The Top 10
1. Ryan Braun
2. Yovani Gallardo
3. Rickie Weeks
4. Corey Hart
5. Mat Gamel
6. Brett Lawrie
7. Alcides Escobar
8. Casey McGehee
9. Carlos Gomez
10. John Axford
This kind of tells you what direction I think the Brewers are heading. I do think we need to unload Prince Fielder at some point, for someone that can compete/develop into a #1 or solid #2 pitcher, much like what Yovani Gallardo is right now. If you look at the list and ask yourself, would I rather have Player A or Player B for the next 5 years, I went with who I would pick and ranked them ahead. Using this concept, that is saying that I'd rather have Casey McGehee for the next 5 years than Carlos Gomez.
Braun is the obvious #1, followed by Gallardo at #2. The next three are tough, but I think Rickie Weeks is coming into his own as a second baseman with some power, Gamel has shown flashes, and I think Corey Hart will be serviceable for years to come.
Brett Lawrie cracks the list at #6, even though he hasn't played a major league game yet. He is leading our AA affiliate, and will be up in the major leagues soon enough. It's still uncertain where his future lies on defense, but he could be a 2B like he is in the minors if Rickie is shifted to the outfield.
Escobar is going to be our SS for years to come, and I think McGehee will have a role with this team too, due to his versatility. Gomez will develop into a solid National League centerfielder, just as Axford has shown that he can close out games for the Crew.
Hopeful lineup for 2011 Opening Day, assuming we trade Fielder for pitching:
1. Gomez - CF
2. Weeks - 2B
3. Hart - RF
4. Braun - LF
5. Gamel - 3B
6. McGehee - 1B
7. Lucroy? - C
8. Escobar - SS
9. Pitcher
Bench: Joe Inglett, George Kottaras, Lorenzo Cain, (Lawrie brought up at some point)
Rotation: Gallardo, Jonathan Sanchez (trade), Randy Wolf, Manny Parra, Bush/Capuano/Narveson
Bullpen: Coffey, Stetter, Loe (set-up), Axford
1 comment:
I'm not too high on gomez any more. I just don't think he gets on base enough for the type of game he has (speed). Unless he's able to figure it out, which I doubt because he hasn't with any team he's been with, then I don't think the Brewers can realistically count on him to be in their long term plans.
As for the rest of this year, after Prince gets traded (which he had better) I think its time for a youth movement. I'd really like to see guys like lorenzo cain get a chance to play. He looked decent in the limited ABs he had. There has to be some young arms to bring up too. I'm tired of seeing narveson, wolf, etc get knocked around every time they take the mound. Can Braddock start? If we are going to lose, it might as well be while getting some young guys major league experience. Problem with that is, I don't think the current coaching staff is talented enough to ensure these kids wouldn't lose their confidence if they don't succeed right away. So I dunno...seems like the Brewers might be stuck between a rock and a hard place...
-Derek
Post a Comment