It is Thanksgiving. Brewers have suffered through many, many difficult years, but the 2008 Milwaukee Brewers ended the organization's postseason drought. Brewers fans across the nation shed tears and came together under one team's banner. Thousands are undoubtedly thankful for a successful 2008 season. What should we all be thankful for?
Ryan Braun -- Think about it, Brewers fans. Ryan Joseph Braun and his All-Star ways will be roaming the outfield in a Brewers uniform until at least 2015. What is not to be thankful for when discussing Ryan Braun? His 34+ home runs in each of the last two seasons? His .285/.335/.553 offensive line in 2008? How about Braun's 1.000 fielding percentage during his first season patrolling left field?
Ryan Braun and his cocky attitude have taken Milwaukee by storm. Opposing pitchers would love to pitch around the Brewers slugger, but big Prince Fielder ensures he will see pitches to hit. Braun's plate discipline surely needs a bit of work, but he redeems himself time and time again. Even with a strained muscle in his ribs, he is able to hit a game-winning grand slam against the Pittsburgh Pirates and a go-ahead bomb against the Chicago Cubs that propelled the Crew into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
He is a showstopper. Brewers fans across the nation stop what they are doing when Braun steps up to the plate. He provides the Brewers lineup with a home run threat every time he takes a swing. It is undeniable that Ryan has his flaws, but he is Milwaukee's superstar. Doug Melvin can build the team around the left fielder for the next six seasons. That is certainly something to be thankful for this holiday season.
What else should we be thankful for?
Yovani Gallardo -- The young stud gives the Brewers a chance to replace at least a part of the Ben Sheets/CC Sabathia departures. His curveball is absolutely nasty when working. An absolute joy to watch.
The End of the Ned Yost Era -- This is for all the Ned Yost haters out there. The Ken Macha era is starting in Milwaukee. Does this mean fans will not blame losses on the new manager? Doubtful. Still, Macha brings playoff experience and a certain moxie to the young Brewers. I am excited to see how he handles the squad in 2009.
Doug Melvin -- In Doug Melvin we trust. That has been the mantra Brewers fans have lived by in the past few years. He has obviously been incredibly instrumental in bringing playoff baseball back to Milwaukee, and I do not believe anyone can ever thank Melvin enough for that. DM has his work cut out for him this winter. It should be a defining moment in Melvin's career. What will he do this winter? Whatever happens, I am comfortable with DM at the helm.
Carlos Villanueva -- CV may seem a little off on this list, but his transition to the bullpen solidified the pitching staff to a certain extent last season. Where would the Crew have been without Carlos and Salomon Torres? CV will need to step up even more in 2009, as he will inherit a much larger role in the bullpen.
Mark Attanasio -- He was just as instrumental as Doug Melvin in bringing the Brewers to the playoffs. Those deep(er) pockets and obsession with winning baseball brought CC Sabathia to Milwaukee. Brewers fans should thank Mark A every game he sits in the stands. He has given Milwaukee legitimacy in baseball. Free agents want to come to the Brew City. ESPN now pays attention to Milwaukee almost every day. Thank Mark Attanasio for that.
Jeremy Jeffress, Angel Salome, Mat Gamel, and Alcides Escobar -- This crop of prospects should help the Crew stay competitive in the coming years. Every one of these players has All-Star caliber ability. Will they all reach it? Highly, highly doubtful. Still, Milwaukee's farm system as a whole gives Brewers fans a reason to still be excited about the future. That is always something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
What else are people thankful for today?