Project the Opening Day 25-man Roster

[BrewCrewForever]

will he agree to go to Nashville then if nobody else wants him? ow will he retire? he might need a month of regular ab's in AAA and then come up if there is an injury.

That is a good question. I would love to have him (Nixon) in AAA for depth if an injury were to occur.

[GormanHarvey]

I'd be surprised if Nixon agreed to go to AAA, but you never know.

 

I haven't seen McGehee play at 2nd (yet) but from listening he has been more than solid so far in the limited chances he has had. Turned at least 1 DP that I can recall

[SeriesFinale]

Sounds like McGehee is pulling ahead a little.

[BrewCrewForever]

McGehee over Lamb just seems to make so much sense to me, it better happen. He hits RHP and LHP. plays 3B can play some 2B and could be an emergency catcher. He has hit all spring where Lamb has not and if we want to start a left handed batter at 3B you have Counsell. Plus McGehee is younger and has more potential upside then Lamb.

[Never Outhustled]

McGehee over Lamb just seems to make so much sense to me, it better happen. He hits RHP and LHP.

McGehee hits niether righties or lefties. He's never posted an OPS over 776 in the minors. He's had a hot spring, but historically, that doesn't mean much once the regular season starts.

 

I don't like Lamb either, but we need to find a better 3B alternative. I can hope McGehee has somehow evolved into that guy, but thats doubtful considering he just doesn't have the tools to make such a sudden improvement.

[GormanHarvey]

McGehee hits niether righties or lefties. He's never posted an OPS over 776 in the minors. He's had a hot spring, but historically, that doesn't mean much once the regular season starts.

 

I don't like Lamb either, but we need to find a better 3B alternative. I can hope McGehee has somehow evolved into that guy, but thats doubtful considering he just doesn't have the tools to make such a sudden improvement.

Sometimes the light just goes on for these guys. He's a month younger than Weeks and we haven't given up on him yet. Obviously the guy has potential. Rock and BA were talking how his bat is lightning fast and that he can wait til the ball is deep in the zone and still drive it. Not a lot of guys can do that

[Never Outhustled]

Sometimes the light just goes on for these guys. He's a month younger than Weeks and we haven't given up on him yet

Weeks had an OPS over 1.050 in 2 of his 3 minor league seasons.

[GormanHarvey]

Weeks had an OPS over 1.050 in 2 of his 3 minor league seasons.

And how's that working out for him? One of those OPS's over 1.050 came from a total of 6 games and 22 AB's. in 2007-after he had been with the Brewers for 3 seasons. I'm just saying it may be too early to dismiss him. 92 rbi at AAA last year and maybe he builds on that and takes the next step, I'm not saying I totally disagree with you. Just saying that stranger things have happened and McGehee has some tools

[Never Outhustled]

One of those OPS's over 1.050 came from a total of 6 games and 22 AB's. in 2007-after he had been with the Brewers for 3 seasons.

Weeks OPS'd over 1.050 in 2003 and 2005. I was not referring to 2007.

 

And how's that working out for him?

It only illustrates how difficult it is to hit in the majors. Not just any mediocre AAA vet can do it.

 

I'm just saying it may be too early to dismiss him. 92 rbi at AAA last year and maybe he builds on that and takes the next step, I'm not saying I totally disagree with you. Just saying that stranger things have happened and McGehee has some tools

Having 92 RBIs with a 774 OPS only means he had some tremenous teammates. He did, Micah Hoffpaurer hit 360.

 

The scouting reports I saw on McGehee described him as a baseball rat with limited tools. The guys that break out late are guys with big batspeed. You've stated that Brian Anderson and Rock gushed about McGehee's batspeed. If they're right, this could be a tremendous scouting find by the Brewers. However, I'm not sure those 2 are guys I trust on the matter, especially after I've read the opposite. I remain skeptical.

[endaround]

McGehee over Lamb isn't bad if they expect Gamel up in June or so. They DFA McGehee and put in Gamel. That said I expect McGehee and Counsell to basically hit the same.

[JohnBriggs12]

McGehee over Lamb just seems to make so much sense to me, it better happen. He hits RHP and LHP.

McGehee hits niether righties or lefties. He's never posted an OPS over 776 in the minors. He's had a hot spring, but historically, that doesn't mean much once the regular season starts.

 

I don't like Lamb either, but we need to find a better 3B alternative. I can hope McGehee has somehow evolved into that guy, but thats doubtful considering he just doesn't have the tools to make such a s udden improvement.

I think you guys are underestimating McGehee big time. Sure he's never posted over .776 OPS in the minors (which incidently was last year), but he's never posted an OPS under .691 (which incidently was his rookie year in pro ball) either. His numbers have actually gotten better as he's gone to higher levels. Granted, it's been 2 weeks but in 20 AB's this spring he has 0 K's and for the most part he's started games, so he's seen major leaguers and not AA guys that pitch later in games.

 

Is he a future All Star? No. But he's fine defensively, has some versatility, puts the bat on the ball and he's cheap and he's young enough to give them an option if Gamel fails or has to move off of 3rd. Besides, if he doesn't make the Brewers as a backup, where do you put him? You want Gamel playing every day at 3rd at Nashville.

[DannyKmilw]

Im still wondering why the Front Office claimed McGehee in the first place, when they had the same person in their own system in Adam Heether. How do you think he's feeling right now, not even getting an invite. Heether put up the same if not better numbers in the minors and he was in our own backyard.

[GormanHarvey]

I think you guys are underestimating McGehee big time. Sure he's never posted over .776 OPS in the minors (which incidently was last year), but he's never posted an OPS under .691 (which incidently was his rookie year in pro ball) either. His numbers have actually gotten better as he's gone to higher levels. Granted, it's been 2 weeks but in 20 AB's this spring he has 0 K's and for the most part he's started games, so he's seen major leaguers and not AA guys that pitch later in games.

 

Is he a future All Star? No. But he's fine defensively, has some versatility, puts the bat on the ball and he's cheap and he's young enough to give them an option if Gamel fails or has to move off of 3rd. Besides, if he doesn't make the Brewers as a backup, where do you put him? You want Gamel playing every day at 3rd at Nashville.

Agreed. Here I thought I was the only one.

 

X ellence - I tend not to put a whole lot of stock in numbers that Weeks put up in rookie and A ball at this point. What I would love is to see him do that this year - I can dream.

[BrewCrewForever]

Thought I would update my original list since Looper does not appear to be starting the season the DL.

 

C - Jason Kendall

1B - Prince Fielder

2B - Rickie Weeks

SS - JJ Hardy

3B - Bill Hall

LF- Ryan Braun

CF - Mike Cameron

RF - Corey Hart

 

Bench:

 

C - Mike Rivera

IF - Craig Counsell

OF - Chris Duffy

IF/OF - Brad Nelson

IF - Casey McGehee

 

Starting Pitchers:

 

SP - Yovani Gallardo

SP - Manny Parra

SP - Dave Bush

SP - Braden Looper

SP - Jeff Suppan

 

Relief Pitchers:

 

RP - Carlos Villanueva

RP - David Riske

RP - Mitch Stetter

RP - Mark DiFelice

RP - Toddy Coffey

RP - Seth McClung

CP - Trevor Hoffman

 

It seems to be the final two bullpen spots will come down to three guys: DiFelice, Julio and Coffey. I think Julio will be the odd man out but who knows for sure.

[jimmyjeromehardy7]

Brew Crew, I was thinking about this earlier today and I agree with your projections.

 

It looks like both Littleton and Julio are out of options too, so are those two along with Gwynn and Lamb most likely gone? Duffy would be added to the 40 man and does Nixon have any choice other than go to AAA?

[brewerguy71]

Granted, the 24th and 25th roster spots arent all that important, but I just dont understand wasting those spots on guys like McGehee and DeFelice (or Nelson for that matter).

 

All 3 of them are journeyman at best. If it were me I would much rather have experienced players in those spots. The only exception would be replacing Gwynn for Nelson and the only reason I see that as a better move is the speed and defense for late inning substitution. McGehee is hitting the cover off of the ball this spring, but its a small sample size in meaningless games, there is a reason he is 26 years old with only and handful of mlb games played (ditto Nelson and DeFelice). As for that last pitcher spot Littleton and Julio are both going to be better for the team than DeFelice could ever be.

[Ennder]

While I don't think McGehee is really a starter I dont' think he ever had a shot at beating out Aramis for playing time on the Cubs. He is a plus defensive 3B who can get on base but doesn't have enough pop. You could do much worse for a backup than that.

 

Julio has proven he isn't a good pitcher, I'd much rather take a chance on DeFelice working out than Julio who we know won't be good.

[brewerguy71]

You make a relevant point about McGehee's defense, but his obp #'s are as good in the minor leagues as Lambs are in mlb. You could also use Lamb at 2b in a pinch and he can fill in for Prince for a day off here and there at first.

Julio is definitely on the downside of his career but DeFelice is approximately the same age and hasnt even had a career. I would have much rather had a Dillard/Littleton/Wright as the last 3 guys in the bullpen than anything involving Coffey and DeFelice.

I may seem harsh at times when it comes to the evaluation end of things, but MLB baseball isnt a place for charity cases and "giving a guy a chance", and giving a mlb roster spot to DeFelice and McGehee a roster spot screams out that philosophy. Imo, id much rather have the experienced players taking that spot.

[docduany]

Brewerguy 71 wrote

 

"The only exception would be replacing Gwynn for Nelson and the only reason I see that as a better move is the speed and defense for late inning substitution."

 

Defensive replacement? For who? Braun, Cameron, Hart? Hopefully these aren't the days of Ned. Braun and Hart aren't coming out due to their offense and defensively Cam is better than Gwynn. Not to mention there is still concern about Gwynn's health on top of his offensive short comings which have been discussed to death. If Nelson isn't protected he's gone, by either his choice or another club. Due to the lack of a spring or much upside, I think Gywnn could find himself back in Nashville if the Brewers wanted him-- which you would hope for. Obviously I'm a Nelson fan, have been since Beliot. But in my opinion this team needs late inning left handed thunder off the bench rather than punch and judy with speed and defense in the outfield.

 

And on another rant, put me down for McGehee. Not life or death, but I like his versatility and the chance he could stick it to the Cubs. He seems like a "professional hitter", not bad for a right handed bat off the bench.

[JJHardy7]

I may seem harsh at times when it comes to the evaluation end of things, but MLB baseball isnt a place for charity cases and "giving a guy a chance", and giving a mlb roster spot to DeFelice and McGehee a roster spot screams out that philosophy. Imo, id much rather have the experienced players taking that spot.

 

It just seems like you aren't viewing things for a level view. You have the option to keep either TGJ or Nelson. Why the heck would you need a defensive replacement for Braun, Cam, or Hart? If that's the case, we'll need a new manager. The battle IMO is for the 5th OF spot. We're not discussing who should start a ton of games between TGJ or Nelson. We're talking a handful of starts and mostly PH duty. I'd much rather have Nelson for that role than TGJ. Again, if we're discussing 4th OF or a starter I might be swayed by TGJ's defense over Nelson...that doesn't appear to be the debate though. It's not a charity...it's putting the best players on the team to fill roles. Nelson has done nothing to not make this team and might actually be the best hitter in the spring. I know spring isn't life or death in terms of MLB production, but Nelson is high above TGJ when it comes to hitting. It's not even that close. The best case scenario IMO is that TGJ clears waivers and heads back to Nashville. Nelson (despite what you think) would be picked up. I don't think he'd clear waivers (not saying that I'm sold that TGJ would either). TGJ's injury may make it more likely that he clears waivers.

 

As far as the pitching (it is DiFelice not DeFelice by the way), I'm not too hung up on that. DiFelice has produced in AAA the past few years. I know this isn't a huge indicator, but he flat out doesn't walk guys. There are questions if he can get make it in the bigs, but I love the fact that he's not going to hurt the teams in terms of walking guys. And with McGehee he seems to be a better fit at this point and time than Lamb. Lamb has stunk. If it screams "giving a guy a chance", what is the slam dunk answer then? I think we need to take a step back and realize we're talking about two spots on the roster. Chances are there will be depth in AAA that is close to their talents and if one stinks we can make a move. I think DiFelice should make the team just so people start spelling his name right when bashing him http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

[GormanHarvey]

You make a relevant point about McGehee's defense, but his obp #'s are as good in the minor leagues as Lambs are in mlb. You could also use Lamb at 2b in a pinch and he can fill in for Prince for a day off here and there at first.

 

Julio is definitely on the downside of his career but DeFelice is approximately the same age and hasnt even had a career. I would have much rather had a Dillard/Littleton/Wright as the last 3 guys in the bullpen than anything involving Coffey and DeFelice.

 

I may seem harsh at times when it comes to the evaluation end of things, but MLB baseball isnt a place for charity cases and "giving a guy a chance", and giving a mlb roster spot to DeFelice and McGehee a roster spot screams out that philosophy. Imo, id much rather have the experienced players taking that spot.

McGehee has played several times at 2nd base this spring and has been more than solid. He made a spectacular play there up the middle the other day. Just out of curiousity, have you actually seen them play this spring at all or are you just basing what your are saying off of numbers and what you have previously known/seen from these players? I'm not trying to be fesecious either. I just got back from a week down there and Lamb looks old, stiff, rigid, and slow. The guy has nothing left. McGehee looks the exact opposite. His bat looks quick and his swing crisp and he looks hungry. And he is a nice defensive player. He has shown that he is good at 3rd and has played nicely so far at 2nd. I doubt filling at 1st 3 or 4 times this year if he had to would be a problem. Plus the guy can catch in a pinch. As far as Julio goes, I agree with Ennder. The guy just isn't good and has continued to show that this spring. I would MUCH rather have DiFelice. You don't want Coffey why? He pitched great for us in sept last year. He throws hard and has a good slider. Not a bad guy to have

[BrewCrewForever]

If Gwynn by some chance makes the team over Nelson I would be flat out ticked. The only reason Gwynn in my opinion has ever been given a legit look is the name on his jersey, if his name was Joe Schmo no one would ever even care about Gwynn. Just my opinion. If you want a late inning defensive OF for some odd reason you can use Chris Duffy who plays all three OF spots well. Nelson is a much better offensive player to have on your bench then Gwynn.

[Ennder]

ulio is definitely on the downside of his career but DeFelice is approximately the same age and hasnt even had a career. I would have much rather had a Dillard/Littleton/Wright as the last 3 guys in the bullpen than anything involving Coffey and DeFelice.

 

I wanted Swindle personally.

[WisconsinSportsRule]

I honestly don't know how we could exclude Nelson or McGehee from our opening day roster. Nelson is that lefty PH off the bench and McGehee has showed with his bat and glove that he deserves a chance on the roster.

 

I really don't want Lamb on the opening day roster. McGehee is the better defender and probably the same hitter as Lamb.

[PrinceEatMeat]

McGehee, Nelson, and Duffy will get the last three bench spots. McGehee has vastly out-performed Lamb this spring. The debate of not having a lefty to platoon with Hall doesn't make sense to me. Counsell could easily step in and platoon with Hall if need be. Macha even said that Counsell would be the leading candidate to do so. I can see the front office wanting to keep Gwynn for some reason, in which case I could see Duffy being released, traded, or simply sent to AAA. Duffy deserves the spot, but I truly believe it's between Gwynn and Duffy, not Nelson. Duffy and Gwynn are players with similar capabilities, such as speed and fielding, although not the same quality obviosuly. Nelson is a different kind of player, and would be a valuable lefty bat off the bench to provide power, and I think he has one spot locked down. I believe Duffy has won the other spot, but we all know that Melvin loves Gwynn, so something might happen there. I hope that we just DFA Gwynn and be done with it. He has no future here with Cain coming up through the system fast.

 

As far as the bullpen, I can see DiFelice and Coffey getting the last two bullpen spots over Julio. Coffey pretty much has a spot locked down, as he has out-performed Julio this spring. Macha seems to like DiFelice, so I can see him being kept over Julio. However, all three may start the season on the roster if Hoffman starts on the DL. Then the least needed pitcher will be sent down, or released in Julio's case, upon Hoffman's return.