FanHouse RobinYount

When Dale Sveum was handed his first managerial job last week, it was implicit that his job was to make the playoffs. With most of Ned Yost's staff retained for Sveum and the team likely looking for a fresh start after two straight late-season meltdowns, it's truly post-season or bust for Sveum in his first managerial job, no matter how unfair that may seem. His bench coach, Hall of Famer Robin Yount, agrees with that sentiment.

"He gets my vote, if I had one, which I don't," said Yount, who immediately agreed to be Sveum's bench coach when Ned Yost was fired and the managerial switch was made. "I certainly hope they feel the way most of us feel and give him a shot.

"I've always believed if he got a shot, he'd do a great job. I think he has the whole package, as far as understanding the game, the integrity, the strategy side. I think he's going to be a great manager. He's very qualified."

A few veteran players like Jason Kendall and Craig Counsell have spoken out on Sveum's behalf as well. Still, it's hard to believe that the Brewers would make a drastic move like firing Yost with 12 games to go in the season and keep most of his staff in place after that staff helped Yost coach two straight massive chokes. It's not fair to Sveum, who is certainly a good guy and might make a good manager, but that's how it goes.

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing matchups

Cleveland Indians (65-53) vs. Detroit Tigers (65-53)-7:05PM Est.

The AL Central was supposed to be the toughest division in baseball, but lately it's looking a lot more like it's National League counterpart than anything else. Who knows? Maybe it still is the toughest division in baseball, and everybody's just worn out after playing each other the last few seasons. Or maybe, just maybe, these teams aren't as good as we all thought. The Tigers and Indians have taken turns giving up the division lead to each other the last few weeks, and tonight they start a two game series to see which team wants it the least. Normally a pitching matchup between C.C. Sabathia and Jeremy Bonderman would be a must watch, but Bondo hasn't been holding up his end of the bargain lately. After starting the season 10-1, Bonderman is 0-4 with an 11.28 ERA over his last four starts. Sabathia meanwhile has continued to pitch well for the Indians, but he hasn't been getting any support. It's his fourth start of the season against the Tigers, and he's 2-1 despite having an ERA of 7.36. I get the feeling this game is going to go at least 18 innings as each team does it's best to not win.

What happens to Hall-of-Famers after they retire and begin their fade from baseball's limelight? They become fans, of course. Robin Yount is still a big fan of the team he spent his entire career with and he likes their chances in the NL Central this year, to boot. From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

"I think these guys honestly believe they can win this thing and I'd like to see it happen because I think they can, too," said Yount, on hand Monday at North Shore Country Club for a charity golf tournament kicking off two days of festivities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1982 American League championship club.

"I follow them every game I can. I'm watching on the computer or listening on the radio. Every chance I get, I'm 'there.' "

[...]

"The last time I looked, they're still in first place," Yount said. "So, what are we all freaked out about?"

Yount does make a good point. Despite all of the worrying and everything that's been made of the Cubs' charge, the Brewers still hold a 1.5 game lead on Chicago in the division. And when a man that was bold enough to wear a mustache and a mullet as proudly as Yount did says you can do something, you do it.