One of the biggest questions for the Milwaukee Brewers going into the 2023 season was how Christian Yelich would bounce back from another disappointing season in 2022. While Yelich has yet to return to his 2018 and 2019 MVP-caliber form, he has been consistent at the top of the Brewers batting order. While his numbers do not jump off the page, Brewers manager Craig Counsell had an intriguing take on Yelich’s start to the season.
Counsell Says Yelich Is Off to a Good Start
Prior to Tuesday night’s 7-1 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Counsell did an interview with MLBTV in celebration of becoming the Brewers’ all-time leader in games managed. The first question he was asked was how Yelich was doing. Counsell replied:
“Yeah, he’s doing good. I mean, he’s off to a good start, hit a home run on Sunday, and he’s healthy. I think the biggest thing with Christian is if we get him healthy and we get him out there for a lot of games, we’ll see results, and I think we’re on a real good track for that.”
Through 11 games this season, Yelich is hitting .227/.333/.318 with a home run and two RBI. His strikeout number is high (19), but he has walked seven times. One of the things that has gone relatively unappreciated by fans is how often Yelich has gotten on base this season. Through Milwaukee’s first 11 games, he has reached base at least once in 10 of them. For the team to see consistent success, it is important for the leadoff hitter to get on base. As long as Yelich continues to do that, Milwaukee will have an opportunity to score some runs.
Counsell Addresses Being the Brewers’ All-Time Leader in Games Managed
The second question Counsell answered was regarding becoming the Brewers’ all-time leader in games managed. In response to that question, he said:
“As far as being here for this long and managing a lot of games, it’s a dream come true. I think that playing in the Big Leagues, there’s nothing like playing in the Big Leagues. It’s the greatest thing ever. But to be able to manage a team in the place where you grew up and a place where your dad worked for the team for a number of years, it’s a pretty close second. I’m really fortunate to have been here and be doing this job.”
In addition to being the team’s leader in games managed, Counsell is also the team’s leader in games won as a manager. Hopefully 2023 will be the year that he adds a World Series ring as a manager to his resume.
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