MILWAUKEE -- When the Milwaukee Brewers plucked Eric Thames after a three-year stint dominating the Korean League, the hope was he would provide some left-handed balance to a lineup heavy on right-handed hitters.
The move had its skeptics as Milwaukee parted ways with Chris Carter, the reigning National League home run champ, to make room for Thames, but it has certainly paid off; when the Brewers take on the Cardinals Friday in the second of a four-game series at Miller Park, Thames will begin the day atop the National League in home runs and batting average, fourth in RBI and among the top 10 in walks.