Milwaukee Brewers Organization Discussion

by John Sickels on Jan 2, 2026 11:00 AM EST Comment 50 comments

I am now working on the Detroit Tigers for the book. The next team is the Milwaukee Brewers, to be followed by the Texas Rangers.

Use this thread to discuss the Brewers organization. Who do you like here? What do you make of Matt Gamel? Where would you stick Brett Lawrie defensively? Who are your sleepers?

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Read More: 2010 mlb hot stove, Milwaukee Brewers

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brewers

sleepers- Eric Farris. Can play anywhere on the field (and pretty well), great speed, very good hitter, improving power, never strikes out. Could be a top of the line super utility guy.

Big sleeper- Jeremy Jeffress. I bet he gets moved to the pen and he takes off. 99-101 mph fastball and great curve. He’ll be closing in Milwaukee by the end of 2010

by ScottAZ on Jan 2, 2026 11:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jeffress

Isn’t a sleeper. He is well known and has been ranked a top prospects lists the only things holding him back are his command and is inability to be able to put down the blunt.

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by Pelferized on Jan 2, 2026 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jeffress

is he even eligible to pitch in 2010?

Adam Dunn: Proof that even sabermetrics doesn't have it right.

by Boxkutter on Jan 2, 2026 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think toward the end of the year

by JetSam on Jan 2, 2026 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

One more suspension and he's done too, IIRC.

"I've had Bailey's out of a shoe, though."

by IHateSouthBend on Jan 2, 2026 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Done playing minor leagues

But I think he can still play the majors. If he can’t get out of that rule, well, then, the Brewers have an interesting choice to make

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by OldProspects on Jan 2, 2026 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I could be wrong but I think the deal is that if he fails again and he’s in the minors he’s done with baseball at least in MLB. If he is in the majors, the rules are different so he would be okay.

by JetSam on Jan 2, 2026 10:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is what I think will happen as well.

by jfish26101 on Jan 3, 2026 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Big Sleeper

I know I’m usually knocked out for the night after a good bowl.

Sorry. Had to.

by ThomasG on Jan 2, 2026 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I think Mat Gamel is still a viable hitting prospect. If they really worked with him they could turn him into a slightly below average defensive third baseman, first base is always a possiblity as well for when Prince Fielder gets dealt.

Lawrie is questionable at second as well, but his bat will give him the opportunity to move to RF, where he should be ok.

The system is definitely down, and weak in impact pitching. The guys they have listed as starters like Arnett and Heckathorn are probably bullpen bound eventually, and the starters they have in the system like Scarpetta are bottom of the rotation types of guys at best.

by backtocali on Jan 2, 2026 11:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Arnett

Arnett has shown too much durability for the Brewers not to give him a LONG look as a starter. As for your other pitching speculation I pretty much agree.

by sheetskout on Jan 2, 2026 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gamel

I’m just not a fan of his. Doesn’t seem to be able to handle 3b defensively, I hate the fact that his K rate has climbed with each level he’s moved up, and while his power is good it’s not the elite kind I’d expect to consider a guy like this a top prospect at 1b or LF. More questions than answers with him (where does he play? will he make enough contact? will the power be good or great?) which is not great for a guy with 4 full pro seasons.

To me he’s a B-, I’m probably being harsh but I just really don’t like the combo of lack of a position and bat that may not prove to be a tremendous asset at 1b/LF/DH. I could see him having a similar career to Russell Branyan, and by that I mean a guy who moves around a lot trying to get a full time job but rarely gets anything more than a bench role. His bat keeps him around but his glove keeps him from securing a regular job.

by jayjay on Jan 2, 2026 11:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

IMO, the most underrated system in the minors.

The following players are all impressive to me in some way, shape or form:

Brett Lawrie
Mat Gamel
Alclides Escobar
Jonathan LuCroy
Angel Salome
Kyle Heckathorn
Eric Arnett
Zach Braddock
Cody Scarpetta
Wily Peralta
Caleb Gindl
Lorenzo Cain
Jeremy Jeffress
Evan Anundsen
Taylor Green
Mark Rogers

…There may not be a ton of superstars on this list, but IMO, there are a lot of major leaguers on this list.

by WrenFGun on Jan 2, 2026 11:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

No Jake Odorizzi?

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by Pelferized on Jan 2, 2026 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot him and Davis.

by WrenFGun on Jan 2, 2026 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Amaury Rivas

Minor League Pitcher of the Year

But my personal favorite- Brooks Hall, RHP

Chicks Dig The Long Ball.

by ILuvDaBush on Jan 2, 2026 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Logan Schafer

Minor League Hitter of the year

And a very underrated hitter in his own right, D’Vontrey Richardson.

Chicks Dig The Long Ball.

by ILuvDaBush on Jan 2, 2026 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gamel

I have never been a fan of Gamel and often stated as such on the site. He is a decent, not a great, hitting prospect but the problem is that he is a horrendous fielder. Errors may be overrated but his inability to make a play cleanly at third is truly horrendous. Since he can’t handle the hot corner it is likely he will be forced to play in the OF where his bat will be nothing special.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Jan 2, 2026 1:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Is that you Keith Law?

by JetSam on Jan 2, 2026 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you like his glove?

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Jan 2, 2026 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He seems to have a high skill level, but he’s inconsistent. Some guys become more consistent. It’d be interesting to get John’s take on the odds.

by JetSam on Jan 2, 2026 10:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree

People love to make excuses for Gamel’s bad defense but this guy doesn’t even have a career .900 fielding percentage. You can slice it any way you want but he still only fielded to a .910 percentage at thirdbase in the minors this year.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Jan 2, 2026 11:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you can assign magical divination power to whatever

There are a lot of people who had high error totals in the minors. They play in MLB now. You also assume his hitting performance will be poor. I wonder if there is something else involved in your intense disdain for the guy.

by JetSam on Jan 3, 2026 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I said his bat will be decent

Personally, I don’t think he will be a great hitter for a corner OF position. Why would that make you think I have an “intense disdain” for him? Also, can you give me a player who had a sub .900 fielding percentage over 5 years in the minors at a position, and went on to play that position capably in the majors? I would bet the list of guys who have done that can be counted on your hands.

"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
-Jonathan Swift

by King Billy Royal on Jan 3, 2026 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

how about

Kentrail Davis. When healthy, he’s had Kirby Puckett comparisons. I’m not necessarily saying he’s that great, just that he should be in the discussion.

by BlueVol03 on Jan 2, 2026 1:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Which discussion?

He’s definitely one of their top 20 prospects, and probably one of their top ten (BA had him at #6). I’m not his biggest fan, but he could be a very interesting player. I don’t think he’s their best prospect, though

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by OldProspects on Jan 2, 2026 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Previous discussion...

In regards to WrenFGun’s assertion that the most interesting names. I think Kentrail is going to be a top-50 prospect by the end of this coming year. His combination of power and speed is especially intriguing if he can remain in centerfield.

Chicks Dig The Long Ball.

by ILuvDaBush on Jan 2, 2026 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Excited!

I am as excited about Kentrail Davis as anyone. I think this guy could fit a Desmond-Jennings type mold although his body type is a little different. If I remember correctly Davis would have been a high draft choice out of high school a couple years back. I think he’s a classic sophmore slump rebound case who’s tools will start to become more consistent.

I would say by the end of this season he is a top-five prospect in the system.

by sheetskout on Jan 3, 2026 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wily Peralta

I am going to be disappointed if the Brewers write this guy off and send him to the pen. He’s been great since TJ surgery.

by sheetskout on Jan 2, 2026 2:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jose Alberto Pena

IFA signing was noted as having mammoth power potential and only 16, any thoughts on his other skills, development path or grade?

by Archie A on Jan 2, 2026 2:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What is Arnett's ceiling??

by Bravesin07 on Jan 2, 2026 2:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Matt Cain

JOSH THOLE > carlos santana

by Dewey Finn on Jan 2, 2026 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cain.

I wouldn’t go that far as this would be the absolute height of that ceiling. But wouldn’t that be nice!

by sheetskout on Jan 2, 2026 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i wouldn’t say cain either, Cain has been really good, ever since his debut, highest FIP was 4.08 in 46 innings in his rookie season, every year after has been under 4. He’s a damn good #2 and could be a second Ace on the Giants staff if his development curve continues. Remember, he’s only 25, younger than Lincecum.

also, is the whole JOSH THOLE>carlos santana what you really believe? or is it just your signature to agitate people?

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by gore51 on Jan 3, 2026 3:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cy Young

You’re name has 2k9 in it — what are you some 8 year-old who makes Pillsbury Doughboy cookies and jerks off to that bullshit video game with Tim Lincecum on the cover--
Frederick0220

by Mets2k9 on Jan 2, 2026 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

6'5

Adoptive parent of Kyle Nicholson

by gore51 on Jan 3, 2026 3:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brett Lawrie

If he sticks at 2B, what’s his power ceiling? I’m not so much worried about where he plays defensively, but where are they going to play his bat? He was leading off in AA.

Chicks Dig The Long Ball.

by ILuvDaBush on Jan 2, 2026 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

middle of order hitter

Realistic power ceiling: 25-30 HRs/year. But I could see him going a little past that. He has killer bat speed with advanced polish at the plate for his age. All he needs is time to get a little older and stronger.

Lawrie’s numbers this year were quite good, but the scouting reports on his bat are absolutely gleaming. Potential All Star caliber bat at almost any position.

by mrkupe on Jan 2, 2026 8:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we might be talking significantly better than that

Last year, the scouting reports said that he had plus-plus power. The guy whose stats he seems to most resemble is Jason Heyward, who was admittedly one year younger at the same level in 2008, but showed a tiny bit less power than Lawrie though struck out a little less too. I don’t think that Lawrie will necessarily have the same breakout year that Heyward did this past year, but I think his ceiling is in that vicinity

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by OldProspects on Jan 2, 2026 9:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lawrie

I am of the opinion he is the top offensive middle infield prospect and that he should be considered the top Brewers prospect.

Chicks Dig The Long Ball.

by ILuvDaBush on Jan 2, 2026 9:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LeBat Blue

You have to love the nickname. You don’t have to love the brew.

Chicks Dig The Long Ball.

by ILuvDaBush on Jan 2, 2026 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I’m wrong but I’m going to be very surprised if Lawrie is putting up 30+ HR annually. His ISOP is below .200 and he isn’t a big guy. If he puts on too much more weight, I think you can question whether he can stick in RF. I think mrkupe’s assessment is a perfect world look, I just don’t see how you can say you think he could be significantly better than what he said.

by jfish26101 on Jan 3, 2026 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I honestly think you're overanalyzing the numbers there

Their numbers might be similar, but Lawrie and Heyward are pretty different players for a variety of reasons.

Lawrie does have impressive power, but this isn’t 2003 and we don’t have to project every guy to have the ability to hit 35+ HRs in a season to be worth something (hello, Casey Kotchman!).

by mrkupe on Jan 4, 2026 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Doesnt matter where he plays

He’s still going to have the same power ceiling. I agree about the quick bat. He’s going to have to prove to me that he can handle a full season of advanced pitching this year for me to be sold on him though.

He has the skill to be a 25 - 30 HR guy, and no matter where he plays his bat will get him there.

by backtocali on Jan 2, 2026 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gamel

I didn’t know he was a rookie, yes he hasn’t eclipsed 130 at bats but he’s been on the major league roster for more than 45 days.

- http://www.brewcrewball.com/2009/11/24/1171361/the-rookies-who-arent

by phightins09 on Jan 2, 2026 6:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Josh Prince

Stole 86 bases last year between college and the pros. I’d be interested to hear people’s thoughts on the over-under for an Andy Cannizaro comp.

by StickRat on Jan 2, 2026 9:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maxwell Walla

So I know this 18 year old highschool outfielder stunk it up in his exposure to pro ball, but I think he should get a mulligan. He’s only 18, and he suposidly has got a solid bat.

by cyder7830 on Jan 3, 2026 12:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Chris Dennis

Anybody know anything about him? He’s put up pretty good numbers in short stints, most recently .318/.409/.538 year in A-ball at age 20, but has never taken more than 225 AB’s in a season. Based on the numbers, it seems like there’s some legit power potential there.

by jseiner on Jan 3, 2026 10:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Peralta

John, do you think Peralta’s second half decline could have been because of fatigue? 2010 was a pretty huge jump in innings for him, and he definitely started off amazing.

by Franchise887 on Jan 3, 2026 12:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs