Rickie Weeks was supposed to be an all world talent if you read the scouting reports but he has been a huge disappointment in his career thus far and this season is no different. He has spent a substantial part of the season on the DL but he hasn’t played good when he has been healthy. Weeks is hitting only .221 this season with 39 runs scored, 5 homers, 19 RBIs and 9 stolen bases in 222 atbats. The Brewers have dropped him to the bottom of the batting order to try to take some pressure off of him…..we’ll see if it works but I have my doubts that it will. Craig Counsell (.239 avg, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs) and Tony Graffanino (.244 avg, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs) have had their chances this season but they have both been relegated to bench duty because of their bats. Reserve outfielder Gabe Gross is also struggling this season as he is only hitting .200 (16 for 80) with 10 runs scored, 7 homers and 15 RBIs.

Prince Fielder has been simply awesome this season for the Brewers as he often seems to be carrying the entire offense. Fielder is hitting .284 with 62 runs scored, 29 homers and 70 RBIs so far this season. Look for Fielder to have a strong 2nd half and make a push for the MVP Award if the Brewers make the playoffs. J.J. Hardy has cooled off lately but he still has strong numbers for the season. He is hitting .280 with 48 runs scored, 18 homers and 54 RBIs so far this season. The Brewers hope Hardy can finish the season strong. Ryan Braun has been awesome as a rookie for the Brewers so far this season as he is hitting .350 with 36 runs scored, 11 homers, 32 RBIs and 8 stolen bases in only 163 atbats. If Braun can keep hitting like he is now in the 2nd half the Brewers will be hard to hold down on the scoreboard. Corey Hart is also having a good season in the outfield as he is hitting .298 with 44 runs scored, 11 homers, 33 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. The Brewers have also gotten outstanding production out of their catchers (Johnny Estrada & Damian Miller) as they have combined to hit .298 with 42 runs scored, 11 homers and 51 RBIs in 366 atbats.

The Milwaukee Brewers finished the first half of the season with a 49-39 record which has them in 1st place in the National League Central, 4.5 games ahead of the surging Chicago Cubs. The Brewers have gotten into first place by slugging there way there. The Brewers have already smacked 124 homers (2nd in the majors) and they have scored 430 runs. They will need to keep hitting and get a little better performance from their starting rotation to hold off the Cubs in the division.

Corey Hart is doing an outstanding job this season in the outfield for the Brewers. Hart has played in 69 games this season and he is 73 for 235 (.311 avg, .903 OPS) with 43 runs scored, 11 homers, 33 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. Hart is looking like he will be a big part of the Brewers future and he needs to keep up the good work as the Chicago Cubs are making a run at the Brewers in the N.L. Central.

The Brewers have placed Bill Hall on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right ankle. Hall has played in 79 games this season and he is 78 for 288 (.271 avg, .784 OPS) with 42 runs scored, 9 homers and 38 RBIs. Hall will be replaced on the roster by Tony Gwynn who was recalled from AAA. Gwynn has played in 49 games this season for the Brewers and he is 25 for 83 (.301 avg, .712 OPS) with 10 runs scored, 8 RBIs and 6 stolen bases.