For the first time since 1992, Milwaukee Brewers fans are getting a chance to look forward to the postseason. Not because their team will be playing or because they can watch the Yankees blow it again, but because this postseason there should be some hardware headed to the Brew City.
If you don’t know by now that the “d” in Podsednik is silent, then listen in when he’s handed the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Hands-down the best rookie in the National League “Pod-zilla,” “Pod” or, as I like to call him, “Pody,” has become the epitome of a complete player in his rookie season.
It was in the midst of a 41-game on-base streak that Pody’s name began to float around the league as a serious contender for the top rookie honor, and it would now be a travesty if he didn’t win it. Batting a robust .312 heading into the last series of the season, the left-handed centerfielder has dominated major-league pitching throughout most of the season.
A season of streaks for Podsednik included a nine-game span in which he batted .469, scored 14 runs and stole six bases. During his 13-game hitting streak he helped lead the Brewers to 10 straight victories, the most since the team moved to the National League.
His month of August was spectacular, to say the least. A .364 batting average, three home runs and 16 runs batted in earned him the NL Rookie of the Month and showed that he had no signs of slowing down toward the end of the season. In the month, he led all rookies in doubles (10), hits (39) and stolen bases (12) while continuing to be the rookie leader in hits, runs, stolen bases and walks for the season.
His desire to play can’t be questioned, with his ESPN top-ten catches in the outfield and his grit and intensity on the base paths. In a game that meant about as much to the Brewers as a retirement meeting for college kids, Pody gave it his all, colliding viciously with an opposing catcher. Blood spilling from under his eye, Brewers fans wouldn’t see him miss a game as he trotted back to his centerfield position the next day.
Podsednik has become a leader by example, leading the team’s everyday players in batting average (.312), on-base percentage (.375), hits (168), triples (7) and runs (95).
So everybody wanted to talk about how good Florida Marlins’ pitcher Dontrelle Willis was earlier in the season.
But look at the freshman hurler now. He’s still got game, but after losing four straight decisions it can be said that NL hitters have started to figure him out. Willis has an ERA that has climbed to 3.41 in 26 games and has produced a record of 13-6 on the year.
The difference between this stellar season and the one being turned in by Podsednik is that Pody merely carries a bat in his arsenal. It’s the same type of bat that has been used for decades. Willis, however, arrived in the league armed with an array of pitches and pitching angles that few big-league players had been exposed to. Pitchers naturally have an advantage over hitters, which is why Willis’ season is diminished a little bit and why Pody’s is elevated.
It can be said that Willis isn’t even the best rookie pitcher in the league. Arizona’s Brandon Webb has quietly held opposing batters to a .206 batting average, and their teams to 2.50 earned runs a game. His diminished 10-7 record will not garner Rookie of the Year candidacy, but let it be known that he may have more wicked stuff than Willis.
Podsednik has brought a flare to the Brewers that they haven’t seen in nearly a decade. His outstanding play and upstanding individual demeanor have landed him as one of the fan favorites in the Brewers organization. Brewers’ fans seemed to realize the rookie’s potential early in the season, with dedicated fans arguing behind home plate that he may be the biggest asset on the team.
If nothing else, his play has surely brought hope back to a fan base looking for more of a reason than Geoff Jenkins’ good looks to attend games.
Podsednik’s speed on the base paths is impeccable, and his singles turn into doubles faster than you can say “Pody for Rookie of the Year.” He also carries that wholesome Texas image, lending to his leave-it-all-on-the-field attitude.
With solid hitting and five more runs scored down the stretch, Pody will become just the fourth rookie ever to steal over 40 bases, bat over .300 and score 100 runs. With this under his belt, the Rookie of the Year Award will be his, and Brewers fans will be left praying all off-season that Podsednik isn’t another Pat Listach.
