Is it Possible?

We can all talk about how the last six games are games the Brewers "should have won anyway", like they are unimportant or don't matter.  But even the worst team DOES win games occasionally and wins are wins when it comes down to the final record.  So this streak is very important.

The pitching--starters, middle relief, end of game--have been truly remarkable.  It's provided a quality start (pretty meaningless stat, but it does show the consistency over time) in nearly every game for 2 weeks.  This isn't totally unexpected or fluky.

The real question is, with the trading deadline having passed with the Brewers acquiring ok depth for the infield, but no difference makers, can the Brewers survive with Casey McGehee playing regularly at 3B and Yuni at SS?

The answer, like most answers tend be, is "it depends".  IF (a big IF) Yuni can remain reasonably productive offensively with the occasional "What you are DOING??" moment defensively, I'm now actually ok with him there.  Even a month ago, Casey was the bigger concern and honestly, that remains true today.  He's hit SOMEWHAT better over the last month, but is still short of what is needed and he's woefully inadequate defensively.  The real issue is a player could turn it around offensively far more easily than they can become good defensive players.  (Especially with Casey because he's slow and has limited range).

With the pickup of Hairston and Lopez, Roenicke MUST start giving consistent playing time to Hairston (putting him and Lopez at whatever position they perform best--they are both versatile to play either 2B/3B consistently and while not ideal, either can play SS).  The defense must be put out there to help the pitching, but NEVER again this season should that desire for defense trump utter offensive ineptitude like that of Craig Counsell.

That means Counsell has to be released.  It will be painful and a slap to his pride and the "hometown guy".  But if there are players that provide the defense RR wants and provide better offense, then Counsell is not useful as either a defensive replacement or a late-inning pinch hitter.

The Brewers are in control of the division and their playoff future.  I hope every decision (of both action and inaction) the team makes is one that helps keep that control.