Starting Pitching: Newly acquired lefties Randy Wolf and Doug Davis join young star Yovani Gallardo at the front of the rotation this spring. GM Doug Melvin promised two new starters this winter and came through. Wolf pitched very well for the Dodgers last year starting 34 games and posting a 3.23 ERA, while Davis returns to Milwaukee after also starting 34 games and having a 4.12 ERA last year. The final two spots are up for grabs between three: Manny Parra, Dave Bush, and Jeff Suppan (some say LHP Chris Narveson has a chance, but that’s very unlikely). Parra will most likely get a spot, as he has a world of talent and it would be foolish to give up on him so soon, like they did with Jorge de la Rosa. He will work with new pitching coach Rick Peterson to work on his control during ST. I believe the number 5 spot will come down to Suppan and Bush. Suppan is the highest-paid Brewer this year, but has largely regressed since he signed three years ago. Bush was hurt last year and it seemed to affect his performance. One thing working against Bush is that his contract is not completely guaranteed and the Brewers could save a decent portion of his $4.125 million contract. I’d prefer Bush. His upside is much higher than Suppan’s and when he’s on a role, he is just as good as any pitcher in the league (and I’ve personally witnessed him throw seven-plus innings of perfect baseball twice at Miller Park).
Relievers: Closer Trevor Hoffman leads this group, converting 37 out of 41 saves last year. Hell’s Bells is still going strong after 17 seasons.His primary setup guys will be Todd Coffey, known for his signature run from the bullpen, and newly acquired LaTroy Hawkins, signed away from the Astros. Mitch Stetter is the left-handed specialist once again, as he held lefties to a .178 batting average. Claudio Vargas and Carlos Villanueva are all but guaranteed a spot, especially because of their versatility. The last spot is up for grabs. It could go to the starting pitcher that does not make the rotation (Parra, Suppan, or Bush) or a host of candidates. These include: Chris Narveson, David Riske, who has been injured for the last two year, but may be ready for ST, Rule 5 Draft Pick Chuck Lofgren, Chris Smith, Chris Capuano, Kameron Loe, John Halama and prospects John Axford, Zach Braddock, and Josh Butler.Catchers: Catcher is probably the most up in the air position that the Brewers have. Jason Kendall was finally let go and replaced with the cheaper but older Gregg Zaun. Mike Rivera is also now gone, so the Brewers don’t have an established back-up catcher. 
They claimed George Kottaras off of waivers from the Red Sox this winter and will give top prospects Jonathan Lucroy and Angel Salome a long look during Spring Training. Whoever wins the backup job will most likely see a fair amount of playing time, as Zaun only played 90 games with Toronto and Tampa Bay last season. He did hit .260 with 8 homeruns and 27 RBIs and plays solid defense, yet he is merely a stopgap until Lucroy and Salome are ready to play at the major league level. Salome is 23 and played at AAA last year and hit .286 with 6 hrs and 44 RBIs in 82 games. His threw out 30% of baserunners from behind the plate, but missed significant time with injury. Lucroy is also 23 and hit .267 at AA, though his 2nd half stats were much better than his average may indicate. He threw out 40% of would-be baserunners and is considered to be a very good at calling games.
They claimed George Kottaras off of waivers from the Red Sox this winter and will give top prospects Jonathan Lucroy and Angel Salome a long look during Spring Training. Whoever wins the backup job will most likely see a fair amount of playing time, as Zaun only played 90 games with Toronto and Tampa Bay last season. He did hit .260 with 8 homeruns and 27 RBIs and plays solid defense, yet he is merely a stopgap until Lucroy and Salome are ready to play at the major league level. Salome is 23 and played at AAA last year and hit .286 with 6 hrs and 44 RBIs in 82 games. His threw out 30% of baserunners from behind the plate, but missed significant time with injury. Lucroy is also 23 and hit .267 at AA, though his 2nd half stats were much better than his average may indicate. He threw out 40% of would-be baserunners and is considered to be a very good at calling games.Check back tomorrow for my preview on 1st and 3rd Base!
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