With a renewed bullpen and continued offensive firepower, the Brewers and fans of the franchise have every reason to remain optimistic about a successful season and a sustained playoff run.

Falling just short of a National League Central Division crown, the Milwaukee Brewers looked to fix the holes that cost them their first chance at the postseason since 1982.

Everyone from Doug Melvin to the drunken guy in the bleachers knew they had to solidify the very porous bullpen to dethrone the Chicago Cubs. After wisely letting Coco "Wants More Dough" Cordero walk to cellar-dwelling-candidate Cincinnati and losing Scott Linebrink to the better team from Chicago, it appeared the Crew was moving backwards.

With, however, the acquisition of Guillermo Mota from the New York Mets in the Johnny Estrada trade, Saloman Torres from the Pirates in exchange for minor leaguers, and picking up underrated David "Low" Riske from the free agency pool, management began the much-needed reconstruction of the bullpen.

After left-handed specialist Brian Shouse resigned and Derrick Turn “Blow” put in a better position to succeed, a once clear weakness of the team becomes a potential strength and the key to a true playoff run.

Perhaps with the biggest question of 2008 exists in the form of former all-star closer Eric "HGH" Gagne. Playing his way out Boston following his apprehension of obtaining outs in the ALCS, Milwaukee gambled that he would recapture his Dodger magic and signed him to a one year, $10 million contract.

Shortly after he joined the team, however, he was named in the Mitchell Report for his use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs. If he is able to play, both legally and capably – two very large ifs – the Brewers may possess one of the best bullpens in not only the Central Division, but also the entire NL.

On the offensive side of the ball, all seems fine. In 2007, the Beermakers set a team record with 231 bombs, a mark good enough to lead the entire league. Led by Prince Fielder and Ryan Braunasorous, the offense rests in good hands.

With Jason Kendall donning the tools of ignorance and getting on base more than Johnny "Allergic to Walks" Estrada, and Mike Cameron pairing with Corey Hart in the outfield to form dual 30-30 threats and providing a defensive upgrade over Bill Hall, it appears the Crew getting shut-out will be as frequent as a Cubs World Series appearance.

With a renewed bullpen and continued offensive firepower, the Brewers and fans of the franchise have every reason to remain optimistic about a successful season and a sustained playoff run. Even if Gagne cannot play or perform at an optimal level, the team possesses all the vital components; with him in his all-star form they stand as the clear favorite in the N.L. Central.

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