John Axford Sets His Sights On Another Brewers Record

Milwaukee’s John Axford is having a pretty good season so far. After a blown opening day save in Cincinnati and a shaky April, however, 2011 sure didn’t start out that way.

A blown save in Philadelphia on April 18th had the Brewers’ 2nd year closer looking at an 0-1 record with an 8.53 ERA in 7 appearances with 2 blown saves in 5 attempts. Since that ill fated appearance against the Phillies, however, Axford has settled in and has risen to nearly every challenge (including first time fatherhood) that’s come his way!

As of July 30th, 2011, Axford’s 30 saves ranks him 5th in all of Major League Baseball — just 3 behind San Francisco’s Brian Wilson. Along the way, Axford has dropped his ERA from 8.53 down to a solid 2.55 and his 27 consecutive save conversions broke Doug Jones’s previous team record of 25 straight set in 1997.

With 30 saves to his credit already in 2011, John Axford has a chance at another Brewers team record: most saves in a season. Here’s a look at the all time list:

Milwaukee Brewers – Most Saves In A Season

44 – Francisco Cordero (2007)
39 – Derrick Turnbow (2005)/Dan Kolb (2004)
37 – Trevor Hoffman (2009)/Bob Wickman (1999)
36 – Doug Jones (1997)
33 – Dan Plesac (1989)
32 – Mike Fetters (1996)
31 – Ken Sanders (1971)

30 – John Axford (2011)*/Dan Plesac (1988)

29 – Doug Henry (1992)/Rollie Fingers (1982)
28 – Salomon Torres (2008)/Rollie Fingers (1981)
27 – Mike DeJean (2002)
25 – Bob Wickman (1998)/Pete Ladd (1983)
24 – John Axford (2010)/Derrick Turnbow (2004)/Dan Plesac (1990)

* Denotes Active Streak

With 54 games remaining on the 2011 schedule, John Axford needs 15 saves to surpass Francisco Cordero’s impressive 44 save total from 2007. Can he do it? If the Brewers want to make the post season in 2011, they’d better hope he can!

After a night off to rest, Axford may get another opportunity tonight at home against the Houston Astros!

Tags: Baseball, Brewers, John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB