Second Base: The Brewers are counting on Rickie Weeks to bounce back from yet another injury this year. They took the chance of letting Felipe Lopez walk via free agency (he still doesn’t have a job), who was brilliant after coming over from Arizona in July. Weeks was on his way to a breakout season last year before getting hurt hitting .272 with 9 home runs and 24 RBIs in 37 games. Even though he may fit more as a 5th or 6th hole hitter, he will most likely be back in the leadoff spot this spring. He will undoubtedly get many chances to prove himself once again since the Brewers don’t have any legitimate replacement, but the Brewers brought back Craig Counsell to help out at all infield positions. In a year or two, top prospect Brett Lawrie could force himself into the mix at second base.
Shortstop: Perhaps the player I’m most excited is top prospect Alcides Escobar, the Brewers new 22 yr-old shortstop. Gone is J.J. Hardy (traded to the Twins), so Escobar is the default starter. Escobar brings gold glove caliber defense (yes, even better than Hardy’s D) and great baserunning ability and speed. He doesn’t have a lot of power at this point, yet he is still growing into his body and 10-15 homeruns in a few years is very realistic. The Brewers will probably have him hit 2nd or in the bottom of the lineup (Macha is contemplating batting the pitcher eighth and Escobar ninth), but he projects as a leadoff hitter, perhaps even by next year. He is definitely the shortstop of the future and will be around for awhile. Get to know his name, everyone.
Tomorrow's topic: the outfield!
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