Tim Gutowski reports that Milwaukee fans are looking for more than a .500 season from the team this year:

Expectations also explain the wave of analysis accompanying the Corey Koskie trade. Doug Melvin acquired the veteran infielder for an unknown minor-league prospect, but fans are treating the trade as if it were a coup along the lines of Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio. Don't get me wrong -- I like the deal, which certainly seems like another solid move by the Brewers bargain-shopping GM. But the acquisition of a platoon starter who hit .249 in his last season is not usually accompanied by this much excitement.

The fact that it has been is a great sign for Attanasio. People are paying close attention now, and they're doing so with a studied eye. Brewers fans understood why it was essential to trade Lyle Overbay to free up first base for Prince Fielder, even if Overbay was extremely popular and Dave Bush is an unknown quantity. Likewise, fans appreciate why adding a veteran infielder to a young team is so important, even if his numbers haven't been up to snuff for the last few seasons.

The understanding will end, of course, right around the time that losses begin to out-number wins in the standings. I'm not saying that will be any time soon -- at least I don't expect it to. But it'll happen.

In public pronouncements, Attanasio has tried to rein in runaway expectations. He continues to stress that while Ned Yost is expected to win now, the goal is for the club to be an annual playoff contender. That's both laudable and logical, but the fan base may be a year or two ahead of him.