BF.net Fan Community Top 25 Prospects - 2018 Mid-Season Edition

[reillymcshane]

#1 ( - ) Keston Hiura, 2B, age 22, AA Biloxi

1,088 points (34 1st place votes) - 44 of 44 ballots

 

I hit, therefore I am #1. Hiura has a .300 BA between A+ and AA ball. He has shown more power this year as well. He is progressing slowly but surely in the field. He can be streaky, and strikes out a little too much, but his bat will get him to the majors sooner than later.

 

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#2 ( - ) Corbin Burnes, RHP, age 23, Milwaukee Brewers

1,067 points (9 1st place votes) - 44 of 44 ballots

 

Burnes has emerged as a force in the Brewers bullpen this year with a 2.77 ERA and 14K in 13.1 innings. The front office has said that Burnes will move back to starting in 2019, and a successful stint in the pen will set him up to be an important member of the rotation next year. Assuming Burnes continues to play well for Milwaukee, he is likely to graduate from this list by year’s end.

 

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#3 (+10) Corey Ray, OF, age 23, AA Biloxi

967 points - 44 of 44 ballots

 

Ray’s bat has broken out in 2018 with 25 HRs and an .865 OPS this year. 62 of his 116 hits have gone for extra bases. He has also stolen 32 bases and only been caught 5 times. Ray has been streaky this year, and tends to strike out in bunches. His 28.5% strikeout rate and .257 BA show Ray still has holes in his game, but he is an excellent athlete with a good work ethic. His 10 spot jump was one of the highest in this year’s poll.

 

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#4 (+2) Tristen Lutz, OF, age 19, A- Wisconsin

904 points - 44 of 44 ballots

 

Lutz started the season poorly, but has a .822 OPS in the 2nd half. A big young man, Lutz takes his walk and hits the ball hard. Overall, his numbers are middling (.742 OPS, 12 HR), but he has shown improvement throughout his first full season of pro ball, flashing exceptional power potential.

 

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#5 (new) Brice Turang, SS, age 18, Helena

891 points - 43 of 44 ballots

 

The Brewers top pick in the 2018 draft has come out hitting. Between Arizona and Helena, Turang has hit .346 with stolen nine bases. He is also walking at a nice rate (16+%). Not a big guy, Turang projects at this time to hit for average, but there is some skepticism as to how much power he will develop on his wiry frame. He has been erratic in the field with nine errors in just 21 games at shortstop.

 

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#6 (new) Zack Brown, RHP, age 23, AA Biloxi

861 points - 44 of 44 ballots

 

Brown leapt into the top echelons of the BF.net Top 25 with an outstanding season, producing a 9-0 record, a 2.34 ERA, 108 strikeouts and 32 walks in 111.2 innings. Those are some sweet numbers. A right hander, Brown was an up-and-down performer in college, but started to show more consistency and results as a pro. An intense performer, Brown sports a three-pitch arsenal, but lacks an exceptional ‘out’ pitch. Unfortunately, Brown’s breakout season was interrupted by an ankle injury on July 23 and he has yet to return.

 

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#7 (+1) Lucas Erceg, 3B, age 23, AA Biloxi

845 points - 44 of 44 ballots

 

Erceg struggled early but has an .839 OPS in the 2nd half of the season. A left-handed hitter, Erceg’s numbers only hint at this raw power, which the Brewers hope will emerge in time. Going forward, Erceg needs to be a little more selective at the plate, and improve in the field. He has a strong arm, but he already has 22 errors this year at 3B.

 

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#8 (+3) Mauricio Dubon, 2B/SS, age 24, AAA Colorado Springs

749 points - 42 of 44 ballots

 

Fate was cruel to Mauricio Dubon this year. The young infielder was off to great year (.343 BA), but everything came to an end when he tore his ACL - ending his season. If Dubon had stayed healthy - and kept hitting - he probably would have replaced Orlando Arcia in Milwaukee. Tough luck. Dubon needs to come back healthy and ready to compete in 2019. A fine fielder, he has not hit for a lot of power in the past, so there are some questions as to his upside as a hitter.

 

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#9 (+8) Jacob Nottingham, C, age 23, AAA Colorado Springs

702 points - 44 of 44 ballots

 

After improving behind the plate over the last few years, Nottingham emerged as an offensive force in 2019 (albeit at hitter-friendly Colorado Springs) with 10 HRs and an .889 OPS. He even had a short stint in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, Nottingham has been on the DL a couple of times this year, limiting him to just 56 games played. The looming question is if Nottingham’s offense this year was strictly a product of the thin Colorado air - or if he has truly made big strides as a hitter.

 

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#10 (+14) Trey Supak, RHP, age 22, AA Biloxi

577 points - 43 of 44 ballots

 

Big right hander has quietly put together a solid season between A+ and AA - and making a big jump in our prospect poll. Supak has produced a 2.75 ERA while striking out 108 batters in 114.2 innings of work. While he has been inconsistent at times, he has emerged as a viable starter for the organization.

 

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#11 (+5) Troy Stokes, Jr., OF, age 22, AA Biloxi

527 points - 41 of 44 ballots

 

Stokes continues to do what he does. He hits about .250, has some pop, takes his walks, and steals some bases. Stokes has his warts - including a mediocre hit tool, a weak arm and a rising strikeout rate (28% this year). The young man does a lot of things right, and he should continue to step up the organization ladder.

 

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#12 (+8) Marcos Diplan, RHP, age 21, AA Biloxi

521 points - 41 of 44 ballots

 

After four years in the Brewer system, Diplan hasn’t changed much. He throws some heat, strikes out a lot of guys, but lacks command. This year, he has walked 62 batters in 100.1 innings, while striking out 99. His ERA is a respectable 3.86, but a WHIP of 1.62 isn’t good. For Diplan, it’s about finding consistency. He can be brilliant one day, then terrible the next.

 

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#13 (+1) Adrian Houser, RHP, age 25, AAA Colorado Springs

460 points - 38 of 44 ballots

 

Hard-throwing right-hander has had mixed results after missing most of last year due to Tommy John surgery. Houser sports a plus fastball and curve, and has shown the ability to miss bats, but has been hittable as well in 2018. He is still rounding into form, so his middling results shouldn’t be too concerning. He has gotten some time as a reliever in Milwaukee this season after serving as a starter in the minor leagues - although the organization has limited his innings.

 

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#14 (new) Payton Henry, C, age 21, A- Wisconsin

420 points - 39 of 44 ballots

 

Another newcomer to the Top 25. Henry has risen up the Brewer prospect ranks by displaying good power, a solid batting average and a strong arm behind the plate (he has thrown out 45% of runners trying to steal this year). The downside, however, is Henry's high strike out rate - 31.4%. Developing catchers is always a dicey affair, but Henry has shown a lot of promise in his third season.

 

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#15 ( - ) Jake Gatewood, 1B, age 22, AA Biloxi

412 points - 39 of 44 ballots

 

Gatewood was tapping into his enormous power with 19 HRs at Biloxi, but then tore his left ACL in July and is out for the remainder of 2018. Gatewood remains an intriguing, but still developing project. His long swing causes him to strike out too often, and he is inconsistent at the plate. However, the raw power is there. Not a particularly nimble or fast young man, let us hope that Gatewood’s knee injury doesn’t limit him going forward.

 

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#16 (new) Joe Gray, OF, age 18, Arizona Rookie

405 points - 37 of 44 ballots

 

The Brewers 2nd round pick in this year’s draft, Gray’s calling cards are power and a strong arm. Coming out of high school, there was some swing-and-miss concern about Gray, but scouts love his quick bat and strength. Early on, he has displayed a willingness to take a walk, drawing 16 free passes in his first 19 games. Expect some growing pains for Gray, but he is going to be fun to watch.

 

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#17 (new) Carlos Rodriguez, OF, age 17, DSL

306 points - 34 of 44 ballots

 

Signed for $1.335M as a 16-year old, Rodriguez sports plus speed, good defense and a developing bat. He has hit an impressive .325 in his debut this season in the Dominican Summer League. At only 150 pound, Rodriguez will need to grow into is frame, but he has the chance to be a plus hitter.

 

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#18 (-9) Trent Grisham, OF, age 21, Biloxi AA

287 points - 30 of 44 ballots

 

Grisham was one of the biggest droppers in our mid-season poll. The man takes his walks, but he continues to struggle with his batting average for the third year in a row. BF.net voters are growing weary of waiting for Grisham’s hitting to improve. You get the feeling that there is a plus hitter within Grisham - but the Brewers have struggled to get that player to emerge.

 

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#19 (new) Micah Bello, OF, age 18, Arizona Rookie

258 points - 35 of 44 ballots

 

A Competitive Balance B draft pick (73rd overall) this past summer, Bello is a fast, strong-armed outfielder from Hawaii. He has started out well in Arizona, displaying a penchant for taking a walk. He should develop more pop as he gets older.

 

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#20 (new) Caden Lemons, RHP, age 19, Helena

230 points - 30 of 44 ballots

 

The Brewers 2nd round pick in 2017, Lemons has been brought along slowly by the organization, only appearing in nine games thus far. A big (6’6”) right-hander, Lemons has a plus fastball, but will need to develop his secondary pitches.

 

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#21 (-2) Mario Feliciano, C, age 19, A+ Carolina

208 points - 28 of 44 ballots

 

A solid 2017 at Wisconsin made Feliciano was a hot commodity this past off-season. Unfortunately, Feliciano’s season has been marred by injuries, and he has only appeared in 35 games. Still only 19, fans and the organization will have to give a mulligan to Feliciano for 2018, and look forward to his returning to form next season.

 

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#22 (new) Quintin Torres-Costa, LHP, age 23, AAA Colorado Springs

197 points - 30 of 44 ballots

 

A 35th round pick by Milwaukee out of Hawaii in 2015, Torres-Costa has put up some huge strikeout numbers (269K in 205.2 IP in his career) as a reliever in the system. 2018 has been the left-hander's finest season, producing a 1.45 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 43.1 innings between Biloxi and Colorado Springs. At worst, Torres-Costa should get a shot as a lefty relief specialist in the Big Leagues.

 

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#23 (new) Aaron Ashby, P, age 20, A- Wisconsin

196 points - 29 of 44 ballots

 

The Brewers 4th round pick in 2018, Ashby, a left hander, put up huge numbers playing for Crowder Junior College (156K in 74.2 IP and a 2.29 ERA). Ashby throws a good fastball and curveball, but scouts say he will need to work on his control. He is the nephew of former major leaguer Andy Ashby.

 

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#24 (-12) Cody Ponce, RHP, age 24, AA Biloxi

187 points - 29 of 44 ballots

 

Ponce looked like he was ready to turn a corner after ending 2017 on a high note. He was healthy and on track. 2018 has, however, not gone as planned. Ponce has been inconsistent, and his 4.60 ERA is almost one and a half runs more than last season. While Ponce has the tools to be a back-of-the-rotation starter, it is possible that he is shifted to the bullpen to minimize his below average changeup and mediocre control.

 

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#25 (new) Chad McClanahan, 1B/3B, age 20, A- Wisconsin

112 points - 23 of 44 ballots

 

After struggling his first two years as a pro, McClanahan blossomed into a middle-of-the-order bat in his second go around at Helena in 2018, hitting for power and averages (.923 OPS). Due to his superior play, McClanahan was recently promoted from Helena to Wisconsin.

 

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The rest

 

Pablo Abreu - 86 points

Je’Von Ward - 78 points

Nathan Kirby - 77 points

Demi Orimoloye - 65 points

Cam Roegner - 55 points (also received a 1st place vote)

Braden Webb - 49 points

Michele Vassalotti - 49 points

Larry Ernesto - 49 points

Nick Ramirez - 48 points

Tyrone Taylor - 40 points

David Fry - 38 points

Leugim Castillo - 38 points

Phil Bickford - 26 points

Bubba Derby - 18 points

Dallas Carroll -16 points

KJ Harrison - 16 points

Nate Off - 16 points

Luis Aviles - 14 points

Cody Beckman - 14 points

Cooper Hummel - 11 points

Carlos Herrera - 10 points

Dylan Moore - 10 points

Jake Hager - 9 points

Yeison Coca - 8 points

Weston Wilson - 7 points

Aaron Wilkerson - 7 points

Drew Rasmussen - 7 points

Max Lazar - 6 points

Branlyn Jaraba - 6 points

Eduarqui Fernandez - 6 points

Andres Melendez - 5 points

Edwin Sano - 5 points

Wade Beasley - 4 points

Devin Williams - 4 points

Joantel Segovia - 4 points

Jesus Chirinos - 4 points

Dantel Ramirez - 2 points

Wildred Salaman - 2 points

Blake Lillis - 2 points

Justin Jarvis - 2 points

Clayton Andrews - 2 points

Jolon Lun - 2 points

Christian Taugner - 2 points

Jorge Ortega - 2 points

Jon Olczak - 2 points

Jess Williams - 1 point

Zach Clark - 1 point

Gilbert Lara - 1 point

Alwinson Valdez - 1 point

 

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All ages and statistics quoted are as of August 12, 2018.

 


Full voting thread: viewtopic.php?f=64&t=37210

[reillymcshane]

Thanks to everyone who participated in our latest Top 25 poll.

 

Here are some stats and numbers for this poll:

 

Gone the Top 25: Perrin (trade), Phillips (trade), Harrison, Bickford, Carmona (trade), Medeiros (trade), T. Williams (graduated), Peralta (graduated), Ortiz (trade), Woodruff (graduated)

Newcomers to Top 25: Turang, Z. Brown, McClanahan, P. Henry, J. Gray, Bello, Torres-Costa, Lemons, C. Rodriguez

Number of ballots: 44

Number of players on ballots: 74

Mr. Irrelevant (1 point): Jess Williams, Zack Clark, Gilbert Lara (two polls in a row!), and Alwinson Valdez

Risers: Supak, Brown, Ray, Nottingham, Diplan

Fallers: Bickford, Grisham, KJ Harrison, Ponce

Players who may graduate from Prospectland by end of the year: Burnes, Houser

 

Please know that all write ups are my own observations and opinions.

 

If you see any mistakes, please let me know. Sometimes autocorrect will trick me. Or I’ll cut and paste something incorrectly. Other times I just mess something up. I will update as needed.

[reillymcshane]

Notes from the Poll

 

The clear, top two players were Keston Hiura and Corbin Burnes. One other player, Cam Roegner, got a #1 vote, but for the most part, it was Hiura and Burnes at the top of the poll.

 

With all the graduations and trades, a lot of new players moved into the Top 25. It was actually pretty hard for a player to drop down - and the players that did fall significantly have generally had pretty bad seasons or been injured or both.

 

We had 74 players named on the ballot - a reflection of all the talent that has graduated and been traded, plus a growing awareness of some of the younger players - including guys in the DSL. But on the whole, all the open spots just made it so that people had to dig deeper to fill out their ballot.

[FVBrewerFan]

Notes from the Poll

 

The clear, top two players were Keston Hiura and Corbin Burnes. One other player, Cam Roegner, got a #1 vote, but for the most part, it was Hiura and Burnes at the top of the poll.

 

With all the graduations and trades, a lot of new players moved into the Top 25. It was actually pretty hard for a player to drop down - and the players that did fall significantly have generally had pretty bad seasons or been injured or both.

 

We had 74 players named on the ballot - a reflection of all the talent that has graduated and been traded, plus a growing awareness of some of the younger players - including guys in the DSL. But on the whole, all the open spots just made it so that people had to dig deeper to fill out their ballot.

 

Thanks for the hard work, especially this time- it must have taken a while!

 

Yes, I know I had more DSL/AZL/HEL guys in my Top 25 than ever before. It's hard to justify Diplan at #12, Houser at #13, Grisham at #18, or Ponce on the list at all. But we had to put somebody in those spots.

 

Next year is going to be huge, because right now the system is far from top-heavy, and most of the depth is unproven lower minors guys. Really need a few of them to jump on the scene in a big way.

 

Then it would be nice if we got a couple pleasant surprises like Kirby, Bickford, Tyrone Taylor, etc. Not necessarily those guys in particular but just players with talent that have been around and maybe it finally comes together for them.

[JosephC]

I've gone through the minor league systems over the last couple weekends and tentatively rank the Brewer's system at #23. I had the Brewers with 16 "top 10 organizational prospects" or better prior to the Cordell trade, and currently would have them with only 7. I don't think there is nearly the depth present as some like to credit them with, and the "top 100" group will be Hiura and nobody else when Burnes graduates. And when Burnes does graduate, the Brewers will likely be near the bottom when it comes to pitching prospects. The Giants would be worse, the kind of win this going away IMO. Mariners would be right there, the Sam Carlson injury did not help them. Boston would be there, they have many pitchers listed high but that's a weak farm system and the Groome injury really hurts. KC added some nice pitchers in this draft including Brady Singer, they will have moved ahead of the Brewers when speaking strictly about pitching prospects (but would still be behind the Brewers when looking at the overall system). Cubs...I like Lange and Marquez has gotten some really good reviews lately, they've probably moved ahead of the Brewers when just looking at pitching. Brewers very likely a bottom five system in terms of pitching when Burnes graduates, not really a surprise considering all of Stearns biggest investments have been hitters.

[SomewhereInTime]

My one regret is I just bricked on Payton Henry. Im not 100% sure Id have him top 25 but I at least should've included him in extras. I wanted him and rob henry at least mentioned, but I think when I added Rob I just mentally crossed them both off.

[CheeseheadInQC]

It's interesting that that many players were mentioned at least on one ballot, but there are at least a few interesting players left off the list, be it Thomas Jankins (struggled skipping a level, but the Brewers kept him in the rotation even when it got overcrowded, and he's done a better job of limiting base runners lately), Reese Olson (fifth highest bonus given to a Brewers draft pick this season) or Bowden Francis (might just be me on this one, but I still have hope for him).

 

Also, I'm predicting Pablo Abreu makes a Zack Brown-type jump into the top 10 by this time next year. I have a feeling that one of the three main Helena outfielders breaks out at Wisconsin next season, and my bet is it's him.

[JosephC]

Only real disagreement I have with the list is that Cody Ponce is too low. Not really sure why the Brewers have him pitching so much out of the bullpen lately? He had one blow-up start in May but other than that had been doing pretty good out of the rotation. When he got moved out of the rotation his ERA was 4.68, but take out the one bad start and he had a 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Since that time he's struggled but not as bad as the 4.60 ERA indicates. Has a 2.5 K/BB ratio, opposing hitters batting .255 against him, allowing 1.05 HR/9 which isn't a bad number and that covers the entire season so far. His worst number is the 4.60 ERA, rest of the peripherals look pretty solid. He's a big guy that throws 4 pitches and there is some refinement needed there but I think he's pretty much right on schedule. IMO he's easily in the top 20 (I had him at #14 on my list).

[And That]

I think I called Carlos Rodriguez a top 20 talent for this list last year, and that worked out so let's do another BOLD PREDICTION FOR NEXT YEAR:

 

Andres Melendez will be in the top 20.

[And That]

Also, I'm predicting Pablo Abreu makes a Zack Brown-type jump into the top 10 by this time next year. I have a feeling that one of the three main Helena outfielders breaks out at Wisconsin next season, and my bet is it's him.

I *really* like Pablo Abreu. Quick hands, decent and improving eye at the plate, surprising sock for his size, can play CF well and has more than enough arm there. There's not an outstanding tool there, but he's an across the board impressive talent.

[And That]

I've seen Ponce pitch maybe a dozen times over the past few years and I have to say, not once have I come away from an outing of his with a "wow" feeling. He throws strikes, but often at the cost of throwing good pitches, if that makes sense. He grooves too many pitches. If he can't improve command/intent on his pitches, he might be better off out of the bullpen where is velocity would play back up to where it was a few years ago.

[nate82]

Abreu has matured a lot since he was first signed with the Brewers. The plate discipline wasn't there previously and he was an all or nothing hitter or at least that is what the scouting reports say. I haven't seen any newer scouting reports on Abreu but if he continues to show the plate discipline he has he could rocket up the charts next year.

 

Another player to watch out for is Je'Von Ward. He improved his plate discipline a bit this year also (22 walks) compared to last year (9 walks). The only thing that worries me about Ward is that he needs to develop some more power and he needs to continue to walk as last year he struck out 39 times in 32 games. Ward has been doing better in the strikeout category this year though he still needs to improve.

 

Next years Wisconsin OF should be interesting with Ward and Abreu out there. I am not sure who takes CF but both could be destined for corner OF spots I'll give the edge to Ward in staying in CF over Abreu long term.

[LouisEly]

The biggest surprise for me among those who did not get one vote was Conor Harber. Cumulative line for 2018 is 2.11 ERA, 102 IP, 73 H, 45 BB, 84 K, only 4 HR. Not a top-10 guy by any stretch of the imagination, walks definitely high but his BB rate and WHIP have been decreasing every month and I thought those numbers would sneak him in the back end of a few lists. I had him at #29.

 

I definitely give more weight to guys closer to the majors, even if it's a likely bench/reliever role. Seen too many HS draft picks and Latin American signings not even make AA. Gray, Bello, Lemons, Carlos Rodriguez, Larry Ernesto, E. Fernandez, Jaraba, Garcia... some of those guys will flame out in A-ball.

 

Biggest jumps next year - Braden Webb and Conor Harber.

[LouisEly]

My one regret is I just bricked on Payton Henry. Im not 100% sure Id have him top 25 but I at least should've included him in extras. I wanted him and rob henry at least mentioned, but I think when I added Rob I just mentally crossed them both off.

Gotta admit... Rob Henry was a bit of a head-scratcher.

[And That]

I am not sure who takes CF but both could be destined for corner OF spots I'll give the edge to Ward in staying in CF over Abreu long term.

By my eyes Abreu is the superior defender, and by some margin.

 

Anecdotally, Ward has 4 innings in CF this summer, Abreu has 296. Abreu has more innings in RF as well.

[CheeseheadInQC]

The biggest surprise for me among those who did not get one vote was Conor Harber. Cumulative line for 2018 is 2.11 ERA, 102 IP, 73 H, 45 BB, 84 K, only 4 HR. Not a top-10 guy by any stretch of the imagination, walks definitely high but his BB rate and WHIP have been decreasing every month and I thought those numbers would sneak him in the back end of a few lists. I had him at #29.

 

I definitely give more weight to guys closer to the majors, even if it's a likely bench/reliever role. Seen too many HS draft picks and Latin American signings not even make AA. Gray, Bello, Lemons, Carlos Rodriguez, Larry Ernesto, E. Fernandez, Jaraba, Garcia... some of those guys will flame out in A-ball.

 

Biggest jumps next year - Braden Webb and Conor Harber.

 

Wow, I thought I remembered someone voting for Harber, but I guess not (I think I was the only one who had him higher on my listed also-rans than you did, No. 28). Ever since he got to high-A he's been consistently inconsistent, but his last five starts have been both excellent but also consistent in how he's being successful. It makes me hopeful that he has turned a corner.

 

I hope you're right on Webb, too. I'm still high on him, but thus far he seems to be always on the verge of a breakout that never actually arrives. If it does next year, I think you're right; he'll move up fast.

[molitor fan]

I got busy and did not do my own list, which I will still do at some point...my biggest deviation from the list is Braden Webb, who I have see live and was impressed by...his stuff is very good and he sustained mid 90's deep into the game with filthy breaking pitch.....I have him at around 12 overall and he is 31 here

[SomewhereInTime]

My one regret is I just bricked on Payton Henry. Im not 100% sure Id have him top 25 but I at least should've included him in extras. I wanted him and rob henry at least mentioned, but I think when I added Rob I just mentally crossed them both off.

Gotta admit... Rob Henry was a bit of a head-scratcher.

 

He's shown a really good eye at the plate, obp of .399 right now with as many walks as strikeouts. I don't think he's top 25 but I did rank 69 prospects, he should be in there. Instead I had him 26th where I meant to put the other Henry.

[SomewhereInTime]

The biggest surprise for me among those who did not get one vote was Conor Harber. Cumulative line for 2018 is 2.11 ERA, 102 IP, 73 H, 45 BB, 84 K, only 4 HR. Not a top-10 guy by any stretch of the imagination, walks definitely high but his BB rate and WHIP have been decreasing every month and I thought those numbers would sneak him in the back end of a few lists. I had him at #29.

 

I definitely give more weight to guys closer to the majors, even if it's a likely bench/reliever role. Seen too many HS draft picks and Latin American signings not even make AA. Gray, Bello, Lemons, Carlos Rodriguez, Larry Ernesto, E. Fernandez, Jaraba, Garcia... some of those guys will flame out in A-ball.

 

Biggest jumps next year - Braden Webb and Conor Harber.

 

I definitely agree with the part about the DSL guys. Our lower minors is littered with DSL guys who can't hit or pitch. Overall, since re-opening the academy, the success rate has been incredibly low in getting any of them near the majors.

[Austin Tatious]

This is great. We all appreciate the effort from Reilly. Kudos to all the participants. It looks like a rational list. I was surprised that I think my top 9 picks match, or at the least come very close, to our cumulative top nine. That's kind of fluky.

[Austin Tatious]

I've gone through the minor league systems over the last couple weekends and tentatively rank the Brewer's system at #23. I had the Brewers with 16 "top 10 organizational prospects" or better prior to the Cordell trade, and currently would have them with only 7. I don't think there is nearly the depth present as some like to credit them with, and the "top 100" group will be Hiura and nobody else when Burnes graduates. And when Burnes does graduate, the Brewers will likely be near the bottom when it comes to pitching prospects. The Giants would be worse, the kind of win this going away IMO. Mariners would be right there, the Sam Carlson injury did not help them. Boston would be there, they have many pitchers listed high but that's a weak farm system and the Groome injury really hurts. KC added some nice pitchers in this draft including Brady Singer, they will have moved ahead of the Brewers when speaking strictly about pitching prospects (but would still be behind the Brewers when looking at the overall system). Cubs...I like Lange and Marquez has gotten some really good reviews lately, they've probably moved ahead of the Brewers when just looking at pitching. Brewers very likely a bottom five system in terms of pitching when Burnes graduates, not really a surprise considering all of Stearns biggest investments have been hitters.

 

Thanks for sharing your perspective. You're knowledgeable, so it's nice to see a fair, unvarnished assessment.

 

I think you may be right but I do have optimism. I think in a few years, we could have injected the MLB roster with Ray, Lutz, Hiura, Turang, and perhaps a couple of the catchers (say, 2 out of Nottingham, Feliciano, and Henry) and maybe even Erceg. That's a considerable injection of talent. The crew from the aughts did not have the benefit of much talent infusion after the first wave (you could consider Lucroy perhaps).

 

As injuries and age crop up on our current nucleus, it would be nice to inject this kind of juice into our lineup.

 

Then, you have a number of promising young and precocious talents where some with high ceilings may put it together to provide even more, when you look at Rodriguez, Melendez, Abreu, Ward, and some others.

 

As for pitching, I like Zach Brown and Ashby and perhaps Supak. But, the pitching depth down the line may need a boost. I would not put it at the same level as the position players, a group I am bullish on. I hope at some point, the Brewers can add some more high upside pitching talent.

 

Every year, we will likely trade off some minor leaguers but I hope the bulk of these guys stay with us to continually inject new blood onto the roster. I think that's important. I would not be suprised to see Stearns trade off some assets for a big piece like Syndergaard or Degrom, or someone with high upside that we have not discussed. That's a good strategy and we can still have some talent that can be added to the roster.

[nate82]

I am not sure who takes CF but both could be destined for corner OF spots I'll give the edge to Ward in staying in CF over Abreu long term.

By my eyes Abreu is the superior defender, and by some margin.

 

Anecdotally, Ward has 4 innings in CF this summer, Abreu has 296. Abreu has more innings in RF as well.

 

I see it in the opposite direction where Abreu looks more like a corner OF and Ward is more of a CF. Both will more than likely be moved to the corners. I like Abreu's arm more so I think he can handle RF which increases his value where I think Ward is either a CF or a LF. If Ward gets any bigger he definitely won't be a CF and will need to move to LF. I think Ward needs to get bigger as he needs to develop some more power as is evident in his current slash line. If Ward can find some more power you have two very similar players offensively.

 

Pablo Abreu slash line

.266 / .370 / .475 / .845

 

Je'von Ward slash line

.308 / .394 / .408 / .802

[LouisEly]

The lower levels of the minors are definitely barren for pitching, but the Brewers have some assets to trade to help replenish the farm system. Next year the Brewers have Nelson, Anderson, Chacin, Davies, Guerra, Burnes, Peralta, Woodruff, and Houser competing for starting spots with Brown and Supak another year away. They could trade two of Anderson/Chacin/Guerra and get a decent prospect haul in return and still have seven guys competing with two more in AAA.

 

Say they traded Anderson and Guerra, the rotation could still look like Nelson/Chacin/Davies/Burnes/Woodruff with Houser as a swingman/long relief and have Peralta/Brown/Supak in AAA.

[molitor fan]

Brewers are well above 23rd....

[And That]

The lower levels of the minors are definitely barren for pitching

Strongly disagree.