In a season that can most accurately be summed up by the number of times the Brewers have “hit rock bottom”, Monday’s game against the Cardinals served as a new low. After scratching out a pair of runs late in the game, the Brewers entered the ninth with a 2-0 lead in a game they desperately needed to win. Struggling then-closer John Axford then allowed three hits, two walks, and three runs before being finally removed. The Brewers lost 3-2, and Axford was summarily removed from the closer’s role.
However, as horrid as that game was, it’s starting to look like something good might come out of it – and, no, this is not one of those weird insurance commercials. In the most recent games after Axford’s demotion, the necessary shakeup in roles has led to a few pitchers having surprising success in them, even if the roles themselves are just as rigid. A number of guys come to mind, but the series of strong outings by new setup man Manny Parra.
Up until Monday, Parra had mainly been a ...
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July 18, 2012
