The Brewers finally made a big move, but it had nothing to do with trading for a starting pitcher.

Wednesday's flurry of action that saw shortstop J.J. Hardy sent down to Triple-A Nashville, pitching coach Bill Castro fired and the versatile Bill Hall cut was just the latest in a series of bold steps general manager Doug Melvin has taken. The new guys are prized shortstop prospect Alcides Escobar, speedy outfielder Jason Bourgeois and pitching coach Chris Bosio, all up from Nashville.

There are several areas to talk about, so here we go.

HARDY DEMOTED

Hardy seems like a sensitive guy, so it will be interesting to see how he deals with his being shipped to Nashville. No one can argue with Hardy's defense ... he probably deserves some Gold Glove consideration, but doesn't make enough of the dazzling plays to make the highlights.

No, what has troubled Hardy is his bat. He has hit the ball hard this year, but usualy right at someone or the victim of a sensational play. The 26-year-old is hitting just .229 with 11 homers and 45 RBIs. Manager Ken Macha has tried Hardy in several slots in the batting order without much success.

Hardy is a lanky guy, so maybe his swing is a bit long. Hardy has natural power (50 homers over previous two years), perhaps second only to Prince Fielder on the Crew, but he isn't a homer-happy hitter. On the contrary, he is more of a gap hitter when he is right.

A lot will be made of the fact Hardy is only 20 days away from a critical date in his free-agent status; if he doesn't come back up before September, Hardy will be under contractual control by the Brewers for another year, perhaps making him more valuable in trade talks.

ESCOBAR'S ARRIVAL

This is the player Crew fans have been salivating over all year. Deemed ready as a major-league defender last year, Escobar spent this year trying to prove he could keep up offensively. He batted leadoff in the Futures Game and compiled a .298 average at Triple-A.

He is a player the Brewers can't afford to play around with like they did Mat Gamel. Gamel received inconsistent playing time despite no clear-cut third baseman and eventually was sent back to Nashville. But Macha is already on the record saying Escobar may only play against left-handers, likely meaning the range-challenged Craig Counsell will start most days. Ugh!

Escobar was second in the Pacific Coast League with 42 steals and could be the leadoff hitter next year depending on what moves are made this offseason.

Bourgeois, meanwhile, should get some time in right while Corey Hart continues his recovery from last week's appendectomy. He ranked 10^th in the Pacific Coast League with a .316 average and fifth with 36 steals. Macha is likely to stick with Frank Catalonotto in right, but Bourgeois should get spot starts in right and center (when Mike Cameron needs a day off).

BYE-BYE, BILLY

Hall memorably hit walk-off homers on Mother's Day (with a pink bat) in 2007 with his mom in the stands. That came a year after his breakout year of 2006, when he hit .270 with 35 homers and 85 RBIs as he primarily played shortstop following a season-ending injury to Hardy.

Hall was a fan favorite (including mine) because he showed an unselfishness. He played third base, shortstop, second base and center regularly during his tenure and even made a start in left this year and a couple in right before being axed. This move wasn't surprising other than the Brewers decided to eat the rest of Hall's contract (about $10.5 million).

But the handwriting was on the wall: .201 average, six homers, 24 RBIs. He recently made a trip to Triple-A in hopes of rekindling his offensive magic. His stay lasted only four games before he was summoned to replace Hart on the roster.

Hall will land somewhere considering he comes cheap now.

BYE-BYE BILLY, PART 2

Imagine that loyal company employee who eveyone likes and has been around forever in a rather obscure role. Finally, he gets a chance to sit in the chair he has dreamed of. But his group, after a very surprising and excellent start, has generally floundered.

So you fire him. Such is the situation involving Castro, who had served admirably as bullpen coach for 17 years and been associated with the Brewers for 33 years, finally becoming pitching coach this year. But when your starters aside from Yovani Gallardo are maddeningly inconsistent and eventually eroding the confidence of the bullpen due to excessive use, your job in the big chair is on the line.

The Brewers were 15^th (out of 16) in the National League and 25^th (out of 30) in the majors with a 4.84 ERA, including a 5.16 mark by the starters -- worst in the league.

On comes Bosio, the former Brewers pitcher who tends to be a bit more gruff and direct with pitchers than Castro. Recent additions to the bullpen (David Weathers, Claudio Vargas and Jesus Colome) should provide some stability and freshness, but how Bosio figures out his rotation will be the key to what happens the rest of the season.

MELVIN'S MOMENTS

Just like he did last year when acquiring C.C. Sabathia and firing Ned Yost, Melvin isn't afraid to do what needs to be done. And slowly, Melvin has sent signals to the Crew's core of young players that it is produce or pack up.

Hall and outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. have been shown the door, while Hall, Hardy, secoRickie nd baseman Weeks and left-hander Manny Parra have been sent to the minors while struggling. Right-hander Carlos Villanueva and Hart are next on the hot seat.

You have to like Melvin's tactics despite having his hands tied with the Crew's monetary limitations, but he still has work to do if they are to return to the playoffs this year.

Prince Fielder was booed when he stepped into the batter's box at Dodge Stadium on Wednesday, a night after he scurried through the labrynth that took him from the Brewers' clubhouse to the Dodgers'.

I have no problem with the booing. It is every fan's right to be vocal. What I do have a problem with is suddenly, Guillermo Mota is the victim in this whole episode that saw the Dodgers' reliever drill Fielder in the thigh with a fastball with two out in the ninth inning of a 17-4 game.

This was a planned plunking following the Brewers hitting Manny Ramirez and grazing Juan Pierre, neither with a purpose. Why else would the Dodgers have a reliever warming up in the bullpen? Mota was the executioner of a plan hatched in the clubhouse or dugout. By who? Ramirez? Joe Torre? Russell Martin?

Only those who wear a uniform really know and that is the problem I have with what will happen next. Baseball will levy penalties against Mota and Fielder. Last week, Rays starter Matt Garza admitted he drilled Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira, but he has yet to be punished and likely won't be.

The Brewers-Dodgers dustup should not result in suspensions. If you want to hit Fielder's wallet for storming to the gates of the clubhouse, fine. If he is suspended, it is a crime.

While the NL Central standings show the Brewers are still within striking distance with a little more than two months left in the season, they may not be as close as the win-loss totals indicate.

Unless something unexpectedly dramatic happens before the trade deadline -- like the acquisition of Roy Halladay or some other top starter -- the Crew is toast for this year.

Their offense is inconsistent, especially in clutch situations, the starting pitching is underwhelming aside from burgeoning ace Yovani Gallardo and the bullpen is only being held together with MacGyver-like tools -- and Trevor Hoffman.

The couple of weeks following the All-Star break were supposed to be a time when the Brewers would be able to take advantage of a weak schedule and re-establish themselves in the division. Instead, they have gone 4-6 entering a series against the woeful Nationals and are simply a .500 team that is in fourth place, watching division foes surge ahead of them.

Who is to blame for this?

Everyone. The players. The general manager. The manager.

After ending a 26-year playoff drought last year, the expectations for 2009 were that the Brewers and Cubs would slug it out for division supremacy. The Brewers held up their part of the deal for the first three months of the season and, while the Cubs struggled, the Albert Pujols-fueled Cardinals showed themselves to be contenders. July has proven to be a key month, with the Crew wallowing in mediocrity -- they haven't won a series this month, nor won back-to-back games -- the Cubs gaining a bit of footing and the Cardinals making the biggest deal so far by acquiring Matt Holliday as Pujols' protection. Even the Astros have gotten into the act.

The Brewers' plan has been to trust their players. But the production of some has not matched expectations -- J.J. Hardy, Corey Hart, Manny Parra, Carlos Villanueva, among others. That can ruin a plan in a hurry, especially when there isn't a suitable replacement readily available.

And there isn't anything that can save this season unless the Crew finds a magic tonic.

Independence Day marked the halfway point of the season for the Brew Crew.

So, what have we learned about a team tied for the NL Central lead?

It has become painfully obvious in recent weeks that the Brewers need help in the starting rotation. But C.C. Sabathia isn't walking through the clubhouse doors this year and there doesn't appear to be an equivalent on the market, thanks to Jake Peavy's injury. The bullpen has been solid, with Trevor Hoffman providing stability at the back end. And, of course, the offense has been pretty good, even showing newfound patience this year.

Without further adieu, a midseason review:

OFFENSE

Grade: B

Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are on the brink of becoming the most dangerous duo in baseball. Fielder has crushed 21 homers and driven in 75, but he has finally shown better patience at the plate (59 walks), which has resulted in a .310 batting average. Braun has added 16 homers and 58 RBIs while hitting .327.

After that, the bright spots have come from two guys who were not expected to be in the everyday lineup. Casey McGehee and Craig Counsell have helped fill the void of Rickie Weeks' season-ending injury.

Mike Cameron has flexed his muscle, but still doesn't hit for average. J.J. Hardy has hit the ball hard all year, but has been inconsistent. Corey Hart still hasn't put his late-2008 swoon behind him and Jason Kendall is only in the lineup for his skills behind the plate.

DEFENSE

Grade: B

Cameron's play in center continues to be the consistent highlight, while Hardy adds in his spectacular plays while making the routine plays at short. Fielder continues to improve his glovework at first. Braun is improving in left, but continues to show that he is learning on the job after being an infielder in college and his early pro years. Counsell makes the average play, but has limited range. McGehee has played well, especially considering he is new to second base.

STARTING PITCHING

C-minus

Yovani Gallardo is a definite ace, even though he has only filled the role for half a season. Jeff Suppan has pitched well overall, but he shouldn't be a team's No. 2 starter. Braden Looper has a chance to win 15 games after beginning the year as the No. 5 starter. Dave Bush continues to be befuddling, flirting with a no-hitter into the eighth inning of one outing, then giving up five runs in five innings in the next. Manny Parra? Just Manny being Manny. He was sent to Triple-A to get his head straight. With Bush hurt and Parra in the minors, that leaves a huge hole in the rotation. Seth McClung isn't the answer.

BULLPEN

Grade: B

The addition of Hoffman, baseball's all-time saves leader, has provided needed structure to the relief corps. Left-hander Mitch Stetter and right-hander Mark DiFilice have flourished in their first full seasons in the majors. Todd Coffey was an early revelation and is still solid. Carlos Villanueva has had too many blips to lock down the eighth-inning role. McClung's versatility is needed in the pen, where he can go three innings one day, then pitch the eighth his next time out. Jorge Julio was sent packing. Chris Smith could pitch his way into a role.

HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

Biggest surprise: Casey McGehee. Cubs castoff made team with a big spring, waited patiently for playing time and is now hitting fifth behind Braun and Fielder.

Biggest disappointment: Bill Hall. Has a flair for the dramatic with walk-off hits, but his stroke has disappeared. So has his playing time.

Biggest injury: Rickie Weeks. Sustaining a season-ending wrist injury while enjoying the start of what should have been a breakout season has been devastating. He still hasn't been replaced at the top of the order.

Best pitcher: Yovani Gallardo. Has eight wins, ranks sixth in ERA (2.75) and third in strikeouts (114) in National League. Any questions?

Worst pitcher: Manny Parra. Has the talent to be a dominant No. 2 starter behind Gallardo, but a June swoon, eight losses and a 7.52 ERA got him a ticket to Nashville.

Best hitter: Prince Fielder. His ability to draw walks has allowed him to be more selective at the plate and make pitchers pay for their mistakes.

Worst hitter: Bill Hall. Counted on to play full-time at third base coming out of spring training, Hall played his way into a platoon situation and then a seat on the bench.

Best win: Brewers 14, Indians 12 (June 15). On national television, the Crew showed their bounceback ability, erasing an 8-3 deficit and vaulting ahead on a Prince Fieder grand slam in the eighth inning.

Worst loss: Cubs 2, Brewers 1, 10 innings (July 3). Too many wasted opportunities early, including three popups with the bases loaded in one inning and only scoring once. Manager Ken Macha's questionable decision to intentionally walk Milton Bradley was exasorbated by Mark DiFilice's bases-loaded walk on a question ball call on a 3-2 pitch.

INDIVIDUAL ANALYSIS

Manager

Ken Macha: Has adjusted well to the NL style and has juggled bullpen efficiently. Not afraid to make the bold move with his lineup.

Hitters

Prince Fielder: Enjoy him now. He may not be around after 2010.

Ryan Braun: Remember, this is just his second full year in the majors. Is set to be an All-Star for the second time.

Casey McGehee: Emerging as front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year.

Mike Cameron: More plate discipline would make this a more potent lineup.

Craig Counsell: Overachiever has adjusted well to new hitting stance.

J.J. Hardy: Can hit them as far as Braun and Fielder, but once he starts pounding the gaps, he will realize his full potential.

Corey Hart: Was his first half last year his plateau?

Jason Kendall: Getting the ball to the outfield seems to be a challenge.

Bill Hall: Maybe Lasik surgery wasn't the answer.

Mat Gamel: A trip back to Nashville is in his future without consistent playing time.

Frank Catalanotto: Best theat off the bench, which isn't saying much.

Jody Gerut: Has struggled without regular at-bats.

Mike Rivera: Playing more, but his bat not as good as it was last year.

Pitchers

Yovani Gallardo: Must maintain his first-half production is the Crew is to remain a contender.

Jeff Suppan: If he can come close to repeating his recent start vs. the Cubs, he could save rotation.

Braden Looper: Picked up just before spring training, he has been a valuable addition.

Dave Bush: Needs to put arm injury behind him and have his talent match his production.

Manny Parra: If he can put erratic ways behind him and return after the All-Star break, he has chance to redeem himself.

Mike Burns: Not enough time to make legit evaluation.

Seth McClung: Despite his wishes, better served in the bullpen.

Trevor Hoffman: Listening to “Hells Bells” may be the new Milwaukee tradition.

Carlos Villanueva: Thought of as a potential Hoffman heir, Villanueva hasn't been consistent.

Todd Coffey: Fan favorite can fill a variety of roles.

Mitch Stetter: Submarining left-hander has been nothing short of scintillating.

Mark DiFilice: Journeyman has been a rock in bullpen.

Chris Smith: Diminuative right-hander has adjusted well from his closing role in Triple-A.

Chris Narveson: Seems overmatched.