John Sickels' review of the Brewers' system

[Mass Haas]

The minor league guru and author begins by asking for our input, hoping some of our minor league regulars chime in with their thoughts to help guide him.

[Mass Haas]

John didn't waste much time heading into "phase 2" of his analysis, so the comment list on the post above is brief but worthwhile.

 

As he's done for each organization thus far, his next step is to place an alphabetical list out there of the names he's considering.

 

At this point, he wants to see input with others he missed with your reasons why.

 

With other clubs, we've definitely seen John acknowledge those suggestions by posting within his site's thread to comment on your thoughts, so perhaps he'll do the same here.

[Mass Haas]

Sickels -- Milwaukee Brewers Top 20 Prospects for 2011

 

Fan comments included in link...

[TooLiveBrew]

I don't see anything that jumps out (aside from a notable misspelling later in the piece); seems like a pretty good overview of the system. Falls in line with the notion that the system has plenty of solid players, but not many potential stars.

 

Interesting to me (I have my doubts due to his size) that he seems to be so sold on Gennett:

 

7) Scooter Gennett, 2B, Grade B-: A very good hitter, needs to polish defense but could make a lot of noise in '11. Keep close track of him.

...

Trades tore the guts out of this system and there isn't much left. Rogers, Scarpetta, and Kentrail Davis are all capable of making an impact, but all three have significant questions as well. After that, you have a huge mass of guys who can be contributors but not stars or even regulars, or tools hounds who are very raw. One exception is Scooter Garrett, who I expect will sneak up on people this year

 

 

I was disappointed with his grade for Morris, but his comment made me feel better ("Plenty of power potential, but something makes me wonder if he'll fully live up to expectations. I might be underrating him.")

[Tedaldtada]

I thought Sickels was pretty fair. Rogers is a solid B/B+ for me, but I can see why he has him as a B-.

[CheezWizHed]

I can buy Scarpetta, Heckathorn, Rivas and Peralta as B- grades, but Rogers should be at least a B then. He is at a higher level with higher potential. Roger's control issues are no worse than Scarpetta's.

 

Offbeat question about Scarpetta: This is his last option year, isn't it? He has to be in the majors next year or DFAed, I think.

 

I also think he gave Komatsu and Schafer too low of grades. Both project as starting CF, IMO, but he seems to think they top out at a 4th OF. Komatsu in AA is going to open some eyes this year. I think he was kind of "hidden" at Brevard this year, with the FSL's power sapping humidity.

 

As for Schafer, the injury question was fair, but if healthy, he tops out at starting CF, not a 4th OF.

 

Granted, both at AA might limit Komatsu's exposure in CF. Any thoughts of bumping Schafer to AAA based on the AFL league results?

[Mass Haas]

Offbeat question about Scarpetta: This is his last option year, isn't it? He has to be in the majors next year or DFAed, I think.

When Scarpetta is optioned this spring, it will indeed be his third option executed. However, the Brewers have indicated in the past that they fully expect Scarpetta to be granted a 4th option based on his unique hand injury situation upon signing his first contract. Now whether MLB has officially awarded that 4th option year yet is unknown. We have chosen to show it as part of our 40-man roster page, where we list Scarpetta with two options remaining.

 

That being said, even having Scarpetta up for good as of April 2013 will be cutting it close.

[DHonks]

CheezWhizHed, I think it would be interesting to have both Schafer and Komatsu in AAA. I doubt it would happen, but if both can pan out, I don't see why both can't play. While neither has shown much power, they have plenty of speed, OBP, and good defense. In 2012 we might need Hart at 1b with these two manning RF and CF. It would raise the offense's OBP (at the expense of Prince's SLG) and would improve our defense at two positions. The only trick is that Gamel might be competition for 3b, 1b, or RF.

[CheezWizHed]

Mass thanks for the clarification on Scarpetta. I think I've heard that before... hopefully I remember it this time. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

 

I'd rather split Komatsu and Schafer so both can get reps at CF. Komatsu might hit enough for RF spot (especially if you need OBP and have a lot of power like we have now), but I'd still prefer to get him reps at CF then move him over to RF if his blocked. Its more likely only one of Schafer/Komatsu will pan out in the bigs, than both.

 

Come on Little Pine!

[bobbledude25]

"One exception is Scooter Garrett, who I expect will sneak up on people this year."

 

Scooter Garrett?

[reillymcshane]

I think Sickels is just fine on his reports.

 

Sure you could argue Rogers should be higher, but considering his injury history, limited track record (he has only pitched 200 innings the past 2 years) and his high walk rates, there are questions. There are lots of great, positive signs with Rogers too, but as I said, lots of questions. I think that guys like Sickels have learned to be conservative with guys with an injury history - not to mention the high walk rates.