Braun Wins Consecutive Silver Slugger Awards

Ryan Braun became the first Brewer since Paul Molitor to win consecutive Silver Slugger awards. The Silver Slugger is given to the best offensive player at each position in each division, as voted by the managers and coaches. Braun batted .320 this year with 32 home runs and 114 RBI's. He led the league with 203 hits, the third Brewer in history to acomplish this feat. Braun also became the eighth player in Major League history with at least 100 runs, 100 RBIs, 200 hits, 30 homers, 20 stolen bases and a .300 average in the same season.

Green Sets Pack's All-Time Rushing Record

The lone bright spot in this weekend's upest loss to Tampa Bay was Ahman Green's record setting day. Green became the all-time leading Packer rusher, passing Jim Taylor's career total of 8,207 yards. Green carried the ball 6 times for 45 yards on Sunday, providing a small spark in the second half, however, it wasn't enough, as numerous other problems for the Packers led to a loss. Said Green, "This is kind of a bittersweet thing, you know. It would have been better if we had won, but it happened the way it happened."

The Packers have a lot of work to do in practice this week if they want to avoid their 3rd loss in a row. The Cowboys will most likely be a tougher opponent than the Bucs, and will look to exploit many of the same weaknesses that were shown this past weekend.

Brewers Deal Hardy for Gomez

The Brewers traded away shortstop J.J. Hardy for the Minnesota Twins' centerfielder Carlos Gomez. This comes after Hardy's season-long struggle at the plate and in the field. Hardy's lack of production last season led the Brewers to call up Alcides Escobar, one of the team's top prospects. Escobar played well through the second half of the season, and gave the Brewers a spark in the middle of a slump. With Gomez now on the team, the Brewers will likely not resign centerfielder Mike Cameron. Gomez is a leadoff batter, so Felipe Lopez may also not be resigned, as Rickie Weeks will hopefully be able to resume his spot at 2nd base. Weeks, who had previously batted leadoff will likely be moved to 2nd or 5th in the order. He showed an increase in power early in the season, and if that continues the Brewers could have a scary 1-2-3 punch with Braun, Fielder, and Weeks. The Brewers already locked in Trevor Hoffman for next season. If they can find more consistency in starting pitching they may be in for a big season.