Three staight second half collapses and what seems to be at least 5 loses a year that you can attribute to the manager.  Then there was last night, where the Brewers managed to win despite the manager.  Why you don’t put in Kevin Mench for Geoff Jenkins with 2 guys on base, I don’t know.  Especially since he swapped Nix for Jenkins anyway!  With the lead they they had before the All-Star break and 4 All-Stars on the team, they should not be 1 game back in this division.  Such a talented, young team — don’t forget Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun who wasn’t called up until Memorial Day – should be ahead in the standings.  If they do not make the playoffs this year, Yost should get his walking papers.

But wait, no one expected this good of a season this year when it started.  Sorry, he’s the victim of his own early success.  Once this team built up such a lead, they needed to keep it.  All these individuals – Hardy, Fielder, Braun, Gallardo, Cordero – are playing better than anyone expected.  Thus, it’s playoffs or bust.