Ro Mueller

Thanks! Let’s give the fanatics what they want!

We’re so hitter-heavy, so I doubt it as we’ll just see hitters moving up and down like usual. We probably need Antoine Kelly to dominate and then guys like Justin Bullock, Victor Castaneda and/or Miguel Segura to emerge as potential studs. I don’t think they’ll put much stock in relievers like Uribe, Floyd, Robinson, etc.

We’re so hitter-heavy, so I doubt it as we’ll just see hitters moving up and down like usual. We probably need Antoine Kelly to dominate and then guys like Justin Bullock, Victor Castaneda and/or Miguel Segura to emerge as potential studs. I don’t think they’ll put much stock in relievers like Uribe, Floyd, Robinson, etc.

Shuckers are now 7-0. Lazar & Shook throw a combined shutout for the Rattlers. Sounds go 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position, lose close one. Mudcats are routed Friday’s games saw frustration for the Sounds, domination from expected places (Biloxi Shuckers; Wisconsin’s RHP Max Lazar) and take-note performances from the relatively-unheralded RHP TJ Shook, DH/C Brent Diaz and RHP Brannon Jordan. After a barrage of homers across the squads on Thursday, only Diaz connected this night, but it was a grand salami ?. Transactions: None Game Action: Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Fredericksburg 14, Carolina 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: ‘Cats Commit Five Errors in 14-1 Loss Fans of the young Mudcats should expect fair shares of awesome, good, bad and ugly this year, with this game falling into the latter category. After again taking the early lead, Fredericksburg quickly reversed it in the same inning and piled on from there. But hey, each squad tallied 8 hits, so if not for the 10 walks, 5 wild pitches, 1 hit batsman, 5 errors and hitting into 3 double plays, we could have been right in this game. Right? ? We start in the top of the first, where DH Jeferson Quero singled and advanced on an error, ground out and wild pitch to give the Mudcats a 1-0 lead. But that didn’t last long, as RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez loaded the bases with two hits and a hit-by-pitch, then a 1B Jesus Chirinos error and a wild pitch allowed 2 runs to score. The second inning saw 3B Alberis Ferrer’s night-to-forget unravel, hitting into a double play, then committing his first of his 3 errors on the night. Rodriguez was removed after giving up a home run and two singles in the frame, throwing 48 pitches on the night. LHP Karlos Morales came in with 2-on and 1-out, but the Ferrer error and a ground out allowed both inherited runners to score. 5-1 Nationals. The Nationals added 2 more in the 3rd inning on 2 wild pitches, a walk, and a single, then 1 more run in the 4th inning on an error and a passed ball. 8-1 Nats. By this point, Carolina’s bright spot had already entered the game. RHP Brannon Jordan covered the 4th through 7th innings in exceptional fashion: no hits, 4 walks, 8 strikeouts, 1 run that I swear was unearned. Unfortunately, the Mudcats’ bats did not wake up in spite of Jordan’s terrific effort. Then LHP Jakob Brustoski tried to handle the 8th inning, but instead simply opened the turnstile: 4 walks, a double, a homer, and a wild pitch to give up 6 earned runs before handing over to LHP Pablo Garabitos, who mercifully ended the carnage. It is worth noting that Mudcat pitchers did win the strikeout battle of the evening, K’ing 13 Nationals in 8 innings of challenging work. Tomorrow will be a better day, young men. Lace ‘em up! Performances of Note: Micah Bello – 2-3, walk Jheremy Vargas – 2-4 Jose Sibrian – 2-4 Carlos F. Rodriguez (Loss) – 1 1/3 innings, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 Ks Brannon Jordan – 4.0 innings, 1 run (unearned though the box score presently says otherwise), 8 Ks Saturday’s outlook: Expect RHPs Edwin Jimenez and Israel Puello to cover most innings, as the Mudcats try to mount a comeback from their 3-1 series deficit against Fredericksburg. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 2, Beloit 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Win Fifth Straight on 2-0 Shutout at Beloit The Timber Rattlers and Beloit Sky Carp played a much crisper game (no hit-by-pitches, wild pitches, or passed balls), though with limited offense. The story in Beloit was the duo of RHPs Max Lazar and TJ Shook, who combined to throw 87 strikes in 121 pitches, allowing just 2 hits, one walk, and no runs. In the top of the first inning, LF Carlos D. Rodriguez (single, stolen base) and C Wes Clarke (RBI single to left field) produced the only run that Lazar and Shook would actually require. 1-0 Timber Rattlers. Lazar then went to work, allowing only 1 of 13 batters to reach base over 4 innings. That was a 1-out double in the first inning, which thankfully went for naught. Given the early season passes issued by our major leaguers, it’s terrific to see a Brewers’ hurler not give up any walks, systematically destroying the opposition while throwing in the zone. However, don’t expect Lazar to get the quick promotion to AA Biloxi just yet, as he’s still ramping up after a long injury, throwing just 50 pitches this evening. If Beloit was thinking they’d have better success post-Lazar’s exit, TJ Shook crushed that dream quite readily, striking out the first two batters he faced. In fact, only three Sky Carp managed to reach base against Shook over five innings (5th inning infield hit, 6th inning walk, 9th inning error). His most amazing stretch was five consecutive strikeouts from the 6th to 8th innings, all swinging. In all, no Beloit hitter so much as reached 3rd base on the evening. Way to go Max and TJ! Rattler bats were relatively quiet this night, producing only three hits. But that last hit was a 9th inning RBI single by DH Darrien Miller, driving home RF Joe Gray Jr. who had walked and stolen 2nd base. That 2-0 lead was more than enough cushion for Shook to finish the job and earn the win. We’d be remiss not to recognize the solid game thrown by Beloit’s 20-year-old LHP starter Dax Fulton, who had to wear the loss despite giving up just 1 run and 2 hits over 5 1/3 innings Performances of Note: Wes Clarke – 1-3, walk, RBI Darrien Miller – 1-4, RBI Carlos D. Rodriguez – 1-4, SB Max Lazar – 4.0 innings, 0 ER, 4 Ks TJ Shook (Win) – 5.0 innings, 0 ER, 10 Ks Saturday’s outlook: RHP Brandon Knarr is on the hill after being unlucky his first time out (a loss despite yielding 1 run in 5 2/3 innings), as the Timber Rattlers seek a 6th straight win. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 7, Mississippi 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Slam Their Way to Seventh Straight Win Another boring, ho-hum victory for the Biloxi Shuckers, their 7th in a row to start the season? Not quite, actually. This one featured a grand slam for the Shuckers and constant traffic against Biloxi pitchers, as the Mississippi Braves left 11 runners on base in the game. After the Braves stranded two runners in the top of the first against Biloxi RHP Tyler Herb, the Shuckers grabbed the lead in the bottom half via a 3B Ashton McGee single to drive in 2B Felix Valerio. While Herb settled in from there, Braves’ RHP Darius Vines got a little wild in the 3rd inning, with a wild pitch scoring Valerio (10 runs in seven games for Super Felix!) and walks to McGee (full-count) and LF Tristen Lutz (four pitches) to load the bases. Then DH Brent Diaz entered the box expecting a first-pitch strike and sent it high and deep into the dark left-field night. Grand Slam! 6-0 Shuckers. More highlights -- Brent Diaz – 2-3, HR, HBP, 4 RBIs Ashton McGee – 1-2, 2 walks, RBI Garrett Mitchell – 1-3, walk Tyler Herb – 4.0 innings, 2 runs (1 earned), 4 Ks Luis Contreras (Win) – 3.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Harold Chirino + Lucas Erceg – combined 2.0 innings, 1 ER, 4 Ks Saturday’s outlook: RHP Victor Castaneda (1.93 ERA in 4.0 innings) is scheduled for his 2nd start in 2022, as the Shuckers try for an 8th consecutive win to start the season. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Gwinnett 2, Nashville 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details: Missed Opportunities Doom Sounds in Gwinnett With several regulars on the bench as part of early-season roster shuffling, the Sounds just could not collect a key hit in this tough loss to the Stripers, going a hard-to-comprehend zero-for-18 with runners in scoring position. But let’s give credit to Gwinnett, who struck out 15 Nashville batters and threw out a runner at home which would have given the Sounds an 8th inning lead. RHP Josh Lindblom was his usual solid self, as he undoubtedly wonders when he’ll get his next chance in the majors. He scattered 5 hits and 2 walks across 5 1/3 innings, with the Stripers knocking in one run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Lindblom did not allow lead-off doubles in the 1st inning or 4th inning to result in any damage and did well to escape the 5th inning with only the one run allowed, getting two infield outs to strand 2 runners. Now about those Sounds’ hitters. Despite a 3B Mark Mathias walk and C Mario Feliciano single giving the team 1st and 3rd with one out in the 2nd inning, DH Alex Jackson and LF Dustin Peterson could not knock a run in. The 3rd and 5th innings saw SS Andruw Monasterio stranded at 2nd base despite reaching there with no outs and 1 out, respectively. And in the 6th inning, 1B Tyler White was left stuck at 2nd base. LHP Rex Brothers finished off the 6th inning for Lindblom, before the Sounds knotted it up in the 7th inning on a walk and an error. However, as was the theme of the night, Nashville was unable to add a second run even though Monasterio had stolen 3rd base with just one out, as CF Garrett Whitley struck out on three pitches and RF Abraham Almonte grounded out. RHP Zack Brown pitched a clean bottom of the 7th inning before the Sounds faced more pain in the 8th. A lead-off single by White and ground-rule double by Mathias had Nashville poised to take the lead and potentially blow the game open. Instead, Feliciano grounded out to first (on a nice defensive play with the infield in) and Jackson flew out to right, with Gwinnett RF Justin Dean throwing a strike home to double up White at the plate. Performances of Note: Mark Mathias – 1-2, double, 2 walks Dustin Peterson – 1-3, double, walk Andruw Monasterio – 1-3, walk, 3 SBs Tyler White – 1-3, HBP Josh Lindblom – 5 1/3 innings, 1 ER, 4 Ks Rex Brothers + Zach Brown – combined 1 2/3 innings, 0 ER, 2 Ks Miguel Sanchez (Loss) – 1.0 inning, 1 ER, 1 K Saturday’s outlook: LHP Ethan Small makes his third start, as Nashville looks to take a 3-2 series lead in Gwinnett, while regulars Brice Turang, David Dahl and Weston Wilson will likely return to the line-up. Unfortunately, when three of the four affiliates are on the road, we may end up with more embedded Twitter highlights from the opposition, so let me balance that by adding this video of LHP Russell Smith dominating Beloit on Thursday evening: We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck this weekend, Brewers’ affiliates. View full article

Rattlers sweep a doubleheader. Shuckers move to 6-0. Sounds win a close one, Mudcats lose on a walk-off. Forget the organizational prospect rankings and look at the standings: AAA Nashville Sounds – 6-3 – 2nd place AA Biloxi Shuckers – 6-0 – 1st place High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers – 5-1 – 1st place Low-A Carolina Mudcats – 4-2 – 2nd place Aggregate: 21-6 – Best in the World Thursday’s minor league action saw a strong debut from LHP Russell Smith, a 4-4 Felix Valerio night (with a home run), a game-winning homer by C Darrien Miller, first blasts of the season for Joey Wiemer, Joe Gray Jr., Micah Bello, Alberis Ferrer, and Brent Diaz, a continued resurgence by David Dahl and welcome returns to full action by three players we were concerned about (Garrett Mitchell, Ashton McGee, Oswel Leones). Transactions: RHP Matt Hardy activated by AAA Nashville Sounds RHP J.T. Hintzen transferred to AA Biloxi Shuckers from AAA Nashville Sounds, so he can finally get some playing time RHP Justin Bullock placed on AA Biloxi Shuckers’ 7-day disabled list retroactive to April 13th On to the Game Action: Final: Fredericksburg 7, Carolina 6 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details, please review: House and FredNats Walk Off Mudcats 7-6 Despite their usual hot start, the Mudcats could not hold on to leads of 4-0 (5th inning) and 6-3 (7th inning), giving up three walks and a walk-off 2-run single with one out in the 9th to fall this time. Rare off nights from Eduardo Garcia and Jheremy Vargas couldn’t slow down the Mudcat offense, which started with an Albert Cipion 2-run single in the 3rd inning and Micah Bello 2-run homer in the 4th inning. RHP Ryne Moore was dominant through 4 shutout innings before faltering to give up a solo shot in the 5th, two more runs in the 6th inning, and not retiring a batter in the 7th. The runs stained Moore’s final line, but he exited with the lead, and the underlying metrics weren’t too bad: 6.0 innings, five hits, five earned runs, one walk, two hit by pitches, two wild pitches, and five strikeouts. An Alberis Ferrer 2-run homer had extended the lead to 6-3 in the 7th inning before Fredericksburg clawed back those two runs in the 7th to keep it tight at 6-5 Mudcats. RHP Christian Tripp covered two strong innings, yielding no runs (with one hit and three strikeouts) to set up RHP Trevor Tietz for the potential save. Unfortunately, after striking out the opening batter in the bottom of the 9th inning, Tietz gave up three consecutive, excruciating full-count walks before a 2-run opposite-field single to right field by 18-year old Nats’ prospect Brady House gave Fredericksburg the walk-off win and a 2-1 series lead against the Mudcats. Performances of Note: Micah Bello – 2-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs Hendry Mendez – 2-3, walk Alberis Ferrer – 1-2, HR, 2 walks, 2 RBIs Arbert Cipion – 1-3, walk, 2 RBIs, SB Ryne Moore – 6.0 innings, 5 ER, 5 Ks Christian Tripp – 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Trevor Tietz (Loss) – 1/3 inning, 2 ER Friday’s outlook: Expect the tag team of RHP Brannon Jordan and RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez to stifle Frederickburg’s bat to even the series at two games apiece. *** First Game Final: Wisconsin 1, Beloit 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details, please review: Miller’s Late Homer Drops Sky Carp in Game One If you’re a fan of exceptional pitching, this was the game for you, as Wisconsin’s Russell Smith went toe-to-toe with Beloit’s Pat Monteverde, neither yielding a run nor even blinking over the first 4+ innings. In all, six pitchers covered the seven innings for the two clubs, giving up a combined one run and six hits while striking out 16 batters. Yes, the Rattler bats were a bit sleepy in this one, striking out ten times. However, the team still had solid chances, unable to convert bases loaded 2nd inning or leadoff 5th inning double (Darrien Miller) into runs before Miller took matters into his own hands in the top of the 7th and final inning. With one down and a 2-0 count, Miller blasted his second home run of the season, this one to right field for the game's only run. Have we told you before that this Timber Rattlers team is strong? Manager Joe Ayrault was undoubtedly spoiled for choice selecting between studs Cam Robinson, James Meeker, or Kent Hasler to close it out after an impressive 2-inning scoreless bridge provided by RHP Zach Mort in his first appearance of the young season. The call this time went to Meeker, who induced two groundouts and a fly ball to left to close out a clean save. Performances of Note: Darrien Miller – 2-2, HR, double, RBI Ernesto Martinez – 1-3 Carlos D. Rodriguez – 1-3 Russell Smith – 4.0 innings, 0 ER, 4 Ks Zach Mort (Win) – 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 2 Ks James Meeker (Save) – 1.0 inning, 0 ER *** Second Game Final: Wisconsin 7, Beloit 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details, please review: Gray Drives in Four for Wisconsin in Game Two Win at Beloit Wisconsin’s bats got an earlier start in this one, with Joe Gray Jr. breaking out of his early-season mini-slump in fine fashion. A Sal Frelick single drove in Ethan Murray in the 3rd inning before Gray’s 2-run double opened up a nice lead. Oh, wait, Gray also scored on his own double due to a catcher error. Let’s call it a little league homer. ? 4-0 Timber Rattlers’ lead through 3 innings. Starting pitcher, RHP Justin Jarvis cruised through the Beloit line-up the first time through 9-up and 9-down with four strikeouts. Unfortunately, things went a bit south for Jarvis, with two 4th inning walks and a single allowing Beloit to get back into the game at 4-2. This continued in the 5th inning, with a single and home run (by Marlins’ prospect David Bradshaw) tying it up 4-4 and Jarvis giving way to RHP Cristian Sierra for his first action of the year. Remember Joe Ayrault’s bullpen? Yeah, good luck scoring on them. Sierra threw 1.2 innings, striking out 3 to keep it knotted up, entering the 7th and final inning and Joe Gray Jr.’s heroics. Two strikeouts sandwiched a Yeison Coca single before Carlos D. Rodriguez reached on a well-timed (or ill-timed if you’re Beloit) throwing error from short. Enter Gray: called strike, called strike, foul ball, foul ball, 3-run home run to left-center field. Woo hoo! 7-4 Rattlers. Back to the bullpen, and RHP Cam Robinson got the call to close out this one, not allowing a ball out to leave the infield. That’s Robinson’s 2nd save of the year. Performances of Note: Joe Gray Jr. – 2-4, HR, double, 4 RBIs Zavier Warren – 2-4 Yeison Coca – 1-2, walk, SB Ethan Murray – 1-2, walk, SB Sal Frelick – 1-3, walk, RBI Ernesto Martinez – 1-3 Justin Jarvis – 4 1/3 innings, four earned runs, 5 Ks Cristian Sierra (Win) – 1 2/3 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Cam Robinson (Save) – 1.0 inning, 0 ER, 2 Ks Friday’s outlook: RHP Max Lazar makes his second start of the season and will not disappoint. Expect RHP fire-baller Kent Hasler to close it out if needed. *** Final: Biloxi 8, Mississippi 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details, please review: Biloxi Slugs Three Home Runs, Pitching Stifles M-Braves in 8-1 Victory You’ve got to love a game where everything comes into place. From the relief of seeing CF Garrett Mitchell and 3B Ashton McGee healthy and back in the starting line-up, to knowing you’ve got always-dominant LHP Andy Otero on the mound and finally jumping out to a 4-0 lead by the 3rd inning. Felix Valerio and Joey Wiemer got things started quickly for the Shuckers with a 2-run home run (his first of the year) scoring Valerio after his single. Brent Diaz then doubled in Cam Devanney in the 2nd inning and Thomas Dillard drilled a double to score Valerio in the 3rd inning to extend the lead to 4-0. As for Otero, he cruised through four scoreless innings, not allowing any runner to reach 2nd base, before giving up two doubles and a run in the 5th inning. Felix Valerio added his third hit of the night in the bottom of that frame, but the squad wasn’t able to knock him in this time. Have no fear, a Gabe Holt single, Devanney double and Diaz homer extended the lead back to 7-1 in the 6th inning. Not quite content, Valerio decided to score himself by opening the 7th inning with a solo shot to left center for his 3rd home run of the year, giving us the final score of 8-1. With Biloxi advancing to 6-0, could there be any downside on the day? Well yes, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels were also winners, leaving the Shuckers and Mighty Mussels as the only undefeated teams in MLB or MILB. Of course, Brewers’ affiliates won’t be playing Fort Myers anytime this year, but something tells me our new cyber overloads (hail thee, hail thee) are keeping a close eye on the Twins’ affiliate. Via WXXV: Additional highlights: Performances of Note: Felix Valerio – 4-4, HR, RBI Brent Diaz – 2-4, HR, double, 3 RBIs Joey Wiemer – 1-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs Thomas Dillard – 1-3, double, walk, RBI Cam Devanney – 1-4, double, RBI Andy Otero (Win) – 5.0 innings, 1 ER, 4 Ks Robbie Hitt – 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 2 Ks J.T. Hintzen + Zach Vennaro – combined 2.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Ks Friday’s outlook: With Justin Bullock injured, RHP Tyler Herb makes his first start of the year, as the Shuckers will extend their record to 7-0. *** Final: Nashville 5, Gwinnett 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, please review: Quick Start Leads Nashville to Another Win at Gwinnett Exploding to a 4-run lead in the 1st inning, then keeping it a close contest into the 9th inning is not a bad way to entertain the fans, even if they’re road fans and you’re actually just tormenting them ?. David Dahl knocked in the first run with a single, followed by Weston Wilson driving in another with a double, then a wild pitch and Corey Ray single extending the lead to 4-0. Undeterred, the Stripers answered back with a 2-run shot by Braves’ AAAA RF Travis Demeritte in the bottom of the frame to set the affair at 4-2. Sounds’ RHP Jason Alexander and Gwinnett reliever then settled in for three scoreless innings apiece, before each team added a run in the 5th inning, with Weston Wilson driving in his second run of the night on a base hit and the Striper stringing two hits together to keep it close at 5-3. A Pablo Reyes double in the 6th inning and Alex Jackson lead-off single in the 8th inning were not converted into runs, while the Sounds’ middle inning relievers were formidable: no hits and only one walk given up by Connor Sadzeck, J.C. Mejia, Thomas Jankins. Gwinnett nearly made the most of their final chance in the 9th inning, leading off with a Ryan Casteel homer, then coaxing a 1-out walk. But of course, RHP Pete Strzelecki responded to the pressure, with consecutive full-count strikeouts to end the game 5-4 for the Sounds’ second consecutive close win. Performances of Note: Weston Wilson – 2-4, double, 2 RBIs David Dahl – 2-4, RBI Pablo Reyes – 1-4, double Corey Ray – 1-4, RBI Brice Turang – 1-4, walk Jason Alexander (Win) – 5.0 innings, 3 ER, 3 Ks Connor Sadzeck, JC Mejia, Thomas Jankins – combined 3.0 innings, 0 ER, 4 Ks Pete Strzelecki (Save) – 1.0 inning, 1 ER, 2 Ks Friday’s outlook: RHP Josh Lindblom makes his second start of the year, as Manager Rick Sweet must again juggle his vast roster of early season players to win a 3rd straight game over Gwinnett. Friday April 15th: Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Thank you all for reading my first-ever Brewers’ Minor League Link Report in the new format. I’ll try it again tomorrow, before handing it over to @Mass Haas for the weekend. Enjoy the games! View full article

Tough news on Noah Campbell, but glad to hear that the now-mysterious Alec Bettinger is healthy.

Tough news on Noah Campbell, but glad to hear that the now-mysterious Alec Bettinger is healthy.

Tough news on Noah Campbell, but glad to hear that the now-mysterious Alec Bettinger is healthy.

Tough news on Noah Campbell, but glad to hear that the now-mysterious Alec Bettinger is healthy.

Super young Mudcats, including a new coach! Zero weaknesses were detected in Wisconsin. Biloxi is booming again after one down year. 38 Sounds on the AAA roster?! After a lost 2020 minor league baseball season and then major changes across the MILB landscape in 2021, it’s great to have some stability in 2022, with all of Milwaukee’s affiliates returning. The AAA Nashville Sounds kicked off their season on Tuesday (April 5th). The AA Biloxi Shuckers, High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, and Low-A Carolina Mudcats are all in action from Friday, April 8th. This article gives a brief overview of each of the Brewers’ four full-season minor league affiliates, while we hope to do the same for the four short-season rookie affiliates (2 in Arizona, 2 in the Dominican Republic) in early June. YOUR 2022 CAROLINA MUDCATS Examining initial rosters throughout the organization, 2022 presents the usual elegant birthday pattern regarding the youngest players at each level…: MLB Milwaukee – Born 1998+: 1 – LHP Aaron Ashby AAA Nashville – Born 1999+: 1 – SS Brice Turang AA Biloxi – Born 2000+: 2 – 2B Felix Valerio, RHP Abner Uribe High-A Wisconsin: Born 2001+: 1 – C Darrien Miller …that is until we arrive at the lowest level of full-season ball: Low-A Carolina: Born 2002+: 6!!!! – OF Hendry Mendez, 3B Jheremy Vargas, OF Hedbert Perez, C Jeferson Quero, SS Eduardo Garcia, RHP Miguel Segura. Yes, youth reigns supreme for the Low-A Carolina Mudcats in 2022, with two 18-year olds and three 19-year olds as projected regulars in the starting line-up, along with one 20-year old starting pitcher. While the cynic will say that these youthful promotions result from the removal of the High-Rookie level (remember the Helena Brewers / Rocky Mountain Vibes?), the reality is that those were short-season leagues. This crop of youngsters is ready to play today. Each of the six performed well in Rookie Arizona ball in 2021 (Perez .969 OPS, Quero .934, Mendez .885, Garcia .801, Vargas .707; Segura 1.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP) and deserve a chance at the next level. Of course, these future stars are not the only exciting prospects in Carolina, as they’re joined by 2021 draft picks RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (6th round), 2B Zack Raabe (8th round), RHP Brannon Jordan (9th round), and RHP Ryne Moore (18th round), along with IF Alberis Ferrer (.951 OPS in Arizona) and 1B Jesus Chirinos (.891 OPS in Arizona). Let’s not forget who will coach these young men: 33-year old Victor Estevez, who is entering his 10th season in the Brewers organization, and spent the last six seasons managing in the Dominican Summer League. Go Mudcats! Low-A Carolina Mudcats – affiliate 2017-present Manager Victor Estevez (promoted from DSL) Assistant Coaches: Drew Thomas (pitching), Ken Joyce (hitting), Jorge Ortega (coach), Benny Arroyo (athletic trainer), Jonah Mergen (strength and conditioning) Last Season: 67-53 Stadium: Five County Stadium, Zebulon, North Carolina (opened in 1991; 6,500 capacity) Projected Regulars: C Jeferson Quero (5), 1B Jesus Chirinos, 2B Zack Raabe, 3B Jheremy Vargas (30), SS Eduardo Garcia (12), LF Micah Bello, CF Hedbert Perez* (8), RF Hendry Mendez* (15), DH (IF) Alberis Ferrer Bench: C Jose Sibrian, IF/C Luis Silva, OF Oswel Leones*, OF Arbert Cipion Projected Rotation: RHP Miguel Segura, RHP Alexander Cornielle, RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez, RHP Ryne Moore, RHP Brannon Jordan, RHP Edwin Jimenez Relievers: RHP Jeferson Figueroa, RHP Israel Puello, RHP Michele Vassalotti, RHP Trevor Tietz, LHP Pablo Garabitos, RHP Brandon Ramey, RHP Junior Montero, RHP Christian Tripp, LHP Karlos Morales, LHP Jakob Brustoski Injured/Other: IF Daniel Castillo, RHP Brailin Rodriguez, RHP Caden Lemons, LHP Josh Shapiro, LHP Jackson Gillis, RHP Juan Geraldo Youngest Players: Hendry Mendez (November 7, 2003), Jheremy Vargas (May 10, 2003), Hedbert Perez (April 4, 2003), Jeferson Quero (October 8, 2002), Eduardo Garcia (July 10, 2002), Miguel Segura (February 15, 2002) Biggest Surprise: Luis Silva is transitioning to become a catcher in his 5th year in the Brewers’ system! YOUR 2022 WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS What’s the best record for a Brewers’ full-season affiliate? The Brevard County Manatees’ 79-48 season in 2009? Well, that’s probably the mark the 2022 Timber Rattlers are aiming for, at least until some key players are inevitably promoted. There is talent and proven production throughout the roster. We start with the outfield, where the team has #1 prospect Sal Frelick accompanied by two players who are probably under solid consideration for promotions to AA already: #13 prospect Joe Gray Jr. (.854 OPS in 479 PAs in Low-A and High-A in 2021) and #21 prospect Carlos D. Rodriguez (.684 OPS in 382 PAs in High-A as the youngest player on the roster for most of 2021). Every other player in the projected lineup had a stellar 2021 (see Darrien Miller, Ernesto Martinez, Zavier Warren, Wes Clarke), is a top prospect (#6 Tyler Black, #17 Warren), or was a high 2021 draft pick (Black 2nd round, Ethan Murray 5th round). Let’s not forget the projected starting pitchers, where we have a healthy Antoine Kelly (#14 prospect – 2.84 ERA in 2019), 2021 2nd round pick Russell Smith (#16 prospect), a finally healthy Max Lazar (2.33 ERA in 2019), just-turned-22 Justin Jarvis and two more experienced hurlers (TJ Shook, Brandon Knarr). Throw in a bullpen led by #26 prospect Cam Robinson (2.45 ERA in Carolina last year) and record-breaker James Meeker (55 innings unearned run streak in 2020-2021) squad is stacked. Manager Joe Ayrault, who coached many of these players in Low-A Carolina in 2021, makes the move up to High-A Wisconsin this season as they aim for on-field excellence and quick promotions to AA Biloxi. Mr. Ayrault has been with the Brewers since 2010, managing clubs in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and now Wisconsin. Win ‘em all, Timber Rattlers! High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers – affiliate 2009-present Manager Joe Ayrault (promoted from Low-A) Assistant Coaches: Will Schierholz (pitching), Nick Stanley (pitching), Liu Rodríguez (coach), Andrew Staehling (athletic trainer), Connor McCarthy (strength and conditioning) Last Season: 59-60 Stadium: Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, Appleton, Wisconsin (opened in 1995; capacity 5,900) Projected Regulars: C Darrien Miller*, 1B Ernesto Martinez*, 2B Tyler Black* (6), 3B Zavier Warren^ (17), SS Ethan Murray, LF Carlos D. Rodriguez* (21), CF Sal Frelick* (1), RF Joe Gray Jr. (13), DH (C) Wes Clarke Bench: C Alex Hall^, IF Antonio Pinero, IF Yeison Coca^, OF Tristan Peters* Projected Rotation: LHP Antoine Kelly (14), LHP Russell Smith (16), RHP Max Lazar, RHP Justin Jarvis, RHP TJ Shook, LHP Brandon Knarr Relievers: RHP Cam Robinson (26), RHP Tyler Gillies, RHP Kent Hasler, RHP James Meeker, RHP Cristian Sierra, RHP Joey Matulovich, RHP Robbie Baker, RHP Miguel Guerrero, RHP Zach Mort, RHP Brady Schanuel Injured/Other: OF Je’Von Ward*, LHP Arman Sabouri, RHP Jhoan Cruz, OF Pablo Abreu, RHP Bryce Milligan Youngest Player: Darrien Miller (March 10, 2001) Biggest Surprise: Elder statesmen Hasler, Schanuel, and Mort are back for another go-round in High-A YOUR 2022 BILOXI SHUCKERS The 2021 season must have felt like an out-of-body experience for Biloxi fans, who’d seen their perennially winning ballclub experience its first-ever losing season. Starting with an opening day rainout and a doubleheader loss the next day, last year’s Shuckers appeared out-manned and out-gunned much of the season, sometimes only having ten healthy position players to select from. Well, that one-year nightmare is over! Your star-studded, winning Shuckers are back in 2022, led by #2 prospect Joey Wiemer (27 homers in 2021), #3 prospect Garrett Mitchell (1.128 OPS in High-A in 2021, before struggling in AA with injuries), and experienced, highly capable starting pitching. In all, the 2022 Biloxi squad has eight ranked prospects, including the exciting 21-year old Felix Valerio and 2020 2nd round pick Freddy Zamora in the middle infield and Mr. On-Base Percentage Gabe Holt at third base. But don’t sleep on tier two prospects like 1B Thomas Dillard (18 home runs in 2021) and OF Tristen Lutz (60 power rating according to MLB.com entering 2021). Now let’s admire the starting rotation: #25 prospect Victor Castaneda, experienced southpaw Andy Otero (2.10 ERA in Biloxi last year), Carlos Luna (2.33 ERA in High-A/AA last year), Justin Bullock (2.98 ERA in Low-A/High-A before struggling in AA), with Nick Bennett (6th round 2019 pick) and 29-year old Tyler Herb (152.1 AAA innings under his belt) rounding it out. If the opposition keeps it close, their reward is the buzzsaw of #19 prospect Abner Uribe (103mph fastball) and #23 prospect Taylor Floyd (84 strikeouts in 56 innings last year). Manager Mike Guerrero leads the squad again in 2022, where he’s been posted since 2016. Guerrero has been managing in the Brewers organization since 1996. Go get ‘em, Shuckers! AA Biloxi Shuckers – affiliate 2015-present Manager Mike Guerrero (returned) Assistant Coaches: Nick Childs (pitching), Chuckie Caufield (hitting), Michael O’Neal (coach), Matt Deal (athletic trainer), Grant Kastelan (strength and conditioning) Last Season: 45-69 Stadium: MGM Park, Biloxi, Mississippi (opened in 2015; capacity 6,067) Projected Regulars: C Jakson Reetz, 1B Thomas Dillard^, 2B Felix Valerio (11), 3B Gabe Holt* (27), SS Freddy Zamora (10), LF Tristen Lutz, CF Garrett Mitchell* (3), RF Joey Wiemer (2), DH (1B/3B) Ashton McGee* Bench: C Brent Diaz, C Nick Kahle, IF Cam Devanney, OF/IF Noah Campbell^ Projected Rotation: RHP Victor Castaneda (25), LHP Andy Otero, RHP Carlos Luna, RHP Justin Bullock, LHP Nick Bennett, RHP Tyler Herb Relievers: RHP Abner Uribe (19), RHP Taylor Floyd (23), RHP Robbie Hitt, RHP Arnaldo Hernandez, RHP Lucas Erceg, RHP Zach Vennaro, LHP Scott Sunitsch, RHP Luis Contreras, RHP Harold Chirino, RHP Nash Walters Injured/Other: C Jason Lopez Youngest Players: Felix Valerio (December 26, 2000), Abner Uribe (June 20, 2000) Biggest Surprise: #19 prospect Abner Uribe is skipping High-A to join AA Biloxi YOUR 2022 NASHVILLE SOUNDS Having used a whopping 76(!!) players in AAA Nashville in 2021, I guess the Brewers felt they might as well start with half of that amount in 2022, as the initial roster has an incredible 38 players. Is this madness? Don't roster limits exist anymore? It seems fair to say that there’s some wiggle room on the usual AAA roster limits to start the season, similar to how the MLB rosters are expanded for April. At a minimum, the expanded rosters should allow some veteran players to earn a paycheck and show their stuff while exploring other opportunities at home and abroad. As we saw last season, which included a club-record tying 15-game winning streak, the AAA squad directly benefits from the major league club’s win-now mentality, as Brewers’ General Manager David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell make sure that there’s solid depth in Nashville to draw from when necessary. For 2022, this includes interesting veterans like RHP Josh Lindblom (still earning $3 million from his MLB contract), RHP Luis Perdomo (444 1/3 innings for the Padres from 2016-2020), LHP Rex Brothers (57 games for the Cubs last year), 2019 All-Star OF David Dahl, former top prospect 1B Jon Singleton (13 homers as a 22-year old Houston Astro in 2014), 1B Tyler White (12 homers for Astros in 2018) and OF Abraham Almonte (1326 MLB PAs from 2013-2021 for six clubs). And of course, paired with the veterans are several top prospects with the intent of becoming the next Robin Yount, including #4 prospect 22-year old SS Brice Turang, #7 prospect and 2019 1st round pick LHP Ethan Small, #20 prospect, 23-year old C Mario Feliciano, #22 prospect RHP Alec Bettinger and #24 prospect RHP Dylan File. Finally, there are a few more 40-man MLB roster guys set to yo-yo back and forth to the big league club, hoping one of the promotions becomes permanent, including IF/OF Pablo Reyes, OF Corey Ray, C Alex Jackson, RHP Miguel Sanchez, LHP Angel Perdomo and RHP JC Mejia. Managing the Sounds again in 2022 is the venerable Rick Sweet, who entered the season with 2,101 career managerial wins to rank him 10th in minor league history. This is Sweet’s 10th year in the Milwaukee organization and 35th season coaching professional baseball. Though the constant roster churn may require Nashville fans to “keep their head on a swivel,” it should also mean they have a winning club to support. Enjoy! AAA Nashville Sounds – affiliate 2005-2014, 2021-present Manager Rick Sweet (returned) Assistant Coaches: Jeremy Accardo (pitching), Al LeBoeuf (hitting), Ned Yost IV (coach), Sean Isaac (development coach), Jeff Paxson (athletic trainer), Myles Fish (assistant trainer), Andrew Emmick (strength and conditioning) Last Season: 70-58 Stadium: First Horizon Park, Nashville, Tennessee (opened in 2015; capacity 10,000) Projected Regulars: C Mario Feliciano (20), 1B Jon Singleton*, 2B Jamie Westbrook, 3B Pablo Reyes, SS Brice Turang* (4), LF Abraham Almonte^, CF Corey Ray*, RF David Dahl*, DH (1B) Tyler White Bench: C Alex Jackson, C Brian Navarreto, IF Mark Mathias, IF Andruw Monasterio, IF/OF Weston Wilson, OF/1B Dustin Peterson, OF Garrett Whitley, OF Jonathan Davis Projected Rotation: LHP Ethan Small (7), RHP Alec Bettinger (22), RHP Dylan File (24), RHP Josh Lindblom, RHP Caleb Boushley, RHP Jason Alexander Relievers: RHP Miguel Sanchez, LHP Angel Perdomo, RHP JC Mejia, RHP Luis Perdomo, RHP Trevor Kelley, RHP Luke Barker, RHP Thomas Jankins, RHP Hobie Harris, LHP Rex Brothers, RHP Connor Sadzeck, RHP Peter Strzelecki, RHP Moises Gomez, RHP Zack Brown, RHP J.T. Hintzen, RHP Matt Hardy Injured/Other: RHP Noah Zavolas, RHP Clayton Andrews, RHP Ray Black Youngest Player: Brice Turang (November 21, 1999) Biggest Surprise: 38 Players on the roster!! With three solid minor league squads nearly certain to compete for a spot in the post-season playoffs and a Carolina team full of young talent, there is plenty for fans of Brewers prospects to cheer for in 2022. View full article

You called it on Russell Smith beginning the year in High-A Wisconsin. That's a solid team up-and-down the roster, in my opinion.

You called it on Russell Smith beginning the year in High-A Wisconsin. That's a solid team up-and-down the roster, in my opinion.

You called it on Russell Smith beginning the year in High-A Wisconsin. That's a solid team up-and-down the roster, in my opinion.

You called it on Russell Smith beginning the year in High-A Wisconsin. That's a solid team up-and-down the roster, in my opinion.

Here's a look at six unranked players poised for potential breakouts in 2022. We’ve previously looked at where our Top 30 prospects according to MLB.com are likely to start the 2022 season, but those are certainly not the only exciting young players to keep tabs on. Remember, was Joey Wiemer on the Top 30 prospect list entering 2021? How about Felix Valerio, Korry Howell and Jake Cousins? Now, let’s highlight six unranked prospects potentially ready for major breakouts in 2022 and let us know in the comments who you’ve got your eye on! Max Lazar – RHP – 22 years old – 11th round 2017 pick The 2019 Brewers minor leaguer with the lowest WHIP (min. 67 innings), Lazar, unfortunately, lost the 2020 season to Covid and then the 2021 season to Tommy John surgery. However, he appears healthy and ready to pick up where he left off, having relieved the High-A opening day spring training game on March 19, then starting a contest on March 22. That 2019 season (primarily in Low-A) was truly something to behold, with a 2.33 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 12.6 K/9 in 85 innings. The man had 119 strikeouts vs. just 15 walks! If Max Lazar and Antoine Kelly are healthy and in the starting rotation at High-A Wisconsin to commence the season, one can only pity the opposition. Darrien Miller – C – 21 years old – 9th round 2019 pick Miller, the only high schooler selected by the Brewers in the first 10 rounds of the past three drafts (2019-2021), was the club’s youngest position player to start the 2021 season in Low-A Carolina and may repeat that feat in High-A Wisconsin this April. A relative model of consistency in 2021, the left-handed-hitting Miller had an OPS of .838 over 204 plate appearances on the year, with seven home runs and a quality ratio of 33 walks to 45 strikeouts, including a very special September 1st tilt. In that game, Miller hit a three-run shot in the 4th inning to tie it, a grand slam in the 6th inning to take an 8-7 lead, and a solo shot in the 8th inning as insurance. For good measure, Miller followed up that masterpiece with a walk-off grand slam four days later. After sharing catching duties with Alex Hall last year, look for Darrien Miller to pair up with Wes Clarke in 2022, giving the Brewers a formidable High-A catching duo last seen in 2019 Carolina (Mario Feliciano, Payton Henry). Jolon “Lun” Zhao – RHP – 20 years old – 2018 international signing Arguably the best curveball in the Brewers’ minor league system belongs to a 5’10” player from Beijing who’s yet to even reach Low-A ball. How awesome is that? Zhao debuted in Rookie Arizona ball as a 16-year-old in 2018, making three solid relief appearances and then playing another three games in Advanced Rookie Helena, posting a 1.08 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in a small sample size (8 1/3 innings). However, in an even more extreme case than Lazar, Lun Zhao would not see any official action from September 5, 2018, until August 24, 2021. That’s because he had ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in early 2019, lost 2020 to Covid, and appeared to suffer Covid-related travel delays in 2021. Bulldog Zhao ultimately made it back for 8 2/3 innings in Rookie Arizona in late 2021, then had the privilege of facing off against super-prospect talent in the Arizona Fall League. Although his AFL numbers weren’t stellar, the box scores suggested some serious battles (2 1/3 innings scoreless in one game; nearly escaped a based loaded, zero out, extra-inning situation (not his creation) in another). Hopefully, Zhao is able to break camp with Low-A Carolina and get consistent work for the first time ever! James Meeker – 27 years old – RHP – 2021 independent ball signing Lucas Erceg – 26 years old – RHP – 2nd round 2016 pick Why pair Meeker and Erceg together? Well, don’t be surprised if one of the two is a major league reliever later this year, which was a rather unfathomable prospect just 12 months ago. You’ve got the 6’4” Meeker and his magical 2021 season in which he yielded only one earned run in 49 2/3 innings (31 2/3 innings in the Frontier League, 18 innings at Low-A Carolina). He struck out 65 batters against just 15 walks. A 2018 University of Delaware graduate, Meeker went undrafted and then pitched 123 innings of independent ball across four seasons, all in relief, before the Brewers signed him in August 2021. Across the end of 2020 and most of 2021, Meeker put together an incredible streak of 55 innings without yielding an earned run! And from various off-season tweets by @PVSbaseball, he’s not resting on those laurels. And then there’s the 6’3” Erceg, who was a AAA third baseman in 2019 and even had 22 at-bats at MLB spring training in 2020 before deciding at some point to put the bat away and become a pitcher. Why would he do that, after not pitching since throwing 10 2/3 innings at the University of California in 2015? Perhaps his 70-grade arm (2020 MLB.com rating) has something to do with it! Thrust aggressively into AA Biloxi, Erceg pitched 47 2/3 innings in 2021 and understandably struggled: 5.29 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 8.5 K/9. However, the Brewers were encouraged enough with his progress to bring him into 2022 MLB spring training as a pitcher, where he broke at least one bat with his 98 mph fastball. So will Meeker continue his 2021 magic all the way to the big leagues or will Erceg figure out this pitching thing and beat him to it? Blayberg Diaz – C – 19 years old – 2019 international signing Yet another young Brewers’ catcher ready to make his mark? As Mass Haas summed up excellently in the early season birthday thread, the Venezuelan Diaz is an early surprise as an initially-unheralded member of the 2019 international signing class. Finally debuting July 5th, 2021, in Rookie Arizona, Diaz promptly got just one hit in his first 19 at-bats before settling in. Over his final 29 games in which he had plate appearances, he slashed .333/.411/.495 in 107 plate appearances, including four home runs and a 12-game hitting streak. Has Diaz shown enough to get the immediate call to Low-A Carolina alongside Jeferson Quero to start 2022? Well, let’s not be surprised if 19-year old Quero is paired with an older catcher to commence the year (e.g. Jose Sibrian), but Blayberg Diaz will hopefully get that promotion to Carolina soon. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and favorite break-out candidates below! View full article

Hitter: The Real Deal Garrett Mitchell Pitcher: I’ll go with an unconventional pick (Taylor Floyd), though Antoine Kelly is probably a safer bet Other prediction: Eduardo Garcia gets promoted to High-A Wisconsin before he turns 20 on July 10th

Hitter: The Real Deal Garrett Mitchell Pitcher: I’ll go with an unconventional pick (Taylor Floyd), though Antoine Kelly is probably a safer bet Other prediction: Eduardo Garcia gets promoted to High-A Wisconsin before he turns 20 on July 10th

After two years at or near the bottom of most MLB prospect rankings, four years of better drafts and solid international signings have the Milwaukee Brewers’ prospect situation pointing in the right direction. MLB.com has moved the Brewers up to 25th in the league, improving on the 28th slot entering 2021 and dead last entering 2020. In advance of initial rosters being announced (expected by Monday, April 4th) for our top four affiliates, here’s a speculative look at where our Top 30 MLB.com prospects are likely to be initially placed to kick off the 2022 season. 1. Sal Frelick – CF – 21 years old – 1st round 2022 pick (15th overall) – High-A Wisconsin · Left-Handed Hitting Frelick mashed in 81 Low-A Carolina plate appearances last year (with a .492 BABIP), but only posted a .563 OPS in 71 High-A Wisconsin plate appearances (with a .196 BABIP). He’ll likely start in High-A and hope to earn a promotion by mid-year. 2. Joey Wiemer – RF – 23 years old – 4th round 2020 pick – AA Biloxi · The 6’5” Wiemer conquered Low-A Carolina and High-A Wisconsin in 2021, with a combined .958 OPS in 472 plate appearances. Even the Arizona Fall League couldn’t slow him down (1.234 OPS in 37 PAs) until a minor injury gave him time to rest up. 3. Aaron Ashby – LHP – 23 years old – 4th round 2018 pick – MLB Brewers · Ashby did enough in 31 2/3 big league innings in 2021 to merit inclusion on the MLB squad from the get-go in 2022, where he’s expected to be the 6th starter and also pitch in relief from time to time. In fact, MLB.com is removing him from this top 30 list as I’m writing. 4. Garrett Mitchell – CF – 23 years old – 1st round 2020 pick (20th overall) – AA Biloxi · Paralleling Frelick’s 2021, Left-handed hitting Mitchell dominated at one level (1.128 OPS in 120 PAs at High-A Wisconsin), but ran into difficulty at the next (.554 OPS in 148 PAs at AA Biloxi), though we’re all hoping the Biloxi struggles were due to nagging injuries. 5. Brice Turang – SS – 22 years old – 1st round 2018 pick (21st overall) – AAA Nashville · Left-handed hitting Turang has done enough in the first half of each season to earn a promotion (2018 to Helena, 2019 to Carolina, 2021 to Nashville), though he may spend all of 2022 in Nashville as there’s no pressure to add him to the 40-man MLB roster. 6. Jeferson Quero – C – 19 years old – 2019 international signing – Low-A Carolina · Quero finally saw his first Brewers’ action in 2021 and didn’t disappoint: .934 OPS in 83 plate appearances in Rookie Arizona before an injury, unfortunately, ended his season early. In some minds, he’s replaced Feliciano as the Brewers’ “catcher-of-the-future” 7. Tyler Black – 2B – 21 years old – 1st round 2021 sandwich pick (33rd overall) – High-A or Low-A · This is the first real placement decision for Brewers’ brass. After posting a .660 OPS 103 plate appearances at Low-A Carolina (on a .346 BABIP), do you push Left-handed hitting Black’s talent along to High-A Wisconsin, or do you want him to taste some Low-A Carolina success first? 8. Ethan Small – LHP – 25 years old – 1st round 2019 pick (28th overall) – AAA Nashville · The Brewers’ 2021 minor league pitcher of the year split the season between Biloxi (41.1 innings) and Nashville (35.0), though an injury limited him in the second half. Still not on the 40-man MLB roster, Small is nonetheless expected to make his MLB debut this year. 9. Hedbert Perez – CF – 19 years old on April 4 – 2019 international signing – Low-A Carolina · Similar to Quero above, Left-handed-hitting Perez finally made his official Brewers’ debut in 2021 and performed as expected: .969 OPS in 132 plate appearances in Rookie Arizona, before struggling in Low-A Carolina post-promotion (.452 OPS in 68 PAs). 10. Jackson Chourio – CF – 18 years old – 2020-1 international signing – Rookie Arizona · Do the Spring Training starts alongside Low-A players mean that Chourio will start the season in Carolina? Not likely, as he spent all of 2021 in the Dominican Summer League (.833 OPS in 189 PAs), so hasn’t even played for the Arizona squad yet. 11. Freddy Zamora – SS – 23 years old – 2nd round 2020 pick – AA or High-A · From this point, the placement selections become more interesting. Zamora registered amazing improvement throughout in 2021 (May .569 OPS, June .666, July .758, August 1.065, September .900), even performing well after making the jump to High-A on August 25th. There appears to be room in AA Biloxi despite just 92 plate appearances in Wisconsin. 12. Felix Valerio – 2B – 21 years old – 2019 trade from Mets – AA or High-A · The Valerio and Black decisions (and perhaps even the Freddy Zamora decision) likely go hand-in-hand. Just 20 years old at the time, the 5’7” Valerio put up an .899 OPS in 377 plate appearances in Low-A Carolina, then a .787 OPS in 134 PAs at High-A Wisconsin last year. 13. Eduardo Garcia – SS – 19 years old – 2018 international signing – Low-A Carolina · Similar to Perez, Garcia spent most of 2021 in Rookie Arizona ball, then got a stint in Carolina. All in all, he put up an .824 OPS in 192 plate appearances and should form part of the uber-talented contingent to start the season in Carolina. 14. Joe Gray Jr. – CF – 22 years old – 2nd round 2018 pick – AA or High-A · This is a big decision again. Gray was the top minor league hitter in the Brewers’ system in the first half of 2021, but tailed off in the second half after a promotion to High-A and then had a miserable Arizona Fall League stint. Is Mitchell also blocking a move to Biloxi? 15. Antoine Kelly – LHP – 22 years old – 2nd round 2019 pick – High-A Wisconsin · The 6’6” Kelly dominated Arizona Rookie ball in 2019, but then had thoracic outlet surgery and didn’t put up great numbers at Low-A Carolina in 2021 (6.88 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 12.7 K/9). However, his talent requires the move to High-A. 16. Hendry Mendez – RF – 18 years old – 2020-1 international signing – Low-A Carolina · One of the Brewers’ top January 2021 signings, LHH Mendez only needed 21 games in Rookie DSL to get the promotion to Arizona, where he continued to impress in 19 games (combined .879 OPS in 138 PAs with 17 walks and 12 Ks). 17. Russell Smith – LHP – 23 years old – 2nd round 2021 pick – Low-A Carolina · Yet to make his official Brewers’ minor league debut, the highly-touted Smith struck out 101 batters in 82.1 innings at TCU last year (15 starts, 1.13 WHIP). The 6’9” hurler walked only 20, demonstrating solid control. 18. Korry Howell – CF – 23 years old – 12th round 2018 pick – AA Biloxi · The buzz around Howell started in 2021 Spring Training and he didn’t disappoint, putting together an .826 OPS in 305 plate appearances in High-A, before being promoted to AA in August. Interestingly, he made 32 infield starts alongside his 62 outfield starts 19. Zavier Warren – 3B – 23 years old – 3rd round 2020 pick – High-A Wisconsin · The switch-hitting Warren was one of many mashers at Low-A Carolina in 2021, hitting 10 home runs in 230 plate appearances before being promoted in August. He made 33 starts at third base, 20 at catcher, and 19 at first base. 20. Logan Henderson – RHP – 20 years old – 4th round 2021 pick – Low-A or Rookie ACL · Similar to Smith, Henderson is yet to make his Brewers’ minor-league debut. Just 5’11”, Henderson struck out 169 batters in 97 2/3 innings of juco ball last year. He recently underwent right elbow surgery, though should debut in late 2022. 21. Abner Uribe – RHP – 21 years old – 2018 international signing – High-A Wisconsin · Flame-thrower Uribe struck out 52 in just 33 2/3 innings in Low-A last year, but also walked 25 and threw 14 wild pitches. The Brewers sent him to the Arizona Fall League, with similar results. The sky’s the limit if he can gain control. 22. Mario Feliciano – C – 23 years old – 2nd round 2016 pick – AAA Nashville · Feliciano fell off the fast-track to stardom last year in his first taste of AAA, as injuries limited him to only 114 plate appearances (.560 OPS) in Nashville. The Arizona Fall League sparked his bat, but are his defensive chops ready for the big leagues? 23. Carlos D. Rodriguez – OF – 21 years old – 2017 international signing – AA or High-A · The youngest Brewer to commence the season in High-A last year, Left-handed hitting Rodriguez produced a slightly below average .684 OPS in 382 plate appearances. Did we just release Jesus Lujano and LG Castillo to make room for his talent in AA? 24. Alec Bettinger – RHP – 26 years old – 10th round 2017 pick – AAA Nashville · Bettinger understandably struggled in his first-ever MLB action last year (10.0 innings), but was respectable in his first season at AAA: 4.75 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 9.1 K/9. His lack of Spring Training innings might indicate he requires more time before joining Nashville. 25. Taylor Floyd – RHP – 24 years old – 10th round 2019 pick – AA Biloxi · No-nonsense Floyd dominated High-A in 2021 (72 Ks in 48 2/3 innings, 3.33 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and seeks a bee-line through AA and AAA to Milwaukee, à la Jake Cousins. 26. Dylan File – RHP – 25 years old – 21st round 2017 pick – AAA Nashville · File toughed it out in his first AAA season last year (5.27 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 in 42.2 innings) and now aims to both justify his 40-man MLB roster spot and make his MLB debut this season. 27. Victor Castaneda – RHP – 23 years old – 2017 international signing – AA Biloxi · The Brewers obviously love Castaneda’s stuff, giving him 12.0 innings in AAA last year after putting up respectable numbers in High-A (5.20 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 10.6 K/9) that were skewed by 18 home runs allowed. 28. Cam Robinson – RHP – 22 years old – 23rd round 2017 pick – High-A Wisconsin · A second relief specialist in the Brewers’ top 30 prospect list? Why not? Robinson spent most of 2021 in Low-A, producing a 2.45 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 10.6 K/9. Just 5’11”, MLB.com appears high on Robinson’s 90s fastball, 70s curveball combination. 29. Gabe Holt – 2B – 24 years old – 7th round 2019 pick – AA Biloxi · The eagle-eyed LHH Holt walked 62 times (vs. 47 Ks) in Low-A last year, making up for a lack of extra-base hits (16 in 323 ABs at that level) which will hopefully come this year. 30. Johan Barrios – SS – 17 years old – 2021-2 international signings – Rookie DSL · In January 2022, the Brewers gave Barrios 1,385,000 reasons (i.e. signing bonus) to believe he’s a future star. MLB.com projects he’ll add power over time, as he fills out his 6’3” frame. Based on recent Spring Training lineups, Freddy Zamora looks like a safe bet to commence at AA Biloxi, with the team leaning toward also including the young Felix Valerio and older (unranked) Ashton McGee. Of course, Joe Gray Jr., Carlos D. Rodriguez and perhaps even #1 prospect Sal Frelick are also under consideration, since Korry Howell can always play more infield as required. If Milwaukee does choose to push Zamora and Valerio to make the leap to AA Biloxi to start the season, this should open the door for Tyler Black and possibly (unranked) Ethan Murray to commence at High-A Wisconsin, thus freeing up playing time for Alberis Ferrer, Daniel Castillo, and Zack Raabe at Low-A Carolina. Do you agree with these projected placements? Who will be the big movers up and down the list this year? View full article