Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

Milwaukee Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe listen back to their February preseason predictions and ... well, they weren't really very close with them, were they? The guys were wrong about Devin Williams, Aaron Ashby, Brock Wilken, Mark Attanasio, William Contreras, Tyler Black and more. First, they discuss the 2024 surprises and disappointments, plus a look at the team's annual award winners, a little coaching staff shakeup and maybe some World Series, if you're in to that sort of thing. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Brewers season ... still over, and now the Mets are done, too, after wreaking a little bit of extra postseason havoc. Could the Brewers have realistically hung with the Dodgers or Yankees in the playoffs? Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss a number of things this week, from the postseason press conference, to the second act of reliever Jake Cousins to some early predictions about how free agency will go and even some names to discuss. But they also revisit some 2024 mysteries that still leave them puzzled. Why did the team insist on playing Rhys Hoskins at first base and Jake Bauers at designated hitter? Why did Bryan Hudson not get a postseason spot? Why did William Contreras keep catching so often? Why did they play ABBA in Game 3? Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

We've had some days to think about it, but it's still stunning. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at the things that went wrong for Milwaukee in its three-game series loss to the Mets. Is the franchise just plain cursed? How do they fix whatever problems they have? What are the foremost questions for the offseason and what's the early prognosis for 2025? Would JR have been a legend for predicting a Sal Frelick postseason homer, if Milwaukee had won the series? Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

In one of the most heartbreaking losses in Brewers history, a four-run rally against Devin Williams propelled the New York Mets to a 4-2 victory Thursday at American Family Field, eliminating the Brewers from the 2024 postseason. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe give it their best to provide some insight into what went wrong, both in this game and in the series. Was there anything Milwaukee could have done differently? What did Williams say about the loss? Plus: A brief look ahead to the story lines of the 2025 offseason and what's up with Bob Uecker? Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe chat about the first two games of the wild-card series between the Mets and the Brewers, with the deciding game still to come Thursday at American Family Field. A fifth-inning meltdown proved costly in Game 1, and Pat Murphy's decision to pull Freddy Peralta proved controversial. But the team bounced back with a late rally, highlighted by now nationally famous superstar Jackson Chourio with a dose of heroics from Garrett Mitchell. How should the Brewers approach Game 3? They discuss on this edition of the Microbrew podcast. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

We've reached the end of 162 games and the Milwaukee Brewers won 93 of them. How ... is that possible? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at the final week of the season, but mostly look ahead to an unusual circumstance, where the playoff opponent is unclear until Monday's makeup games. The Brewers will begin postseason play at home Tuesday against either New York or Arizona, at least we know that much. Which team is the better matchup? How big of a loss is Sal Frelick after an injury over the weekend? Is there any fleeting possibility that Willy Adames returns next year? What other postseason roster decisions are still top of mind, including Bryan Hudson? In Three Up Three Down, Brice Turang reaches 50 steals, Freddy Peralta hits a milestone and a home-plate umpire gets caught on a hot mic. Remembrew When pays homage to the rando succeeding in the postseason, and Curt Blanche provides a grateful end to the 2024 regular season. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look back at an eventful week, from a clinching celebration bolstered by a walk-off win to an ugly three games against the Diamondbacks to a comeback for the ages on Sunday. What are the roster questions that remain for the postseason, namely what's going on with the final pieces in the bullpen? Is Pat Murphy a lock for manager of the year? Which team poses the greater challenge: the Diamondbacks or the Mets? Did the Diamondbacks series leave us sensing some cracks in the foundation or feeling like this team can accomplish just about anything? In Three Up Three Down, we have scenes from Wednesday's champagne celebration and Sunday's wild comeback. Remembrew When looks back at the last time the Brewers pulled off an eight-run comeback, and Curt Blanche dives into fan discourse. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Milwaukee Brewers had an excellent 4-2 showing on a road trip to San Francisco and Arizona, but the wild Sunday loss raised some eyebrows. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe discuss that game, Pat Murphy's bullpen decisions and the other aspects of the road trip. Jackson Chourio is a 20/20 player at age 20, did Frankie Montas just elevate himself into the No. 2 starter for the postseason, what are the decisions still to be made in the bullpen and lineup for that series and more. In Three Up Three Down, they discuss the loss of Hank the Ballpark Pup, another ridiculous catch from Sal Frelick and Christian Yelich in the announcer's booth. JR goes back in time to look at a forgettable Milwaukee-Arizona comeback loss in Remembrew When, and Todd's Take of the Week looks at the appetizing homestand ahead. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Brewers endured an ugly 2-4 homestand at home before a west-coast trip, and though their lead in the division is still safe, did we learn about any new cracks in the foundation? Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at the forgettable showings against the Cardinals and Rockies, including some curious roster decisions to send down the team's best reliever to Class AAA and not promote Jacob Misiorowski. Are there any changes to the perception about what the playoff rotation could look like, especially after an amazing Tobias Myers start? Willy Adames keeps homering, Jackson Chourio calls his shot, and which wild-card opponent presents the best matchup? In Three Up, Three Down, they discuss the ground causing the fumble, Isaac Collins sharing a football backfield with an ex-Badgers basketball player and whether or not the three-run homer thing with Adames is really, like, a real thing to get excited about. Remembrew When goes back to 1982 for some September frustrations, and Curt Blanche revisits a personal triumph at Helfaer Field. Then, JR is joined by Brewers great Gorman Thomas and producer Kelly Kahl, the driving force behind new documentary "Just a Bit Outside," which examines the 1982 Brewers team that went to the World Series and became the apple of Milwaukee's eye. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

With another 5-2 week in the books, the Milwaukee Brewers can safely look ahead to the postseason with a month to go. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the roster moves still to be made (or not made? Like Jacob Misiorowski?), the resurgent pitching performances of Aaron Ashby, Freddy Peralta and DL Hall, the sustained excellence of rookie Jackson Chourio and the steady strength of William Contreras and Willy Adames. In Three Up Three Down, we're talking Blake Perkins home-run robberies, Jake Bauers saving the day and a Brewer on the Brewers. Remembrew When goes back to another 10-run inning, though one that didn't guarantee victory, and Todd's Take of the Week looks at the legacy of a player who's unlikely to return in 2025. Then, JR chats with Aaron Ashby, who had an eye-opening week, one that has put him squarely in the conversation for a spot on the playoff roster. They talk Kansas City tailgate culture, the story behind his slider and the tumultuous journey that has been 2024. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

Microbrew co-host Curt Hogg stopped by the Nashville Sounds this week and spoke to Jacob Misiorowski and Craig Yoho, two potential contributors down the stretch for a team on a path to the playoffs. How soon will they be here, if they indeed arrive? Curt and host JR Radcliffe look back at a 3-3 week, with an excellent return for a forgotten bullpen option, some concern for Nick Mears and a couple high-wire acts for Devin Williams, including one that added badly. Were the guys wrong about how valuable Frankie Montas could be? Three Up Three Down talks a big-man triple and an eye-popping throw from the outfield. Remembrew When re-visits some Brewers-A's history and Curt Blanche takes issue with an umpire. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Brewers are once again red-hot with five straight wins (all against first-place teams) after starting the week 0-2. The National League Central is almost surely theirs, but they also know Christian Yelich will be out for the rest of the year. That hasn't impacted them dramatically yet, but will it? Willy Adames is feeling it with the bat, but it's been a strange year on defense. William Contreras is back to mashing, Tobias Myers and Colin Rea continue to be for real, and can the team do anything to address its sudden weakness ... the outfield? Can this team really hang with the Dodgers if they meet again in October? Three Up Three Down discusses an amazing week for Devin Williams and the confusion around "blocking the plate." Remembrew When also goes back to a Robin Yount highlight, which is fitting with Yount getting honored at American Family Field on Sunday. Curt Blanche examines a play that often gets maligned, perhaps incorrectly. Then, JR sits down with Devin Williams, the Brewers closer who has made a triumphant return from a back injury. They discuss the moment he almost gave his heart to soccer instead of baseball, his trophies and what has to happen for this year to be different in the postseason. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Brewers' bats went on a tear for a 5-1 week, and it's even better than a hot week. Tobias Myers and Colin Rea further reinforced that they can be counted on as the season gets closer to the biggest games of the year, and DL Hall's return Sunday offered some intriguing signs. Host JR Radcliffe and fellow Journal Sentinel writer Curt Hogg look at the big breakout, from rookie Jackson Chourio's continued sky-high success to a series of promising updates for relievers to Joey Ortiz snapping out of his funk. In Three Up Three Down, they remark upon Devin Williams' first save of the year and Rhys Hoskins' thrilling homer to set it up. Remembrew When takes a look back at the Brewers' 1992 rookie of the year (with an unexpected tie in to the past week), and Curt Blanche goes behind the curtain for a story twist after Friday's game. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look back at a rough week for the Brewers, and the 2-4 record was just the start of it. The team added another pitcher at the deadline with some iffy stats, and the team's draft signings in 2024 didn't go the way they hoped. Is Aaron Civale's rotation spot in trouble now that he's struggled through five starts? Was Frankie Montas the right call to add to the roster? Should the Brewers have done more? Can this team, struggling on offense and on the mound for a prolonged period of time, hold onto its still-healthy lead in the National League Central, and if they do, do they have the hammers to get deep into a postseason? Three Up Three Down makes mention of a big-time prospect climbing the ladder and a hometown product coming back to burn the Brewers. Remembrew When looks back at a fruitful trade deadline, and Curt Blanche has a playoff Game 1 vision. Then, JR is joined by new Brewers reliever Nick Mears (49:25), discussing his unusual 2020 debut, pitching in Colorado and his superb Instagram handle. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

Curt Hogg and JR Radcliffe discuss the Milwaukee Brewers' tough weekend and the losses of key players Christian Yelich and Bryan Hudson. Does this change what they're going to do at Tuesday's trade deadline? Who are some names to know? Plus: Ryan Braun gets honored at American Family Field, putting a bow (maybe?) on a complicated career. Devin Williams is back, Brice Turang and Joey Ortiz are struggling offensively and the Brewers, after all, are still a first-place team. Remembrew When looks back at a big-time Braun moment and the complicated feelings that his legacy leaves. Three Up, Three Down includes some draft signings, defensive wizardry by Brice Turang and Rhys Hoskins with a big weekend. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Brewers came out of the all-star break with two tense wins over the Minnesota Twins, and 20-year-old Jackson Chourio is still on fire. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at a busy week, including the draft, the all-star game and two games with several highlights. As the trade deadline approaches, doesn't this team have to address its pitching, and who are the odd guys out when that happens (or if the team gets healthy). They look at the MLB draft and Milwaukee's surprise first-round selection of Braylon Payne, plus make some second-half predictions. In Three Up Three Down, there are some roster moves to discuss (Dallas Keuchel out, a minor trade taking up a 40-man spot, Brewer Hicklen to the 40-man roster), and Remembrew When looks at another time the U.S. presidency collided with the Brewers in light of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Curt Blanche goes deep into the minors to discuss some future gems. Then, JR sits down with new Brewers starter Aaron Civale (1:12:00), acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays and already with three starts under his belt. He talks about kinda-sorta sneaking in to see the 2013 Red Sox win the World Series, why his corgi is named Stetson West, where he was during the brawl between the Rays and Brewers earlier this year and getting traded midseason in back-to-back years.

The Brewers will take a 4 1/2 game lead into the all-star break, which isn't bad considering the team limped through the past two weeks, including a clunky 2-4 homestand against the Pirates and Nationals. Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe to assess the Brewers at the midway point, including the team's biggest surprises and disappointments. Does this team really have a big postseason run in its holster? What changes should be expected in the rotation, especially now that Dallas Keuchel has been dropped for the roster, and the bullpen, with so many players due back from injury soon? The Brewers made their first four draft picks Sunday, and Three Up Three Down looks back at big performances from Paul Skenes, Jesse Winker and Tobias Myers. Remembrew When revisits a haunting finish to the first half in a previous season, and Todd's Take of the Week looks at the break (or lack thereof) ahead. Then, JR sits down with Rhys Hoskins, the slugging first baseman who's up to 14 homers on the season, tied for the team lead. They talk card games, going undercover, the Home Run Derby, rehab and the possibility of facing the Phillies in the postseason. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look back at a shaky west-coast trip to Colorado and Los Angeles, which nonetheless ended with a salvageable 3-4 record. But how was Brice Turang not elected to the National League all-star team? The guys have thoughts on player balloting and the recent hiccups by a tired bullpen, plus the full-fledged resurgence of all-star starter Christian Yelich and the work by new pitchers Aaron Civale and Dallas Keuchel. In Three Up, Three Down, it's yet ANOTHER grand slam, a controversial bunt play, a 55-pitch inning and Bryan Hudson's recent struggles. Remembrew When looks back at another unflattering chapter Brewers-Dodgers history, and Curt's Take of the Week is back talking about a Dodger Stadium staple. Then, JR sits down with relief pitcher Trevor Megill, enjoying a breakout season at the back end of the Brewers rotation. They discuss the role water polo and rowing played in his life story, his scary injuries this year and how he arrived at a comfortable place in his career. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

The Milwaukee Brewers finish a highlight-heavy homestand at 5-1, sweeping the reigning World Series champion Rangers and taking 2 of 3 from the Cubs. An unprecedented grand-slam binge has the Brewers playing an exciting brand of baseball. Host JR Radcliffe and Journal Sentinel Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak look back at the successful run, including more great stuff from Jackson Chourio, a truly elite first half of the season from Brice Turang, the long-awaited return of Garrett Mitchell, the surprising arrival of Dallas Keuchel and an injury to Jared Koenig. Three Up Three Down looks at some sobering moments from the week, including the loss of former public address announcer Robb Edwards and a terrifying escalator malfunction at American Family Field. Could the Brewers have two all-star starters for the first time in a decade? Remembrew When goes back in time to 1980, when an inside-the-park home run and grand slam happened at the same time. Then, JR sits down with Tyler Black, a rookie infielder with a bright future. Though he was optioned back to Class AAA Nashville at the end of the week, Black has been with the Brewers for multiple stints this year, and he discussed giving up hockey, Canadian baseball, his first memories of Milwaukee playing for Wright State at Hank Aaron Field, the automatic strike zone and his defense. Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.

A 3-4 West Coast road trip doesn't sound too bad, but the Brewers pitching staff continues to take on water; just what solutions can the Brewers muster to stay afloat through the final three-plus months? Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss the surging Tobias Myers, the return of Freddy Peralta but the question marks elsewhere on the staff, including in the bullpen. William Contreras has been struggling for a month, leading JR to invoke a comparison to the dreaded 2014 season. Sal Frelick saved the day with an unforgettable catch, but is he the leading candidate to go down to Nashville if and when Garrett Mitchell returns? What's the deal with one highly regarded modern statistic regarding the home-run saving leap as ... routine? Plus, discussion on Jackson Chourio's sprint speed and continued improvement, a Brice Turang grand slam and Remembrew When goes back in time to a legendary moment in Milwaukee from the late Willie Mays. Curt Blanche then questions if the Brewers are limiting how much they can get out of one of their best players. Then, JR is joined by Lee Kluck (1:05:00), who wrote the new book "Leave While the Party’s Good: The Life and Legacy of Baseball Executive Harry Dalton." Dalton, a former Brewers general manager, led the franchise to its first brush with greatness, including the 1982 World Series. What made him a compelling topic and what did the Stevens Point native learn in writing the book? Musical cues (in order of use): "Strobes" by Epocha, "Ricketts Glenn" by Roy Williams and "Rock is Back" by Got Happy. Royalty-free music available at EpidemicSound.com.