All-Time Favorite Brewers Bracket - Elite Eight
The all-time favorite Milwaukee Brewers' field has been cut in half again with 8 popular players looking for the top spot in this year's tournament, hoping to join the likes of Robin Yount and Paul Molitor in fandom adoration.
Each of the races certainly got tighter in the Sweet 16, and those that advanced to their regional finals now sit one game away from the Final 4.
Check out how the Sweet 16 matchups ended and which intriguing contests are on tap in the Elite 8. Again, you'll find the brackets down below and you can vote on these battles in a few ways.
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Email: Vote with an email to tim.j.muma@gmail.com **Voting on the Elite 8 will remain open until 10pm (CT) on Sunday, March 27.**
Sweet 16 Results - Aaron Region
(1) Cirillo over (4) Greinke - 66% votes
Greinke's scouting helped keep it close, but the beat goes on for the "The Icon" thanks to his consistent stroke and clutch performance.
(2) Lucroy over (3) Vuckovich - 53% votes
The gruff hurler made a strong push to knock off the region's 2-seed. In the end, Lucroy built enough of a popularity edge, using his all-around skill to get to the doorstep of the Final 4.
Sweet 16 Results - Scott Region
(1) Fielder over (13) Deer - 78% votes
It was a nice run by "The Rooster" until he ran up against the region's top seed. Prince's relentless offensive onslaught was too much for Deer to handle.
(2) Cooper over (6) Oglivie - 72% votes
Coop's consistency remains his biggest asset as the public backed him with a strong push. Oglivie got some love, but Cooper just did too much for too long for Benji to keep pace.
Sweet 16 Results - Yount Region
(1) Thomas over (4) Jenkins - 51% votes
By the hairs on his mustache, Gorman avoided becoming the first 1-seed to fall. It'd be interesting to see the breakdown of our voters' ages to see how big a role that played in this coin flip contest.
(3) Braun over (2) Sheets - 58% votes
Despite the controversy that dropped him to a 3-seed, Braun continues to prove his elite talent heals all wounds. A tough break for Sheets who may have advanced in a different region.
Sweet 16 Results - Molitor Region
(1) Gantner over (5) Simmons - 68% votes
Gumby completes the sweep for number 1 seeds advancing to the Elite 8. Gantner had the home crowd behind him and a decade of extra experience with Brewers' fans to help push the margin higher.
(3) Plesac over (2) Fingers - 51% votes
In a minor upset, Plesac becomes the second 3-seed on his way to the regional final. It was nip and tuck the whole way, but the southpaw prevailed on the strength of a few extra saves - and votes.
Elite 8 Matchups
Both players have been immensely popular across the fan base, though 'Rillo has a sizable edge over Lucroy in the numbers and in consistency. Luc, however, may be the best in franchise history at his position and he played in a postseason. Is that enough to take down Cirillo?
This definitely could've been a Final 4 battle as well with a pair of terrific, left-handed hitters who manned 1st base. Cooper had 4 more years in Milwaukee to give him the edge in runs (+250), doubles (+145) and RBI (+288). Fielder owns the better rate stats: OBP (+.51 points), SLG (+70 points) and OPS (+120).
Another old-school v. new-school battle as Thomas reps the Brewers' peak era, while Braun boasts elite numbers and one of the best teams in club history. Gorman barely held off Jenkins, can he withstand another outfielder and be helped by his checkered past?
The only Elite 8 contest pitting teammates against one another, this has the making of a barn burner. Most saw Gumby as a soft 1-seed, though he's clearly still beloved among Brewers' fans. Plesac built his own loyal following and his genuine admiration for Milwaukee gives him a shot for another upset.
