the Bridich clan as the prodigal son returns to done playing competitive athletics, and for me college Milwaukee. baseball was going to be the last hurrah, I was going to "It'll be nice having Jeff back home," said Rick Bridich. need to fulfill that need, that adrenaline and competition "It's always fun watching him do what he does. We've that sports gives you. After that, it's just like any other been a baseball family for a long time, so I get a kick out business." of all that." Bridich jump-started his professional career in baseball with an internship in 2000 at the MLB central office in http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/brewers- New York. He was one of only two interns in the ryan-braun-had-no-issues-with-thumb-in-spring- program at the time and earned coveted assignments to training-b99474723z1-298729931.html the All-Star Futures Game and the . Brewers' Ryan Braun had no issues with thumb Bridich was so impressive that MLB soon created a full- in spring training time job for him. But that job did not feed his By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel competitive nature, and after four years he sought and April 5, 2015 landed a job with the Rockies. Peoria, Ariz. — Ryan Braun reported to spring training "I felt like I needed to get with a club," he said. "As great in late February hoping for the best but prepared for the as the work was in New York, it's still somewhat worst with regard to to his troublesome right thumb. corporate baseball. I was looking to get into something where you go every day and truly compete for something A little more than six weeks later, the Milwaukee as a team." Brewers' rightfielder is heading to Miller Park for opening day swinging a hot bat and feeling good about Bridich first worked in player development as manager his prospects for a bounce-back 2015. of Colorado's minor league operations. A year later, during a shuffling of the front office, he was promoted to "I was optimistic, I was enthusiastic about the way that it director of baseball operations, in essence the assistant felt, but you never know until you take batting practice general manager. After six years in that role, he became every day and you get jammed and you hit some balls off the end of the bat and you come up in some different

7 situations during the games," he said not long after rework my swing and get back to a place where I felt like doubling and homering against the last I was able to repeat it consistently," he said. Thursday. "I think whenever you've built up bad mechanics over a Braun had a cryotherapy procedure done on the thumb long period of time, it takes a long time to get them back just four days after the 2014 season, one in which he to where they should be – at least a couple weeks of posted a disappointing .266 average, 19 home runs and consistently doing it properly. 81 runs batted in over 135 games. "But it wasn't like I was having to do something new; it He opened Cactus League play 0 for 13 but finished with was just getting back to the swing that I had prior to a flourish, going 15 for his next 25 (.600) to close out the dealing with the thumb thing. It's a process but ultimately spring at .395 with three homers and nine RBI. I feel like I've gotten to a really good place."

But most important, Braun reported no issues with the With the thumb feeling good to this point and his swing thumb. He cut down on excess swinging — not that he working well mechanically, Braun is looking forward to ever did much of that anyway in camp — and will be getting back onto even footing with the who back in his customary third spot in the lineup on Monday made it a habit of busting him hard inside at-bat after at- against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park seeking to bat since he first was injured early in the 2013 season. return to his 2012 form. "Baseball's an extremely challenging game to start with," "I've been really pleased with how it's responded," he he said. "We're in an era where offense is increasingly said. "I haven't had to take any days off. Haven't had to (scarce) and I think the two most important things as a miss any batting-practice sessions. I haven't done hitter are your eyes and your hands. And whenever you anything at all with regard to the thumb. have an issue with anything — whether it's your hand, your wrist, your eyes — it makes an already difficult "So once it's been six weeks and every day it's responded game that much more challenging. well, it's exciting, it's encouraging and it is a sigh of relief." "It feels good to be in a place where I'm healthy and can take a regular swing." Not that Braun's spring didn't come with some challenges. Most notable among them was trying to Braun, whose resolve was stretched to its breaking point unlearn some bad habits acquired while dealing with his in the wake of the Biogenesis scandal and his resulting sore thumb. suspension, was forced to deal with a different kind of frustration in the midst of his thumb issues. Braun was sapped of his power because he couldn't properly grip the bat, so he often was forced to inside-out "It's a game where we deal with so much failure, so the ball to right field when in the past he would have much adversity — both individually and as a team — turned on it and driven it to left or left-center. and when I know that physically I'm not in a good place, it's challenging mentally," Braun said. "Especially just "I knew that I had gotten myself into some bad habits continually I'm getting pitches that typically I'd be able mechanically just because of where I was physically in to do more with. That was a challenging experience. dealing with the thumb thing, so I had to really kind of

8 "Anytime you can deal with adversity it can make you http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/preview- stronger. It's something that I will be able to learn from brewers-vs-rockies-b99474727z1-298728761.html and grow from. It certainly won't be the last time that I Preview: Brewers vs. Rockies deal with any injuries, but I feel like if I can get through By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel that I can get through anything." April 5, 2015

The Brewers' well-chronicled fade from first place in the PROJECTED LINEUPS Central to out of the playoff picture completely over the final six weeks of last season was BREWERS mostly an offensive failure, with Braun and cleanup CF Carlos Gomez hitter Aramis Ramirez unable to deliver consistently as run producers. C Jonathan Lucroy

Unquestionably, Braun and Ramirez will need to bounce RF Ryan Braun back for the Brewers to remain in the mix in the NL Central, which is again expected to be the deepest 3B Aramis Ramirez division in baseball. But it won't all be on them. 1B Adam Lind New first baseman Adam Lind will need his balky lower back to hold up and show he can hit left-handed pitching LF Khris Davis better than he did the previous few seasons in Toronto. 2B Scooter Gennett Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy repeating their all- star 2014 campaigns would also help, as would a return SS Jean Segura to 2013 form by Jean Segura. RHP Kyle Lohse No question, there are lots of 'ifs'. But lots of potential as well. ROCKIES

"There's a lot of depth in our lineup, which is something CF Charlie Blackmon that not every team can say," Braun said. "You look up LF Corey Dickerson and down our lineup and there's a lot of guys that have power, there's a lot of guys that can run. It's something SS that we're really excited about. RF Carlos Gonzalez "We have our hands full; I think we play in the most difficult division in baseball. I think most people would 3B probably agree with that at this point. So obviously we 1B Justin Morneau need to be at our best to get to where we want to be and there's no doubt we don't have a lot of room for error." C Nick Hundley

2B D.J. LeMahieu

9 RHP Kyle Kendrick http://host.madison.com/sports/baseball/professiona l/brewers-set-for-opener-milwaukee-eager-to-put- BREWERS PREVIEW september-collapse/article_39caa668-8119-5097- WHO:Milwaukee Brewers vs. Colorado Rockies. a6ff-f28e78e87134.html Brewers: Set for opener, Milwaukee eager to put WHEN: 1:10 p.m. Monday. September collapse in the past

WHERE: Miller Park. 1 HOUR AGO • ANDREW WAGNER FOR THE STATE JOURNAL BROADCASTS: TV – FS Wisconsin. Radio – AM-620. MILWAUKEE — As they reported for the start of spring STARTING PITCHERS: Milwaukee RHP Kyle Lohse training, the Milwaukee Brewers knew the questions (13-9, 3.54 ERA last season) vs. Colorado RHP Kyle would arrive — and arrive frequently — about their Kendrick (10-13, 4.61). disastrous finish to the 2014 season.

SCOUTING REPORT: The Brewers come into the One more time for those who may have forgotten while season in the pink of health, with just one player – celebrating the Badgers’ run to tonight’s NCAA national reliever Jim Henderson – on the disabled list. And he championship men’s basketball game: Milwaukee led the wasn't expected to break with the team anyway. Jonathan NL Central for 150 days but went 9-22 in September and Lucroy, Ryan Braun and Adam Lind swung hot bats in became just the third team since the start of divisional spring training and Aramis Ramirez played regularly, so play to lead its division for that long and not make the the core of the Brewers' lineup is healthy and should hit playoffs. the ground running. The heart of Colorado's order is high-powered as well, and the good news for the Rockies Now, with six weeks of preparation complete and the is that Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki and Justin season opener set for this afternoon, the Brewers are Morneau are also healthy and ready to go. The Rockies confident they’ve learned a thing or two from their also have a local tie, with former Marquette University collapse and ready to go the distance in 2015. High School graduate Jeff Bridich in his first year as the “I think we’ve addressed that enough,” right fielder Ryan team's general manager. Braun said. “Obviously, it was difficult but it was last

COMING UP year. When you show up this year, you know you can’t do anything about last year. None of us can change what TUESDAY: Milwaukee RHP Matt Garza (8-8, 3.64) vs. happened. We wish things would have ended differently Colorado RHP Jordan Lyles (7-4, 4.33), 7:10 p.m. than they did but they didn’t and we can’t do anything to go back and change what already occurred. WEDNESDAY: Milwaukee RHP Wily Peralta (17-11, 3.53) vs. Colorado RHP (1-1, 6.75), 7:10 “Hopefully, the focus is on this year and doing p.m. everything we can to prepare the best that we can every day to be successful and to get off to a good start.”

With largely the same cast of characters returning, the Brewers aren’t getting much love from national pundits.

10 ESPN.com’s preseason preview projects Milwaukee to Behind him is Matt Garza and Wily Peralta, with Mike finish fourth in the division, behind St. Louis, Pittsburgh Fiers and Jimmy Nelson, young pitchers who have and the upstart Cubs. shown flashes of greatness but have yet to go through an entire major league season, rounding out the staff. The guys over at Yahoo Sports’ Big League Stew blog feel the same way. Of the five CBSsports.com writers Garza, entering the second year of a four-year, $50 asked, Mike Axisa has the Brewers third, three others million contract, thinks the Brewers are being have them fourth and Matt Snyder has them finishing overlooked. last. “Our lineup is scary, really scary,” Garza said. “We “It’s just a loaded division,” Snyder said. “If they do didn’t do a lot (during the offseason), but what we added finish last — and I’m not confident — they’ll be the best was real significant. We’ve got a power-hitting first last-place team in MLB. baseman now (Adam Lind), something we missed big- time. “I do love the offensive upside, just don’t like the rotation too much.” “We have more consistency in the lineup — less platooning. I think that plays a lot into how a guy gets Despite the expert opinions, expectations are high in the ready for an at-bat and a guy’s not thinking, ‘Am I Brewers’ organization, starting from the very top of the playing today?’ The better prepared you are, the more pyramid. confident you are, and I think that’s going to be good for us. Now we’ve got guys set. Guys know roles. Then “One of the things I stressed, which I think is important having the bullpen we have, it matches anybody in the here, this team and our organization made an active division, I’ll tell you that. It’s going to come down to decision to bring all these guys back, because we were in these five, the guys who wear the robes.” first place for 150 days last year,” principal owner Mark Attanasio said following his annual spring training Not much was expected of the Brewers last season, address. “There were other organizations who didn’t get either, but they got off to a terrific start and went 20-8 in to where they wanted to get last year who made April. From there, it was mostly .500 baseball with some wholesale changes, whether in management or on the lengthy losing streaks mixed in, but with the rest of the field. We’ve actually done the opposite, and we’ve done division failing to catch fire, too, the Central was the opposite because we think we have a really good Milwaukee’s to lose. team.” Should the Brewers find themselves in a similar position The Brewers’ offense has the chance to be dangerous, this year, they insist they’ll be ready. but it depends on the health of Braun and third baseman Aramis Ramirez — as the past two years have proven, if “It’s just recognizing the signs of going through a tough they’re not hitting, neither is the rest of the team. And time and doing whatever you have to do to get guys Snyder’s concern about the rotation isn’t unfounded. positive, get them excited, get them motivated and turn While Opening Day starter Kyle Lohse has been one of things around,” catcher Jonathan Lucroy said. “We have the more consistent pitchers in baseball the past few to go back to doing the little and simple things so we can seasons, he’s 36 years old and not the prototypical ace.

11 turn around and turn them into big things. That’s all you big hit for us at the stadium,” Jamie Hodgson with can do.” Delaware North Sportservice said.

The party starts in the parking lot at Miller Park, where http://fox6now.com/2015/04/05/thousands-to-fill- thousands will enjoy their first tailgate of the season. The miller-park-monday-for-brewers-opening-day- park opens at 10:40 a.m. Brewers officials advise fans to excitement-palpable-for-sold-out-game/ get to Miller Park early, because there are new security Thousands to fill Miller Park Monday for procedures in place. Brewers Opening Day: Excitement palpable for “We did some of it last year, sort of a test run, and it sold out game went pretty well,” Brewers COO Rick Schlessinger said. POSTED 5:13 PM, APRIL 5, 2015, BY JULIE COLLINS, UPDATED AT 10:04PM, APRIL 5, 2015 It is mandated by that every stadium has metal detectors and wand screening for MILWAUKEE (WITI) — Monday, April 6th marks the every game. official start to the Milwaukee Brewers season! The Brewers face the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park for “I think we have a great system in place. We have very Opening Day — and among baseball fans, the professionally trained staff in security to make sure this excitement is palpable. Thousands are expected at Miller process goes as smooth as possible,” Schlessinger said. Park Monday for the sold out Opening Day. These security measures are an effort to ensure everyone The finishing touches have been put on the field at Miller has an enjoyable experience at Miller Park. Park. Meanwhile, crews at Kelly’s Bleachers on Bluemound “We`re pretty happy. All in all, my staff has been Road are gearing up for a busy Monday. They’ll host working incredibly hard. I`ve got a great staff that works Brewers and Badgers fans — first for Opening Day, and with me,” Brewers Director of Grounds Michael later for the NCAA Tournament championship game. Boettcher said. “It’s a -edged sword because it’s going to be busy The Brewers grounds crews have been busy for weeks, already. We’ll just have to play it by ear and see. There’s getting the field in tip-top shape. going to be disappointed people because once we’re at capacity, we can’t let anybody into our building. “It`s been great. Mother Nature has really given us a Hopefully (the Badgers) can knock off Duke tomorrow little reprieve this year from the winter we had,” and that would be a fun day,” Patrick Guenther said. Boettcher said. The Brewers vs. Rockies Opening Day matchup is set to For the hungry Brewers fans, there are new food options begin at 1:10 p.m. this year — including brat-chos — a bowl of chips with sausage and cheese, sour cream and salsa, topped with The Brewers then face the Rockies Tuesday evening sauerkraut. (7:10 p.m.) and Wednesday evening (7:10 p.m.)

“It`s just a great Wisconsin meal in a bucket with all the different fun stuff in it. I think that one is going to be a

12 The Brewers take on the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend Consistency is important. There's a new hitting coach, — with evening games Friday and Saturday and an too, in Darnell Coles. afternoon game Sunday. But once again, keeping players healthy might be the

most important factor. http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/previe w/MLB_20150406_COL@MIL/rockies-brewers- Third baseman Aramis Ramirez turns 36 in June, and preview Roenicke hopes to keep him healthy in what could be his final season. Adam Lind seems to have bounced from a COLORADO AT MILWAUKEE lingering back issue. Genaro Armas for CBS Sports Time: 02:10 P.M. ESTVenue: Miller Park All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy looks as if he is over a hamstring injury that limited him in late February and Ryan Braun is back in the Milwaukee Brewers' early March to finish with a team-high five homers in lineup. Troy Tulowitzki andCarlos Gonzalez are healthy spring training. returnees for the Colorado Rockies.

''So if there was a number-one thing, it was health and Both teams have been wondering all spring how they we've had that. We've been fortunate to this point,'' would fare with their full teams on the field when the Roenicke said. real games begin. It's time to find out.

The Rockies hope to stay just as fortunate all year long. Opening day is Monday at Miller Park. The Rockies' Kyle Kendrick is scheduled to start against the The smooth-fielding Tulowitzki has spent various stints Brewers' Kyle Lohse. on the disabled list over his career. Last season, he played in just 91 games before undergoing hip surgery. Braun is looking to regain his 2011 NL MVP form following surgery to fix a lingering nerve injury near his ''You guys watch me play and you guys judge for right thumb. yourself,'' he said when asked about his health. ''I'm not going to sit here and say anything.'' Manager Ron Roenicke remains cautiously optimistic. Braun got off to a slow start in the spring, but he has He answered at the plate, where he hit .381 with five been raking the last few weeks to finish at .395 with homers and 12 RBIs this spring. three homers. Gonzalez hit .310 with one homer in 16 spring games. ''I don't know how we're going to be a month from now. The outfielder was limited to 70 game last season He's been swinging the bat great which is very nice,'' because of surgery to remove a small tumor in his left Roenicke said. index finger and then another on his left knee.

The hot bats to end the spring are a contrast to what the ''Mentally, I feel really good to go. And physically, offense was like when the Brewers were last seen in things are going fine. I feel like I can take extra bases,'' Milwaukee. A team-wide offensive slump in September Gonzalez said. dropped the Brewers from first place to out of the playoffs.

13 Pitching could be a problem - again - for Colorado. Left- detectors upon entering Miller Park. Fans are encouraged hander has a groin injury, and the team to arrive early. released Jhoulys Chacin. The Rockies may need top FIRST PITCH: Commissioner Emeritus and former prospect Eddie Butler - and eventually minor leaguer Jon Milwaukee Brewers owner Allan H. “Bud” Selig will Gray - to step up for a chance to avoid a fifth straight throw out the ceremonial first pitch. losing season.

A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR COMING OUT: All fans At least the infield defense will be rock-solid again with in attendance will receive a 2015 Milwaukee Brewers Tulowitzki and third baseman Nolan Arenado anchoring magnetic schedule. the left side.

That thud you heard last season wasn’t just the sound of http://journaltimes.com/sports/baseball/greg-giesen- the Milwaukee Brewers falling hard from first place into brewers-heading-into-season-of- third with a barely acceptable 82-80 record after a 51-33 wonder/article_81cab808-f403-5372-9eca- start. a36d1e463863.html No, that sound also was the playoff window for this team GREG GIESEN: Brewers heading into season of shutting. wonder Greg Giesen of the Racine Journal Times6 hours ago With the 2015 season starting, we are supposed to believe, as the Brewers’ billboard indicates, they will rise Opening Day together. But this is a team that is far removed from the optimistic times that started in 2007 when Milwaukee WHO: Colorado Rockies (66-96 in 2014) at Milwaukee had its first winning season since 1992. Brewers (82-80 in 2014) Milwaukee won 83 games that year with a young team WHERE: Miller Park including future All-Stars J.J. Hardy, Rickie Weeks,

GAME TIME: 1:10 p.m. Corey Hart, Yovani Gallardo, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. STARTING PITCHERS: Colorado RHP Kyle Kendrick (10-13, 4.61 ERA in 2014) vs. Milwaukee RHP Kyle With Milwaukee's young nucleus, you saw the potential Lohse (13-9, 3.54 ERA in 2014) for the Brewers to grow together and have a sustained run of success. And, for the most part, the Brewers had a TICKETS: Opening Day is sold out. sustained run. The nucleus of Fielder, Weeks, Braun and Hart led Milwaukee to the playoffs twice and an NL TV/RADIO: The game will be broadcast live on FSWis. Central Division title. The only questions the Brewers Radio coverage is on WTMJ (620 AM). had were how far can this team go and how long can general manager hold it together? COME ON IN: The Miller Park parking lots will open at 10 a.m. and the gates to Miller Park will open at 10:40 Well, Melvin held it together well. Hardy was traded for p.m. Because of new procedures established by Major All-Star outfielder Carlos Gomez. Fielder and Hart League Baseball, all fans will be screened by metal remained Brewers until leaving via free agency after the

14 2011 and 2013 seasons, respectively. Weeks signed a expires. That leaves a number of holes for Milwaukee four-year extension in 2011, but never lived up to his going forward. contract and left via free agency this off season. Considering all of that, there is little hope for another As Milwaukee enters this season, feelings are much optimistic run like Milwaukee had the last eight years. different. There isn't a young nucleus. There isn't a Sure, the team could mesh and everything could go right. feeling of hope. Instead, there's a sense of wonder. It's possible. And even if Segura regains his 2013 form, • We wonder if newcomer Adam Lind can stay healthy Gennett solves lefties, Ramirez plays 135-150 games, and break Milwaukee’s run of awful production from the Lind is healthy and contributes, Braun regains his old first base position. form and Jimmy Nelson is the second coming of Cal Eldred, earning a plethora of wins, Milwaukee will • We wonder if second baseman Scooter Gennett will contend but finish third behind St. Louis and Pittsburgh consistently hit left-handed pitching. with 87 to 90 wins.

• We wonder which Jean Segura we'll see at shortstop – But that's a lot to ask and there's a greater chance the 2013 All-Star edition or the 2014 edition. Milwaukee will fight to stay around .500. It won’t be as disappointing as last season because the playoffs will • We wonder if third baseman Aramis Ramirez will stay never be a likely scenario. Instead, this season will only healthy in the final season of his career. intensify last year’s disappointment because 2014 was • We wonder if the starting rotation -- which lacks depth the final glimpse from the playoff window. -- can stay healthy, replace the production from Yovani And as Milwaukee descends toward rebuilding, fans will Gallardo and – more importantly – produce enough be left with the memories of that magical run. They will innings per start to not burn out a talented bullpen. be placed next to memories of the late 1970s and early • We wonder if Braun will recover from his thumb injury 1980s. Times warmly thought about until management and produce at a superstar level again. can re-install a playoff window in Miller Park.

• We wonder if the Brewers are successful, will Melvin http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2015/04/05/bre be able to make a deal and add players despite a farm system that ranks among the worst in baseball. wers-write-fans-excuse-notes-to-attend-opening- day-vs-rockies/19829/ There's good reason to believe Milwaukee's playoff Brewers write fans “excuse” notes to attend window is closing. Why? Because free agency is opening day vs. Rockies looming for two of the team's offensive foundations. All- By Nicki Jhabvala Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy and All-Star center fielder The Denver Post Carlos Gomez are eligible for free agency after the 2016 season and to get maximum return in a , this would The Colorado Rockies open their 2015 season against the be the year for Melvin to move them. In addition, Brewers in Milwaukee on Monday at 12:10 p.m. MT — Ramirez is retiring and starter Kyle Lohse's contract when, you know, most people are working or in school or generally unavailable to attend a baseball game.

15 The Brewers have their fans’ backs, though. Many players wrote “excuse” notes for fans to give to their bosses or teachers so they could attend the big game. (Come on, Rockies. Step up.)

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