The Milwaukee Brewers will kick off their season on April 6 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. A lot is unclear as the team tries to bounce back from a devastating playoff loss at the hands of the very same Cardinals. I for one believe that if Milwaukee can develop chemistry and weather the Ryan Braun steroid issue, they could just be World Series Champions come October. Below is a preview of the Starting Pitchers, Relief Pitchers, Catchers, Infielders, and Outfielders that will start Spring Training for the Brew Crew:
Starting Pitchers: Yovani Gallardo may be in line to contend for a Cy Young Award this season as a co-ace of the Brewers staff. Gallardo is coming off a 2011 campaign that saw him go 17-10 to accompany his first 200+ inning season (207.1) and third consecutive 200 strikeout season (207 in 2011, 200 in 2010, and 204 in 2009). His 3.52 was a career best for the young ace.
Brewers co-ace Yovani Gallardo (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)
Joining Gallardo as co-ace is former Kansas City Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke. Greinke looks to put up a similar season as 2011 (16-6 3.83 ERA). Shaun Marcum (13-7 3.54 ERA) will once again be a solid third starter. Randy Wolf (13-10 3.69 ERA) and Chris Narveson (11-8 4.45 ERA) round out the unit. Milwaukee should have one of the better starting 5 in the National League, though they probably will not contend with the likes of Philadelphia or Atlanta. Minor Leaguer Wily Peralta could also be in the starting 5, however this is unlikely due to the depth of the rotation and the fact that the starter he’d push out (Narveson) is a left-hander (Peralta is a right-hander).
Relief Pitchers: John Axford (46 Saves, 1.95 ERA) returns as one of the games most dominant closers. Along with 8th inning man Francisco Rodriguez (1.86 ERA in 31 games with the Brewers) , Axford contributes to one of (if not) the best 8,9 combos in the game. The Brewers should win multiple games for this reason alone. With the losses of Takashi Saito and LaTroy Hawkins, the rest of the Brewers bullpen is undermanned, but look for starter turned reliever Manny Parra to fill in that 7th inning void if he can overcome his injury battles that cost him all of last season.
Catchers: Jonathan Lucroy is back as one of the games best young catchers. Look for another solid year of contribution by this defensive stud. George Kottaras should be back as the Brewers number two and personal catcher to Randy Wolf.
Infielders: The elephant in the Brewers room is that of the departure of Prince Fielder. Admittedly there is no sure fill in for the big man, but the Brewers are much improved around the rest of the infield. Aramis Ramirez should be a mammoth improvement all the way around at third from Casey McGehee. Also Alex Gonzalez should provide similar offensive numbers to Yuniesky Betancourt with much improved defense. Second Baseman Rickie Weeks returns to try and add another fantastic season to his record.
Outfielders: Ryan Braun, the reigning MVP, joins Corey Hart and a host of center fielders on the Brewers roster. Nyjer Morgan, the hold-over starter in center, will be pushed by Carlos Gomez as well as newly acquired 3 time Japanese batting champion Norichika Aoki. I personally believe Aoki will win the job sometime in the coming season.
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