Starting Pitching Preview

Here is a look at what the Brewers starting rotation might look like in 2009.

Yovani Gallardo is the Brewers ace, regardless if Ken Macha wants to put that label on him or not. Gallardo may not be the opening day starter, but I look for him to have a breakout year and emerge as the Brewers ace.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.35 WINS-15 K's-193

Manny Parra is another youngster that came into his own last season. Manny tailed off at the end of last year, but i look for him to regain his confidence and put together a complete season for the Brewers.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.88 WINS-13 K's-161

Braden Looper was the Brewers big off season acquisition for the starting rotation. Looper is not an over whelming talent, but he is very consistent and should have a very solid for the Brewers this year.
PREDICTION: ERA-3.98 WINS-11 K's-111

Dave Bush has been consistent in his time spent with the Brewers. I look for Dave Bush to really step up and prove that he is a legit #3-4 starter. Without a top tier ace the Brewers will need to get solid consistent starts from the back of their rotation. Bush will fill this roll.
PREDICTION: ERA-4.10 WINS-12 K's-117

Jeff Suppan will round out the Brewers rotation. Suppan has underachieved since signing that big contract with the Brewers 2 years ago. Unfortunately I do not look for Suppan to be much better than he has in the past. He will win some games behind the Brewers offense, but he will get rocked a couple of times this year too.
PREDICTION: ERA-4.37 WINS-10 K's-98

Other possible candidates:

Seth McClung will make a few starts here and there and will be solid when he does. "Chuckie" will have a strong year no matter where/when he is pitching.

Chris Capuano was also my dark horse to crack the starting rotation back in November, and I stand by that. Cappy is making strong progress in his rehab for his 2nd Tommy John surgery. i m not sure who would be knocked out of the rotation should Capuano complete his comeback, but when can cross that bridge when we get there.