MILWAUKEE — The first-place Brewers are out west this week for series against the Angels and Padres. I sat down with former Brewers pitcher Jerry Augustine to talk about the season so far and look ahead.

Dennis: There are very few people in this world that I enjoy talking to more than Jerry Augustine about Brewers baseball. Jerry, the Brewers have used 12 starting pitchers already this year. How are they winning?

Jerry: "Well, I'll tell you one thing. I think when you look at this ballclub and this organization, it's the culture that they have built over the last year. I think when you look at what has transpired, Craig Counsell leaving and and when you have a big change, there's going to be a culture change. And that all started with David Stearns leaving and Matt Arnold coming in. And I think the one thing he wanted to do in this organization is create balance. And you have to create balance by saying, you know what, I am going to believe in my younger players. I believe in my minor leagues. I'm going to bring them along a certain way. But I'm not going to say, hey, you can't pitch in a big leagues. I'm not going to label them."

Dennis: The bullpen has performed very well while they wait for Devin Williams to return from injury. Trevor Megill has stepped in seamlessly to that closer's role.

Jerry: "He's done a great job and I think it's going to pay off dividends for him when Devin does come back. Devin Williams in the ninth inning is important. That eighth inning setup guy is really important, too. They have Payamps, but I think Megill has really stepped in and really done a nice job."

Dennis: Jerry, after the Brewers' 5-3 loss Monday night in Anaheim, their lead over the Cardinals is five and a half games. When you assess the National League Central Division, what do you think?

Jerry: "I think it's really interesting. I think we don't know yet. And the reason I say we don't know yet is because we really don't know yet about these Brewers. They are a balance of young players. So, I think as you get on into July, when before you get to that trade deadline, we're going to find out a little bit about this club. I think Pat Murphy's done a great job of keeping everything at an even keel. He's never too high, never too low, being confident in what you do if you make a mistake. Hey, you made a mistake. Let's get better. But when you look at what the Cincinnati Reds can bring to the ballpark with their pitching staff, this Pittsburgh Pirates, their starting staff is as good as anybody. And we all say the Cards and the Cubs are always going to be there because of their veterans the way they be. I think the second half of the season is going to get really, really interesting."

Watch the full interview with Augustine above.