This year I be releasing my Top 25 Prospects in
conjunction with the people over at Between the Green Pillars, which means the list
is going to posted somewhat out of order to match up with what Ryan and Jay have for their Top 25. An up-to-date list of the Bernie's Crew
Top 25 can
be found at the bottom of each individual post. There will be a new
prospect posted each day both here at Bernie's Crew, and also over at
Between the Green Pillars. Each prospect overview will have thoughts
from both blogs as well. Be sure to check back daily!
Brent Brewer
Born: 12/19/1987
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190 lbs
Throws: R
Bats: R
Brent Brewer, 21-years old,
is all about tools and potential over production. As recently as last
season, the young shortstop has been hailed as the "best athlete" in
Milwaukee's organization. The Brewers are hoping he could end up
displaying the same power/speed combination that has made Hanley
Ramirez arguably the best shortstop in the major leagues. A former
football standout, Brent has the frame and strength to belt plenty of
home runs and the speed to be a real threat on the basepaths. He has
become a decent baserunner, but his bat is a work-in-progress.
Brent
spun his wheels in West Virginia to begin the season. He struggled to
the tune of a .213/.286/.310 offensive line through 47 games with the
Power. The power he displayed in 2007 (11 home runs) disappeared
completely. Brewer did not belt a single home run with West Virginia,
and the Sally League is an offensive player's paradise. To make
matters worse, the shortstop still swung with his eyes closed at the
plate, posting a 31% strikeout percentage. That is one strikeout for
every three plate appearances. Lovely. His walk rate was a solid 9%.
That is about all Brent could hang his hat on during his stint with the
Power in 2008.
Milwaukee's organization then felt Brent could
benefit from a change of scenery, promoting him to Class-A+ Brevard
County mid-season. The move helped, but not as much as the Brewers'
brass had hoped. He still struggled at the plate, posting a
.251/.313/.349 offensive line over 76 games for the Manatees. His walk
rate reverted back to about 8% -- which is not surprising for a young
player -- but his strikeout percentage plummeted to 20%. He began to
see the ball better near the end of the season, and his production
increased accordingly. I would like to see him hit for a bit more
power, obviously, but Brevard County is not friendly to right-handed
hitters. In addition, Brent still swiped his fair share of bags,
stealing 15 for the Manatees and 16 for the Power earlier in 2008.
In
an organization where Brent is blocked by the likes of J.J. Hardy and
Alcides Escobar, his pedestrian 2008 numbers must improve drastically
if he even wants to sniff big league action. The transition could have
begun this fall in the Arizona Fall League. Brewer hit .300/.344/.700
in only 30 at-bats for Peoria, and Brewers fans began to witness what
the young shortstop can bring to the diamond. He belted three home
runs and six doubles, while swiping two bags. Sure it is an extremely
small sample size, but this late season surge by Brent could be an
indication that he is beginning to "get it." He potentially brings
loads of speed and power to the offensive side of the game, while
displaying large range and a big arm at short. The tools are there,
and they are quite impressive. Brent simply needs to refine these
tools and begin producing. A .251/.313 split is not going to cut it at
the plate. Neither is his horrendous .941 fielding percentage he
earned for Brevard County. It is time to get the job done. This
upcoming season with Brevard County will be a great indicator for
Brewer's future. Does he have big league potential and tools galore,
or is he simply a football trying to play the game of baseball? We
will see which answer Brent has for us in 2009.
PROJECTED ARRIVAL: Unknown
OVERALL: C+
Jim's Ranking: 20
#25 -- Evan Anundsen
#24 -- Lee Haydel
#23 -- Luis Pena
#22 -- Wily Peralta
#21 -- Tim Dillard
#20 -- Brent Brewer