This would've been a good post last season, but I'm not sure it fits right now. You don't think Stearns expected the Brewers to contend this season? Why would he trade 3 top 100 prospects and sign a guy in his 30's to a 5 year deal this offseason if he didn't expect to contend this season? Why would he trade Meideros, Phillips, Lopez, Ortiz, and Carmona for 3 guys with limited control if he didn't expect to win this season? Sure last season was unexpected, but it certainly wasn't this year. Stearns will be just as upset as us "illogical" fans if they miss the playoffs this season. It's way too early for this, though. Let's see how the season ends. If they miss the playoffs it will be disappointing and will put a ton of pressure on next season. They are absolutely are in contending mode this season though, a majority of the key players are in their prime or near the end of their prime, and it's not like there's a wave of elite talent in the minors knocking on the door. I don't understand why people act like that's the case.