MILWAUKEE – Last year during the playoffs, Brewers manager Pat Murphy humorously suggested that the Dodgers likely couldn’t name eight players on his team.
That comment didn’t have the desired effect.
It seemed to deflate the Brewers, who had been the top team in baseball, ultimately turning them into a group of strangers as unremarkable as the small town they call home.
The Brewers were swept by the Dodgers in four games, and the Dodgers went on to claim the World Series title.
Now, as his team prepares to face the Dodgers again, with a spot in the World Series on the line, Murphy’s tone has shifted, bringing a more assertive and less apologetic message.
“We want to kick their butts,” Murphy declared.
At 67, a two-time manager of the year, Murphy has a charming demeanor that resonates well in a less high-profile market.
He began his press conference, as he often does, by inviting unfamiliar reporters to introduce themselves. He even made a light-hearted request to Japanese reporters, asking if they could assist him in securing a job in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Before his current role, Murphy was an amateur boxer who aimed to turn professional after moving to Miami.
The day ahead of Game 1, his fighting spirit surfaced. Murphy expressed regret over how he labeled his team last year.
“I’m sorry I played that underdog card,” he said, admitting it might have been an excuse for their poor performance.
“I don’t care about favorites or underdogs. It’s all about stepping into the ring and fighting.”
He continued with boxing analogies.
“I think having familiarity can help,” he mentioned. “When you face someone a second time, you usually have a better grasp of their tactics. But every matchup varies. Even if it’s the same opponent, they might have a different strategy or personnel.”
This season, the Brewers finished with the best record in baseball, achieving a franchise-high 103 wins.
However, doubts linger regarding their unconventional offense in the playoffs. The Brewers boasted the highest batting average during the regular season but also had one of the lowest home run totals. Their starting rotation, beyond the first two pitchers, appears thin.
When asked how the Brewers would handle a Dodgers lineup known for crushing fastballs, Murphy’s response was clear: “Execution is key. That’s what stifles offense. We’ll stick to our strengths. It’s like any fight—styles matter, but we need to play to our capabilities. I can’t just transform into a counterpuncher as if I were Mike Tyson, just as they can’t adopt a completely different style after fighting one way all year.”
For the Brewers to have a shot in this matchup, winning Game 1—where Misiorowski will be on the mound—will be crucial. Misiorowski, a top contender for the NL Cy Young Award, had previously limited the Dodgers to a single run over six innings during an August appearance.
However, the Dodgers will counter with Tarik Skubal, followed by a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. With every game played, the strain on the Brewers’ bullpen is likely to increase.
The Brewers are aware of their challenges, but there’s a renewed sense of energy this season, which they hope will help them overcome the star-studded roster of the Dodgers.
“Sure, if we were to talk favorites, it’s probably not in our favor, but that’s irrelevant,” remarked Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich. “It’s just like spring training when we’re overlooked as potential division winners. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what others think about favorites. We just have to go out and play the games.”
