The Milwaukee mystery: Brewer Ball is real, and a huge problem for Cubs

This was supposed to be the year the Cubs wouldn't have to worry about the Brewers anymore, right? Or was that last year?

Cubs fans are already well aware of the issue. As the team headed north of the border this weekend, Milwaukee was 21 games above .500, with a 7.5-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Central after winning the series opener.

There's no doubt anymore — the concept of Brewer Ball is concrete and real, just like the roof at American Family Field. Even if Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy refuses to admit it.

“I don't believe in any of that stuff, Brewer Ball, or we play differently,” Murphy said. “I had a text today, a guy said, 'I love watching the way you guys play.' I hope what they're saying is the guys compete, pitch to pitch. I think a lot of teams do.”

A few traits clearly stand out about the Brewers, though. They're very scrappy — competitive, maybe, if Murphy prefers that term. Their hitters make a ton of contact, perhaps treating contact as more important than slug. Their pitching development is top-notch.

Here's an observation from the Illinois side of this rivalry: The No. 1 trait of Brewer Ball is refusing to swing at pitches out of the strike zone. The Brew Crew leads MLB in chase percentage, according to StatCast.

It's a skill that frustrates opposing pitchers and creates more baserunners. Cubs pitcher Colin Rea mentioned it after losing in Milwaukee on Friday.

“They don't really chase a ton, they put together good at-bats, they foul off good pitches,” Rea said. “That's how they make you work, get your pitch count up. Really just got to come with your A-game.”

Murphy did admit to putting heavy emphasis on swing decisions, which leads to another inconvenient truth: Manager Craig Counsell helped create this monster during his years in Milwaukee, and now the Cubs can't stop it.

Clearly, a plan was put in place back in the day for the Brewers to be hyper-diligent about teaching hitters to know the strike zone. When Counsell left Milwaukee after nine seasons as manager, there were hard feelings in his hometown. In between bites of bratwurst, AmFam fans are in their third year of booing Counsell loudly.

So Counsell usually dismisses questions that involve both him and the Brewers, leaving it up to us to piece together the origins of this enduring Dairy State dynasty.

“I don't remember the date or anything like that (it was first discussed),” Murphy said. “I just know when I think about offense, I think about ball-strike is first, and getting to first. If you don't touch first, that's not offense.”

Murphy did a nice job of explaining the patient philosophy at the plate, which he pointed out is not a new concept. How the Brewers got so good at it remains a bit of a mystery.

“Ball-strike is a crucial part of offense,” Murphy said. “You have to identify ball-strike. Then there's another level of ball-strike. Even though it's a strike, it's not the strike I need to swing at now. That's a tough education.

“Ultimately, I've got a touch first. Sometimes you touch first and turn it over to the guy behind you. If you turn it over to the guy behind you, that's showing commitment to him. I didn't swing at ball four. I took ball four. You get your chance now.”

The Cubs are also pretty good at laying off bad pitches, ranking fifth in MLB in chase rate. Pete Crow-Armstrong, in particular, has made amazing strides this season. He's already surpassed last season's walk total.

The Cubs really are trying to master the same skills as the Brewers and obviously have more money to spend. So far, no results.

“There's no drills (to improve swing choices), I can tell you that,” Counsell said. “I think it's generally seen as a trait most likely to improve in young players than older players. I think having really talented players helps too.”

Milwaukee also money-balled their way to more wins. During the offseason, they traded third baseman Caleb Durbin to Boston, creating an amazing example of selling high. In return the Brewers got starting pitcher Kyle Harrison, who was 8-1 with a 2.50 ERA before facing the Cubs on Saturday; as well as a speedy starting outfielder in David Hamilton and reliever-turned starter Shane Drohan.

Trading pitcher Freddy Peralta to the Mets brought a less obvious dividend, but the Brewers haven't really missed him, or injured right-hander Quinn Priester. According to Murphy, though, the Brewers have not found their full stride this season.

“I look at our team and I'm like, man, we've got so far to go,” Murphy said. “People are already talking about things that we shouldn't be talking about. We're not there yet. I mean, we're not playing great. We're not on all cylinders.”

OK, let's end it there. Murphy has a good thing going but is starting to lose credibility with that last statement.