Gennett ready for battle
Second baseman also open to other positions
Scooter Gennett has never been one to back down from a challenge. After all, as a kid, he was told he was too little for Little League, if that’s even possible.
“I’ve never been faced with a challenge that I haven’t been able to overcome,” he said.
That persistence figures to be tested in a major way when Gennett, 26, reports to the Milwaukee Brewers’ spring camp in a couple of weeks. Unlike past years, he no longer sits alone atop the team's depth chart at second base. That status changed in early December when the Brewers traded for Boston third baseman Travis Shaw. Jonathan Villar, who had moved to third upon the arrival of shortstop prospect Orlando Arcia in early August, now is slated to see the majority of his action at second base.
And it’s not as if Villar is expected to be a pla-
“Right now, I’m a Milwaukee Brewer and I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in that lineup every day.” SCOOTER GENNETT, BREWERS SECOND BASEMAN
toon player. The Brewers’ leadoff hitter showed in 2016 that he can be a game-changer as an everyday performer, batting .285 with a .369 on-base percentage, 38 doubles, 19 home runs, 63 runs batted in and 62 stolen bases, tops in the majors. Villar led the club with 679 plate appearances and has a skill set that should serve him well at second base.
So, where did that leave Gennett? Many expected that he would be traded, but he remains on the Brewers roster with a $2.525 million contract after settling on a one-year deal as an arbitration-eligible player.
As always, Gennett will be participating Sunday in “Brewers On Deck,” the annual festival that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wisconsin Center. The fan favorite said it never occurred to him that he might not be with the Brewers when that event rolled around.
“I’m still a Brewer until I’m not,” he said in a telephone interview from his home in Sarasota, Fla. “I never really worried about being traded. I guess it could have happened. I’m not going to think about it until it happens. I’ll be there at fanfest.
“Right now, I’m a Milwaukee Brewer and I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in that lineup every day. That’s where my mind is right now.”
To have any chance of that, Gennett knows he no longer can afford to be a second baseman only, as has been the case since arriving in the majors in 2013. Versatility has been stressed under general manager David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell, who forged a 15-year career in the big leagues by playing three infield positions.
Gennett was drafted out of high school in 2009 as a shortstop and expects to get work at that position during spring training. He told Counsell — who reached out to him after the Shaw trade — he’d even play in the outfield if that helps.
“I talked to Couns and it’s really about not limiting me to just second,” said Gennett, who had career highs of 14 home runs and 56 RBI last season while batting .263 with a .317 OBP in 136 games. “If someone is injured or just needs a day (off), I want to be an option to be put in there.
“Obviously, I’ve played some short in the past. I think I might need to bring an outfield glove (to camp), too. I think most of my work will be at second base but I don’t want
to limit myself and Couns doesn’t want to limit me. I want to keep other options open. That will only help me and the team.
“My goal is to be an everyday player in (Counsell’s) mind. I’m still pretty young; I have a few more years in me. I want to get my name on that lineup card every day, whether it’s at second base or wherever. With the depth we have, limiting my play to just second base would not be good for me.”
Stearns and Counsell had concerns last season about the lineup being unbalanced with too many right-handed hitters, which is why Shaw and first baseman Eric Thames, both left-handed hitters, were brought on board. Gennett bats left-handed but that is negated in terms of action at second base because Villar is a switch-hitter.
The Brewers already have one ultra-versatile player in infielder/outfielder Hernan Perez, who proved last season (.730 OPS, 13 HRs, 56 RBI in 123 games) he can help as a regular contributor. Gennett wants to do likewise but has more of a learning curve in terms of playing other positions.
“Obviously, we’ve made some moves that will take some playing time away, not only for myself but other players, also,” Gennett said. “It’s going to be a healthy battle for everyday jobs. That’s something we haven’t had in the infield the past few years. I think it’s great for the team and the players.
“Everybody is going to be pushed. That should bring out the best in everyone. That’s what you want to have – a team where everybody is on top of their game. No one is going to complain about having too much depth.”
If the odds are against Gennett seeing regular playing time, so be it. Just don’t tell him he doesn’t have a chance. He has heard that before, and never has been a good listener.
“It’s a challenge but I’ve been challenged every year,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my offseason to being ready to play every day. I still have confidence that I can be the guy at second base but I know nothing will be handed to me. It never has in the past, so I’m used to this.
“Every player is faced with something like this at some point. It’s going to be fun to compete with Jonathan and try to get better. You always have to keep working. You can’t ever think you’ve got it made.
“I know they can still trade guys until spring training is over. So, there’s still time. But I’m just focused on getting my mind ready to play every day and battling. I plan to have fun with this competition. We’ll see what happens.”