2009 MLB Preview - Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers
Manager: Ken Macha (1st season)
2008 Record: 90-72 (2nd NL Central)
Postseason: NLDS Loss vs. PHI

Added: SP Braden Looper (STL), RP Trevor Hoffman (SD), RP Jorge Julio (ATL)
Lost: IF Russell Branyan (SEA), OF Laynce Nix (CIN), SP C.C. Sabathia (NYY), RP Derrick Turnbow (TEX)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 2B Rickie Weeks (.234, 89 R, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 19 SB) 2. CF Mike Cameron (.243, 69 R, 25 HR, 70 RBI, 17 SB) 3. LF Ryan Braun (.285, 92 R, 37 HR, 106 RBI, 14 SB) 4. 1B Prince Fielder (.276, 86 R, 47 HR, 102 RBI) 5. SS J.J. Hardy (.283, 78 R, 24 HR, 74 RBI, 35 SB) 6. RF Corey Hart (.268, 76 R, 20 HR, 91 RBI, 23 SB) 7. 3B Bill Hall (.225, 50 R, 15 HR, 55 RBI) 8. C Jason Kendall (.246, 46 R, 2 HR, 49 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Yovani Gallardo (Injured) 2. Dave Bush (9-10, 4.18 ERA, 109 K) 3. Jeff Suppan (10-10, 4.96 ERA, 90 K) 4. Braden Looper (12-14, 4.16 ERA, 108 K) 5. Manny Parra (10-8, 4.39 ERA, 147 K)

Bench
IF Mike Lamb, OF Tony Gwynn Jr.

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Trevor Hoffman (30 SV, 45.1 IP, 38 H, 46 K, 3.77 ERA), Carlos Villanueva, Seth McClung, David Riske, Jorge Julio, Todd Coffey

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Fantasy Studs: 1B Prince Fielder, OF Ryan Braun
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Yovani Gallardo

Men In The Minors: C Brett Lawrie, C Angel Salome, SS Alcides Escobar, 3B Mat Gamel, SP Jeremy Jeffress

Home Ballpark: Miller Park (Grade 8/10)

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Team Outlook: After a playoff appearance in 2008, there is a lot of optimism for this 2009 squad. Losing Sabathia though is a big loss, especially with the way he pitched. The pitching staff in 2009 though isn't terrible. Gallardo didn't pitch much in 2008 but expect big numbers from him in 2009. He has tons of potential. Suppan and Bush provide some veteran arms. Looper has pitched well before as a starter and if healthy, will be a welcome addition. The bullpen isn't terrible either. They have some quality arms. Unfortunately, Hoffman is not one of them. he;s a closer near the end of his career. Don't expect him to finish the year as the closer. The batting lineup is strong though and should put up plenty of runs. Weeks and Cameron provide speed at the top while Braun and Fielder provide the pop in the middle. Hardy and Hart are great at the 5 and 6 spots, and Hall at 7 could be dangerous for opposing pitchers. This team has the potential to make another run at the playoffs this year. If the pitching is steady and they stay pretty much injury-free, look out for the Brew Crew once again.

Next Preview: Minnesota Twins