Major League Baseball

Fantasy Baseball Team Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

Published Feb. 13, 2015 3:00 p.m. ET

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Even though the Brewers had more wins than losses in 2014 (82-80), they were on the outside looking in for the third-straight season. Milwaukee was 15th in runs scored (650 runs) and 17th in team batting average (.250) last year. It’s those middle-of-the-road numbers that can scare off fantasy baseball owners, but this team is filled with quality bats.

ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES

Key additions: Adam Lind, Luis Jimenez, Luis Sardinas, and Neal Cotts

Key losses: Yovani Gallardo, Rickie Weeks, Marco Estrada, Mark Reynolds, Tom Gorzelanny, and Francisco Rodriguez

Projected Lineup

The one-two-three hitters in the lineup might be the best in the NL. Braun, Lucroy, and CarGo combined for 55 home runs and 223 RBI. Braun and Gomez were both among the top 21 outfielders in RBI. Lucroy was second to only Buster Posey in batting averages among backstops, while also finishing seventh in RBI. Lucroy is out 4-6 weeks with a hamstring strain and is questionable to make Opening Day. If he can’t go, look for Martin Maldonado to take his place…Now that Rickie Weeks seems to be out of the picture, I will be watching the combination of Jean Segura and Scooter Gennett. The young dynamic duo are both in their mid-20s and played significant time in 2014. Gennett was second on the team in batting average (.289) in 2014. Segura played in 146 games for the second-straight season, but his numbers dipped drastically. His batting average fell from .294 to .246. Also, his home runs and stolen bases were cut in half. It may sound extreme, but this could be his defining season on whether he’ll be a stud or a dud for the rest of his career. Was 2013 just a flash in the pan season or did he just hit a rough patch in 2014? Only time will tell.

Projected Rotation

Closer: Jonathan Broxton

Sadly, this team seems to be lacking an ace on the pitching staff. Matt Garza hasn’t won more than 10 games in a season since 2010. While wins aren’t the best way to define a pitcher, it is still a fantasy baseball category, and it can certainly help or hurt their draft stock. His strikeout numbers aren’t stellar, either…One name I will have on my draft queue is Mike Fiers. Though he is most infamously known for hitting Giancarlo Stanton in the face last year, I will remember him as a pitcher who struck out 135 batters in 127.2 innings in 2012.

Fantasy Sleeper: Jean Segura

As I wrote earlier in this preview, this is a big season for Segura. I believe that because of his bad stat line in 2014, he could potentially be a bargain if he returns to his 2013-self.

Top Prospects

Tyrone Taylor, OF – Milwaukee’s outfield is already solid with Carlos Gomez, Ryan Braun, and Khris Davis. However, if anything were to happen to that core in the future, Taylor would be a great addition. While in high-A ball, Taylor batted .278 and stole 22 bags. The talent is definitely there with Taylor, but the playing time will be tough to find in the bigs, especially on an NL club.

Orlando Arcia, SS/2B – Yes, he is related to Oswaldo Arcia (Twins’ outfielder). While older brother Oswaldo has the power, Orlando has the speed. He batted .289 with 31 steals last year. There already is young talent starting in the middle infield for the Brewers, so this will be another tough task to find a spot with his MLB club.

ALSO SEE: TEAM PREVIEWS ARCHIVES

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