Here is my predictions for the Brewers 25 man roster for this year.
Projected Line-up
1. Rickie Weeks 2B
2. JJ Hardy SS
3. Ryan Braun LF
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Corey Hart RF
6. Bill Hall 3B
7. Mike Cameron CF
8. Jason Kendall C
Rotation
9. Yovani Gallardo
10. Manny Parra
11. Braden Looper
12. Dave Bush
13. Jeff Suppan
Bullpen
14. Trevor Hoffman
15. David Riske
16. Seth McClung
17. Carlos Villanueva
18. Mitch Stetter
19. Mark DiFelice
20. Todd Coffey
Reserves
21. Mike Rivera C
22. Chris Duffy OF
23. Brad Nelson IF/OF
24. Craig Counsell IF
25. Casey McGehee
Outside Looking In
Mike Lamb IF
Jorge Julio RHP
Eduardo Morlan RHP
Tim Dillard RHP
RJ Swindle LHP
Tony Gwynn Jr. OF
Trot Nixon OF
Vinny Rotino C
Lurking in Shadows
Mat Gamel IF
Alcides Escobar IF
Angel Salome C
Omar Aguilar P
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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.
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.
Bullpen Preview
Here is a look into what the Brewers Bullpen may look like this year.
Miller Park is adding a new experience this year, "Hell's Bells." Yes ladies and gentlemen Hell's Bells will ring each time the Brewers new closer Trevor Hoffman takes the mound. Trevor signed with Brewers this off season after leaving San Diego after 17 seasons as a Padre. I look for the 41 year old to settle right in and show everyone that he is the all time saves leader for reason.
PREDICTION: ERA-2.68 SAVES-43 K's-41
Seth McClung will see some time as a long reliever, setup man and will make some spot starts as well. McClung is a very important part of this team and will have a very strong 2009 season.
Carlos Villanueva should be Trevor Hoffman's shadow. Carlos is a closer in waiting and change-up specialist much like Hoffman. Please Carlos, take advantage of the time you have with one of the best closers of all time.
Mitch Stetter will be the Brewers left handed specialist replacing Brain Shouse.
David Riske is back from surgery and will hopefully fulfill his potential when the Brewers signed him prior to the 2008 season.
Mark DiFelice is making a very strong case for making them team. he pitched very well for the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic and has been impressive in his team with the Brewers. It will be hard to keep him off of the Brewers opening day roster.
The 7th roster spot will be fought for by Todd Coffey, Jorge Julio, Eduardo Morlan and RJ Swindle. My guess is that Todd Coffey will round out the rest of the Brewers bullpen. Coffey was picked up by the Brewers late last season and was very strong for them in the final weeks. I look for the Crew to reward him and give him the final bullpen spot.
Miller Park is adding a new experience this year, "Hell's Bells." Yes ladies and gentlemen Hell's Bells will ring each time the Brewers new closer Trevor Hoffman takes the mound. Trevor signed with Brewers this off season after leaving San Diego after 17 seasons as a Padre. I look for the 41 year old to settle right in and show everyone that he is the all time saves leader for reason.
PREDICTION: ERA-2.68 SAVES-43 K's-41
Seth McClung will see some time as a long reliever, setup man and will make some spot starts as well. McClung is a very important part of this team and will have a very strong 2009 season.
Carlos Villanueva should be Trevor Hoffman's shadow. Carlos is a closer in waiting and change-up specialist much like Hoffman. Please Carlos, take advantage of the time you have with one of the best closers of all time.
Mitch Stetter will be the Brewers left handed specialist replacing Brain Shouse.
David Riske is back from surgery and will hopefully fulfill his potential when the Brewers signed him prior to the 2008 season.
Mark DiFelice is making a very strong case for making them team. he pitched very well for the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic and has been impressive in his team with the Brewers. It will be hard to keep him off of the Brewers opening day roster.
The 7th roster spot will be fought for by Todd Coffey, Jorge Julio, Eduardo Morlan and RJ Swindle. My guess is that Todd Coffey will round out the rest of the Brewers bullpen. Coffey was picked up by the Brewers late last season and was very strong for them in the final weeks. I look for the Crew to reward him and give him the final bullpen spot.
Catching Preview
Here is a look at the Brewers behind the plate this season.
The starting catcher will be Jason Kendall. The work he did behind the plate last year was unreal. he helped the young pitchers develop last year, i.e. Seth McClung. Kendall will return to action this year as the primary catcher for the Brewers, but new skipper Ken Macha said he will try to sit Kendall once a week.
PREDICTION: AVG-.241 RBI-48 HR-2 SB-4
Backing up Kendall will be Mike Rivera. Rivera did a very solid job in limited action for the Brewers last year. Rivera should get a chance to show what he can do when giving a little more playing time this year. Waiting in the wings is prospect Angel Salome. Salome is at least one year away from breaking into the majors, maybe 2, but be on the look out for this little guy in the near future.
The starting catcher will be Jason Kendall. The work he did behind the plate last year was unreal. he helped the young pitchers develop last year, i.e. Seth McClung. Kendall will return to action this year as the primary catcher for the Brewers, but new skipper Ken Macha said he will try to sit Kendall once a week.
PREDICTION: AVG-.241 RBI-48 HR-2 SB-4
Backing up Kendall will be Mike Rivera. Rivera did a very solid job in limited action for the Brewers last year. Rivera should get a chance to show what he can do when giving a little more playing time this year. Waiting in the wings is prospect Angel Salome. Salome is at least one year away from breaking into the majors, maybe 2, but be on the look out for this little guy in the near future.
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.
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.
Outfield Preview
The Crew obviously has their starters in the outfield etched in stone barring any injury or unforeseen trade.
In left field of course is reigning NL All Star team starter Ryan Braun. Ryan will be entering his third season in the majors and his second full season in the outfield. Look for Ryan to have another MVP caliber season and more than likely find himself starting in the All-Star game. PREDICTION: AVG-.300 RBI-106 HR-45 SB-13
In center field Mike Cameron will be covering a lot ground and making great plays in the field. There is no doubt that Mike Cameron is a big reason that Ryan Braun had such a smooth transition to playing in the outfield last season. Cameron was nearly traded ti the Yankees this off season, but the rest of the Crew is undoubtedly happy to see him back in a Brewers uniform.
PREDICTION: AVG-.240 RBI-67 HR-26 SB-8
Corey Hart should have right field locked down. Corey started the 2008 season off very well, but seemingly fell off of a cliff the last 2 months of the season. Corey seemed to be guessing at the plate and swinging at any pitch. I look for Corey to bounce back and put together a complete season.
PREDICTION: AVG-.271 RBI-81 HR-25 SB-26
The back ups is where everything gets interesting. Tony Gwynn Jr. was the favorite to win the back up spot , but an injury has prevented him from participating much in spring training. In his absence Chris Duffy has really shined. Duffy is currently hitting .361 with 7 extra base hits and 8 RBI's. Veteran Trot Nixon came into camp trying to battle for the back up outfield spot, but has really struggled to this point hitting only .103. The big surprise is Brad Nelson. Nelson is a first baseman by nature, but has the ability to play either corner outfield position. Nelson would provide the Brewers with a left handed power bat off of the bench if he makes the team.
PREDICTION: The Brewers keep Chris Duffy has the utility back up outfielder and Brad Nelson as an outfield/infield back up.
In left field of course is reigning NL All Star team starter Ryan Braun. Ryan will be entering his third season in the majors and his second full season in the outfield. Look for Ryan to have another MVP caliber season and more than likely find himself starting in the All-Star game. PREDICTION: AVG-.300 RBI-106 HR-45 SB-13
In center field Mike Cameron will be covering a lot ground and making great plays in the field. There is no doubt that Mike Cameron is a big reason that Ryan Braun had such a smooth transition to playing in the outfield last season. Cameron was nearly traded ti the Yankees this off season, but the rest of the Crew is undoubtedly happy to see him back in a Brewers uniform.
PREDICTION: AVG-.240 RBI-67 HR-26 SB-8
Corey Hart should have right field locked down. Corey started the 2008 season off very well, but seemingly fell off of a cliff the last 2 months of the season. Corey seemed to be guessing at the plate and swinging at any pitch. I look for Corey to bounce back and put together a complete season.
PREDICTION: AVG-.271 RBI-81 HR-25 SB-26
The back ups is where everything gets interesting. Tony Gwynn Jr. was the favorite to win the back up spot , but an injury has prevented him from participating much in spring training. In his absence Chris Duffy has really shined. Duffy is currently hitting .361 with 7 extra base hits and 8 RBI's. Veteran Trot Nixon came into camp trying to battle for the back up outfield spot, but has really struggled to this point hitting only .103. The big surprise is Brad Nelson. Nelson is a first baseman by nature, but has the ability to play either corner outfield position. Nelson would provide the Brewers with a left handed power bat off of the bench if he makes the team.
PREDICTION: The Brewers keep Chris Duffy has the utility back up outfielder and Brad Nelson as an outfield/infield back up.
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