Early projection of next season's rosters

[And That]

Here's an early projection of next season's rosters. The Brewers were, um, quite active in December so things have changed a lot, especially in the upper minors, since the first projection I put out in September. Again, if a pitcher ended 2010 on the disabled list

with a major or undisclosed injury, I didn't include him. I never trust

pitchers to get healthy until they are healthy.

 

I left the following position players who finished the past year in A-ball or above out of the projection, though they certainly may make one of the clubs due to injury or trade: George Kottaras, Patrick Arlis, Shawn Riggans, Anderson Delarosa, Mike Roberts, Mike Marseco. All are primarily catchers except for Marseco, and since catchers get hurt more than other position players, one or more of those guys will likely make a club. I would also expect Mike Brownstein to make a full season club if he's recovered all the way from the hamstring tear that caused him to miss all of 2010. Jason Rogers also might be a good bet to make the Wisconsin club. Finally, it looks to me like the Brewers still need an infielder and an outfielder or two for injury protection in the upper minors, so I'd expect to see another couple signings at those positions before camp opens.

 

This was brought up last time, so I'll address it in the prologue: I know that minor league teams use the DH, and in A-ball, they use the DH in all games. I do not project the DH spots, however, because those spots in the lineup are almost always filled on a rotating basis. The Brewers' objective in operating their minor league system is to develop talent for the major league roster; the major league roster has no DH. Therefore, the Brewers do not actively develop DHs (jokes about their MLB defense aside). Therefore they rarely, except for the occasional AAA veteran, keep anyone in the DH spot for an extended period of time unless they are injured. I added a "/DH" to the utility players that will regularly be playing some DH, but again, they won't DH 5 days a week, or even more than a few days a week.

 

The following pitchers were left off the projection, the majority of whom finished 2010 on the DL: Pat Egan, Marco Estrada, Chase Wright, Sam Narron, Mark DiFelice, Jim Henderson, Chris Cody, Brae Wright, Casey Baron, Bobby Bramhall, Rob Wooten, Evan Anundsen, Mark Willinsky, Dexter Bobo, Santo Manzanillo. It's a strong possibility that the Brewers will keep Egan around by trading something to Baltimore for him to retain his rights, but I don't think he has a realistic shot to make the big league team after the signings of Taskashi Saito and Sean Green. Any number of the pitchers that missed most or all of last year - DiFelice, Wooten, Bramhall, Brae Wright, Baron, etc. - could be ready to go for 2011 and likely to make full season clubs, but I can't know that, so I can't include them. Pitchers are much harder to project and slot than hitters - if I'm right on 2/3 of the pitchers right now, I'll be ecstatic. So, take it for what it's worth.

 

If it looks like I missed anyone, let me know. If it looks like I'm wrong, let me know. Thanks!

 

Milwaukee
Starting Catcher	J. Lucroy		Backup Catcher		W. Nieves
Starting First Baseman	P. Fielder
Starting Second Baseman	R. Weeks		Backup Infielder		L. Cruz
Starting Third Baseman	C. McGehee
Starting Shortstop	Y. Betancourt		Backup Infielder		C. Counsell
Starting Left Fielder	R. Braun
Starting Center Fielder	C. Gomez		Backup Outfielder		C. Dickerson
Starting Right Fielder	C. Hart		Backup Outfielder		B. Boggs
Starting Pitcher #1	Z. Greinke		Long Relief		M. Parra
Starting Pitcher #2	Y. Gallardo		Middle Relief #1		K. Loe
Starting Pitcher #3	S. Marcum		Middle Relief #2		L. Hawkins
Starting Pitcher #4	R. Wolf		Middle Relief #3		S. Green
Starting Pitcher #5	C. Narveson		Righthanded Setup		T. Saito
Closer	J. Axford		Lefthanded Setup		Z. Braddock
Nashville
Starting Catcher	M. Rivera		Backup Catcher		D. Buller
Starting First Baseman	M. Gamel
Starting Second Baseman	E. Farris		Backup Infielder		Z. Wheeler
Starting Third Baseman	T. Green
Starting Shortstop	E. Maysonet		Backup Utility/DH		E. Almonte
Starting Left Fielder	C. Gindl
Starting Center Fielder	L. Schafer		Backup Outfielder		C. Caufield
Starting Right Fielder	B. Katin
Starting Pitcher #1	A. Rivas		Long Relief		D. Johnson
Starting Pitcher #2	M. Rogers		Middle Relief #1		J. James
Starting Pitcher #3	M. Fiers		Middle Relief #2		M. McClendon
Starting Pitcher #4	T. Dillard		Middle Relief #3		R. Hinton
Starting Pitcher #5	J. Butler		Righthanded Setup		Z. Segovia
Closer	B. Kintzler		Lefthanded Setup		M. Stetter
Huntsville
Starting Catcher	M. Maldonado		Backup Catcher		S. McCraw
Starting First Baseman	S. Halton
Starting Second Baseman	M. Cline		Backup Infielder		A. Machado
Starting Third Baseman	H. Morris
Starting Shortstop	S. Miranda		Backup Utility/DH		C. Nowak
Starting Left Fielder	L. Haydel
Starting Center Fielder	E. Komatsu		Backup Outfielder		S. Wilson
Starting Right Fielder	Ke. Davis
Starting Pitcher #1	C. Scarpetta		Long Relief		D. Meadows
Starting Pitcher #2	W. Peralta		Middle Relief #1		M. Bowman
Starting Pitcher #3	A. Lamontagne		Middle Relief #2		D. Hand
Starting Pitcher #4	D. Merklinger		Middle Relief #3		M. Ramlow
Starting Pitcher #5	Je. Sanchez		Setup #1		R. Mercedes
Closer	C. Frerichs		Setup #2		L. Luetge
Brevard County
Starting Catcher	R. Neda		Backup Catcher		A. Stockfisch
Starting First Baseman	C. Dennis		Backup Catcher		S. Zarraga
Starting Second Baseman	S. Gennett
Starting Third Baseman	C. Dykstra		Backup Infielder		Ju. Sanchez
Starting Shortstop	J. Prince
Starting Left Fielder	S. Krieger		Backup Utility/DH		J. Paciorek
Starting Center Fielder	Kh. Davis
Starting Right Fielder	B. Kjeldgaard		Backup Outfielder		P. Fatse
Starting Pitcher #1	K. Heckathorn		Long Relief/Piggyback		E. Nieves
Starting Pitcher #2	M. Lasker		Long Relief/Piggyback		D. Howell
Starting Pitcher #3	N. Bucci		Middle Relief #1		D. Byrd
Starting Pitcher #4	H. Burgos		Middle Relief #2		R. Seidel
Starting Pitcher #5	T. Watten		Setup #1		A. Periard
Closer	J. Pokorny		Setup #2		B. Ritchie
Wisconsin
Starting Catcher	C. Garfield		Backup Catcher		B. Dean
Starting First Baseman	C. Hawn
Starting Second Baseman	S. Vucinich		Backup Infielder		N. Shaw
Starting Third Baseman	G. Hopkins
Starting Shortstop	C. George		Backup Utility/DH		M. Walker
Starting Left Fielder	J. Dishon
Starting Center Fielder	D. Richardson		Backup Outfielder		K. Allison
Starting Right Fielder	F. Romero		Backup Outfielder		R. Garvey
Starting Pitcher #1	E. Arnett		Long Relief/Piggyback		D. Krestalude
Starting Pitcher #2	T. Thornburg		Long Relief/Piggyback		T. Cravy
Starting Pitcher #3	M. Miller		Middle Relief #1		R. Almonte
Starting Pitcher #4	A. Ross		Middle Relief #2		E. Frederickson
Starting Pitcher #5	J. Nelson		Setup #1		E. Marzec
Closer	B. Garman		Setup #2		A. Jones

[Kricket755]

Kentrail staying away from Brevard in 2011 would be a welcome sight. The thing that sticks out here is Morris not only skipping Brevard County, but playing 3rd base. Reports have been mixed, but why not let him take chance at getting comfortable there. With Gamel no longer blocking there for the future, and Green & Dykstra potentially projecting at other positions, I would love to see it. I also think it would be wonderful to get 4 of those college arms from last years draft into the Wisconsin rotation. Hopefully that group develops nicely together to provide some starting pitching depth in the future. Even if it is expected, I generally get nervous when a guy is forced to repeat a level, but I am really excited to see Cam Garfield again at Appleton in 2011. Also, any chance Garfield and Tyler Roberts split time at Appleton with the other DHing some? I am sure they want the young cathers to get as much defensive work as possible, but Tyler's bat is ready to be tested.

[Tedaldtada]

Loving Schafer in AAA. I could see Haydl and Schafer switching spots, but I like it the way it is. Khris Davis in CF? That could get ugly, http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif.

[igor67]

Nashville's roster looks pretty good very deep in pitching prospects, and quite a few position guys worth at least keeping an eye on. I'd like to see Gamel in Milwaukee, but there's a decent argument for at least starting him at a new position full time in triple A (though I'm still partial to Hart moving to first and Gamel in RF). Brevard could be a little rough, since it is so heavy on position player prospects, and not as many (though still a decent group) of pitchers.

[TooLiveBrew]

Kentrail, Morris, & Komatsu would definitely have me checking the Huntsville box scores religiously. I agree with Kricket -- Morris at 3B would be interesting to see.

[And That]

There's a possibility that Dykstra will change positions yet again if the rosters are aligned like I have them, back to CF, because Khris Davis doesn't project there. There's also a possibility that Kh. Davis could end up in AA. Or both Davises could end up in Brevard. Who knows?

 

My guess is that if Morris plays third, he'll do it on a semi-regular basis. Nowak, Machado and Wilson are all also capable of playing third. Halton could also end up back at Brevard, if the Brewers give up on Morris at third.

 

I've read a few times now that the Brewers might start pushing their prospects a little harder than they have in the past, hence the generous promotions of Kentrail Davis and Logan Schafer. Also wouldn't be surprised to see one or two of Miller, Thornburg, Ross or Nelson in Brevard to open the season, with Heckathorn in AA.

[brewfan1]

Robert's has not had any of his game truely tested outside of Arizona. The bat sounds great, but sounds like another backstop that has difficulty moving because of his conditioning. I know his defensive skills are light years away from some of the others. I think Roberts will go to Helena. Neda was very late on the scene last year and will be under the microscope more than most this spring training. Neda also has not been tested at any level and we will just have to wait and see with him. Garfields offensive performance was middle of the road, but he truely impressed with his defensive skills and how he handled the pitching staff (which included calling the only no hitter in the entire system last season) as a 19 year old. Garfield will also have a chance to better his CS % in Brevard where the pitchers will be concentrating on holding the runners on better than they did in Wisconsin. Dean played in Helena and did pretty well, I think he will jump to Wisconsin and split time with (total guess because of age/maturity, Neda). I have attempted to stay up to date on the off season workouts of the catchers. While some are doing almost nothing, others have enlisted the help of fitness experts such as Todd Durkin (fitness quest 10) and are really putting an all or nothing effort into the off season preperation. Remember, a full season catcher does not have the same opportunity to work on the offensive side as do the other players. A catcher is with the pitching staff almost 90% of the time. Also, a catchers off season prep. is very important in regards to conditioning and nutritional plans for the up coming season. Remember, nobody, I mean nobody gets worked like the catchers do and the better shape you come into a season the better chance you will have maintaining throughout that season. The key is to do the off season work and then focus on good nutrition during the season to maintain/extend the results you have obtained during the off season.

[dadofandrew]

I see Scooter in AA, if not in April, by June/July. They're going to be aggressive with him now that Lawrie is gone, and that he's old for his experience. He'll move quick at 2B.

 

Garfield hit the ball hard every AB I saw last year. He has a short swing and looks good behind the plate (I don't think it'd be a stretch to say he looked better than Lucroy did when he first came up).

 

If they do not make the team, I'd look for Kintzler and McClendon to be in the AAA rotation.

[paul253]

Boy you really have to hope Milwaukee can avoid injuries this year. The Brewers bench looks awfully thin.

[LouisEly]

Thanks brewfan, seems like you may have some inside info? I find it odd that someone who was drafted/signed to play professional ball would not treat their offseason workouts like a professional. If I had a chance to play professionally I would put everything into it that I could.

 

While Hopkins had fewer errors, Walker led the team in OBP and was second in OPS and HRs to Hawn among those with a significant sample size. I think they will find a place for Walker to start somewhere.

[3Putt]

Is it a done deal that Gamel will be playing 1B this year? I agree with Igor67 that it may make more sense to move Hart to 1B next year. On paper he makes a huge target but if he reverts to his former lolligagging ways it could be more of a problem if he's in the infield. After years of throwing to Fielder the other infielders would feel like they only need to keep their throws in the 53214 zip code to get the out at 1B.

[docduany]

Gotta love the whole scene in Nashville. The rotation and bullpen have more names to follow than normal that's for sure! And the starting 8 minus SS all have big league potential. Should be a fun ride.

 

The Huntsville outfield will also be a highlight. Davis and Komatsu are exciting and I have a man crush on Haydel. I keep waiting for the Melvin "speed develops late" theory to kick in.

 

Thanks for the work Toby, always a great thread.

[brewfan1]

LouisEly,

I don't know what you consider inside info. to be, but I just know that if you truly want to find out what's happening with certain player's and are willing to take the time to make the connection's/association's, there's alway's someone who know's what's going on. Many player's treat off season in a less than serious manner. That's why they look slower, sloppier, and generally out of shape when spring training arrives. I know it dosen't seem possible, but mark my words, some players show up that way every spring. If you can make the time, travel to Arizona this spring training and you will definately see what I am referring to. If you can't, I am alway's there and will most certainly pass on the info.

[Kricket755]

I think the fact that fact that 1) the system has been injected with so many solid, quality college draftees, both bats and arms, as well as the fact that 2) none of these guys are elite prospects yet makes the guesswork as to where everyone will end up that much more exciting. It gives the organization the flexability to have some guys skip a level to really make the best fit for themselves and the players around them. And while none of these guys are elite, so many have been ultra-productive at the lower levels (expected of the college guys). For a guy like Erik Komatsu, who really hasn't entered onto the prosepect radar for many, he can hit all the way up through the minors without making any noise right on up to the point he becomes a solid ML player. There is nothing wrong with the slow progression that natuarlly comes with the development of a high school kids tools, but I sure am enjoying watching some of these polished college guys mash at the lower levels.

[colbyjack]

I see Scooter in AA, if not in April, by June/July. They're going to be aggressive with him now that Lawrie is gone, and that he's old for his experience. He'll move quick at 2B.

 

That is an interesting thought. Gennett, like Lawrie, debuted with Wisconsin after signing late the summer he was drafted. They put up similar numbers at a similar age and overall experience, and like Lawrie, Gennett has a cockiness about him that has helped him be so successful. Those parallels don't necessarily mean he will also be challenged to open the 2011 season, but it wouldn't surprise me.

 

As Toby has projected, I do hope Kentrail gets the bump to AA to open next year, basically picking up where he left off to open last season. If he can't make the adjustments to succeed at that level at his age and with his experience I fear he'll never be able to ultimately succeed.

 

Garfield hit the ball hard every AB I saw last year. He has a short swing and looks good behind the plate (I don't think it'd be a stretch to say he looked better than Lucroy did when he first came up).

 

I don't agree with you here. When I saw Garfield the first thing I wrote down was that he needed to shorten his swing and stay within himself. I give him a lot of credit for being the everyday catcher at such a young age for a relatively advanced group of arms, but he needs a lot of work. He's a good overall athlete, but he was overmatched in the MWL last year (and the Pioneer League the year before), and probably should have spent each of the last two seasons one level lower than where he actually was.

[cheezscott]

some other names at catcher that have been forgotten: Arlis, DeLaRosa, and Zarraga ...or are we just assuming theyll be cut in ST

[Mass Haas]

Recently in the Huntsville Times, this note on Hunter Morris --

 

Morris played 17 games in the Arizona Fall League, a spot for elite prospects, and worked at both first base and third base. Said Morris, "I'm going to spring training ready to play both."

[JohnBriggs12]

I really think McClendon easily makes the Milwaukee roster over Sean Green. Green is the reincarnation of Chris Spurling. Gives up a hit an inning, doesn't have good control and is over 30.

[And That]

some other names at catcher that have been forgotten: Arlis, DeLaRosa, and Zarraga ...or are we just assuming theyll be cut in ST

I noted in the intro that Arlis and Delarosa may likely make full-season clubs as a result of other injuries. And Arlis always seems to spend most of the year on the DL as an extra body.

 

Zarraga is in Brevard.

[dadofandrew]

McClendon has options. To keep him and another RP, all you have to do is send Mike to AAA.

[DHonks]

also, was it ever confirmed that Zarraga was switch hitting in 2010? One user mentioned it, but I've seen most writeups only mention him as a RH hitter and reference his AZ league production as a righty

[Tbadder]

Boy you really have to hope Milwaukee can avoid injuries this year. The Brewers bench looks awfully thin.

I couldn't agree more. There's also no pop off the bench. We really need Gamel to get back to raking. Because we're so thin every injury is going to be magnified. I hope Casey holds up. Of all our starters I think he's most likely to go down long term.

[YoungGeezy]

I think in a dream world these are some things I'd like to see by the end of the year if not the start:

 

Pitching

 

AAA

Peralta, Fiers, Lamontagne all see Nashville preferably earlier than later. Fiers and Lamontagne are older 26 and 25 this season and Brewers don't need to take it slow with them. Both have played very well in AA last season and could handle AAA fine. Peralta did well in AA during his 6 starts in AA last season I say start him in Huntsville, let him get going then call him up by May or June. Wooten if healthy should see plenty of AAA time and gets ready to fight for a September Call-up or a roster spot in 2012. I wouldn't mind to see Scarpetta be promoted if he is dealing towards the end of the season to get his feet wet.

 

AA

Heckathorn & Seidel in starting rotation to start the season. Anundsen makes an appearance at some point during the season depending when he is full health and has pitched a hand full of games in BC. Trey Watten is pitching in either pullpen or rotation

 

A+

At least one of the college arms shine in Wisconsin (Nelson, Thornburg, Miller, Ross, Keeling) and are promoted by midseason. (Have to figure one is going to run away from the pack like Heckathorn did this season) If Arnett finds his stuff this season a starts dealing in Wisconsin I'd like to see him promoted, if he pitches the way he is suppose to I wouldn't be surprised if they are aggressive with him and get him to Huntsville by seasons end. Fredrickson starts season here and if he fails he will be the next Cody Adams type cut. I think it is really sink or swim time for him. I could see someone like Chad Robinson making the roster to breack camp. (If healthy)

 

A

The three that I really want to see here at some point in the season is Lintz, Hall, and Keeling. Keeling has electric stuff...when he finds the strike zone, from what I read he is like 09's Del Howell. He will be 23 this season and hope that he shows enough to make the team. Brooks Hall is a no brainer, the soon the better with him. Lintz actually should improvement last season....until the 4th inning. Everytime i know he was pitching I would check box scores often and I was always so excited because he'd have 3IP 0,1, or 2 H 0ER Couple K's 0 BB and then I check back he would now be 4 IP With 6,7,8 H 4,5,6ER and 4 OR 5 BB and it was like clockwork every game.(Actually in the beginning of the season he was getting blown up early in games) I just keep hoping he will finally get over the hump and put together. If he sees Wisconsin at all that is a big step in the right direction

 

Hitters

 

AAA

Schaefer either starts or gets to Nashville relatively quick, M. Maldonado stars at catcher....thought enough of him to protect him, need a catcher (a prospect to go with one of the vets) Wouldn't mind to see Haydel at sometime. Wheeler either is starting at SS or an everyday UT guy (like Hall was early on for crew) Steffan Wilson turns it around this season while playing for Sound.

 

AA

Zarraga is starting catcher, The dream OF would be (LF-CF-RF) Khris Davis - Erik Komatsu - Kentrail Davis by the end of the season. Morris starts here and gets time at 1B/3B/OF. Josh Prince may have had a rough season but I still see him starting in AA. Brownstein comes back healthy and gets to AA early in season. Gennett at the end of season would be awesome.

 

A+

Garfield and Richardson start here and finish season here. (If Richardson is playing great I say leave him and be aggressive with him in 2012' if he looks like the player we hoped for) Cody Hawn at some point, hopefully playing 1B and 3B which he played the most in college.

 

A

Neda to start season but I would like to see Roberts at some point in the season. Max Walla is a person I would make sure I get to Appleton to watch, batting practice mostly, all the stories and tails of his power still excites me. Chad Stang would be nice if healthy

 

Those are just things I'd like to see happen this up coming season

[YoungGeezy]

Boy you really have to hope Milwaukee can avoid injuries this year. The Brewers bench looks awfully thin.

I couldn't agree more. There's also no pop off the bench. We really need Gamel to get back to raking. Because we're so thin every injury is going to be magnified. I hope Casey holds up. Of all our starters I think he's most likely to go down long term.

Yeah, Gamel is going to be very important this season along with Eric Farris. Outside of those two not sure if any other prospects could be ready to go up if needed. Green possibly, not sure if Schaefer could (doubt it at least until late), and noway I think Gindl could. Who knows Katin may actually get his shot.

 

[dadofandrew]

Counsell is one of the best utility infielders in the game. Dickerson is a solid 4th OF, especially when one takes into account his near minimum salary. No backup C is going to hit.

 

Hinske would have fit in nicely, without a doubt. However, still plenty of time to add a guy like him. Inglett had an outstanding '10, and was far from a heralded signing. Few 5th OF's hit a whole lot, though Boggs has raked at AAA and plays all 3 spots in the field.