Matt Breen

The more I read about Guerrero, the more I hear his defense isn't acceptable in the IF, except maybe 1B. There was some talk that LA was just going to cut the guy, but that doesn't seem realistic. He's hit well this spring, so maybe he has a role as a backup IF/OF. But all the talk of his being better in the IF is probably, like you say, 'coach speak'.

Jed has always shutdown lefties. He has to figure out righties to be anything more than a LOOGY. Hopefully in the bullpen he can turn up his fastball a notch or two, then focus on developing another good pitch - one that can at least be passable against right handers. All that can, hopefully, make him effective.

Rluzinski The guy had strong opinions, but he always backed things up with strong arguments.

Very sad. Chad was always such a level headed poster. I respected what he wrote. It is obvious he loved the Crew.

Cuban infielder Hector Olivera has signed with the Dodgers for six-years and $62.5 million, including a $28 million signing bonus. Olivera is 29 years old. He missed all of 2012 with a blood clot, and when he returned in 2013, he still hit for a good average, but his power had diminished (plus he played mostly DH). He walks a lot, and doesn't strike out. Combine that with his good BA, he gets on base over 40% of the time. There were some rumors that he had a damaged UCL, but that hasn't come up of late. It's Monopoly money to LA. It's crazy how much they've spent on guys. It's not like Olivera is a sure thing. There are question marks. Oh well, I guess good for them. If the money is burning a hole in their pockets, they have to spend it on something.

Some comments from the Boston Globe's Nick Carfardo about Cecchini in a mailbag article: "I don’t think the Phillies are scouting Cecchini. In fact I know their evaluators have concerns about Cecchini’s third base play and his ability to convert to the outfield. His bat is of interest to a few teams, but from the people I deal with the Phillies, there’s not a huge interest there." http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/03/23/ask-nick-should-dustin-pedroia-feel-heat/0yFtIYMcr7pGZRTYjKtotK/story.html I like Cecchini's bat, but I've heard the concerns about his defense from several sources.

In today's notes on JSonline it says that the Crew is considering starting the trio of Harrison, Gatewood and Medeiros at Wisconsin. http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/gerardo-parra-gets-first-look-at-first-base-for-brewers-b99467476z1-297338391.html I like the idea of being aggressive and getting the talented players into full season ball right away. I thought the team would, however, be safe and put Gatewood and Medeiros due to last season's struggles. No matter, I hope at least Harrison is put at Wisconsin.

Monte Harrison article on the Peanuts and Cracker Jack blog. Quite a few quotes from Harrison, but nothing earth shattering. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/297301451.html

MLB Pipeline (Jonathon Mayo) has some nice looks (all with video) at Brewer prospects, including Coulter, Denson and Medeiros. There's also a Q&A with Medeiros. There's also a lot of quotes from Reid Nichols. Some other things in the article include a discussion about Brandon Woodruff - the club seems to really like him. Nichols said he may jump to AA to start the year. http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/114396892/mlb-pipeline-checks-in-from-milwaukee-brewers-spring-training-camp My apologies if this is posted elsewhere.

Woodruff is interesting - he showed up on the MLB Brewer list as well. I'd seen his stats, but had never really read anything about him until that report - and now the Fangraphs one.

Cecchini isn't a top 100 guy anymore. Probably more like a 150ish player. Sardinas would probably be enough to get him - a former top 100 guy who hasn't quite developed as expected. I think people see Cecchini as a fringe regular - at best. I've read some reports that question his ability to be a big league 3B, and he's more likely to be a utility guy - 3B, 2B, 1B, corner OF. He probably profiles best as a 1B - but he doesn't have the pop you want (plus Boston has guys there). That all said, his great 2013 is tantalizing.

I didn't realize that Pena had a 6.00 ERA vs lefties last year. 4.92 ERA against them in 2013. I guess the bullpen is the place for him.

Nothing big going on. Most teams don't leave their manager in a lame duck situation. It's been pretty much standard operating procedure for most clubs (I stress most, because some don't do it). We exercised his 2015 option exactly one year ago.

Bradley has really struggled against righties. They hit him for a .330 BA at Huntsville last year. Even at Brevard County they hit .275 (vs .154 for lefties). .279 in 2013, and .342 in 2012. I imagine being in the pen will let him use his zippier fastball more effectively.

We could easily have no graduates from the top 25 by mid-season. Jungmann, Knebel and Rogers are the most likely guys to get the call, but if we avoid injuries and players doing poorly, that might not happen for a bit.

If you like the idea of your own personalized jersey shirt, get it. No, you don't play for Milwaukee, but it' still your team. If having your name on that jersey is cool to you, then power to you. If you think it might be awkward, then you might want to reconsider. Myself, I've never seen a personalized jersey and thought anything strange or odd about the person or item. There might even be great personal story to the jersey - a gift or whatever.

The 2015 Pre-Season BF.net Community Top 25 is complete. Thanks to everyone for participating. We had 24 ballots. Orlando Arcia solidified himself as the top prospect in the system, capturing 20 of the 24 first place votes. What's notable is the influx of newcomers since we did the first Community Top 20 last May. Since then, we've added eight of our top 25 players, while graduating only one player (Nelson) and trading one (Haniger). Newcomers: Kyle Wren, Corey Knebel, Yadier Rivera, Marcos Diplan Exited the Top 25: Hunter Morris, Chris McFarland, Ariel Pena, Sthervin Matos Number of ballots: 24 Number of players on ballots: 60 Mr. Irrelevants (1 point): Cameron Garfield, Hector Gomez and Angel Ortega Biggest Jump: Wang went up nine slots, from #20 to #11. Since we did the first Top 20 list last May, Taylor Williams has had the biggest rise - going from #25 to #8. Biggest Fall: Hunter Morris went from #25 to not receiving a single vote Players with the best chance to graduate off the top 25 in 2015: Jungmann, Knebel, Rogers We don't know the official destination for most of the players, but I've made educated guesses for them all. I will update each player's team as he is assigned. If you see any mistakes, please let me know. I will update as needed. We'll plan on doing a new top 25 mid-season.

#1 - Orlando Arcia, SS, Biloxi (AA), age 20. 589 pts (18 first place votes) - 24 of 24 ballots Arcia cemented his top prospect status within the Milwaukee system with a solid performance in the Venezuelan League (showing a little pop with 7 HR in 55 games), and multiple appearances in industry 'Top 100' lists. Last season, Arcia improved in just about every way as a hitter, but if he can add some slugging ability as he matures, he could elevate his game even further. #2 - Tyrone Taylor, CF, Biloxi (AA), age 21. 568 pts (3 first place votes) - 24 of 24 ballots Rank #93 in Baseball America's Top 100 List, Taylor oozes talent but is still somewhat raw. The atleticism, speed and defense are there. As he moves to AA in 2015, Taylor will be looking to be more patient at the plate and continue developing as a hitter in order to become a more complete player. #3 - Clint Coulter, OF, Brevard County (A+), age 21. 543 pts (2 first place votes) - 24 of 24 ballots No player in the system shows Coulter's combination of power and patience. He was one of the premier sluggers in the Midwest league last season. In 2015, Coulter moves from behind the dish to RF as he looks to repeat last year's breakout campaign at a higher level. Allowing him to settle into a single position will hopefully let Clint's bat progress more quickly through the system. #4 - Monte Harrison, OF, Wisconsin (A-), age 19. 509 pts - 24 of 24 ballots Harrison is the most exciting prospect to come along in Milwaukee in years. He flashed tremendous speed and outstanding on base skills last season. The three-sport star now gets to focus solely on baseball for the first time in his life. In 2015, Harrison will be refining his still raw tools. Sooner or later, he will likely start displaying more power. #5 - Gilbert Lara, SS, Arizona (Rookie), age 17. 482 pts (1 first place vote) - 24 of 24 ballots The 17-year old Lara did not play last year after signing for a record $3.1 million when he was the #5 ranked international prospect by Baseball America. Scouts rave about Lara's power. He reportedly has a big swing, but generates tremendous speed. In 2015, it will be all about integrating the youngster into the life as a baseball player. The Brewers are keeping Lara at SS for the time being, but sooner or later he will likely move to a corner IF or OF position. #6 - Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Wisconsin (A-), age 18. 418 pts - 28 of 29 ballots The Brewers top pick in 2014 touts a plus fastball and a vicious slider. The key for Medeiros in 2015 is to learn to control his offerings as he gains experience. #7 - Taylor Jungmann - RHP, Colorado Springs (AAA), age 25. 405 pts - 29 of 29 ballots After a mediocre 2013, Jungmann rebounded nicely last season, improving in just about every phase of the game. A good finish at Nashville improved his stock. This spring, he has reportedly added some velocity. Now it's simply about building on his strong finish and being ready when the call comes to go to the big leagues. #8 - Taylor Williams, RHP, Brevard County (A+), age 23. 385 pts - 23 of 24 ballots Over the last year, no player in the Brewer system improved in the eyes of scouts and and BF.net voters than Williams. He used his big fastball to dominate at Wisconsin last year, and turned some heads in camp this spring (earning some Craig Kimbrel comparisons). This season, it's all about improving against tougher competition. #9 - Devin Williams, RHP, Wisconsin (A-), age 20. 379 pts - 23 of 24 ballots There's a lot to like about Williams, who possesses one of the best arms in the Brewer system. He's still maturing physically and his 95 mph fastball could get even better. In 2015, keep an eye on Devin's control. He needs to become a pitcher - not just a thrower. Williams was always a bit of a project, so the club and fans will need to be patient with him. #10 - Tyler Wagner, RHP, Biloxi (AA), age 24. 327 pts - 24 of 24 ballots A 1.86 ERA last season at Brevard County raised eyebrows - and expecations for 2015. Wagner attacks hitters with a nice array of pitches, although he doesn't have any one pitch stands out. A closer in college, Wagner has improved every year as a pro. In 2015, watch for how Wagner's offerings translate against more advanced hitting. #11 - Wei-Chung Wang, LHP, Brevard County (A+), age 22. 323 points - 21 of 24 ballots After a predicatably rough ride in the majors last season, Rule 5 pick up Wang finished strong in the low minors with a 2.33 ERA over 27 IP (he only walked 4 batters). He then had a nice showing in the Arizona Fall League, walking only 2 batters in 23 innings and posting a 2.74 ERA. The Brewers, and BF.net voters, like the upside that the left hander possesses. Wang doesn't strike out a ton of batters, but he's shown impeccable control in his (brief) minor league career. In 2015, it's about staying healthy and taking the ball on a regular basis. #12 - Corey Knebel, RHP, Colorado Springs (AAA), age 23. 306 points - 21 of 24 ballots Drafted in the 1st round in 2013, Knebel (acquired in the Gallardo trade with Texas) is a closer in waiting. He sports a big arm, and has dominated minor league hitters since being drafted. For 2015, Knebel will be looking at staying healthy (he was shut down late last year with an elbow injury), and being ready when the big league club needs him. #13 - Jacob Gatewood, SS, Wisconsin (A-), age 19. 301 pts (22 of 24 ballots) Gatewood possessed some of the best raw power of any player coming out of high school in 2014. He struggled to hit in his debut last year, striking out 71 times in 204 ABs, but the power potential is huge. The tall, lanky SS added 30 pounds in the off season. In 2015, he'll look to control his long swing to cut down on the high strikeout rate and become a more complete player. Like fellow prospect Gilbert Lara, the Brewers are keeping Gatewood at SS for the time being, but expect a position change in the future. #14 - Jorge Lopez, RHP, Biloxi (AA), age 22. 290 pts - 22 of 24 ballots Lopez's performance dipped at the end of 2014 (perhaps because of his young son's serious illness), driving down his statistics and rankings. But the tall right hander rebounded with an excellent performance in Winter ball (Puerto Rico), producing a 1.73 ERA in six starts. For 2015, consistency is probably the thing that Lopez is looking to achieve as he brings his game to AA. #15 - Marcos Diplan, RHP, Arizona or Helena (rookie), age 18. 177 points - 18 of 24 ballots Acquired from Texax in the Gallardo trade, Diplan was one of the top international pitching prospects in 2013. Although not a big guy, Diplan reportedly flashes a good fastball and an emerging slider and changeup. With his youth, 2015 is about getting Diplan to refine his offerings and improve his control. #16 - Tyler Cravy, RHP, Colorado Springs (AAA), Age 25 176 pts - 20 of 24 ballots Cravy was one of the organization's best stories in 2014, dominating AA hitters to the tune of a 1.72 ERA. Injuries however, derailed his second half of his season. 2015 is about staying healthy and translating his success to the next level. Cravy won't blow anyone away, but a successful year could position him for a spot with the big league club in 2016. #17 David Denson, 1B, Wisconsin (A-), Age 20. 171 pts - 19 of 24 ballots 3TO lives. Denson is a prototype big-bodied slugger who sports power, patience and a high strikeout rate. In 2015, the key is health, as Denson spent over half of 2014 on the DL - and never really got into a groove once he returned. He'll also need to work on the 30%+ strikeout rate. #18 - Jason Rogers, 1B/3B, Colorado Springs (AAA), age 27. 167 pts - 18 of 24 ballots Rogers is one the system's most consistent hitters, producing a .287 BA and an .824 OPS over his career. He doesn't have any skill that makes him stand out, but he does a lot of things well. In 2015, Rogers simply needs to go back to AAA and be ready to contribute once he gets the chance (which will likely arrive at some point). Improving his game at 3B and OF will help his chances of sticking in Milwaukee in a utility role. #19 - Jed Bradley, LHP, Colorado Springs (AAA), age 24. 142 pts - 20 of 24 ballots In 2014, Bradley floundered in AA after a very good start at Brevard County. This year, watch for how Bradley handles right handed pitching. His inability to get out right handers has bedeviled him, and now that he's in the upper minors, he's going to have to figure them out. If not, he may be destined to be a LOOGY in the majors - but that's not what was expected of him when the Crew picked him in the first round in 2011. Note: The Brewers have moved Bradley to relieving for 2015. #20 - Michael Reed, OF, Biloxi (AA), age 22. 132 pts - 16 of 24 ballots No player in the system gets on base like Reed (as his 17%+ BB rate attests to). Reed's on base skills and speed make him intriguing. What is lacking is any semblance of power. Reed looked great in 2014 until an injury in May. He returned, but his numbers dropped across the board making one suspect he was never fully healthy. 2015 is about staying on the field, maturing and developing more power. Reed needs to hit more than a handful of HRs to be a regular because he profiles as a corner OF. #21 - Yadiel Rivera, SS, Biloxi (AA), age 22. 116 points - 17 of 24 ballots Right now, Rivera fits the classic 'backup infielder' profile. He plays good defense, is a marginal hitter, doesn't walk much, and has minimal power. In 2015, he would would benefit by becoming more disciplined at the plate. It's a step he needs to make if he's going to a regular at the big league level as opposed to a utility player. #22 - Kyle Wren, OF, Biloxi (AA), age 23. 103 points - 12 of 24 ballots Wren was acquired in the off season from Atlanta (who fired his father, GM Frank Wren). Wren showed an advanced hitting approach as he moved quickly through the minors, reaching AA in 2014. He shows a good glove, excellent speed (46 SBs last season), good patience and hits for a high average. However, don't expect any power from the young man as he didn't hit any HRs last year on almost 500 ABs. In 2015, Wren needs to just keep hitting. His lack of pop is likely going limit him to a reserve role, but he has other tools that can translate into a major league career. #23 - Victor Roache, OF, Brevard County (A+), age 23. 96 points - 13 of 24 ballots The most disappointing player in the system last year still possesses one of the most powerful bats. 2015 may be Roache's make-it-or-break-it year. He'll likely move out of the pitcher-friendly FSL, but he'll need to improve in just about every phase of the game to regain his star. The tantalizing, raw power is there, it's up to Roache to harness it. Note: In a bit of a surprising move, the Brewers sent Roache back Brevard County to start the season. #24 - Brandon Diaz, OF, Wisconsin (A+), age 19. 94 pts - 11 of 24 ballots A hot first half of the season warmed BF.net readers to Diaz, but a late season slump brought the youngster back to earth. Diaz shows a nice set tools, including speed, patience and a little pop. In 2015, it's about producing consistently for the entire season as he moves to full season ball. #25 - David Goforth, RHP, Colorado Springs (AAA), age 26. 85 pts - 15 of 24 ballots Goforth is a former starter who converted to relieving full time last season. He responded to his new role with 27 saves at Huntsville. He has great tools and profiles as a power reliever. In 2015, the key for Goforth is refining his command. The Rest Miguel Diaz - 82 pts Joantgel Segovia - 63 pts Chris McFarland - 53 pts Hobbs Johnson - 44 pts Sthervin Matos - 33 pts Matt Clark - 26 pts Nicholas Pierre - 24 pts Tucker Neuhaus - 20 pts Micheal Rattertree - 18 pts Nick Ramirez - 16 pts Michael Strong - 15 pts Greg McCall - 13 pts Dustin Demuth - 10 pts Gian Rizzo - 10 pts Jarret Martin - 9 pts Damien Magnifico - 9 pts Joan De La Cruz - 9 pts Mark Williams - 7 pts Brent Suter - 7 pts Taylor Smith-Brennan - 7 pts Johnny Hellweg - 6 pts D' Vontrey Richardson - 5 pts (released by Milwaukee) Troy Stokes - 4 pts Matt Long - 4 pts Drew Gagnon - 3 pts Juan Ortiz - 3 pts Michael Blazek - 3 pts (made big league club out of spring training) Ariel Pena - 2 pts Gregory Munoz - 2 pts Joshua Torres - 2 pts Adam Weisenberger - 2 pts Brooks Hall - 2 pts Cameron Garfield - 1 pts Hector Gomez - 1 pts (made big league club out of spring training) Angel Ortega - 1 pts Here's the original voting thread: viewtopic.php?f=64&t=32421

Voting is done. We'll post results shortly. Thanks.

Last day to get your votes in!

John Sickels has released his "Top 175" list: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015/3/16/8215045/top-175-mlb-prospects-for-2015-john-sickels Brewers on the list: #107 - Monte Harrison #117 - Tyrone Taylor #118 - Orlando Arcia #144 - Clint Coulter

Tomorrow (March 17) is last day to submit your top 25. Get your list in now!!! Thanks.

I think this pretty much hits it. Nelson can get in a start or two at AAA to stay sharp. Henderson either goes to DL or maybe extended spring training or something.

Rick Dempsey entertaining the fans during rain delays was always interesting.

If Lind's back is an issue, it might increase the chance of Shane Peterson making the club as thr 5th OF if he has a good spring. The guy plays all the OF slots and 1B (how well, I don't know), making him more versatile than Clark (who is more of a 1B who plays corner OF in a pinch).