Milwaukee Brewers: The face of the Crew

After an offseason full of moves that are turning out quite well right now, who is the face of the Milwaukee Brewers?

There are a lot of ways to define the face of a team. It could be leadership, love from the fans and, of course, how they play. With all these categories being included, there could be a new face of the Milwaukee Brewers.

There are a few players that could be seen as the face of the franchise. Newly acquired Christian Yelich, returning outfielder Lorenzo Cain and homegrown favorite Ryan Braun. Who’s the real face of the crew?

Ryan Braun

Leadership: After playing for the Brewers for about 11 years, he has become the veteran in the clubhouse. He has helped young players grow and become successful. If the Brewers go through a slump, he will be the guy that will announce a team meeting and let the team know to step it up. I wouldn’t be surprised if he follows in Counsell’s footsteps and becomes a coach in the future.

Love From The Fans:  Ryan Braun has had fans hearts every since he won Rookie of the Year in 2007. Once you hear the P.A. announcer say “and batting third, in left field, Ryan Braun” you will hear a roar from the fans. It’s impossible to walk around Miller Park without seeing someone wearing a Ryan Braun jersey. Even after the suspension, the fans still cheer for the homegrown talent.

Play: Ryan Braun is getting older and his game isn’t the same. Braun’s batting average is at a career low and he can’t have a season without getting injured. It seems like anytime he makes a diving play or beats out an infield single, we get worried he’ll get hurt. And a lot of the time, it does happen. It’s sad to say it, but he can’t stay healthy and it seems like he’ll never bat .270 again.

2018 Stats   .250/14 HR/47 RBI/9 SB/.301 OBP/.757 OPS/0.8 WAR(Career Best is 7.1) in 300 AB

Lorenzo Cain

Leadership: Since his return to the Brewers, Cain has become a leader for the team. He has been through the ups (World Series Championship in 2015) and the downs (90 loss season in 2012). It may not be with the Brewers, but Lorenzo Cain has had the most experience compared to anyone on that team. And with that experience, this year and for the next three years, he’ll help lead the Brewers to success.

Love From the Fans: Lorenzo Cain has been a fan favorite ever since the start of the season. It’s another instance of hearing a roar from the fans when his name is called. He has helped the team stay loose and have fun. He’s got the whole team doing the “show me love” after a hit and he’s got the fans doing it. When they have fun, they’re successful and it seems like every game, he brings a smile to baseball fans faces. Here’s an example:

Play: Lorenzo Cain has been one of the key players of this years squad. In Cain’s first year back in Milwaukee, he earned himself an All-Star Game nod. His hitting has been exceptional and his defense and hustle has been game changing. He’s had his rough times, but Cain is showing it was a smart move by David Stearns to sign him.

2018 Stats   .302/9 HR/31 RBI/23 SB/.394 OBP/.817 OPS/4.5 WAR in 404 AB

Christian Yelich

Leadership: Yelich is 26-years-young and has been a key guy in the Brewers’ clubhouse. He hasn’t reached his full potential and that’s crazy to think about. This is Yelich’s first experience with a winning team and he’s gonna grow and grow into someone that will help lead the team. Having him for the next four years is going to be something special and he’s gonna turn into a top guy.

Love From the Fans: Yelich is turning into someone that all Brewers’ fans and baseball fans know and love. Once he got traded to the Brewers, fans were rushing to get his shirt and jersey (including myself). He’s been having a career year, and fans have his back, even in his slumps. He is turning into “that guy” for the Brewers.

Play: If David Stearns didn’t make the move for Yelich in the winter, the Brewers would  barely be over .500. Yelich has been leading this team to victories all season. He has been in MVP conversations and he’s a candidate for a Silver Slugger award. He’s a five tool player and will help this team earn a World Series in the near future. This kid is something special and will turn into an even bigger star than he already is.

2018 Stats   .310/19 HR/61 RBI/14 SB/.373 OBP/.891 OPS/3.7 WAR in 436 AB

The Verdict

I believe Braun still has the crown. If you ask a regular baseball fan to name a Brewer, they will say Ryan Braun. Braun also has that homegrown advantage, but this is the face of 2018. With the Brewers getting guys like Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich, who are batting over .300 and who will help lead this team to a championship, Ryan Braun will sadly be forgotten. It’s turning into the era of Yelich and Cain in Milwaukee.