Brewers look to grab Central title

By Bud L. Ellis

For a franchise with just three trips to the playoffs since its inception in 1969, the Milwaukee Brewers arrive in 2011 very optimistic they can capture the National League Central title.

The Brewers went 77-85 a season ago, a three-victory drop from 2008 and 13 games worse than in 2007, when Milwaukee broke a 25-year playoff drought. But health is a big concern for every team, and the Brewers have more than their share of bangs and bumps as spring training draws to a close.

Newly acquired ace Zack Greinke cracked a rib playing picking basketball. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner will start the season on the disabled list. Starting pitcher Shaun Marcum, also a new Brewer, is nursing a stiff right shoulder. Right fielder Corey Hart has injured ribs and catcher Jonathan Lucroy hurt his finger. Both likely will miss the season opener.

Milwaukee finished 14 games behind Cincinnati, in third place in the NL Central. Playing at home is definitely an area of improvement: the Brewers went 40-41 at Miller Park.

The Brewers open the season at division winner Cincinnati on March 31. The home schedule opens against NL Wild Card winner Atlanta on April 4.

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Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:45 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Corey Hart, Jonathan Lucroy, Major League Baseball, Miller Park, Milwaukee Brewers news, Milwaukee Brewers schedule, Milwaukee Brewers tickets, Shaun Marcum, Zack Greinke