Well the baseball season is over, at least for the Brewers. I can say that at least they ended on a high note, beating the Cardinals Sunday in St. Louis. Now the team, and the fans, look to 2007 and what our team will look like come April.
The biggest question seems to be Geoff Jenkins. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a Brewer uniform next season. He's owed $7 million for 2007 season, and I can't imagine who would take on that salary, considering his offensive slump this season. Then again, I can't see the Brewers paying some of that just to move him and open a spot on the bench. And honestly, it's not like his season was completely atrocious. Yes his numbers fell off, but I still think we haven't seen the last of Jenkins.
Another big question is Tony Graffanino. He said he wants to come back. Doug Melvin and Ned Yost want Tony to come back. The issue, from what I've read, is getting Graffy enough playing time. My prediction is that we've seen the last of Corey Koskie. He hasn't really shown any improvement since his July 5th injury. I don't know how long post traumatic concussion syndrome is supposed to last, but it's been three months already with no noticeable improvement. Assuming his contract is insured or the Brewers can otherwise get out of it, I think Koskie is gone.
So what to do about third base? What to do about shortstop, for that matter? Bill Hall has certainly shown he can handle shortstop, and has pretty much earned the spot heading into the off season. From what I've read, JJ Hardy is going to have to get the job back, because right now it belongs to Bill. So that means Bill probably won't be at third every day next season.
Rickie Weeks will be back at second, barring any new injuries, and Prince Fielder owns first. Tony Graffanino can play every infield position, even though he prefers second. Assuming Koskie is done, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tony at third next season. Or perhaps move Bill to third, JJ at short, and use Tony as a super-utility man. Either way, I really want to see Tony in a Brewer uniform next season.
Corey Hart seems a lock for the outfield next year, but he's the only one. Kevin Mench has struggled since coming to the Brewers, but Doug likes him, so he might get another shot. Tony Gwynn has done well in his time in the bigs, but I really think he needs a little more time in AAA.
Brady Clark is under contract for next season, but that doesn't mean he can't be traded away. His number weren't spectacular this season so he could be difficult to move. Then there's Gabe Gross, not to mention Laynce Nix. You know what? I'm actually just going to skip this, because it makes my head spin to consider all the possibilities for the outfield. I'll leave it to Doug and Ned and just wait and see!
As far as the starting rotation, I'm seeing Sheets, Davis, Capuano, Bush and Villanueva. Carlos has certainly proved that he can compete at this level, and has more than earned a shot at the starting rotation for next year.
I read that, mercifully, Dan Kolb will probably not be back next year. Francisco Cordero's option will most surely be picked up, as he has more than earned the closer's job. Assuming Derrick Turnbow can get his mechanics tightened up, he and Matt Wise will be great for the setup spot, leaving Rick Helling and Jose Capellan for middle relief. Not sure if Geremi Gonzalez will be back. Brian Shouse will almost certainly be back, used solely as a lefty specialist.
So those are my early predictions for next year. It will surely be an interesting winter as changes are made and the team starts to shape up. Only 181 days till opening day!
