A first-half freakout extravaganza and a chat with national baseball writer Keith Law (07.18.2022)

The Brewers' first half came to a close with a whimper, and podcast host JR Radcliffe is freaking out a little alongside Brewers reporter Curt Hogg. They discuss a brutal week for closer Josh Hader (2:30), the absurdity of a consequential balk call in San Francisco (10:10), how Milwaukee could realistically pursue Nationals star Juan Soto (20:00), the demotion of Keston Hiura (29:30) and a look back to the first half (33:30), including the non-Burnes MVP, the game of the year, biggest surprise, biggest disappointment and biggest gut punch. Is it unfair to view the first half as a disappointment, even though Milwaukee will open the second half as a first-place team?

Then, JR chats with baseball writer Keith Law (71:00), who knows all levels of baseball as well as anyone. They discuss the things that ail Hiura and Christian Yelich, the rise of Jackson Chourio as a top prospect, the way baseball views Milwaukee's draft and development efforts and what he would do if he were in charge of the Brewers for the rest of the season.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. Music clips:  "ABC" by Jackson 5, "Red Hot Memories (Ice Cold Beer)" by Jerry Lee Lewis, "Pursuit Music Logo" on SoundCloud and Bob Uecker on WTMJ 620-AM radio.