Nine series into the 2012 season and this much is clear to me – the Milwaukee Brewers just don’t care.  It’s evident in the undisciplined at-bats, in the mental miscues in the field, in the mind numbing errors on the base paths.  It’s especially apparent in the team’s 1-8 record in series finales. 

I will grant the team injury hardship – another blow today with the official diagnosis of torn ACL for Alex Gonzalez - but the depth chart influences not the effort, unless a man lets it.  And after watching the 2012 Brew Crew lollygag their way through another contest yesterday afternoon, how are we to assume they have done anything but? 

"What’s our record in series finales?"

"1-8."

"1-8. How’d we ever win 1?"

"It's a miracle."

And so I’d like to thank the Milwaukee Brewers…for giving me back my summer.

Now, I know how that sounds.  But before you judge my devotion (or perceived lack thereof), understand this: as a fan, I demand little of my team’s personalities above effort.  I don’t show up because they win.  I don’t depart because they lose.  I stand with the logo because that emblem, those colors, represent something to which I am proud to pledge allegiance.  Work hard, play hard, and I’ll cheer hard.  Fair weather?  Nah.  Just a fair deal.

With the exception of a precious few, the Milwaukee Brewers are all playing like they just got paid.  Coincidence?  Fellas, please...prove me wrong.

PARENTAL ADVISORY: Language at 1:18