This is the first in a four part series covering the Brewers Outfield (Which is part 1 of a 4 or 5-part series covering each of the major position groups for the Brewers and ways to improve it. I will either do catcher during a busy week for me like thanksgiving, or combine it with another position group like starting pitching). Today I will be discussing the Brewers current outfield situation.
Later tonight, I will post the first Brewers Season-In-Review. They are essays on the 2011 season that I was previously planning on selling from this website, but I couldn't figure out how to work Blogspot to sell something. I will post one every day (Monday-Friday) for the next few weeks in addition to the Blurb. Now that this note is out of the way, lets begin.
First lets start with the player that will, barring some injury, be our left fielder for the next decade. Ryan Braun.
Ryan Braun: .332/.397/.597/.994, 33 HR, 33 SB.
Ryan Braun had an MVP calibar season. He set career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, and had his second best slugging percentage and OPS. He also had his first ever 30+ steal season (In fact, it was his first season above 20 steals). Not much more needs to be said about Braun's offence that hasn't been said already so I will move on to his defence. His defence, while it is not worthy of the gold glove that Braun is a finalist for, is improving. Braun will probably never be thought of as a great fielder, or even an average defensive player. But with his offensive numbers as long as he doesn't reproduce the horrendous numbers his first year (Playing 3B). His bat should make him a worthwhile player, and a perennial all-star.
My take (On what Braun's role SHOULD be next year): Starter in LF
What will happen: Starter in LF
Nyjer Morgan: .304/.357/.421/.778, 4 HR, 13 SB
Everyone's favorite F-bomber had a breakout year in center field. Even though the stats show he had a better year in 2007 with the Pirates, he only played in 28 games and had a quarter of the plate appearances than he had in this season (Where he platooned and missed the month of April). The big question is will he be able to repeat these numbers next year. In September, I was encouraged to see him up his OBP by taking more walks (9) which was one less than he had in all of 2011. In addition to his good offensive numbers, Morgan had an above average year defensively, and between himself and Gomez, they anchored a very solid centerfield defence. Next year, I would like to see him increase his stolen base numbers as his SB's fell from 34 last year, and 42 the season before that.
My take: Platoon-CF (Hit vs. RH, Be available for Defensive sub/Pinch-run when a lefty starts)
What will happen: Platoon-CF (Same as above)
Corey Hart: .285/.356/.510/.866, 26 HR, 7 SB
Corey Hart had another above average year. Although, due to injury, Hart only had 14 AB's in April, he still had 26 HR's. Hart found a new home in the lead-off spot, where he has a OPS of .917. Corey Hart's defense has been getting worse every year, and he is already losing speed at only 29, a move to 1B should be strongly considered by the organization especially vs. lefties. Hart destroyed lefty pitchers with an OPS of 1.057. So, due to the lack of production vs. lefties by many of the likely contributors in the 2011 season for the Brewers, Corey Hart should be considered for a move to 1B vs. lefties to platoon with Mat Gamel, so that a better defender (Logan Schafer, Nyjer Morgan) can at least have an opportunity to contribute in RF to an otherwise subpar defense.
My Take: If the Brewers do not acquire another outfielder or first basemen,
vs. RHP: Start RF (If Mat Gamel is a bust, move Hart to 1B, move Hart to 1B late in games)
vs. LHP: Start 1B (Move a better defender like Nyjer Morgan, Logan Schafer to RF)
What will happen: Starting RF
Carlos Gomez:.225/.276/.403/.679, 8 HR, 16 SB
Unfortunately, the sad offensive line of 2011 for Carlos Gomez is not a mirage, but, most likely, a trend that will probably continue throughout his career. It is sad too because with his amazing defensive skills, if he even did anything at the plate he would easily be a starter for the Brewers, and many other teams. But he is what he is, a great defensive center fielder, but a below average hitter with a little power. He performed well under a platoon role for the Brewers this season. I was encouraged to see Gomez's improvement vs. lefties (from a .638 OPS in 2010 to a .857 OPS in 2011). Who knows, if he can improve at hitting lefties then maybe he can finally be an average hitter. While that probably won't happen, you can always hope.
My take: Platoon-CF (vs. LHP, late-innings pinch-runner, defensive replacement)
What will happen: Platoon-CF (Same as above)
Mark Kotsay: .270/.329/.373/.703, 3 HR, 3 SB
Mark Kotsay proved to be a good bat off the bench for Brewers. He is a decent option in the field if he is playing 1B, or maybe a little of RF, but under no circumstances should he be playing CF again in his career. If Kotsay is willing to come back another cheap one-year contract to be the #1 or #2 PH option and #2/#3 1B and #6 OF, the Brewers should take him back. They could certainly do worse than a .703 OPS Bench player.
My Take: Bench Player (Limited time at 1B, #1 or #2 pinch hit option)
What Will Happen: Bench Player (Time at OF, #1 or #2 pinch hit, a little at 1B)
That's all folks.
Come back tomorrow for a look at the top outfield prospects in the organization. Then on Thursday, I will look at possible free-agent outfielders available to the Brewers. On Friday, I will conclude the series on the Outfield.
Go Brewers and Please Comment
