From: paul@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Paul R Krueger)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Brewers in 93?
Date: 11 Nov 92 03:23:30 GMT
Article-I.D.: uwm.1dpubiINNept
Organization: Computing Services Division, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
NNTP-Posting-Host: 129.89.7.4

In article <1992Nov8.025305.28614@dartvax.dartmouth.edu> Shawn.T.Burgess@dartmouth.edu (Shawn T. Burgess) writes:
>
>Just a question:  do you guys think the Brewers season this year was a
>fluke or can they pull it off next year?  Also, who are they likely to
>lose this year (free-agent, draft, etc.)?
>
   In a way, I think Milwaukee's '92 season was a fluke, but they have a
   solid group of talented players and could contend again in '93.
   In Jamie Navarro, Cal Eldred and Bill Wegman, you're looking at one of
   the best first three starting pitchers in the AL. Chris Bosio will sign
   with someone else. Mark Keifer is a thought to have a chance to make
   the rotation, while hopes are that Teddy Higuera can come back (which I
   doubt). Ricky Bones should do better next year.

   The bullpen may be hurt by the draft. Fetters, Holmes, Austin, Plesac
   and Orosco did a fine job last year. One of the top three will be
   drafted and both of the last two may go via free agency. The bullpen, a
   very underrated strength this year after a shaky start, won't be as good
   next year.

   All in all, the pitching staff should be good again, but definitely won't
   repeat as the best in the AL. But it should still be a strength.

   The offense is very dependant on Paul Molitor. If he isn't re-signed,
   there could be big-time production problems. I expect Molly to return
   though and the offense to again be effective. The lineup will be seriously
   shuffled. Dave Nilsson will probably be the starting catcher. Either
   Molitor or Jaha will probably start at 1B. My guess is that Listach will
   be at 2B and Spiers at SS. Seitzer or B.J. Surhoff will probly be at 3B.
   Either Fletcher or Seitzer will be the main utility man.

   I'd expect Vaughn, Yount and Hamilton to start from left to right in the
   outfield. Bichette will probably be picked in the draft. Hamilton will hit
   .300 again, steal lots of bases and play stellar D. Yount hopefully won't
   play every game. Unless Vaughn rebounds to have a good season, the Brewer
   outfield will be its weakness. 

   I'd expect a good deal of shuffling by the Brewers before the start of
   next season. A little-known free-agent or two might be signed, a couple
   of small trades, and the losing of a few free-agents. Also, every year
   the Brewers seem to be able to sign a guy in spring training that nobody
   else wants, that turns out to have a good year (Willie Randolph, Candy
   Maldonado, Scott Fletcher and Kevin Seitzer in the past two years).

   Overall, another solid team probably that will overachieve because of
   its style of play. In difference to most of the stat-guys that are
   skeptical of Listach and Molitor performing to their '92 level, I think
   that both will not miss a beat. Listach learned A LOT from both Molly and
   Yount this year (asked a lot of questions) and has already embarked on an
   off-season conditioning program to stay in shape. He's a very ambitious
   and confident fellow who will probably be a very good player for years to
   come. Molitor has finally went through a couple years injury-free and
   still swings the bat as sweet as any right-hander in the league. He also
   trains hard in the off-season.

   I expect Toronto will again be the team to beat, but you never know what
   will happen between now and April.

   --salty