After winning a franchise-record 96 games last season, all eyes are watching to see if the Milwaukee Brewers can repeat as National League Central champions.
But after losing Prince Fielder, who anchored the lineup for the last six-plus seasons, is that a realistic goal?
Second baseman Rickie Weeks sure thinks so.
"You know, a lot of times people look at Prince not being here, and they look at guys in certain holes, filling positions, guys who haven't been here before," Weeks said. "You want that common ground. Guys in the clubhouse, I think we are trying to adapt to certain situations that we're trying to get to. I think we're going to be pretty good this year."
Last season was a breakout campaign for Weeks, who was the National League's starting second baseman in the All-Star game. Weeks hit .269 with 20 home runs and 49 RBI, but missed significant time due to a severely sprained ankle. When he returned late in the season, he was not playing at 100 percent.
Like many pundits, Weeks points to the Brewers bringing back all five starting pitchers and the back end of their bullpen from a year ago as key reasons the team is poised for success in 2012.
"You know, since I've been here — seven years — this is probably the best pitching staff that we've assembled," Weeks said. "It's kind of hard to say with the pitchers we've had in the past, but they are really good.
"You look at teams like the Giants, and the Cardinals of last year, and they had a great pitching staff, and that's what wins championships. In saying that, I think it's good for us to come in here and put up those offensive numbers, put up those together and try to bring a World Series champion to Milwaukee."
Interviews courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers.
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