Top 25 Brewer Fanatic Most-Viewed Articles of 2023: Part 1 (21-25)

[Seth Stohs]

Here we are in the final days of 2023. It's been an interesting year for the Milwaukee Brewers and their fans. Let's look back at some of the key stories of the year and reflect on the good and the bad. 

Image courtesy of Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Brewer Fanatic, in its current form, began in March of 2022. So, we thought it might be fun to take a look back at the Top 25 articles of 2023. It is also a fun way to look back at the 2023 Brewers season through the lens article engagement over the year. What were the popular topics at various themes throughout the season? The Brewers returned to the playoffs, but there were also several areas of disappointment, injuries and even a managerial change. 

#25 The Brewers Should Swap Luis Urias and Abraham Toro Right Away 
by Matthew Trueblood
June 17 

Infielder Luis Urias was a breakout player of sorts in 2022. After playing in the WBC, there was reason for some excitement about his prospects for 2023. However, on Opening Day, a leg injury put him on the Injured List. When this article came out, Urias had been back in the lineup for about two weeks and looked completely lost at the plate. It isn’t as if Abraham Toro was tearing things up in Nashville, but he was at taking pitches and drawings walks, something few Brewers were doing at that time. 

#24 3 Affordable Free Agent First Basemen for the Brewers 
by Jason Wang
Dec 1

Simply put, the Brewers needed more from their first basemen in 2023. The guys who manned that position are no longer in the organization, replaced at this point by Jake Bauers (who the Yankees were about to non-tender). They must plan to add another first base option to at least split time with Bauers, right? In this article, find three free agent options that remain available that could fit. The Brewers may be pursuing a higher-caliber option, but if those options decide to play elsewhere, maybe one of these three will find their way onto the 2024 Brewers roster. 

#23 The Craig Counsell Situation is Coming to a Head  
by Matthew Trueblood
Oct 26

When David Stearns left the Brewers organization in the able hands of Matt Arnold, rumors were already circling. While he claimed he wasn’t going to the Mets, he ultimately took the lead job in New York. That continued already-circulating rumors that Craig Counsell could follow him to Shea Stadium. Once the Brewers playoff run ended, there was no surprised that Counsell met with the Mets. He also met with the Guardians about potentially replacing future Hall of Famer Terry Francona. Would he be considered for manager vacancies in San Francisco or Houston? Ultimately, a team came almost out of nowhere to sign Counsell. 

#22 Rowdy Tellez is Demanding More Game Time 
by Jake McKibbin
(Sept 5) 

As mentioned above, first base was an issue for the Brewers in 2023. A big reason was a long-term injury to Rowdy Tellez, who had 35 homers in 2022 and just 13 in 2023. In early September, he was starting to put together better plate appearances and hitting the ball harder. In seven late-August games after coming back, he hit .313/.429/.563 with a double, homer, and four walks. However, in September, he played in 19 games but made just 10 starts. He hit .189/.262/.216 with a double. And, after the season, he was non-tendered and has since signed with the Pirates. 

#21 Craig Counsell Leaves Brewers: Why Did He Go, and Who Should Replace Him? 
By Jake McKibbin
(Nov 7) 

When news broke that Craig Counsell was leaving the Brewers to become the next manager of the Chicago Cubs last month, there was some genuine shock around the baseball world, but especially among Brewers fans. The Cubs hadn’t been mentioned. Then again, they didn’t have to ask permission to talk to Counsell because they waited until his contract with the Brewers expired at the end of October. This is an interesting look at potential managers to consider and reasons beyond the financial (which was obviously a huge factor) for Counsell to have left.

We shall return tomorrow  and jump into the Top 20 articles of this year. Share your thoughts on these articles or topics. 

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[Michael Trzinski]

I'm totally amazed at the talent of the BF crew! Tons of thoughtful, in-depth analytical pieces EVERY...DAY!!

Keep up the great work, lads!! Happy 2024!!