Throughout the first half the 2024 season, the Brewers can be described as one word: electric. I have been a fan of the Brewers for almost 30 years, the last time I saw this much excitement without expectation was when we were cheering Ryan Braun on for ROY in 2007.  The young pieces are coming along. Turang, Chourio, and Ortiz are going to be superstars in time.  Frelick scared me at the start of the year, but he's coming around since June 1st.  The leadership of Contreras, Yelich, Hoskins, and Adames is the backbone of this team. 

48-33 is tied for the best first half record through the Counsell era (2018,2021). What attributes to this? Most people have been saying offense (which is true) but more specifically they commend the power of this team.  As it turns out, according to stats on baseball reference, it's a little more complex than that. If we compare some stats from this year's halfway point to years past (2015-2023) you'll see SLG/OPS are only .399/.731 which is less than the average for all of Counsell years. 

Not to sound like a SABR analytics guy, but this year's OBP/BA/BAbip (balls in play) are .332/.255/.313 to this point.  According to Baseball reference, these numbers are higher than any year under Counsell at this point in the season.  It is clear Pat Murphy has been preaching the small things (and has received big rewards out of it). This team's approach to offense is so different to years past that it makes it seem like the power is more prevalent.  In reality, they're just getting on base and obviously not afraid to run.  The HR's and the Grand Slams are awesome, but if the power begins to die, don't start to panic. The formula is there: get on base. This team has done an amazing job to this point with little to no expectations. I love the direction and the attitude Murph has instilled into these players.  Let's continue this ride and hope for more!

FG,FTC.

-Irrelevant

Stat of the day: Joey Ortiz leads the brewers in WAR with 2.6 followed by Brice Turang and Contreras at 2.5.