Ranking the Brewers
It all starts with a healthy Ryan Braun, the last veteran standing in the Brewers’ rebuild.
Brewers beat writer Todd Rosiak provides his analysis of the team’s projected 25-man roster as of Thursday, March 30, before final roster moves. The rankings were determined on the basis of each player’s value to the team. 1. RYAN BRAUN, LF A healthy Braun is the linchpin of the Brewers’ offense. 2. ZACH DAVIES, RHP Just turned 24 but boasts control and makeup of a veteran. 3. JUNIOR GUERRA, RHP Unfazed despite relative inexperience, and splitter is a great pitch. 4. JONATHAN VILLAR, 2B Boasts rare power-speed combo but must start learning from mistakes. 5. ERIC THAMES, 1B Brewers counting heavily on his lefthanded bat balancing the lineup. 6. HERNÁN PÉREZ, UTILITY An ascending player whose versatility makes him a perfect fit for the NL. 7. ORLANDO ARCIA, SS Solid defensively, Arcia must now prove he can produce at the plate. 8. NEFTALI FELIZ, RHP The return of his blazing fastball should help the Brewers’ new closer. 9. KEON BROXTON, CF Carrying over his sizzling final seven weeks from 2016 will be the goal. 10. JIMMY NELSON, RHP Much-improved command this spring bodes well for the intense righty. 11. COREY KNEBEL, RHP High-leverage situations figure to be available for the fireballer. 12. CARLOS TORRES, RHP Ultra-prepared veteran capable of filling any bullpen role. 13. JETT BANDY, C Power potential and solid defense make him a breakout candidate. 14. MANNY PIÑA, C Rode terrific spring to spot on first opening-day roster in majors. 15. WILY PERALTA, RHP Still young enough (27) to believe he could regain his 2014 form. 16. TRAVIS SHAW, 3B Should bring some stability to a position desperately in need of some. 17. DOMINGO SANTANA, RF Brewers want to see him put together a healthy, complete season. 18. JHAN MARIÑEZ, RHP The righty has developed from an unknown into a dependable performer. 19. CHASE ANDERSON, RHP A No. 5 starter last season; could return to the rotation again if needed. 20. KIRK NIEUWENHUIS, OF Valuable left-handed bat with pop and a reliable glove off the bench. 21. TYLER CRAVY, RHP Full-time move to bullpen seems to have suited him well. 22. JESÚS AGUILAR, 1B Mashed his way onto the roster with a huge Cactus League campaign. 23. JACOB BARNES, RHP Youngster had a tough spring but performed well as a rookie in 2016. 24. TAYLOR JUNGMANN, RHP Transition from rotation to bullpen was successful this spring. 25. TOMMY MILONE, LHP Audition for rotation didn’t go well, so he’ll serve as lone lefty out of bullpen.