Posted on 31 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/29/89
"Nails Jr." was selected with one of the Brewers' 2nd round picks in the '08 draft and, after signing quickly he put up some solid numbers at both of Milwaukee's short season affiliates hitting .271 with 5 HR 17 RBI 4 SB and 29 runs scored in 46 games. Cutter Dykstra is a slightly bigger and more powerful version of his father Lenny Dykstra. He has good hand speed that explodes though the ball generating surprising pop for someone of his stature. He is an aggressive hitter at the plate but, like his father, he has advanced plate discipline (26 BB/37 K) and a good feel for the strike zone. Cutter was a shortstop in high school, but his fringy arm and inconsistent play necessitated a shift to CF where his plus speed and athleticism serves him well. Dykstra is a tough competitor and intelligent player who, while proud of his dad's accomplishments, has a strong desire to make a name for himself.
2009 Projection: Cutter is ready for Low-A Wisconsin and his first full season of professional ball. One area to watch this next season is his SB totals. Last year, Dykstra was successful in only 4 of 9 attempts, but with his speed and intelligence, these numbers should drastically improve this season. Dykstra has the blend of plate discipline and speed to be a solid leadoff hitter with a little bit of pop. The Brewers have some talented OF in their system, but mainly they are concentrated on the corners (Lorenzo Cain, Caleb Gindl, Eric Fryer). If Dykstra can continue to hit for average and improve his stolen base totals, he should ascend quickly through this talented system.
Key Cutter Dykstra Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 19 January 2009
H/W: 6-2 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 3/27/90
It will be quite some time before anyone has a better season than this young prep All-American. Odorizzi went a perfect 14-0 at Highland HS, in Illinois,allowing just one run in almost 90 innings while accruing an obscene 6 BB/145 K ratio. After being selected as Milwaukee's supplimental 1st round pick, Odorizzi pitched for the Brewers' Arizona League affiliate where he went 1-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 11 outings. Odorizzi has a nice selection of pitches including a four seam fastball that he throws between 90-94 MPH and a two seamer that ranges from 88-92 MPH. His curve is a plus pitch at times and his slider has good late movement. Odorizzi has a long and lanky frame that should build some muscle as he gets older and his clean mechanics should help him avoid injuries down the road. Jake has good command of his pitches and mixes them up well on the mound. There have been some concerns about his overall competitiveness on the mound as his poise has come into question from time to time, but some positive professional starts should assuage any long term concerns.
2009 Projection: A full season at Low-A Wisconsin is likely in order for the former USA Today Player of the Year. As good as Jake was last season, there are still questions about his ability to miss bats at the professional level. If Odorizzi can keep his K rate up, he will move quickly through the Brewers system. Milwaukee's farm system is chocked full of offensive talent but much more sparsely populated with top pitching prospects. Ultimately, Odorizzi should become a solid mid-rotation starter for the Brewers within the next three to four seasons.
Key Jake Odorizzi Baseball Cards:
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 17 January 2009
H/W: 6-0 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/13/86
Lucroy split his 2008 season between Low-A West Virginia and High-A Brevard County hitting .301 with 20 HR 77 RBI 28 doubles and 78 runs scored. A 3rd round pick in '07, this Louisiana-Lafayette alum is a complete hitter that drives the ball well to all fields and has a good feel for the strike zone (58 BB/84 K). Prior to being drafted, there was a good deal of skepticism about Lucroy's abilities behind the plate. The concerns were related to his lack of arm strength and accuracy. Actions speak louder than words, however, as Lucroy nabbed 45% of potential base stealers last year and earned a solid .989 fielding %. In addition, his game calling skills and leadership intangibles are highly regarded within the Brewers' system. Angel Salome's sterling AA season has placed him at the top of the organization's depth chart, but Lucroy is closing the gap....quickly.
2009 Projection: Like Salome last season, Lucroy will get his shot at AA Huntsville. The key for Lucroy this season is to keep doing what he did all of last season, that is hit for average and power, and play great defense. If he can do this with regularity, a move to AAA Nashville may happen at some point in '09. The Brewers are going to give Salome a shot to be the opening day catcher in spring training. While he is more athletic than Lucroy, his is less polished as a hitter and defender. Odds are that this job will be Lucroy's at some point in 2010.
Key Jonathan Lucroy Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/500
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 25 December 2008
H/W: 5-9 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/31/88
Gindl continued his hot hitting at Low-A West Virginia, belting .301 with 13 HR 81 RBI 14 SB and 86 runs scored. Built like a fire hydrant, Caleb evokes comparisons to San Diego Padres OF Brian Giles as his sweet left handed swing generates surprising pop to all fields and laces rockets to the gaps. Gindl has a strong arm that plays well in RF and his above average speed allows him to cover a good amount of range. Much like his MLB counterpart, Caleb plays the game with fire and grittiness that appeals to the Brewers' brass. Sometimes this aggressiveness gets Gindl into trouble at the plate, leading to streakiness and high K numbers (144 in '08). Gindl is effective in drawing walks, though, which leads to some optimism that he will be able to mitigate some of these strikeout totals as he develops a better game plan at the plate.
2009 Projection: With the impending graduation of Alcides Escobar, Angel Salome, and Mat Gamel to the Brew Crew's MLB roster, Gindl becomes one of the organization's top young prospects. Expect him to start the season at High-A Brevard County with a promotion to AA Hunstville very possible. Keep watch of the BB/K ratio. If it improves, Gindl could be a perennial .300 hitter in the major leagues. Although he is close to maxed out physically, it seems quite likely that he will increase his HR ouput, as his 38 doubles in '08 is a prime indicator of more power to come.
Key Caleb Gindl Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/245
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 25 December 2008
H/W: 5-11 200 lb. B/T: R/R: DOB: 1/18/90
The Brewers added to their wealth of talented catchers with the selection of this young British Columbia native in the 1st round of the '08 draft. Lawrie's bat is his calling card as his strong hands and powerfully compact frame generates exceptional bat speed and pull power. Lawrie is a good athlete with above average speed and a hard nosed, aggressive approach in all phases of the game. The biggest question marks in Brett's game right now are behind the plate, where he is still quite raw in all phases. His arm is strong, but his footwork and release times need considerable work. Other scouts are concerned about his propensity to pull the ball and the fact that his open stance makes him vulnerable to pitches on the outer half of the plate. It will be important for Lawrie to demonstrate that he can drive balls to the opposite field as he progresses against more advanced pitching.
2009 Projection: Lawrie will be making his professional debut in 2009, likely with short season Low-A Helena in June. The Brewers, with Angel Salome and Jonathan Lucroy in their system, can afford to be patient with Lawrie, which is good because Brett has a lot of questions to answer in order to more accurately gauge his future as an elite prospect. Pay attention to his offensive numbers particularly his extra base hit production and BB/K ratio. Also, keep tabs on his defensive progress, is he able to throw runners out? Is he effectively blocking balls? Given the stiff competition in the Brewers organization, it will be integral for Lawrie to demonstrate that he can stay behind the dish.
Key Brett Lawrie Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/499
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 13 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 4/13/86
The best athlete in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system played at three levels in '08 batting .279 with 11 HR 60 RBI 25 SB and 31 doubles. The power proved to be a big step forward for Cain as many within the Brewers organization projected that his long, wiry frame would develop more strength as he matured. There is still room for him to develop even more HR power, as evidenced by his 40 combined doubles and triples. Cain has good speed that he utilizes well on the basepaths and his good range and strong arm plays well in both CF and RF. The biggest thing holding Lorenzo back from being a blue chip prospect is his plate discipline. Last season, Cain had a 51 BB/115 K ratio which, while not horrible, is less than acceptible for a player with marginal HR totals. On the bright side, Cain had a stellar showing in the Arizona Fall League where he hit .333 with 5 HR 11 RBI and 4 SB in 18 games.
2009 Projection: Since he played at three levels in '08, it is somewhat tough to figure out exactly where Cain will begin the '09 season. He should get plenty of AB's in spring training before being sent to either AA Huntsville, or AAA Nashville. Either way, Cain is one of the brightest young prospects in Milwaukee's talented organization. His HR increase in Arizona is a definite bright spot. If he can bump up his power production to the 20-25 HR range while maintaining his SB numbers, Cain's stock will rise rapidly.
Key Lorenzo Cain Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/817
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 10 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 170 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 9/8/86
The Brewers spent an '08 3rd round pick to sign this San Luis Obispo CF. Schafer is an athletic player with a smooth left-hand swing that produces line drives with occasional gap power to all fields. After signing, Logan split time between short-season Helena and Low-A West Virginia hitting .272 with 2 HR 28 RBI and 29 runs in 51 games. Schafer's best tools lie on defense where he can flat out go get the ball. His above average speed and superb instincts allow him to attack CF with the same tenacity of Steve Finley and Jim Edmonds. Unlike both Edmonds and Finley, he lacks the power projectibility or base stealing acumen to be a serious offensive catalyst at that position. Additionally, while he demonstrated sound plate discipline at Cal Poly, he struggled to a 13 BB/46 K ratio in his two minor league stops last season. This will need to change if he is to keep up with the rest of MIlwaukee's talented young outfielders.
2009 Projection: The Brewers may well send Schafer back to West Virginia to begin the 2009 season. If he performs well and proves that he can hit for a high average, he should move to High-A Brevard County quickly. The Brewers have many more players with higher ceilings like Lorenzo Cain, Caleb Gindl, Eric Fryer, and Cutter Dykstra. It will be of paramount importance for him to distinguish himself as Milwaukee's best package of offensive and defensive skills in CF. Keep an eye on Schafer's power and speed numbers. If he can crack double digits in HR and SB, his stock could rise.
Key Logan Schafer Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/793
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 07 December 2008
H/W: 6-6 240 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 9/23/86
Frederickson is a big, strong southpaw who pitched at two levels after being drafted in the 2nd round by the Brewers. He compiled a 0-1 record with a 5.06 ERA and a disappointing 31 BB/34 K's in 32 innings. Frederickson has a lively fastball that sits at 90-92 MPH, but touches 95 MPH occasionally. He also has a potentially wicked slider that has good two plane movement but is inconsistent. Frederickson's stock rose considerably prior to the draft as many scouts were enamored with his strong projectible frame and good southpaw velocity. The biggest knock on Evan is his lack of control on the mound. Much of this can be attributed to the mechanical glitches in his delivery, which a good pitching instructor could work with Frederickson to iron out. The Brewers moved Frederickson to the bullpen last season and it seems prudent to project him staying there as a future power lefty arm.
2009 Projection: Frederickson will likely pitch the majority of his season where he struggled last year, at Low-A West Virginia. The Brewers drafted a bunch of college arms in the first few rounds of last year's draft, affording them the luxury of developing Frederickson more carefully. There's lots to like about his physical attributes, but the command of his pitches is a little bit more difficult to project. Watch this closely next season. Also keep an eye on what role he pitches in with Milwaukee. If he starts finishing games and shows that he can dominate hitters, he could be a sleeper for a closer position down the road. Given his rawness, though, there is just too many uncertainties about his MLB future.
Key 2008 Evan Frederickson Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/922
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 05 December 2008
H/W: 6-2 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 11/26/86
Adams was one of Milwaukee's several 2nd round selections in the '08 draft out of Southern Illinois. Adams pitched well at short season Helena going 5-4 with a 3.48 ERA and 37 K's in 54.1 IP. Adams was quite effective at inducing ground balls at 2.16 per fly ball out. Adams features a 92-94 MPH fastball that he locates well down in the zone. Adams also features a 77-79 MPH and a straight changeup that profile to be average pitches at the MLB level. Adams has clean mechanics and good arm action that helps him pitch deep into games. On the downside, he often pitches to contact and does not strike out many hitters given his good velocity. Also, he is quite slow to the plate with runners on, which should make him easy to run against until he refines his slide step. Adams profiles to be a #3 or #4 starter at the big league level and he should move at a good pace through the major league level.
2009 Projection: Adams should begin the season at Low-A Wisconsin. If he pitches well, he should earn a promotion to High-A Brevard County. Adams is not an elite pitching prospect, but he does have good enough stuff to remain a starter at the big league level. Watch to see if he can increase his strikeout rate and hold hitters to a lower average. If so, his stock could rise.
Key Cody Adams Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/447
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 16 November 2008
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/19/87
Brewer struggled mightily out of the '08 gate even though he was repeating at West Virginia. Regardless, the Brew Crew promoted him to High-A Brevard County where he performed better, especially after the All-Star break. Brewer has an exciting blend of tools including athleticism, speed, and power potential that ranks well above average. His long and lean frame indicates that he can develop 15-20 HR power as he matures, and his speed will allow for him to steal 30-40 bags each year. The fly in Brewer's ointment revolves around his rawness at the plate. True, he cut his strikeouts back from 170 in '07 to 111 last season and his walk rate remained the same but he needs to continue to increase his competence in working counts and making contact with off speed pitches as he progresses.
2009 Projection: There is good reason to think that his power will develop based on the 30 doubles he smacked in pitcher-friendly leagues last season. Look for Milwaukee to have Brewer repeat at Brevard County to start the season, with a trip to Huntsville being a distinct mid to late season possibility. The Brewers have J.J. Hardy manning the helm at shortstop for the next few seasons which should be more than enough time for Brewer to develop into a Brewer. Keep a close eye on his BB/K ratio and also to see if he can increase his SLG%. Brewer's skill set and ceiling is similar to that of Tampa Bay Rays star B.J. Upton. If he can refine his skills, his 2008 Donruss Threads autographs will be a worthwhile investment.
Key Brent Brewer Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold Auto #/470
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 15 November 2008
H/W: 5-7 195 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/11/85
Salome paced the Southern League this season with a .360 BA as he racked up 132 hits in just 98 games. The Brewers slugger exhibited solid power numbers as well, clubbing 13 HR 83 RBI and smacking 30 doubles. He is a converted catcher whose compact 5-7 200 lb. build evokes comparisons to future HOF'er Ivan Rodriguez. Salome is offensively ready to take over Milwaukee's battery yet his skills behind the plate are a bit raw. Salome has above average athleticism and a rocket arm but his receiving skills and accuracy are still quite raw.
Salome was suspended for the first 50 games of the 2007 season for using PED's, though, the Brewers are quite confident that this incident is behind him and the risk of it reoccurring is low.
2009 Projection: Salome should begin at AAA Nashville and await a mid to late season call up. Salome needs to develop defensively in order to push Jason Kendall out of a job. At just 23 years old, the Brewers do not need to rush him, but his bat is just too good and may push the issue soon. Salome has just one major card to date, the 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft. This card can see considerable demand if he wins a roster spot in Milwaukee.
Key Angel Salome Baseball Cards:
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 14 November 2008
H/W: 6-0 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/31/83
Ryan pitched exclusively in relief for AA-Huntsville going 5-5 with a 2.52 ERA and 6 saves. He proved to be more hittable this season and his control was not as sharp as it was in his two stops in 2007. Ryan is not overpowering but his 90-92 MPH fastball has good late life down in the strike zone and his hard curveball and change rate as solid average MLB pitches. The sink on Ryan's fastball effectively induces ground ball outs. This season he induced his groundball/flyball ratio of 2.96 made him very effective Read the full story
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/16/86
Escobar had a huge statistical season at AA Huntsville, hitting .328 with 8 HR 76 RBI 34 SB and 95 runs scored. Escobar's 2008 HR total exceeded his cumulative total that he accrued in nearly 1,600 professional AB's. Escobar has a quick bat with increasing gap power and developing plate discipline. Escobar is lightning fast on the basepaths stealing 34 bases in 42 tries. Defensively, Escobar has above average range and a strong arm that will play very well Read the full story
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 13 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 9/21/87
This season began with Jeffress serving a 50 game suspension which sidelined him until late June. Upon his return, Jeffress compiled a 4-6 record with a 4.08 ERA in 79.1 IP at High A Brevard County before earning a promotion to AA Huntsville that was less successful. Jeffress has an electric fastball that lights up the radar gun at 95-97 MPH and his curve and change have the makings of solid off speed pitches. Additionally, Jeffress is an exceptional athlete and good competitor. The off-field issues have kept Jeffress from realizing his incredible potential. Jeffress has two prior Read the full story
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 11 November 2008
H/W: 6-1 205 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 6/20/84
Shadowed in relative obscurity, Gillespie quietly had a solid season for AA Huntsville, hitting .281 with 14 HR 79 RBI and 17 SB. Gillespie is an Oregon State alum that doesn't have the standout tools that other top prospects have, though his all around game and polish should translate well at the major league level. Gillespie works counts very well (75 BB/ 102 K), though he could be more aggressive at times. He has alley power that should produce 15-20 HR per season at the major league level. His arm and defensive range Read the full story
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
Posted on 11 November 2008
H/W: 6-0 205 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 7/26/85
Gamel had a stellar 2008 season with AA Huntsville batting .329 with 19 HR 96 RBI and 96 runs scored. This performance earned Gamel a promotion to AAA Nashville for a few games before joining the Brewers in September for a couple of games. The young slugger was slated to join the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League when it was disclosed that he had tendinitis in his elbow and the Brewers opted to shut Gamel down for the rest of the season. Gamel has a sweet left-handed bat that produces line drives and alley power to all fields. Normally, his plate discipline is very solid, though this season he punched out 121 times at the plate. Gamel is an above average athlete who runs well and has a strong arm. Defensively, Gamel needs polish, as his glove and arm can be erratic at some time. If he continues to struggle, don't be surprised to see the Brewers shuttle him to the outfield, similar to what they did with Ryan Braun.
2009 Projection: Gamel should be fully healthy and ready to tack down a starting job at 3B this spring. Watch to see what the Brewers decide to do with him defensively. The Brewers would prefer him to stick at 3B, as they have several good young OF in their farm system. If he struggles this spring, he will likely get a brief stint at AAA Nashville. Once he arrives, expect Gamel to hit .280-.300 with 15-20 HR and 70-85 RBI.
Key Mat Gamel Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2008 Donruss Threads Gold Signatures Redemption #/25
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Link To This Page
1.
Click inside the codebox2.
Right-Click then Copy3.
Paste the HTML code into your webpage
2009 Projection: Cutter is ready for Low-A Wisconsin and his first full season of professional ball. One area to watch this next season is his SB totals. Last year, Dykstra was successful in only 4 of 9 attempts, but with his speed and intelligence, these numbers should drastically improve this season. Dykstra has the blend of plate discipline and speed to be a solid leadoff hitter with a little bit of pop. The Brewers have some talented OF in their system, but mainly they are concentrated on the corners (Lorenzo Cain, Caleb Gindl, Eric Fryer). If Dykstra can continue to hit for average and improve his stolen base totals, he should ascend quickly through this talented system.
