Ryan Braun steals 2nd base against the Cubs. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ryan Braun steals 2nd base against the Cubs. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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Brewers Gameday: Our Experts Predict

By Jay Sorgi

Story Created: Mar 31, 2008

Story Updated: Apr 5, 2008

Next game: Saturday, April 5th vs. San Francisco
Brewers Gameday with the Jockey Pregame Show at 11:30 a.m. on Newsradio 620 WTMJ

Brewers' Home Opener
• Gameday Coverage
• 620WTMJ Exclusive Audio
• Dan, Jay and the Llama's Guide
• Our Experts Predict '08 Season
• 620WTMJ, Brewers Extend Radio Broadcast Rights Deal

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The Brewers' 2008 Roster
• Starters
• Relievers
• Infielders
• Outfielders

This could be the year. 

Today could start the home portion of the most special year in franchise history, at least since the 1982 World Series. 

Some of Newsradio 620 WTMJ's sports pundits give their thoughts on whether 2008 turns into the year the Brewers break through, finally, into October baseball, and maybe farther.

620WTMJ's Expert (alphabetically) Biggest Strength Biggest Weakness Season hinges on who's bat? Season hinges on who's arm? Prediction
Bill Michaels
Bill Michaels
Sports Central
E-mail | Blog 		 Up the middle.
Mike Cameron a great defensive addition.		 Lineup.
2007: 25th in walks, 21st in OBP, 21st in K's, 24th in road BA.		 Bill Hall.
Who will show up, '05-06 excellence or subpar '07 w/only 14 HR?		 Closers.
I'm not convinced Turnbow or Gagne are the answers.		 Rightfully optimistic.
But wildcard won't come from NL Central, and no playoffs is unacceptable.
Dan O'Donnell
Dan O'Donnell
Wisconsin Sports Weekend
E-mail | Blog		 Hitting.
Fielder, Braun and Hart can all knock the seams off the ball.

Defense.
The Brewers had the 6th most errors and 6th worst fielding percentage in baseball.

Rickie Weeks.
It's put up or shut up time, and the Brewers need a big bat at the top of the lineup.

 Ben Sheets.
He's the ace, and in a contract year, he needs to play like it.  Mostly though, he needs to stay healthy.		 89-73, NLCS appearance.
One of the best young teams in baseball, should thrive in a relatively weak division.
Jim Powell.
Jim Powell
620WTMJ's Co-Voice of the Brewers
E-mail | Blog		 Offense.
Seven of eight regular players should hit 20+ home runs.		 Defense.
Pitching suffers and even collapses if defense can't compliment.		 Prince Fielder.
They can least afford to lose him.

No one arm...
...but Ben Sheets is the only true #1 starter.

90-72.
Making predictions are always difficult, and must be kept in proper perspective, but keep your October calendar open.
Jay Sorgi
Jay Sorgi
Reporter, Wisconsin's Morning News, 620wtmj.com
E-mail		 The 3-4 slots in the lineup.
Braun and Fielder may have no equal in the National League.		 Bullpen.
No proven consistent closer; Doug Melvin's thrown a bunch of guys in the mix, hoping one pans out.		 Whoever mans the 1 slot.
If it's Rickie Weeks or even Tony Gwynn, that guy must get on base to help the big bats produce RBI's.		 Ben Sheets.
If he's healthy, the starters get easier matchups and more chances at W's.  If he's productive, the bats don't feel as much pressure.		 91-71, wildcard, NLCS.
The restocked Cubs will win the division, but feasting on the weak Central gets the Brewers enough wins to make it...and make it farther than the Cubs in the playoffs.
Todd "The Llama" Welter
Todd "The Llama" Welter
Sports Central Producer
E-mail | Blog		 The long ball.
Bernie will take lots of trips down the slide.		 OBP.
Lack of walks led to a lot of solo shots and not enough runs to overcome inconsistent pitching.

Rickie Weeks.
He needs to get on base to set up chances for Fielder and Braun to drive in runs.

Ben Sheets.
He's the only Brewers' pitcher who can limit a losing streak, critical in a division race.

 90-72.
If the starters can consistently pitch six innings and the pen works, the Crew could win more.

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