Brewers 3/5/03

Latest Team Information:

Finishing up the first week of Spring Training the Brewers are calmly sitting at 3-4 in the Cactus League. Two wins against the Cubs, and one win against the Angels along with two losses against the Athletics, one loss against the Angels, and one loss against the Mariners. At this point, 3-4 is very good for the Brew Crew. A new manager, a new way of playing the game is difficult to grasp. But, because of the play of some new guys like Scott Podsednik and John Vander Wal as well as some Minor League loaners like Cristian Guerrero, the Brewers are looking strong.

Dave Mlicki seems to be the lone cast out. He has played terrible thus far this Spring. He is in the battle for the 4th and 5th rotation spots and it doesn't look good for him. Todd Richie, Matt Kinney, as well as Ruben Quevedo are playing above him and could possibly steal both spots. Mlicki's last outing saw five earned runs flash on the scoreboard in his three innings of work. Brewers fans should be cautious about being a fan of this man possibly becoming a starter.

Matt Kinney pitched two scoreless innings in relief during Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Mariners and is distinguishing himself as a serious contender for one of two open spots in the Brewers rotation. The right-hander worked on a 50-pitch limit and allowed two hits and struck out one. "All you're doing now is really analyzing and deciding if someone hit a good pitch or a bad pitch," Kinney said. "If he hits a good pitch you feel OK about it. That's the big thing we're talking about now."
On a sad note, Brewers minor league pitcher Augustine Ozorede died over the weekend in a car accident outside of his home in Ilorin, Nigeria.

The 18-year old right-hander signed with the Brewers on May 8, 2002 as a non-drafted free agent. Ozorede and catcher Gbenga Olayemi were signed the same day and became the first-ever Brewers players signed from Nigeria. Ozorede was expected to attend the Brewers extended Spring Training program in Arizona in April.

"We are saddened by the loss of Augustine Ozorede," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "Our condolences go out to the Ozorede family."

Prince Fielder was reassigned to minor league camp. The Brewers' No. 1 pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft saw action in four Cactus League games and was hitless in four at-bats.

Local Perspective:

Additions during 2002 Offseason...

SS Royce Clayton -- The man who never felt at peace with the fans of Chicago. Hey, we got a Brewers fan's mindset right there. You come to Milwaukee, you make sure you don't like Chicago. He was Melvin's first notable Free Agent signing, This addition could prove a lot about Melvin's ability to find replacements at each position to upgrade a team. This addition, could tell a lot about the credibility of Doug Melvin and the moves that he makes to build a winning franchise.

3B Wes Helms -- Will get some playing time at third, and will also back-up Richie Sexson at First Base. I have been skeptical of this move to add Helms since it happened. Will he play the way he was thought to have played in Atlanta with extensive at-bats? If he can't then Keith Ginter will have to step up because, I don't think the Brewers are in any situation to screw around with someone that hasn't reached their ability level.

OFs John Vander Wal, Brady Clark, and Scott Podsednik -- This trio will compete most likely for two roster spots. The Brewers desperately need to find which two of the three can step up to the plate and play great when expected. Since Jenkins and Sanchez are coming off of injury, you can't be too careful about your back-ups. I give the nod to John Vander Wal and Brady Clark making it.

RHPs Todd Ritchie and Dave Mlicki -- I like Todd Richie. I think that he truely can bounce back from whatever made him horrible last season. Mlicki on the other hand is a fifth starter at best and will probably flip between the rotation and the bullpen all season.

RHP Matt Kinney -- Acquired in Melvin's first trade. Kinney struggled with an arm injury but finished the season strong for the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, winning three clinching games on the way to a minor league championship. With the Brewers, he'll compete for a spot in the rotation.

RHP Chuck Smith -- Coming off "Tommy John" surgery, the former Marlin will have to fight for a spot on the roster.

Cs Javier Valentin, Cody McKay, Eddie Perez, Keith Osik, and Joe Lawrence -- Valentin was a Triple-A All-Star last season and has the most powerful bat of the group, but Machado knows the Brewers pitchers best. Former Brave Eddie Perez used to be Greg Maddux's personal catcher; now Greg's brother Mike is Milwaukee's pitching coach. I like Valentin and Perez to be the two that fight for a roster spot.

Returning from injury

LF Geoff Jenkins -- Is he the offensive key to the Brewers? He very well may. He has shown exactly how he can play when healthy. The problem is, staying healthy. The only thing on his resume that is good, I hate to be graphic but, all of the injuries that he sustained were "freak injuries." How is this an upside? It means that he isn't injurying himself naturally, it isn't one particular thing that is giving him trouble throughout a season due to playing. They have all been caused by just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. That could be the blessing in disguise for having a healthy season this year.

CF Alex Sanchez -- Sanchez had a metal plate and five screws implanted into his ankle after suffering a broken bone last September. He says a winter of rehab could have made him even faster then he was in 2002, when he stole 37 bases in 112 games.

(Three Simple Questions, No Simple Answers)

1) Where are the Brewers solid? You can make a case for a couple of positions that are solid on the team. The Bullpen, the Outfield, and First Base. Are they solid though? On paper, yes. But, that is on paper. The outfield is one giant injury waiting to happen. If all three outfielders stay healthy then we will have ourself a strong point there. The bullpen has been the Brewers solid point for a few years now. Back to the Mike Fetters, Doug Jones, and Bob Wickman era. It will remain the same but, it needs more positions to be solid in order to carry this team anywhere. At first, Richie Sexson doesn't miss many games as it is. But, if he does, you do have Wes Helms backing him up.

2) Where will run support for Ben Sheets, Glendon Rusch, and the other rotation men come from? Tough question. A healthy Geoff Jenkins, Richie Sexson, Alex Sanchez, and Eric Young really give the Brewers a solid 1-4 in the lineup. But, if you look at the bottom of the order, Hammonds, Helms, Machado or whoever of the six catchers we have at the time is pretty sad. There is no balance. When there is no balance the team offense is bunched up in one side of the order. The sad thing is that our offense could be so much better if we would have kept what we had a few years ago and mixed them in with todays players.

3) Is our farm system any better then it was a year ago? Yes it is. Not a lot better but, it is gradually rising. Prince Fielder, Javier Valentin, J.M Gold, and others are making it pretty good. Some have had injuries but, when healthy they are potent.

Brewers Minor League Report:

In this report I will be going over many Prospects that have a chance at hitting the Majors in the future. Maybe not this year, in fact most of them will be in the Minors for a couple more but, for the future these are some names that you need to know. A brief analysis will be made on each of them. Comparisons assisted by Beckett WITH permission.

OF Tom Carrow:

Drafted in the 37th round in 2000 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he hit .263-7-35 in 270 AB's at Class A Beloit. In 2003 he will play in High Class A. In the future, he could become a decent fourth Outfielder. He is best compared to Bubba Trammell.

OF Nic Carter:

Drafted in the 4th round in 2002 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he hit .278-2-30 with 8 SB in 209 AB's at Rookie-level Ogden. In 2003 he will play a full season in Class A. In the future, he could become a decent reserver outfielder. He is best compared to Derek Bell.

SS Dionys Cesar:

Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Athletics in 1993. Signed by the Brewers as a free agent in 2000. In 2002 he hit .257-6-38 in 479 AB's at Triple A Indianapolis. In 2003 he will once again play in Triple A. In the future, he could become a decent reserve shortstop. He is best compared to Enrique Wilson.

P Matt Childers:

Drafted in the 9th round in 1997 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he was 2-5 with a 4.29 ERA and had 12 saves at Double-A and Triple-A. He also had some time with the Major League Club. In 2003 he will be back in Triple-A. He has inconsistent control but could become a solid set-up man. He is best compared to LaTroy Hawkins.

P Jason Durocher:

Drafted in the 9th round in 1993 by the Montreal Expos. Signed by the San Diego Padres in 1999 as a Free Agent. Signed by the Texas Rangers in 2000 as a Free Agent. Signed by the Milwaukee brewers in 2001 as a Free Agent. In 2002 he was 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA with 44 K's in 48 IP for Milwaukee. In 2003 he will be in the Brewers bullpen. He will hold a set-up role. He is best compared to Ryan Franklin.

1B Prince Fielder:

Drafted in the 1st round in 2002 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he batted .326-13-51 in 258 AB's at Ogden and Class A Beloit. He will play Class A ball in 2003. In the future, he will be a decent cleanup hitter with a good average. He is best compared to his father, Cecil Fielder, only with more walks.

3B Ryan Gripp:

Drafted in the 3rd round in 1999 by the Chicago Cubs. Traded to the Brewers for Paul Bako in 2002. In 2002 he hit .232-10-49 in 380 AB's at Double-A West Tenn. In 2003 he will be back in Double-A, possible promotion to AAA. In the not so distant future he could be playing 3B for the Brewers. He is best compared to Scott Brosius.

1B Corey Hart:

Drafted in the 11th round in 2000 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he hit .283-24-99 with 27 SB between Class-A High Desert and Double-A Huntsville. In 2003 he will be promoted to Triple-A. He plays 1B as his natural position but, over the last year, he has been tried at 3B. He is best compared to Richie Sexson.

P Luis Martinez:

Signed by the Brewers in 1996 as an undrafted free agent. In 2002 he was 8-8 with a 5.20 ERA and 106 K's in 109IP at Double-A Huntsville. He will be promoted to Triple-A in 2003. He can be a good Situational Lefty for the major league club out of the bullpen in the future. He is best compared to Paul Assenmacher.

SS Josh Murray:

Drafted in the 2nd round in 2002 by the Milwaukee Brewers. He hit .255-2-19 in 157 AB's at Rookie Ogden. In 2003 he will play a full season at Class A. The book on him says he is a good athelete but, "has a lot to learn." He is best Compared to Alex Gonzalez (Cubs).

P Shane Nance:

Drafted in the 11th round in 2000 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Traded to the Brewers in 2001. In 2002 he went 14-3 with a 3.24 ERA with 63 K's in 75 IP's between two Triple-A Stops and the Major League Team. In 2003 he could make the Major League team or be shipped back to AAA. He is a situational lefty with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is best compared to Mike Matthews.

P Takahito Nomura:

Signed by the Milwaukee Brewers as a Free Agent in 2002. In 2002 he went 1-2 with a 5.73 ERA and 25 K's in 33 IP with Triple-A Indianapolis. He made a brief trip to Milwaukee going 0-0 with an 8.57 ERA. In 2003 he will be back in Triple A. He can be a Situational Lefty in the bullpen at best. He is best compared to Mike Holtz.

P Matt Parker:

Drafted in the 31st round in 1999 by the St. Louis Cardinals. Traded to the Brewers in 2000. In 2002 he went 4-5 with a 3.87 ERA and 81 K's in 83.2 IP between Class A High Desert and Double-A Huntsville. In 2003, he will be promoted to AAA. He will be a #5 starter or a middle reliever in the Majors. He is best compared to Kris Wilson.

OF Jim Rushford:

Signed as a Free Agent in 2000 by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Independent League. In 2002 he hit .311-7-69 in 424 AB's at Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Indianapolis. He had a brief stint in Milwaukee hitting .143-1-6. In 2003 he will either be on the Major League squad or will be shipped back to AAA. The book on him says he is a decent hitter and could be a good outfield reserve. He is best compared to Orlando Merced.

2B Ralph Santana:

Drafted in the 42nd round in 2001 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he hit .261-0-29 with 31 SB's in 387 AB's at Class A Beloit. In 2003 he will play at High Class A. He has good bat speed but is not consistent at the dish. He is best compared to Fernando Vina.

P Eric Thomas:

Drafted in the 3rd round in 2002 by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2002 he went 0-3 with a 9.90 ERA with 32 K in 30 IP at Ogden. In 2003 he will be in Class A. The word is he has a lot to work on but over time could be as good as a #2 Starter. He is best compared to Jon Rauch.

Injuries:

OF: Geoff Jenkins sprained his wrist diving for a ball in Left Field over the weekend. He is said to be out at least one week. Jenkins, who is hitless during the Spring is still trying to comeback from the ankle injury last year. Jenkins has said that he just wants to "forget about it and play." It is just too bad that the injury bug seems to have followed him. Hopefully, this will be the worst he will suffer this year.

SP: Ben Sheets has been suffering from Back Spasms last year since he slipped down the dugout stairs on the road. His last start was strong and pain free, he is scheduled to start Thursday.

Be sure to catch each installment of the Brewers Spring Training Gameday located in the Milwaukee Brewers section of the forum. Updated after each Spring Training Game.