The Milwaukee Brewers had an impressive 2011 season when they took home the National League Central. However , they could not translate that success into a World Series showing as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated them in the National League Championship Series. This team lost Prince Fielder in the winter, but with Ryan Braun not being made to serve a 50 game suspension the Brewers caught a little break for this season. Check to verify how we think that they end up in the division with our MLB projections for 2012.
Projected Batters
Jonathan Lucroy (Catcher) - There are lots of reasons for the Brewers to be pumped up about their 25-year-old catcher. Lucroy hit .265 with 12 home runs and 59 RBI in 136 games last year. The power numbers are only going to improve with time, and his defense is shaping up. Overall, the kid has a large amount of potential going forward.
Mat Gamel (First Base) - Gamel was unable to interpret his minor league numbers to the big leagues in 2011. While he hit 28 homers and drove in 98 RBI in the minors last season, he completely unhappy with Milwaukee, batting just 3 for 26 in 10 games. He probably did belt 2 homers, and if he will be able to step in and hit 20 homers this season, it would surpass Milwaukee's expectations for him.
Rickie Weeks (Second Base) - Rickie Weeks is among the rising stars at second base, and he will be counted on to step up with the exit of Fielder. An ankle injury bound his 2011 season, but he was still able to provide solid numbers of 20 home runs and 49 RBI in 113 games. If he will keep healthy, the All-Star has the opportunity to put up big numbers in 2012.
Alex Gonzalez (Shortstop) - Gonzalez's main role in the order is to enhance one of baseballs worst defense. He won't be depended upon to do much on offense, as he batted just .241 in 149 games with the Atlanta Braves last season. He has hit 38 homers during the last 2 years, so he isn't actually that big a responsibility on offense.
Aramis Ramirez (3rd Base) - The Brewers are hoping the addition of Ramirez can help ease the loss of Fielder in the middle of the lineup. A good Ramirez is still one of the game's best-hitting 3rd basemen. In 149 games last year, he hit .306 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI with the Chicago Cubs. He could be in for a massive season hitting cleanup behind Braun.
Ryan Braun (Left Field) - Coupled with the departure of Fielder, the Brewers would've been in trouble if Braun's 50-game suspension wasn't lifted. But now they're prepared to stay one of the top offensive groups in the National League. Braun is coming off a spectacular year in which he hit .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI and 33 steals. The Brewers forecast him to have a slight dropoff, but he is still good for around .310 average with 30 homers and 100 RBI.
Nyjer Morgan (Center Field) - Morgan put up a pretty amazing season last year. He batted .304, which was 2nd on the team only to Braun, and is precisely what the Brewers want from their No. 2 hitter.
Corey Hart (Right Field) - In 130 games for the Brewers last season, Hart hit .285 with 26 homers and 63 RBI, which means he has hit 58 homers over the last two seasons. His speed is on the decline, as he had just 7 stolen bases in every one of the last two years, but his power is rare for a leadoff hitter.
Projected Batters
Jonathan Lucroy (Catcher) - There are lots of reasons for the Brewers to be pumped up about their 25-year-old catcher. Lucroy hit .265 with 12 home runs and 59 RBI in 136 games last year. The power numbers are only going to improve with time, and his defense is shaping up. Overall, the kid has a large amount of potential going forward.
Mat Gamel (First Base) - Gamel was unable to interpret his minor league numbers to the big leagues in 2011. While he hit 28 homers and drove in 98 RBI in the minors last season, he completely unhappy with Milwaukee, batting just 3 for 26 in 10 games. He probably did belt 2 homers, and if he will be able to step in and hit 20 homers this season, it would surpass Milwaukee's expectations for him.
Rickie Weeks (Second Base) - Rickie Weeks is among the rising stars at second base, and he will be counted on to step up with the exit of Fielder. An ankle injury bound his 2011 season, but he was still able to provide solid numbers of 20 home runs and 49 RBI in 113 games. If he will keep healthy, the All-Star has the opportunity to put up big numbers in 2012.
Alex Gonzalez (Shortstop) - Gonzalez's main role in the order is to enhance one of baseballs worst defense. He won't be depended upon to do much on offense, as he batted just .241 in 149 games with the Atlanta Braves last season. He has hit 38 homers during the last 2 years, so he isn't actually that big a responsibility on offense.
Aramis Ramirez (3rd Base) - The Brewers are hoping the addition of Ramirez can help ease the loss of Fielder in the middle of the lineup. A good Ramirez is still one of the game's best-hitting 3rd basemen. In 149 games last year, he hit .306 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI with the Chicago Cubs. He could be in for a massive season hitting cleanup behind Braun.
Ryan Braun (Left Field) - Coupled with the departure of Fielder, the Brewers would've been in trouble if Braun's 50-game suspension wasn't lifted. But now they're prepared to stay one of the top offensive groups in the National League. Braun is coming off a spectacular year in which he hit .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI and 33 steals. The Brewers forecast him to have a slight dropoff, but he is still good for around .310 average with 30 homers and 100 RBI.
Nyjer Morgan (Center Field) - Morgan put up a pretty amazing season last year. He batted .304, which was 2nd on the team only to Braun, and is precisely what the Brewers want from their No. 2 hitter.
Corey Hart (Right Field) - In 130 games for the Brewers last season, Hart hit .285 with 26 homers and 63 RBI, which means he has hit 58 homers over the last two seasons. His speed is on the decline, as he had just 7 stolen bases in every one of the last two years, but his power is rare for a leadoff hitter.
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