2006 Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Preview

Milwaukee Brewers Predictions – NL CENTRAL

OVERVIEW:

For the first time in 12 years, Milwaukee posted a winning season. They’re still a young developing club that’s prone to making mistakes and learning on the job. Will they win even more games than they did last year?

PITCHING:

The staff held the opposition to a .251 BA, while earning a 3.97 ERA. That placed them in the top tier of NL pitching.

Duane Sheets (10-9, 3.33 ERA) is the ace of the squad who throws one of the best fastballs in the game. Doug Davis (11-11, 3.84 ERA) and Chris Capuano (18-12, 3.99 ERA) are a tough two and three. Tomo Ohka (7-6, 4.35 ERA) gives the team quality innings in the fourth spot. The number five man will be one of a few players.

In the bullpen, Derrick Turnbow (39 SV, 1.74 ERA) mows them down with a commanding 92-97 mph fastball and an 88-87 mph slider.

HITTING:

Prince Fielder came up from the AAA team for about 30 games last season and hit .288, showing power to all fields. Still undisciplined, he’s capable of becoming a premiere power man in the league. His dad, Cecil, was just that for years.

Carlos Lee (32 HR, 114 RBI) and Geoff Jenkins (.292, 86 RBI) round out the power on the offensive side and Brady Clark (.306, 13 HR, 10 SB) is a fine leadoff guy with power. He has to be a bit more judicious on the base paths and correct careless leads.

DEFENSE:

Better fielding is needed from this team that was rated last in the league. With 119 errors and a fielding percentage of .980, there’s plenty of room for improvement. On the left side, third baseman Corey Koskie, who came from Toronto and should be an improvement over the unreliable Bill Hall, and shortstop J.J. Hardy will offer sound “D,” while second baseman Rickie Weeks can be inconsistent. Rookie Prince Fielder needs to work hard to improve the many rough edges at first.

MANAGER AND FRONT OFFICE:

• New owner Mark Attanasio has upped the budget.
• GM Doug Melvin is a real dealmaker with great insight into talent.
• Manager Ned Yost has been steady at the helm and a positive team influence.

INTANGIBLES AND/OR OTHER STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:

• First baseman Lyle Overbay was part of a deal with Toronto; he’s gone. Can rookie Fielder, up from AAA, do the job?
• It’s a big jump going from 81-81 to being competitive—is that realistic?
• Great potential with this rotation but there’s a few young guys who must step up this season for the team to be successful.

CONCLUSION:

With one of the deepest rotations in the game, a slew of hitters, and a new owner who’s dedicated to improving the team, the Brewers are on the rise. They’re going to help make the NL Central very competitive and interesting this season. If the youngsters can take their game to a new level and the vets offer stability and continued output, they could be there in the end.

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For more information on the 2006 Milwaukee Brewers visit their official MLB website by clicking here.