Ryan Braun celebrates his three-run home run in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros on Aug. 11. The Brewers won, 7-4. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Brewers' Season Could Get Them into the Playoffs for the First Time Since '82

Historically, Milwaukee enjoys baseball success every 25 years or so. Fifty years ago -- in 1957 -- the Milwaukee Braves won the World Series. Twenty-five years ago -- in 1982 -- the Milwaukee Brewers went to the World Series.

What will happen in 2007? The Brewers are close to making the playoffs again.

It is a new experience for many fans. Milwaukee has not had a winning season since 1992. That year the Brewers finished with 92 wins and 70 losses, which put them in second place in the American League Central.

"We never had expectations to win. Never," Brewers Manager Ned Yost told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We've been in September, and it does not matter if we win, lose, or draw. There is no pressure in that. Maybe some guys are playing for jobs the next year, but this is totally different.

"Now we have expectations to win, not only from fans but within ourselves," Yost added. "You have to learn how to produce and to deal with those pressures. It is a great experience to go through it, because once you have it, you do not forget it."

Many had high hopes for the Brewers in 2007. Some picked them to win the National League Central division.

Early on, it looked like they would -- easily. The Brewers started the season with 24 wins and 10 losses. They were in first place or tied for first place for 125 straight days.

Struggles started in July
Then the struggles began. Milwaukee lost 32 of 50 games from July 3 to August 30. The Brewers fell to third place in early September.

The Chicago Cubs held first place much of September. The race between the Brewers and the Cubs continued into the final weeks of the season. But the Brewers stayed close. They were one game out of first place in the NL Central as of September 17.

"When it turns to September, it seems like everything changes," shortstop Craig Counsell said. "However, many games we have to play, you do not look past tonight. You do not look at huge groups of games, like you did earlier in the season. Now, we are down to a few games, so it is "Let's get them tonight.'"

Win or lose, the Brewers have had some positives this season.

First baseman Prince Fielder has had a big season. He set the franchise record for most home runs in a season when he hit his 46th homer on September 15. Fielder could win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the NL.

"There is no question he is the MVP of our team," Yost said. "And I think he is a strong candidate for MVP of the league."

Rookie third baseman Ryan Braun also had an incredible season. He joined the team on May 25. Since then, he has been one of the best players in baseball.

Other young players -- including Corey Hart and J.J. Hardy -- also had a standout season. So has closer Francisco Cordero.

However, pitching has been Milwaukee's biggest problem. The Brewers signed starter Jeff Suppan to a $42 million contract in the offseason. He has been a disappointment.

Chris Capuano won 18 games two years ago, but also struggled this season. He was demoted to the bullpen. And Ben Sheets missed six weeks with a finger injury.

The bullpen also struggled much of the year. Still, players know what is at stake.

"I really do not take it for granted where we are right now," relief pitcher Seth McClung said. "I smile coming to the ballpark every day playing for a team that has a chance to do something special."

Sources: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, MLB.com, The Associated Press