| Scott Miller's Take |
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If nothing else, the Brewers ratcheted up expectations last summer -- both their own and those of their fans. Milwaukee stayed in contention into the last week for the first time in years, and though it was a painful end, Ned Yost's team finished above .500 for the first time since 1992. The Brewers set a franchise attendance record. This is a very likable club, and it's about time Milwaukee baseball caught some momentum.Video Outlook
Strengths
Few teams can bash with the Brewers. Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun each is a legitimate MVP candidate. Mike Cameron adds a dimension (speed and defense) that this club badly needs -- at least, he'll add it in May when he returns from a suspension for failing baseball's amphetamines test. Rickie Weeks, Bill Hall, J.J. Hardy, Corey Hart ... the bats are here to contend again in '08.
Weaknesses
Milwaukee must tighten up its defense -- which is nothing the Brewers don't know already. To that extent, Braun not only moved from third base to left field, his play there exceeded the Brewers' expectations this spring. Hall will be better at third defensively than Braun was. And Fielder, who ranked last among NL first basemen defensively, took hours of ground balls from coach Dale Sveum this spring.
Difference Maker
Ben Sheets. When he's on the mound, the Brewers have a true ace. When he's on the disabled list -- far too often over the past few seasons -- Milwaukee has a big hole in its rotation. The Brewers can hit, we know that. They'll go as far as pitching and defense take them.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
Manny Parra, SP (L) |
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One-time elite talent back to forefront after years of injury woes.
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| 2. |
Matt LaPorta, OF |
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'07 1st-rounder from Florida off to hot start, could arrive quickly.
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| 3. |
Jeremy Jeffress, SP (R) |
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Great year was marred by substance-abuse suspension until May.
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| 4. |
Matthew Gamel, 3B |
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Perhaps no one benefits more from Braun's move to the outfield.
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| 5. |
Brad Nelson, 1B |
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Has enough power to play in majors, but only as a reserve to Fielder.
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Complete NL Central Prospects |
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The Brewers are gambling on closer Eric Gagne, who struggled throughout camp and was anything but dominating. (Getty Images)
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Community
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Who will be the Brewers MVP in 08? That's what packerzrule wants to know. The Superstar member votes for 2B Rickie Weeks but citron1616 has a different take -- the MVP is going to have to be a starting pitcher; more specifically, Ben Sheets. A full season from the righty makes the Brewers the team to beat in this division. Chime in now.
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Give us your thoughts!
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 83-79 (2nd in NL Central)
Manager: Ned Yost, 6th year (374-435)
Stadium: Miller Park (41,900; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | R. Weeks, 2B | Team leader in SB last two seasons but still plagued by hand and wrist injuries |
| 2. | M. Cameron, CF | Suspended for the first 25 games |
| 3. | P. Fielder, 1B | Youngest player to reach 50 homers in a season |
| 4. | R. Braun, LF | Last year's Rookie of the Year is moving from 3B to the OF |
| 5. | C. Hart, RF | Fifth player in franchise history with 20 homers and 20 stolen bases |
| 6. | B. Hall, 3B | Moving back to the infield after spending '07 in the outfield |
| 7. | J.J. Hardy, SS | Hit .314 with 6 HR batting eighth last season |
| 8. | Pitcher | Like the Cards, will bat the pitcher eighth |
| 9. | J. Kendall, C | Signed him for defense but needs to rebound from his career-low .242 |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
B. Sheets (R) |
The staff ace hasn't made more than 24 starts since 2004 |
| 2. |
J. Suppan (R) |
30-plus starts in nine straight seasons but needs to find consistency on the road |
| 3. |
D. Bush (R) |
Led the team with 134 K's and was 2nd with 186.1 innings pitched |
| 4. |
C. Villanueva (R) |
Was 2.06 in six starts last season but struggled as a reliever (4.76 ERA) |
| 5. |
M. Parra (L) |
Y. Gallardo's injury gives Parra an opportunity |
| Closer |
Comment |
| E. Gagne (R) |
Yost blames Gagne's '07 struggles on filling a setup role rather than closer |
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