Brewers Roundup, Sept 23: Fischer's Hitter Bid, Rotation Roster, Farm Future

[Brewer Fanatic]

Here is some of the latest Brewers analysis from around the internet. Focus is on Andrew Fischer's MiLB Hitter of the Year candidacy, Kyle Harrison's playoff potential, the pitching staff's confidence, Dustin May's role in the rotation, and Blake Burke's impact on the first base succession plan.

• No. 5 prospect Fischer among the finalists for MiLB Hitter of the Year award (MLB.com). Argues Andrew Fischer, Milwaukee's No. 5 prospect, is a finalist for MiLB Hitter of the Year after leading the Minors with 48 HR, .654 SLG, and 1.067 OPS in 126 games, surpassing the single-season HR record since 1982.
• The Brewers Should Give Kyle Harrison a Playoff Shot (FanGraphs). Argues the Brewers should give Kyle Harrison a playoff shot despite his recent struggles, citing his potential as a key rotation option and the lack of reliable third/fourth starters. Key evidence: Harrison’s strong early season, recent poor form, and the team’s depth in starters like Misiorowski and Henderson.
• Here's why the pitching coach is more confident in this year's Crew (MLB.com). Argues Milwaukee's pitching coach is more confident in this year's staff due to improved consistency, battle-tested experience, and key players like Misiorowski and May. Highlights include a 3.54 ERA, May's postseason experience, and strategic roster adjustments.
• Why Brewers leaning towards Dustin May as Game 3 starter raises their playoff rotation's ceiling (Reviewing the Brew). Argues Brewers are leaning toward Dustin May as their No. 3 playoff starter due to his postseason experience and higher strikeout potential, despite Gasser's recent strong performance. May has nine postseason appearances and a better whiff rate, making him the better choice to raise the rotation's ceiling.
• Blake Burke's Southern League MVP-winning season strengthens Brewers' first base succession plan (Reviewing the Brew). Argues Blake Burke's Southern League MVP season highlights his potential as a first-base successor for the Brewers. Burke hit 30 HRs, led the league in slugging and OPS, and won MVP despite being promoted to Triple-A mid-season.

[TURBO]

In a perfect world, we'd relegate Yelich to a bench only role in 2027, bring up both Burke and Fischer, with Burke as our starting 1B, and Fischer as our normal DH, and playing some 3B.  If we keep Joey at 3B, this creates a bit of a problem, but we can work that out when the time comes.  

Harrison should not have a playoff spot. Nope, the playoffs are for real. not a time to give guys who have not performed chances to do so in HUGE games.

May is so far from being the guy who should start game #3, that honor clearly belongs to Gasser.  Starting May, and spotting our opponent 3-4 runs in the first 2-3 innings is just asinine.

[igor67]

I'm not even going to read the logic in the fangraphs article. Yes he might go back to being what he was early in the year, but I can't think of any actual fan who thinks it makes sense when we could just take another bullpen arm and frankly probably get more innings out of them. Heck there is a better argument for Woody than Harrison. Sure he's probably not ready but he has managed to pitch well when not hurt 

[Brock Beauchamp]

What do we think of these roundups?

[Playing Catch]

20 minutes ago, igor67 said:

I'm not even going to read the logic in the fangraphs article.

Their logic was that he was the highest upside play. That when in doubt, teams should pick the most talented player.

He's been getting smashed. I'd prefer the other options at this point, but am perfectly willing to see if they can get him performing before next week. I'd prefer the Drohans of the staff over him, simply because of Harrison's abililty to give up a dozen runs before you can blink.

[Playing Catch]

Fischer.

Gosh is he a fascinating case study. He's becoming my favorite guy down on the farm. His recent success with going opposite field with power is making me a believer. His OBP is so high. He's seeing soooo many pitches, and must terrify pitchers with his .380 ISO in 560 PA. They simply cannot miss in the zone, and he can hit lefties just as well as righties. He's kind of a ready-made replacement for Bauers with the bat.

[Turning2]

57 minutes ago, TURBO said:

In a perfect world, we'd relegate Yelich to a bench only role in 2027, bring up both Burke and Fischer, with Burke as our starting 1B, and Fischer as our normal DH, and playing some 3B.  If we keep Joey at 3B, this creates a bit of a problem, but we can work that out when the time comes.  

Harrison should not have a playoff spot. Nope, the playoffs are for real. not a time to give guys who have not performed chances to do so in HUGE games.

May is so far from being the guy who should start game #3, that honor clearly belongs to Gasser.  Starting May, and spotting our opponent 3-4 runs in the first 2-3 innings is just asinine.

That’s the exact right plan for Yeli, Burke and Fischer. Doubt it will play out that way though. 

[igor67]

I assume Vaughn is around for next season, and you wait for performance or injuries to let whatever combination of Burke, Fischer (or other corner bats) to force the issue a bit. Which I'm OK with if contact with Fischer wasn't a wild card I'd be thinking more about bringing him up right away and trying to snag the ROY, but give the vets some more time while you wait for the rookies gives us both plenty of upside and gives us that depth. I imagine a similar philosophy on the other side of the infield. The combinations of performance, salary and options gives the team a lot of flexibility to make moves when players are ready instead of being forced into decisions.