The Brewers had a nice series win in Chicago, and the offense had three distinct outings; they were able to scratch out one win in a close game, win another one more easily by scoring a bunch of runs, and they lost a relatively close game (it required the Cubs to utilize their set up Crew for the second time in four games).

Here are the efficiency numbers. I think it's safe to say that, on the whole, the offense had a moderate showing with some bright spots, but they also have room to improve. It's quite clear that this team can knock pitchers around when they force those pitchers to throw a lot of pitches; but the real test will be how frequently they can scratch out wins in game situations like Monday and, to a lesser extent, Thursday, when the opposing starter is working (relatively) efficiently.

[quote]

Zambrano: 6.7 IP, 89 pitches; 23 PA (13.28 NP/IP, 3.87 NP/PA)

Dempster: 6.0 IP, 91 pitches; 23 PA (15.17 NP/IP, 3.96 NP/PA)

Lilly: 4.7 IP, 77 pitches; 21 PA (16.38 NP/IP, 3.67 NP/PA)

Total: 17.3 IP, 257 pitches, 67 PA; 14.86 NP/IP, 3.84 NP/PA

[/quote]

Zambrano was the only pitcher that was clearly efficient, throwing just over 13 pitches per IP, although the Crew still saw a good number of pitches, all things considered. The Dempster start was fair on both sides; the Crew saw the most pitches per PA in the whole series, but did not convert those pitches into a lot of runs. Dempster was, in turn, moderately efficient, despite throwing so many pitches per PA. Lilly gave up a good number of runs, although the Brewers saw the fewest NP per PA in his start; but, those PA were especially efficient, resulting in several hits and a hit batsman. It is apparent that Lilly had pretty good control, but the Brewers managed to hit him, which drove up his pitch count.

I have a decent feeling about this offense going into the weekend after seeing almost 4 pitches per PA against a starter that made his first start since 2004. Hopefully the Brewers can build upon this positive indication of patience against two younger pitchers that are attempting to make the move from the bullpen/spot starter role (Correia and Sanchez, specifically).