Brew Crew 2011

Alright, here it is... I'm sure you're all on the edge of your toilet seats waiting for it... Slicky's 2011 Brew Crew State of the Union:

First off, this team has little depth. We have stars (Braun, Fielder, Gallardo, Greinke, et al) and little else. We go as far as they go.

Second, the braintrust is essentially starting two players who have no business starting: Betancourt & Gomez. Trading for Morgan SHOULD push Gomez onto the bench, but I'm guessing it won't before May. As for Yuniesky, part of me thinks we could've gotten Hardy back cheap (at least the Eternal Optimist in me). Cruz elected to go to Texas, which doesn't kill me as he was no-hit, all-glove.. those dudes are a dime a dozen right now.

Third, all I've been hearing is the defense is pathetically under-average. This is a short-sighted view, as the '10 Crew was essentially average. The only newby is Betancourt, and while he is reviled as the worst SS in history, he actually outperformed Escobar last year. Albeit, that doesn't take into account balls Escy got to that Yuny will not. As a moderately talented ballplayer, I love defense... at this point, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt until I see different.

Fourth, we need health by the starters. Average starters needed is about 9 for a season and after our projected 5 we have Estrada, Rogers, maybe McClendon. Mitre? Parra? Can I have some depth!!!!

Lastly, I'm cautiously optimistic (as opposed to Mau's assessment that I'm the Eternal Optimist). We can hammer this Central Division. And it's about time the cards fall in our favor.

You know what, to hell with it, hope springs eternal... Brew Crew all the way in '11!