To say that the 2014 Brewer season was disappointing would be a major understatement. The team was in high contention for a playoff berth, as they led the National League Central Division for the majority of the season. However, a September slump caused the Brewers to drop two positions in the divisional standings, finishing with a record of 82-80. After getting a glimpse of success and contention in 2014, the players and fans are eagerly awaiting Monday, April 6, the start of the 2015 regular season.

The Brewers will be hosting the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park for the opening three game series. The Rockies, a struggling team in the midst of rebuilding, finished out 2014 with a record of 66-95, winning only 41% of their 162 games.

During the offseason, only a few tweaks to the Brewers’ roster were made. The managerial staff focused mainly on filling the holes in the infield, with the additions of first baseman Adam Lind from the Toronto Blue Jays and third baseman Luis Jimenez from the Los Angeles Angels. The Brewers are also training Gold Glove outfielder Gerardo Parra to play first base, as he does not hold a starting spot in the outfield with the success of Khris Davis in left field, Carlos Gomez in center field, and Ryan Braun in right field.

Rickie Weeks, who was the Brewers’ 2003 first round draft pick, was granted free agency October 31, 2014, and is now signed for one year with the Seattle Mariners. Scooter Gennett, who previously shared the second base position with Weeks, will now be the starting second baseman.

During the off season, Ryan Braun underwent surgery on his right thumb, which he admitted made gripping his bat difficult in 2014. Hopefully with this repair, Braun will be able to lead the team to success, as well as improve from the career-low statistics he posted last season. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy also had the opportunity to heal a hamstring injury he developed prior to Spring Training and is hopeful he will have another MVP caliber season.

“Hopefully the Brew Crew will be able to repeat their early season success from last year,” Fan Lauren Arzbaecher (‘16) said. “This time I hope they carry it all the way to the World Series.” Regardless of whether or not the Brewers make a playoff run, fans and players are simply excited to enjoy the national pastime.