Article: Grading the Brewers - The Bench (Pt 4)

[Kyle Ginsbach]

With injuries plaguing so many regulars, bench players have been thrust into the bigger roles. Some have responded. Some, not so much. Check out our grades and see if you agree. 

 

The MLB season has reached its halfway point. With the All-Star break and the festivities taking the full front of attention, it may be time to take a break from the fun and reflect on the first half of the season. Like a teacher handing out the dreaded report card, it's time to see how the Brewers fared in half number one. If you would like to see the infielders, outfielders and catchers grades, check out those links for previous stories earlier this week.

Before jumping into the grading breakdown, it's important to lay some guidelines. Grading is based on the players performance through the first 93 games of the 2022 season. Listed with the given grades is the players slash line (AVG/OBP/SLG) as of July 18, and either their OAA (Outs Above Average) or percentile grades in pitch framing. The grades are also based on both the offensive and defensive value the players should have been reasonably expected to provide, and is completely subjective. The purpose of the grades are simply to reflect, and not to promote any distaste towards any certain player.

Jace Peterson * .252/.325/.439 * 7 OAA * Super Utility
Grade: A
Coming into the season, Peterson projected to be the Brewers de facto utility man. To say Peterson has passed expectations would be an understatement. Playing in 80 games and logging more than 240 plate appearances, all Peterson has done is hit, posting a 115 OPS+.

His bat has been steady and consistent, but his real value comes from his defense. Tied with Adames for the team lead in OAA, Peterson has likely been the team's best defender. Seeing time at 1B, 2B, 3B, LF, and RF, he has shown fans he’s capable of performing wherever Craig Counsell has placed him.

It’s hard to imagine Peterson will see the same amount of playing time post All-Star break, but if he does, he shows no signs of being anything but the pillar of consistency he’s been so far.

Mike Brosseau * .287/.367/.460 * -4 OAA * Infield
Grade: B+
Despite the impressive slash line, Brosseau only earns a B+. Between competition with Jace Peterson and injuries, he hasn’t seen much time on the field. There isn’t much else to note for Brosseau, as he’s only appeared in 40 games, and logged less than 100 plate appearances.

Despite not seeing much time, it’s hard to complain about his bat though. He even leads the Brewers in both AVG and OBP. However his defense has been poor. Brosseau has commited 5 errors in his limited number of appearances, and his -4 OAA is less than ideal.

Brosseau’s role with the team is completely up in the air. It’s hard to predict what he’d do with more playing time, or how the Brewers would give it to him.

Keston Hiura * .238/.354/.451 * -1 OAA * AAA-Wisconsin
Grade: B
The only player to receive a grade that's currently in AAA, Hiura has quietly put together a season that's surpassed expectations. If you want to read more about his oddly productive season, do it here.

Looking forward, Hiura should see more playing time. He’s been too good against right-handed pitching to not get consistent at-bats. It’s never too late for Hiura to be considered in future plans.

Jonathan Davis * .237/.348/.254 * 2 OAA * Outfielder
Grade: B-
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the season is Davis making his way into the Brewers crowded outfield. The quick-footed center fielder has given the Brewers some quality play in the outfield while some regulars found themselves on the IL.

Davis earns a B- grade largely due to his defense and bag stealing abilities, though he hasn’t been awful at the plate either. His .348 OBP is certainly valuable, although he brings little power with a SLG of just .254.

There is some question whether Davis will have a role after the trade deadline, but if he does, it likely won’t come with much playing time.

Now it's your turn. Are the grades fair? Would you give extra credit or demerits to some of the players? If so, let's hear it in the comments below. 

 

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[Brock Beauchamp]

Agreed on Peterson, would give Hiura a lower grade due to the strikeouts, his reverse splits making him less valuable to the team than one would expect, and the fact he doesn't play any position even adequately.

[NBBrewFan]

Should a player get a positive grade simply because the batters in front of him got to 2nd base and they need to walk you to setup the force out?