Infield Preview

Here is a look at how the Brewers infield may look this year.

First base is of course the big fella Prince Fielder. Prince carried the Brewers offense down the stretch of the season. Prince had some criticism about his weight the past year, but reported to camp with his wallet a little fatter thanks to a new 2 year deal, and his belt a little tighter thanks to dropping some pounds in the off season. Look for Prince to return to his All-Star caliber form this year.
PREDICTION: AVG-.280 RBI-110 HR-42 SB-3

Rickie Weeks has the pressure of any of the infielders. Rickie will be the starting second baseman for the Brewers and will more than likely hit lead off for the Crew as well. Rickie will need to improve his defense in the field, but more importantly he will need to be more patient at the plate. Brewers new bench coach Willie Randolph will be spending a lot of time with Weeks this spring.
PREDICTION: AVG-.250 RBI-53 HR-17 SB-27

JJ Hardy owns the starting spot at short stop. I look for JJ to have a very solid year in the field, but to have an excellent year at the plate. JJ should be hitting in the number 2 spot in the order ahead of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. JJ is one of the best, if not the best, fastball pitcher on the team. Hitting ahead of the big guns should ensure he sees plenty of fastballs.
PREDICTION: AVG-.278 RBI-77 HR-27 SB-5

Bill Hall will get a chance to be the everyday starter at third base, but may see his role cut down to a platoon if he he is still unable to hit right handed pitching this year. Hall had the Jason Kendall treatment this off season and received lasik eye surgery. A calf injury has sidelined Hall for much of spring so far, but look for him to break out this season.
PREDICTION: AVG-.258 RBI-71 HR-23 SB-11

There are still bench spots to be won. With top prospects Mat Gamel and Alcides Escobar still about a year away from breaking through, the Brewers will look to veterans to back up the infield. Craig Counsell has his spot locked up. Early on I though the same was true for Mike Lamb, but the emergence of Casey McGehee. The Crew claimed McGehee from the Cubs this off season and the versatile McGehee should make the team. He is hitting .423 right now and has the ability to play 3rd and 2nd and even catch in emergency situations. McGehee would also be the only right handed hitting bench player other than back up catcher Mike Rivera. Brad Nelson should also make the team as an infield/outfield back up and a power left handed bat off of the bench.