Milwaukee completed its first sweep in California since 2002 today, riding the strong left arm of Manny Parra and the sizzling bat of Ryan Braun to a 7-4 win over the San Francisco Giants.  After the game, the much-discussed trade for Ray Durham was announced officially.  As expected, Doug Melvin parted with minor leaguers Steve Hammond and Darren Ford to snatch the veteran switch-hitter from the Giants.  Durham is traveling with the team to St. Louis on the team charter and will be on the roster for the opener tomorrow night at Busch Stadium.  Joe Dillon was sent to AAA to make room for him.

  This is a pivotal stretch of the schedule and the Brewers appear to be firing on all cylinders.  One week after the four-gamer with the Cardinals, the Brewers will be welcoming the Cubs to Miller Park for another huge four-game set.  Milwaukee is three back of the Cubs right now and one back of the wild-card-holding Cardinals.  The additions of Durham and CC Sabathia well before the July 31st trading deadline could ultimately prove to be a major factor in who makes the post-season in 2008 and who does not.

  I personally cannot remember a happier Brewers team packing up and heading off to another leg of a road trip in my time with the team.  The boys are relaxed, excited, and confident.  Nobody knows what the future holds, of course, but the team is in perfect position right now.  The best team in the National League for the last fifty-plus games is now adding very valuable veteran players to the mix, and another deal for relief help could still happen also.  This feels a lot like Position A, but for the moment that still belongs to the Cubs. 

  The unsung hero of the Brewers to this point in the season, in my opinion and in the opinion of many others, is catcher Jason Kendall.  His impact on this team cannot be measured statistically.  I had a nice discussion with Kendall earlier today, which you can hear HERE.  Jason is a true old school ballplayer who is the best all-around catcher the Brewers have had in memory.  Another great move by Doug Melvin, but one which isn't talked about enough.