A September Like All The Rest?

I fear that this September will be a repeat of every other September I've spent in Milwaukee, watching the Brewers fade from memory (and even further from contention) just as the Packers season begins.

Last night my beloved Brewers lost yet again (for the 7th time in their last ten games) to the dreaded Cubs, landing them below .500 for the season and ensconcing them in third place in the Central Division.

You can feel Brewer confidence slipping away. Players and fans, resigned to yet another disappointing season.

Yet this season wasn't like every other. The fans showed up in droves to see a young exciting team jump out to a great start - all smiles and swagger. We're hitting home runs like never before. We have lots of speedy base runners and huge amounts of raw talent. It would be nice to have a starting pitching rotation (are you listening Ben Sheets?) for the entire year, but injuries are part of the game.

We're a good young team. We could be a great young team.

Over the past 5 years, our management style has been one designed to develop young talent - to nurture players along to their potential. The Brewers have long suffered a shortage in that department, and I applaud the team's management for investing in their farm system and growing the next crop of future Brewer talent. It's exciting to see Cory Hart, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy take the field.

But it may be time for a change. Don't get me wrong, the Brewers' strategy of investing in talent development should continue but at the Major League level, it think it's time we managed to win.

Too often I see Ned Yost leave in pitchers too long - hoping that they'll pitch out of trouble - hoping for a confidence building turnaround. I understand that thinking. At the Major League level, though, I think we need to shift the balance somewhat towards being less patient.

When you teach your kids to ride a bike, at some point you have to let go of the handlebars.

Now is that time, Ned. Go Brewers!