Trade Deadline Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

Jun 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Khris Davis (18) celebrates with center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Hardly anyone expected the Milwaukee Brewers to hold the best record in the National League at this point in the season. It’s not even clear if the Brewers themselves thought this would have been possible.

And yet, here they are.

Besides Marco Estrada‘s home run issues, the pitching staff has been among the most consistent in baseball. Kyle Lohse continues to pitch above expectations. As does Wily Peralta. Yovani Gallardo and Matt Garza have been sturdy and consistent. All five of the Brewers starters have thrown over 100 innings on the year already, a feat few other teams can claim.

The back of the bullpen has been a difference maker, however. Francisco Rodriguez hasn’t been completely infallable, but has been dominant. In front of him stand a pair of left-handed setup men in Will Smith and Zach Duke, both of whom are converted starters who’ve been having exceptional seasons.

Furthermore, the team’s offense has been producing better than expected. Jonathan Lucroy, Carlos Gomez, and Aramis Ramirez are all swinging the bats well. Khris Davis and Scooter Gennett have emerged as talented pieces. Ryan Braun even looks like the pre-steroid Ryan Braun of old.

Yet, the Brewers do have holes they can address at the trade deadline. They may have the top team in the NL at this point, but they are hardly a sure thing to hold onto that position.