There was a lot of optimism in Milwaukee heading into 2008, Prince Fielder was coming off of a 50 homerun campaign, Yovani Gallardo and Ryan Braun had burst onto the scene and looked like future superstars, and the rest of the lineup, especially JJ Hardy and Corey Hart had surprising years. Gallardo tore his ACL in spring training, and Fielder struggled mightily over the first two months of the season, but thanks to fantastic performances by Braun, Hart, and Ben Sheets, the Brewers remained in contention. After trading for all-star CC Sabathia, the Brewers blossomed; Sabathia pitched 7 complete games and led Milwaukee to it's first playoff appearance since 1983.
Projected Lineup:
C - Jason Kendall
1B - Prince Fielder
2B - Rickie Weeks
3B - Bill Hall
SS - JJ Hardy
LF - Ryan Braun
CF - Mike Cameron
RF - Corey Hart
Projected Rotation:
#1 - Yovani Gallardo
#2 - Dave Bush
#3 - Manny Parra
#4 - Braden Looper
#5 - Jeff Suppan
Closer - Trevor Hoffman
Position Battles:
Middle Infield - Alcides Escobar is ready for the major's defensively, and should be a solid offensive producer right from the get-go. He is currently blocked by Hardy; there are rumors that either Hardy or Rickie Weeks could be traded to open up space for Escobar. If Weeks is traded, Hardy will move over to second base.
3B - After a fantastic season, Mat Gamel is now breathing down Bill Hall's neck. Gamel is not ready to play full-time and is a butcher at third base, but Hall has steadily regressed from his 30 homer campaign a few years ago, he is now a border-line player and a change of scenery could do him some good.
2009 Outlook: Milwaukee's rotation took a major hit when they lost both Ben Sheets and CC Sabathia, who are without question two of the best starting pitchers in the game today. The Brewers made no impact signings to fill their void in the rotation, as a result they will have trouble staying in games when their offense doesn't produce.
Milwaukee's lineup is certainly potent, led by Braun and Fielder, they should be one of the best in the big leagues. The additions of Escobar and Gamel will help, unfortunately it won't be enough to make up for the loss of Sheets and Sabathia.
Projected Finish: 3rd Place, NL Central
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