Crew looks to make playoffs after 15 year slump. The Milwaukee Brewers have the roster and the athleticism to clinch a playoff spot this season. The real question, however, is whether or not Ned Yost can make that “giant step.” With a lineup full of potential all stars and a new look bullpen, the Brewers will try to steal the division back from the Cubs.

Bats. Milwaukee, in my opinion, has one of the best lineups in the entire division. But it is also a young and very inexperienced one. Questions primarily focus around whether Ryan Braun, Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks can perform for an entire year. I think it is safe to say Prince Fielder will get his and veteran outfielder Mike Cameron will add his power here and there. Ryan Braun has to stay hot and continue to grab the attention of America. If he can stay relaxed in the outfield, Braun will feel even more comfortable at the plate.

The Brewers do have some holes especially at the bottom of their order. Jason Kendall can’t be counted on and J.J. Hardy had a fluke year. I don’t think Hardy will revert to his .240 average from 2006, but he won’t be making the All Star Game either. Another major flaw of the Crew is that they rely a hell of a lot of the long ball and nothing else. If they can’t hit bombs, Bernie Brewer will most likely be taking another early fall vacation.

Brewers’ right fielder Corey Hart could be the most underrated player in the National League next to Eric Brynes. Hart has serious potential to be the next 30-30 man in the league. Also, look for Tony Gwynn to make an immediate impact in the first month of the season while Mike Cameron serves a 25-game suspension. Gwynn has speed to compliment his bat and will be motivated to keep Mike Cameron on the bench after his suspension is over.

Arms. Every yea,r the biggest question surrounding the starting rotation is whether or not “staff ace” Ben Sheets can stay healthy. The answer to that the question is simply…no. Sheets will start out 4-0 with a 2.10 era and then hit the deck with a sore left groin. And to be completely honest, this will probably be the last time we see Sheets in a Brewer uniform just because management is fed up with is injury-prone body.

Aside from Sheets, the rotation remains the same as last year. Jeff Suppan will anchor the two slot with Yovani Gallardo, Dave Bush and Carlos Villanueva rounding out the rotation. Rookie starter Manny Parra will jump in from the bullpen if and when Sheets goes down, or if Bush struggles to throw strikes.

Moving to the bullpen, where the attention will immediately shift towards newcomer Eric Gagne. Gagne takes over for Francisco Cordero, who headed to the Reds during the free agency period. The first thing Gagne has to do is establish himself as the prominent closer he once was for the Dodgers. If he can’t find the plate, look for Derrick Turnbow to get another chance in the role. Yikes, that would be scary.

David Riske, Guillermo Mota and Solomon Torres find their into the pen to help the Brewers finish games. These three new acquisitions should provide the Crew with the nails to hammer down the late innings.

Outlook. The Brewers have all the pieces in place to finally make the playoffs. Getting over the hump in this division is not as hard as in others, but the Brewers will definitely win and lose games starting with the pitching staff. This team can hit, even if Braun and Fielder have an off day. The time has come, Milwaukee. The division is up for grabs!