YESSSS!!!

Seth McClung took the mound for the Crew last night, and actually looked like a good back of the rotation guy. Now, although McClung looked good and picked up the win, we should probably temper our optimism a bit...it was the Nationals he was facing, but still it's reason to be encouraged.

More than that, after the game it was announced that BTB and many Brewer fan website's favorite, Russell Branyan was called up and will start at third today. To make room for Branyan they optioned Tony Gwynn back to AAA. I can't argue with that, matter of fact I'll agree with Ned when he said Tony needs to be playing everyday or he loses his skills.

The third base platoon now makes a whole lot of sense that it's Branyan and Hall, rather than Counsell and Hall. Speaking of Bill Hall, he continues to look terrible and did nothing to help his cause last night.

Words can't describe just how giddy I am to see Branyan in action. I realize Branyan is no All-Star, but he can hit at the major league level, especially right handed pitching. More than that, he provides them with a left-handed power bat off the bench on days that Hall starts.

Carlos Villanueva made a relief appearance last night, pitching the 6th and looked good. I'll say it again, I really think he should be their closer. He looked great pitching in late innings last year and definitely has good enough stuff. Torres picked up another save, but continues to make us sweat it out in the 9th. I'll take a save and a win, but it does concern me that each time we've turned to Torres for the save he either didn't finish it out, or labored and ended up bringing the tying run to the plate. We've seen that too much from Gagne, Turnbow, DeJean and Leskanic.