Brewers, Youngsters Off To Strong Start

 We're nine games into the MLB season and those young Milwaukee Brewers are doing themselves proud.

Led by second-year player Brice Turang, along with rookies Jackson Chourio and Owen Dunn, the Brew Crew is off to a solid start with a 6-2 record.

• Chourio just turned 20 a few weeks ago, but he doesn't look it in uniform, in the outfield or at the plate. Already has a pair of home runs to go along with his sterling defense. This past week marked the 50th anniversary of 18-year-old Robin Yount in the majors in 1974. If Chourio accomplishes just three-quarters of what Rockin' Robin brought to the franchise, it's great.
• Turang, who made the team last year based on his defense alone, seems to have figured things out at the plate with timely hitting. He's currently at the .360 range and, to be honest, if he hits at a .270 clip or so all season, that's excellent production at second base.
• Dunn has been a surprise with his defense at third base and his bat, contributing his first home run in Friday's 10-inning win.

Took in Tuesday's Opening Day as our tradition continues. Was there with my eldest, Garrett, giving him around 26 OD games, and Dennis, a friend making his second. Would have been joined by long-time friend and baseball companion, Stevie Wonder from Oshkosh, but the snowy weather kept him home. 

Was an amazing Opending Day 3-2 win highlighted by Christian Yelich swatting a 423-foot solo home run and some stellar defensive plays late in the game to preserve the win. Dunn snagged an amazing line drive in the eighth, while in the ninth newcomer Jake Bauers started a 3-6-1 double play with 23-year-old relief pitcher Abner Uribe making a stellar stretch at first to get the out. 

The win sent 41,659 home happy. Well, that WAS the reported attendance. From our seats, saw a lot of empty spots as I'm sure the weather kept some folks home. Still, Milwaukee saw a game being played. Something that wouldn't have happened had the opponent, the Minnesota Twins, been at home in Minneapolis. Still not quite sure of the logic involved with our neighbors to the west when it came to putting a retractable roof on their ballpark. Or not, which is the route they went.

The victory, by the way, was the fourth straight home opening win for Milwaukee and brings my personal record to 20-16.

Bob Uecker, 90-years young, is back behind the mic for his 54th season with the Brewers. Ueck doesn't know how many home games he'll do. Says he's taking it dayb-by-day. A rousing standing ovation was sent his way Opening Day.

Seems like every time Brewers newcomer Rhys Hoskins steps tot he plate, there are runners in scoring position and Hoskins comes up empty. Still, he's at least hitting the ball hard -- just right at people. Those will start dropping and his RBI total will increase.

Knew the Brewer offense would be better than it was in 2023 (that wouldn't take much!) but certainly didn't expect this sort of production up and down the lineup. Yes, bats tend to cool off over time, but let's enjoy this while we can.

It is still unreal to see Craig Counsell in that damn Chicago Cubs uniform. Don't blame him for leaving, mind you, but don't want to see the Cubbies win EVER.