This year we’ll be releasing our top 25 list in conjunction with the people over at Bernie’s Crew,
which means the list is going to posted somewhat out of order to match
up with what Jim has for his Top 25. An up-to-date list of the Between the Green Pillars Top 25 can be found at the bottom of the page.
Efrain
Nieves / LHP / 6’0” 169 LBS / Born 11/15/89
If you looking for a potential fast rising young pitcher in the Brewers farm system, Efrain Nieves would be a good pick. Taken as a 17 year old out of Puerto Rico, the southpaw was the Brewers 7 round pick in the 2007. He signed quickly and was able to get in 45 1/3 fairly nondescript innings in between the two rookie ball levels. While he struck people out (49 K) at an impressive enough rate, he walked (26 BB) them at an alarming one. That changed for him in 2008, pitching at the young age of 19 for Helena. Nieves posted a 4.48 ERA in 76 innings, but that wasn’t the true story of what he accomplished. He improved his control while only losing a bit of the K numbers and that led to a 6.5/1 K to BB ratio and 1.13 WHIP. The run prevention hasn't caught up with the peripheral numbers yet, he posted a 4.48 ERA, but it should eventually work it's way down.
Nieves throws a fastball that tops out in the low 90’s at this point, though there is some room for him to add to that as he grows. He compliments the fastball with a good curve and a work-in-progress changeup. Brewer fans should get a chance to see Nieves pitch up close and personal this for the Brewers new low-A ball affiliate in Appleton. If all goes well there, he could land in the pitcher friendly FSL with the Brewers High A affiliate before the end of the year. Nieves is still a ways away from the major leagues, but his mix of lot’s of strikeouts and few walks at a young age and from the left side of the mound make him as intriguing a “sleeper” for the top ranks of the system as you can find.
Between the Green Pillars Top 25 Prospects:
# 25: Evan Frederickson
# 24: Cody Adams
#23: Alex Periard
#22: Brent Brewer
#21: Brad Nelson
#20: RJ Seidel
#19: Tim Dillard
# 18: Seth Lintz