An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/59807
he remains among the elite at his position. Melvin also tacked several international minutes onto owner Mark Attanasio's long-distance bill, reaching across the Pacific to Japan to bring in Norichika Aoki, who adds depth to the outfield and brings a machine-like approach to hitting. Nori has been compared to Seattle Mariner great Ichiro Suzuki, who is like Harry Potter with a bat in his hand. At the start of spring training, Braun nick- named Aoki "Ninja" to the delight of the new Brewer. The void left by Fielder at first base is being filled by Mat Gamel. Gamel has been the heir-apparent for a couple of years and now gets to fulfill the promise he has shown as a prospect in the farm system. A healthy Rickie Weeks at second base rounds out the infield that fans will see for the bulk of the 162 games. Of course, Braun will be a fixture in left field and Corey Hart will provide the anchor in right. Hart and Weeks are vying for the leadoff role and both probably will see time at the top of the order. Centerfield duties again will be split between Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez. Morgan has the better stick, Gomez the better glove but both are effective and give Roenicke matchup flexibility. There is every reason to think that given the team that Melvin and Roenicke will put on the field this year at Miller Park, the Brewers will be heard from not only in 2012 but the foreseeable future. HEY, DON'T I KNOW YOU? THE NATIONAL LEAGUE'S CENTRAL Division has built-in rivalries for the Brewers in the Chicago Cubs and the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. But there will be even more familiarity when Milwaukee squares off with them this year. When the Brewers open the home season April 6 at Miller Park against the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, the new St. Louis manager will be Mike Matheny, Brewer catcher from 1994-'98. Matheny fills the void left when veteran manager Tony LaRussa retired. After three home games against the Cardinals, the Brewers travel south to Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs. Managing the Cubs for the first time will be Dale Sveum, who not only played for the Brewers, but also was interim manager (12 games in 2008), hitting coach (2010) and bench coach last season. Both Matheny and Sveum know from experience last year that they can expect huge crowds when they play in Milwaukee. Even before Cactus League exhibition games started last month, the Brewers had set a new record for season tickets sold. Home games for the first month of the season are in Key Sports on page 46 of this issue. Detailed game informa- tion and tickets for Brewer home games are available at www.brewers.com or by calling 414-902-4000.