Brewers Playoff Chances Creep

After CC's impressive performance Sunday, the Brewers enter September with a 93.9% chance of making the playoffs. After their loss Sunday, the Cardinals dropped to a 2% chance of making the playoffs, while the runner-up of the NL East represents the Brewers greatest threat with the NL East having an aggregate 4.2% chance of winning the wild card.

Brewers are Favorites Today

The Brewers have a 66% chance of winning as CC takes on Jeff Karstens and the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the Brewers look for the sweep.

Brewers Playoff Chances Above 90% for First Time

The Brewers playoff chances have eclipsed 90% for the first time this season. After beating the Pirates and the Cardinals losing, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 91.9%.

NL Power Rankings Updated August 30th

Playoff Chances in Parentheses (provided by CoolStandings.com)

1. Chicago Cubs (99.8%)

It will be awefully difficult for the Brewers to catch the Cubs in the NL Central race. However, The Wild Card isn't a bad consolation for the Brewers. In fact, the Cubs have struggled against the Diamondbacks this year, so if the Brewers get the Wild Card and win the Division Series, they could be playing the Champions of the West.

2. Milwaukee Brewers (87.3%)

The Brewers are "Turnin' Up the Heat" at the right time. After a solid week, the Cards are 4.5 back while the Phillies are 5.5 back. With no games left against the Cards, the Cards are going to need some help catching the Brewers. Look for this week's series against the Mets to determine whether or not to mortgage the house for playoff tickets.

3. New York Mets (68.3%)

The Mets have been playing tough down the stretch, in stark contrast to what they did last season. With an ignitor in Jose Reyes and big bats that have his back, the Mets look like they might have what it takes to win the NL East, which would pit them against the NL Wild Card winner in the first round of the playoffs.

4. St Louis Cardinals (7.9%)

Right team, wrong division. Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick have done a great job of carrying the team. However, without help from the Brewers remaining opponents, their Ruthian efforts will not net a playoff spot.

5. Philadelphia Phillies (35.6%)

Their lineup is great, but their failures go back to the important baseball mantra, "Pitching wins Championships."

6. Arizona Diamondbacks (80.9%)

The Diamondbacks are the beneficiaries of the Dodgers falling fast by losing eight in a row. Look for Webb, Haren, and Johnson to face Zambrano, Harden, and Dempster in an electric Division Series.

Brewers Have a 50/50 Chance of Winning

The Brewers have a 50/50 chance of winning as Jeff Suppan takes on Paul Malholm and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brewers offense struggled last weekend against Paul Malholm, but they were able to pull out the extra innings victory.

In other games, the Cardinals have a 51% chance of winning, the Mets have a 43% chance of winning, and the Phillies have a 38% chance of winning.

Can You Feel It?

After Friday night's Brewers win and losses by the Phillies and Cardinals, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 87.3%.

Brewers Favorites Tonight

The Brewers have a 64% chance of winning as Dave Bush takes on Tom Gorzelanny and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Brewers Playoff Chances Rise Moderately

With the Phillies loss on Milwaukee's off-day on Thursday, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 81.4%.

Brewers Playoff Chances Down to 80.7%

After Wednesday night's loss to the Cards, the Brewers playoff chances decreased to 80.7%.

Brewers Underdogs Tonight

The Brewers have a 34% chance of winning as Manny Parra takes on Adam Wainwright and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Brewers Playoff Chances Rise

After Tuesday night's win over the Cardinals, coupled with the Phillies beating the Mets, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 85.7%.

NL Power Rankings Updated August 26

Playoff chances in parentheses (Source: CoolStandings.com)

1. Chicago Cubs (98.8%)

The Cubs would have to have a monumental collapse to not make the playoffs. Will they be resting their players against the Brewers in the last series of the season?

2. Milwaukee Brewers (76.9%)

Last season, the Brewers were just trying to hold on as they were being caught by the Cubs. This season, the Brewers look to be getting better in the second half.

3. New York Mets (55.3%)

The Mets are getting hot again. If they can take care of business against the Phillies, they will likely avenage last year's collapse.

4. Philadelphia Phillies (49.9%)

Early in the season, people wondered why the Phillies were more successful than the Brewers with their poor starting pitching. It looks like those suspicions have come to fruition.

5. St. Louis Cardinals (16.8%)

It's due or die time for the Cardinals. The two game series against the Brewers looks to be the best chance to make up ground. They're helped by facing two of Milwaukee starters who have faultered recently (Sheets and Parra).

6. Arizona Diamondbacks (71.3%)

It's good to be the king of the west.

7. Los Angeles Dodgers (26.1%)

Things aren't looking good in tinseltown. Manny mania has disguised mediocre baseball.

Brewers Slight Favorites in Series Opener

The Brewers have a 52% chance of winning as Ben Sheets takes on Todd Wellemeyer and the Cardinals.

Brewers Playoff Chances Down Slightly

After Monday night's wins by the Cubs, Mets, and Phillies, the Brewers playoff chances went down slightly to 76.9%.

Brewers Playoff Chances Hold Steady

With wins by the Brewers, Cardinals, Mets, and Phillies, the Brewers playoff chances held steady staying at 78.2%.

Brewers have a 70% chance of winning today

The Brewers have a 70% chance of winning as CC takes on Paul Maholm and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Brewers Playoff Chances up to 78.2%

After the Brewers win and the Cards loss on Saturday night, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 78.2%.

Wade Stars in Gold Medal Game

Former Marquette star Dwyane Wade scored 27 points on 9-12 shooting as the Americans captured the gold metal. Also capturing gold was the Milwaukee Bucks' Michael Redd.

Brewers Overwhelming Favorites Tonight

The Brewers have a 74% chance of winning as Dave Bush (7-9) goes up against LHP Zach Duke (4-11) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brewers look to continue their success against lefties. This season, the Brewers are 26-13 against left-handed starters.

Brewers Chances For Playoffs About 75%

The Brewers and Cardinals were both off Thursday. Also, the Cubs and Mets both won. However, after Thursday's losses by the Phillies and Marlins, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 74.6%.

mkesports.com's NL Power Rankings

1. Chicago Cubs
What's to say that hasn't been said before? If the Cubs stay healthy, they are the favorites to represent the NL in the World Series.

2. Milwaukee Brewers
The road to the playoffs will get a lot harder after the series' with the Astros and the Pirates. Will they be able to hang on if Braun is gone for an extended period of time?

3. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are still within striking distance and now the Brewers and Cardinals schedules are matching up with remaining difficulty. If they can win both remaining games with the Brewers, the Cards could be in good shape.

4. New York Mets
The Mets have put their closer woes behind them the last couple series. Will the closer situation resurface?

5. Philadelphia Phillies
If Chase Utley wins the NL MVP, it will make three different Phillies in three consecutive years. How much of it is the players and how much of it is in ballpark inflating their stats?

6. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are acquiring Greg Maddux. With Penney, Billingsley, Lowe, Kershaw, and Maddux, the Dodgers may have the deepest rotation in baseball.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks offense is blowing the season for the front end of the Diamondbacks rotation. Can they get hot again?

One Day Closer

After Wednesday's win against the Astros, along with wins by the Cards, Mets, and Phillies, the Brewers playoff chances grew modestly to 73.8%.

Milwaukee Slight Favorites Today

The Brewers have a 56% chance of winning as Manny Parra takes on Wandy Rodriguez and the Astros.

Brewers Playoff Chances Stand at 73.6%

After Tuesday night's loss to the Astros, the Brewers playoff chances stand at 73.6%.

Another Note on CC's Pitch Count

Ned Yost says that him being able to do that is "All in the plans." If you read between the lines, it sounds like Yost is eluding to the following scenario: Sheets tonight, Parra tomorrow, Bush Friday, Suppan Saturday, and McClung Sunday. That would leave CC for Tuesdays game against the Cards and Sheets for Wednesdays game against the Cards. CC would be pitching on seven days rest.

Brewers Favorites Again

The Brewers have a 64% chance of winning as Sheets takes on Brian Moelher and the Astros.

My Excuse Got Shot Down by Buster Olney

In this week's chat, Buster Olney talks about CC's pitch count from last night (130). Olney quickly dismisses my explanation that the bullpen was taxed and CC should have gotten out of the inning below 120 pitches for the game.

Brewers Playoff Chances Around 77%

After CC's strong performance Monday night, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 76.7%.

Brewers Favorites Tonight

As with most of CC's starts, the Brewers are overwhelming favorites. According to Accuscore, the Brewers have a 70% chance of winning.

Brewers Playoff Chances Still Over 70%

Despite the Cards success in the last week and the Brewers dropping 3 of their last 4, the Brewers playoff chances are still over 70% at 71.3%.

Brewers Underdogs for Second Straight Game

The Brewers have a 41% chance of winning as Manny Parra takes on Chad Billingsley and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of a three game series.

Brewers Playoff Chances Down Slightly

With Thursday's loss to the Padres, the Brewers playoff chances dropped to 73.9%, which is the third highest percentage of the season, after yesterday and the day before.

Brewers Underdogs in Today's Game

The schedule isn't too easy the next four days. Today, Sheets and the Brewers face reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Peavy and the Padres. The Brewers have a 46% chance of getting their 9th straight win.

Brewers Playoff Chances Near 80%

After Wednesday night's victory over the Padres, the Brewers playoff chances increased to 79.4%.

Update on Gallardo

Gallardo may be able to return before season's end, but if he comes back, it'll be in the bullpen.

Brewers Favorites Tonight

The Brewers have a 60% chance of winning tonight as CC takes on RHP Josh Banks and the San Diego Padres.

Brewers Playoff Chances Skyrocketing

After the Brewers victory in the first game of the series with San Diego and the Cardinals loss to Florida, the Brewers playoff chances increased to a season high 77.9%.

Brewers have a 50/50 chance of winning tonight

According to Accuscore, the Brewers have a 50% chance of winning as Jeff Suppan takes on RHP Cha Seung Baek and the San Diego Padres.

Brewers Playoff Chances Above 70%

According to Coolstandings.com, the Brewers playoff chances stand at 72%. The only time the chances stood higher was before the terrible week started.

Brewers have a 62% chance of making it 5 in a Row

Manny Parra takes the hill in his first start since the one-sided shoving match with Prince Fielder. He takes on John Lannan and the Washington Nationals looking to make it five in a row for the Brewers. The Brewers have a 62% chance of winning.

Wade Perfect from Field and Line as USA cruises over China

Former Marquette star Dwyane Wade was 7-7 from the field and 5-5 from the line as the USA opened olympic competition with a 101-70 victory over China.

Brewers Playoff Chances up to 63.5%

The Brewers playoff chances were increased to 63.5% after beating the Nats on Saturday night.

Brewers Once Again Overwhelming Favorites

The Brewers have a 72% chance of winning as Ben Sheets tries to shake off a few mediocre starts in a row against RHP Tim Redding and the Washington Nationals.

Brewers Playoff Chances up to 61.5%

The Brewers playoff chances increased to 61.5% after the Brewers win over Washington on Friday night.

Brewers are Overwhelming Favorites Tonight

According to Accuscore, the Brewers have a 73% chance of winning tonight as CC takes the mound against the Nats led by RHP Collin Balester.

Trade Details

Our sources say the Jets are trading a conditional pick. At the worst, the Packers will get a 4th round pick. At best, the Packers will get a first round pick if the Jets win the Super Bowl.

Favre to Jets

Brett Favre has been traded to the Jets. Details to follow.

Brewers Playoff Chances Up Slightly

The Brewers playoff chances were bumped up to 52% after winning the rubber match with the Reds.

Playoff Chances at 50/50

The Brewers have a 50/50 chance of making the playoffs, according to CoolStandings.com.

Expected number of wins: 89.

Brewers Favorites to Take the Rubber Match

RHP Jeff Suppan takes on RHP Homer Bailey and the Cincinnati Reds in the rubber game of the three game series. According to Accuscore, the Brewers have a 58% chance of winning. Although Suppan has struggled on the road this year, Bailey comes into the game 0-7 this year, which tips the scales in the Brewers favor.

Favre headed to Tampa

Inside sources have Brett Favre headed to Tampa Bay, which will be announced later tonight. Check back for details as we get them.

Brewers are Somehow the Favorites Tonight

RHP Dave Bush goes up against RHP Edison Volquez and the Reds tonight as the Brewers try to end their skid. Despite the Brewers fifth starter who struggles on the road going up against one of the top pitchers in the National League, the Brewers have a 51% chance of winning.

Brewers Chances Down to 45.2%

After Monday night's loss to the Reds, the Brewers playoff chances dropped to 45.2%. The Brewers are going to have more difficulty Tuesday night as they face Edison Volquez.

Brewers are Underdogs Tonight

LHP Manny Parra goes up against RHP Bronson Arroyo and the Reds tonight at the Great American Ball Park. According to Accuscore, the Brewers have a 48% chance of winning.

The Favre Has Landed

Let the chaos begin.

Favre Enters Wisconsin

Favre is over Wisconsin. Will he make it all the way to Green Bay? Has he already eaten dinner?

Favre is Now in Air over Illinois

Hopefully he remembers that he hates Bears country.

Update: Favre is Now in Air over Kentucky

Favre is in the air over Kentucky. He'd estimated to arrive at A. Straubel at 6:59pm.

Track Favre's Flight to Milwaukee

Will he land in Green Bay or will he be rerouted?

Brewers Get as Many Lefties in Lineup as Possible

The Brewers have put usual bench players Ray Durham, Craig Counsell, and Russell Branyan into the starting lineup. All three have the ability to bat left handed, as the Brewers try to beat RHP Jorge Campillo who has beat the club two times this season.

Once Again the Favorite

The Brewers are once again the favorite as Ben Sheets goes up against RHP Jorge Campillo. According to Accuscore, the Brewers have a 54% chance of winning.

Back above 50/50

The Brewers are back above a 50/50 chance of making the playoffs. After Saturday's win against the Braves, their chances stand at 54.2%.

Brewers inch towards 50/50 playoff chance

The Brewers now have a 48.8% chance of making the playoffs after last night's win against the Braves.

Brewers have a great chance of winning today

CC Sabathia goes to the mound against RHP Charlie Morton and the Atlanta Braves. According to the folks at Accuscore, the Brewers have a 69% chance of winning.

The Brewers Look to Get Brewers Nation Off the Mat

According to the folks at Accuscore, the Brewers have a 57% chance of winning tonight. The struggling Jeff Suppan faces AAA call-up, LHP Chuck James who has struggled this season with an 8.22 ERA.

Although the matchup looks good on paper, the Brewers have struggled in recent years with little known pitchers. A shining examle of this quirk was last year when Atlanta started former Brewer Jeff Bennett in a rare start for him at that juncture. The Brewers went on to lose that game despite Bennett's lack of credentials. Here's hoping the Brewers figure out a way to give Suppan run support early and Suppan figures out a way to hold the Atlanta offense down for six innings.

Suppan has a lot going for him in this start. In addition to the Braves starting Chuck James, Suppan will face an Atlanta lineup which lacks the traded Mark Teixera and the injured Chipper Jones.