While in the Dominican Republic, I didn’t try too hard to introduce them to Milwaukee’s Dominican contingent because what I learned in 2008 when I was there last is they really only have affinity for the big-name guys like Big Papi. That said, I did exchange some stories with a guy who played with Bartolo Colon, Carlos Martinez and others so that’s good enough for me. Checking in on the Brewers was a mostly fun experience until the last two nights of terror versus Atlanta plus a few weird moments.

GOOD
Eric Thames owns Cincinnati (So does the Milwaukee Brewers) – Holy shit, Eric Thames. He continued his mash-a-palooza with three more home runs against Reds pitching. Thames now has a total of eight which is the most in a SEASON against Reds for Brewers hitting. Thames is the home run leader at 11, and he will likely be the player of the month. What a start to his Brewers career.

Hernan Perez finds his stroke – We saw this last year how Hernan Perez could go on these absolute heaters for one or two weeks where the ball looks like a beach ball. That happened with the Cincinnati series where Perez went completely off. 10 of Perez’s 20 hits in the last week have been extra-base knocks.

Ryan Braun continues to be consistently good – Not that anyone needs a reminder, but Ryan Braun continues to kill baseballs. Braun is on a nice run here at home. He’s hitting .320 in his last seven days with a home run. He’s on pace for astronomical season like expected with every year. While all of the attention will be on Thames in April, all eyes are going to be on Braun with the 10-5 rule coming up in the next few weeks.

WEIRD
Thames has been drug tested three times in 10 days – This is getting a little ridiculous from the MLB. It’s like they’re trying to catch Thames doing something wrong. My question is when does MLBPA get involved? My guess is they won’t because their union does an inadequate job of representing their players. Look at Thames’ teammate Braun as an example of this useless administration.

Freddie Freeman is a crybaby – What a goddamn idiot. He pulls the Tony La Russa card out in full force saying the ‘lights screw with him at Miller Park’ which is ridiculous. Freeman has put up some crazy numbers against Brewers for his career. What a joke. Freeman is another member of the morality police.

Jimmy Nelson has me blocked on Twitter – Out of the blue, I wanted to see Jimmy’s picture of all Brewers at Game 6 and sure enough, I’m blocked from his account…. Oooookay.

BAD
Brewers bullpen is a nightmare – Let’s exclude how Jimmy Nelson and Chase Anderson pitched their average ways on Friday and Saturday versus Atlanta. Brewers offense gave Milwaukee a chance to win on Friday, yet they could not take advantage. Brewers bullpen continues to be a walking disaster. Jacob Barnes had his first bad outing all year. Carlos Torres is a wreck. Tommy Milone is a dumpster fucking fire. Barnes and Corey Knebel remain the only trustworthy members in that pen. A far cry than last year’s squad.

Charlie.