Top 25 Brewer Fanatic Most-Viewed Articles of 2023: Part 5 (1-5)

As always, I'm often surprised by the articles that are most successful or receive the most views. Even in the group below, you'll find some articles and not be surprised how well it would do. Others might surprise you by their randomness. More questions on the manager. Trade deadlines always create excitement. In the top 25, there were several mentions of Jackson Chourio (no surprise), but the #1 article involves another Brewers prospect with tremendous talent who should see a lot of time in the big leagues in 2024. 

Enjoy this list. Feel free to discuss your favorite topics of the year. Add in your ranking of the top Brewers stories of the year. And Happy New Year to you and your families! 

#5 So, Uh, What Happened to Sal Frelick Playing Center Field? 
by Matthew Trueblood
Aug 7

When the Brewers acquired Mark Canha at the trade deadline, the assumption was that he would play a lot of right field and Sal Frelick would be in center field. That was the assumption because that was what manager Craig Counsell said following the trade. However, a week after the deal, Canha had played two games in left field and three games as the DH. He played one inning in right field. Sal Frelick was still playing mostly in right field with Joey Wiemer spending time in center. Over the final two months, Canha made 17 starts at DH, 14 starts in left field, 12 starts in right field, and even four starts at first base. 

#4 Counsell’s Confusing Late-Game Decisions Sink the Brewers  
by Tim Muma
Sept 6

Part of the beauty of baseball, and to some degree what can make a site or forum fun, is the fact that it’s the easiest sport for second guessing. That’s even more true late in the season in a pennant race. This article came after a particularly tough loss in early September. The Brewers had only a 2 1/2 game lead. Tim looks at a few situations in which the decisions that Craig Counsell made did not work out which leads to the second-guessing. Bullpen usage. Lineup choices, and then pinch hitting choices. 

#3  A Fond Goodbye to a Few Brewers Who Will be Left Behind Next Week 
by Matthew Trueblood
Sept 30

As the regular season was wrapping down, the Brewers’ lead in the NL Central was increasing and their spot in the playoffs was assured. That means that it was time to start thinking about the playoff roster. And also which players would not be on the playoff roster. The best story of the season had to be the MLB debut of Wisconsin native Caleb Boushley. His debut couldn’t have gone better. But he wasn’t going to be on the playoff roster and was removed from the 40-man roster after the season. There were several other decisions that needed to be made as well. 

#2 The Blockbuster Brewers Trade Possibility No One is Talking About 
by Matthew Trueblood
July 31

As the trade deadline was approaching, Matt proposed an intriguing trade target for the Brewers. It certainly wasn’t a name that was being mentioned much around the league. We weren’t sure if the Padres were buyers or sellers, or really even what they should be. Had the Padres been sellers (they probably should have been, but they weren’t), other names such as Juan Soto, Josh Hader and Yu Darvish were often discussed as potential targets. However, this suggested player might have had the biggest impact on the Brewers down the stretch, and maybe more importantly, for the next several years too. 

#1 It’s Time To Push One Brewers Veteran Aside in Favor of a Young Slugger 
by Jake McKibbin
Aug 30

As teams reach the last month of the season, and the playoffs are within reach, teams and their fans start thinking about how they can either provide a spark to their team or fill a hole down the stretch. That is the case with this fantastic article from Jake. Third base was a question mark, and veteran Brian Anderson just wasn’t getting things done. Andruw Monasterio did a very solid job with the bat and his defense was terrific. He was able to play some second base as well. Down in Nashville, former first-round pick Tyler Black was playing well in his short time since his promotion. His defense at the hot corner was improving. His approach at the plate was very solid. In 84 games at Biloxi, he hit .273/.412/.513 (.925). In 39 games for Nashville, he hit .310/.428/.514 (.942). In 123 combined games, he hit 25 doubles, 12 triples, and 18 home runs. In addition, he had 55 stolen bases in 67 attempts. He wasn’t called up to the Brewers at the end of last season, but he should be given every opportunity to make the Opening Day roster in 2024.   

If you missed any of the articles from this series, click here: 

Part 1 (21-25)
Part 2 (16-20)
Part 3 (11-15)
Part 4 (6-10)
Part 5 (1-5)