Brewers: The Secret to MLB Success on a Budget and “Check Game”

The Secret to the Milwaukee Brewers’ Success: Beyond the Budget

The Milwaukee Brewers are surprising everyone in MLB. With superior performance and one of the lowest budgets, the question that resonates is: What is their secret? The answer, according to the organization, does not lie in a secret formula, but in an internal dynamic known as the “Check Game”. The Brewers manager, Pat Murphy, explains that the “Check Game” originated in the coaches’ room and its objective is to remind everyone that the focus is on the team, not on individuals. The rules are simple: talking about personal achievements, defending oneself, or blaming others results in a “check”.

If you complain about a “check”, you get a bigger one.

Pat Murphy

Even the owner, Mark Attanasio, and his son, are not exempt from this dynamic. The game seeks to align all departments, valuing each voice and highlighting that the team’s success is more important than individual recognition.

The ‘Check Game’ is very important within the locker room, in the culture and the ecosystem of the team. It’s a game of sorts to embarrass, so if you’re in it for yourself, you’ll get a check and be on that board. Nobody wants to be on that board.

Brian Anderson

“Milwaukee Community College”: The Collegiate Atmosphere on the Diamond

The atmosphere on the team is similar to that of a college locker room. Murphy, with 22 years of experience as a college coach, refers to his first and second-year players as “freshmen” and “sophomores”.

We joke around and say it’s the Milwaukee Community College just because that’s how we play and that’s the type of guys we have.

Christian Yelich

Yelich highlights the importance of fundamentals, base running, and the details discussed within the team, aspects that could be common in the university setting.

The Brewers compete with teams with much higher budgets, creating a unique environment that fosters the “Check Game”. Murphy mixes his teachings with a direct and demanding style. Former pitcher Aaron Civale describes Murphy as someone difficult to read, while Brandon Woodruff highlights his ability to balance support and demand.

Financial Strategy and Internal Connection: The Key to Success

The Brewers know they can’t compete with the big budgets. Their strategy is based on operating in a non-traditional way. The owner, Mark Attanasio, emphasizes the importance of not making mistakes that could affect the team’s future. Matt Arnold, the general manager, has been fundamental to the organization for a decade and has been recognized as the executive of the year. The Brewers have reached the playoffs six times since Arnold’s arrival, and are on track to achieve it for a seventh time. Scouting and development are fundamental pillars. Arnold focuses on connecting the different departments to create a cohesive organism. This involves the integration of analysis, player acquisition, and talent development.

I think that’s one of the most important parts for me, just making sure there’s empathy on all sides and that they’re working to improve each other, not against each other. That’s super important to me.

Matt Arnold

Under Arnold’s direction, the Brewers have excelled in base stealing and defense, areas that do not depend on spending on high-cost players.

Findings and Adaptation: The Key Additions

The ability to find value in players who have lost prominence in other teams is crucial. Two recent examples illustrate this strategy. In April, due to injuries, pitcher Quinn Priester was acquired, who changed his pitching style and became a key player. Andrew Vaughn also joined, who, after a bad streak, had an immediate impact on the team.

The Brewers have found talent in players who have not had success in other organizations. Trevor Megill, Nick Mears, and Joel Payamps are examples of players who have found their best version in Milwaukee. Isaac Collins, acquired in the Rule 5 draft, is an example of how the team finds players with untapped potential.

That came with pizza and talking about baseball. We’re sitting in the room and having a good time. And as we talk about it, it’s like, man, this guy is a pretty good player and he’s athletic and he’s a great kid and he would fit in with our brand of baseball.

Matt Arnold

Leadership and Responsibility: The Importance of Veterans

The Brewers’ success is based on a core group of veteran players. Yelich, Woodruff, and Peralta have been fundamental since 2018. The underdog mentality is key. Murphy highlights the Cubs’ superiority, which motivates the team. The new players understand the Brewers’ style when facing them. Players hold each other accountable for the details. Yelich highlights the Brewers’ exciting style of play and their ability to generate value on the field.

The Brewers are on track to surpass their 2018 win record. The final question is whether this style of play can lead them to win a championship.