Prospect Watch: Jeremy Jeffress

Jeremy Jeffress, 20, is the Brewers' top pitching prospect. He was recently promoted to Double-A Huntsville after a fairly successful stint at High-A Brevard County. Jeffress is the youngest player on the Huntsville roster. At Brevard County, he went 4-6 with a 4.08 ERA and had 102 strike outs in 79.1 innings pitched.

Jeffress made his debut for Huntsville on August 13th, and it didn't go as well as he hoped. The young right-hander only went 2 1/3 innings, allowing two hits, two runs, and three walks, while striking out two.

The news that Jeffress was being promoted to Double-A was somewhat surprising. He wasn't extremely consistent at Brevard County, although he was a little more consistent towards the end of his stint there. The main reason for his promotion is the Brewers will most likely send him to the Arizona Fall League, where a player needs to be on at least a Double-A roster to be eligible.

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Prospect Watch: Brett Lawrie

Brett Lawrie, 18, was the Brewers' first round pick in this past June's draft. The Brewers selected the high catcher 16th overall. He just signed this past week for what is believed to be a signing bonus of around $1.7 million.

Lawrie is currently playing for Team Canada in the Olympics, where he will face advanced minor league pitching, and players with major league experience. He is the youngest player on Canada's roster. The right-handed hitting Lawrie will most likely begin next season at the Brewers' Low-A affiliate, wherever that ends up being.

Lawrie is known for his strong hands and quick bat speed. He has good power and a plus arm. There is some question as to whether he will stick as a catcher, but that is where the Brewers will leave him for now.

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Prospect Watch: Mat Gamel

Mat Gamel, the top prospect in the Brewers' farm system was just promoted to Triple-A Nashville from Double-A Huntsville. Gamel, 23, hit .329 with 19 home runs and 96 RBI's for Huntsville. He had an excellent .395 on base percentage, and a .933 OPS.

2008 has been a breakout season for Gamel. The third basemen has been named the Southern League's Player of the Week numerous times, and was selected to the MLB Future's Game. He will continue to play third base for Nashville.

Gamel's promotion comes a week before Major League rosters expand to 40 players. Nashville's season in Triple-A ends August 31, so the Brewers so will decide then whether or not they will call up Gamel for the September roster expansion.

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Prospect Watch: Luis Pena

Luis Pena, a 25-year old relief pitcher was originally signed by the Brewers in 1999 as a non-drafted free agent. Pena is currently playing in Triple-A for the Nashville Sounds.

Pena did well for himself in the first half earning a spot on the PCL All-Star team. There were rumblings about him being called up to the show to help the Brewers' bullpen, but since then he has faltered. Pena had a horrendous month of July with a 13.50 ERA.

Currently Pena's ERA stands at 5.89. Pena has a good fastball and was thought of as a potential closer by some, but he has struggled lately. He had been a shoe in for a September callup, but that may no longer be the case. It will be interesting to see how he responds down the stretch.

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Prospect Watch: Evan Frederickson

Evan Frederickson was drafted by the Brewers #35 overall in this past June's draft. Frederickson is a 6'6'' left handed pitcher out of the University of San Francisco.

After posting a 3.09 ERA in the Pioneer League for Helena, the 21 year-old Frederickson was quickly moved to Low-A West Virginia. So far he's off to a bit of a rough start. Through 13.2 innings pitched Frederickson is 0-1 with a 7.90 ERA. He's struck out 13 batters, but has allowed 18 walks.

Frederickson throws a mid 90's fastball and has a lot of potential, but he's not as polished as some college pitchers are. He has control issues that he needs to work on, but the stuff is definitely there. It will be very interesting to watch his progress. Right Field Bleachers recently had an interview with him, which you can read by clicking here.

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Prospect Watch: Brad Nelson

Brad Nelson was the Brewers fourth round pick in the 2001 draft. After being drafted Nelson quickly asserted himself as one of the Brewers top prospects. Then Nelson battled injuries, and saw his status as a top prospect take a nose dive. Last season things started to get back on track for him as he hit 20 home runs in Triple-A.

This season the 25 year-old first basemen is hitting .296 with a spectacular .402 on base percentage for the Sounds. He's also hit 12 home runs and has 52 RBI. Out in the field he's made four errors.

It's been a long time coming for Nelson, and now he's knocking on the door of the major leagues. Unfortunately for Nelson, he's blocked by Prince Fielder. If he continues to play well though he should receive a September call up when the roster expands.

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Prospect Watch: Top 10 Prospects

We're halfway through the season, and it's time to put together the Brewers top 10 prospect list.

1. Mat Gamel - With Matt LaPorta gone, Mat Gamel is the number one prospect in the system. A .375 average and 15 home runs was good enough to earn Gamel a spot in the futures game.

2. Jeremy Jeffress - Jeffress perhaps has more potential than any other Brewers prospect. Jeffress has been inconsistent this year, but when he's on he's unstoppable. Jeffress has 80 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched at Brevard County.

3. Angel Salome - Salome has been mashing at Double-A Huntsville. The 22-year old catcher hit .345 with a .401 on base percentage in the first half. Brewer fans have been waiting a long time for a catcher that can hit and Salome might be just that.

4. Michael Brantley - Brantley was good last season too, but this year people are starting to take notice. He's only 21-years old and had a .407 on base percentage in the first half for Huntsville. The center fielder has also stolen 25 bases. He could very well be taking Mike Cameron's place in center field down the line, and fill the Brewers need for a lead off hitter.

5. Alcides Escobar - Escobar is one of the most exciting prospects in Huntsville. He hit .337 with a .367 on base percentage in the first half, and wreaks havoc on the base paths, having stolen 25 bases.

6. Jonathan Lucroy - Lucroy just keeps on hitting. He hit well at Low-A West Virginia to start the season, and has continued to rake at High-A Brevard County, currently boasting a .326 average. Lucroy along with Salome lead a suddenly strong corps of catchers in the farm system.

7. Taylor Green - The other third base prospect in Brewers system, who plays better defensively than Mat Gamel. Green also has a solid bat. He's not a big power hitter, but does have 10 home runs. He shows great plate discipline with his .368 on base percentage.

8. Cole Gillespie - The best word to describe Gillespie would be solid. He's not a can't miss prospect, but is a nice player. The 24 year-old outfielder, currently playing for Double-A Huntsville, has an impressive .379 on base percentage, and 12 home runs.

9. Jake Odorizzi - Drafted #32 overall in this past June's draft, Odorizzi was touted by many as the best high school pitcher in the draft. He can throw four different pitches, and has good command. He provides the Brewers' system with much needed pitching depth.

10. Chris Errecart - Errecart is one of the more underrated players the Brewers have in the minors right now. Perhaps it's because he plays in Huntsville, where talent is a plenty. The 23 year-old first basemen hit .291 with a .364 on base percentage, and 13 home runs in the first half.

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Prospect Watch: Cutter Dykstra

Cutter Dykstra, the son of former major leaguer, Lenny Dykstra, was one of the Brewers' second round picks in this past June's draft. (#54 overall) The 19 year-old is currently playing center field in rookie league for the Helena Brewers and is off to a solid start.

Though 10 games and 36 at bats Dykstra is hitting .278 with a .395 on base percentage. He has one home run and two RBI. Out in the field he's made one error. Dykstra will most likely begin next season in Low-A, whether that's West Virginia remains to be seen, since there are rumors the Brewers will not renew their contract with the Power.

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Prospect Watch: Mat Gamel

Mat Gamel just continues to produce for Double-A Huntsville. The third basemen is hitting a whopping .383 and boasts a .445 on base percentage. He's also hit 15 home runs and has 72 RBI. However, he does have 22 errors in the field.

Expect Gamel to keep raking in Huntsville for the time being. The Brewers seem to be in no rush to move him up to Triple-A, as they want him to continue to work on his defense. Gamel was recently rewarded for his stellar play this season as he was selected to the MLB Future's Game, along with teammate, Matt LaPorta.

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Prospect Watch: Jonathan Lucroy

Jonathan Lucroy, a catcher from Louisiana Lafayette, was the Brewers' third round draft pick in 2007. Lucroy, 22, was recently promoted from West Virginia to High-A Brevard County.

In 239 at bats at West Virginia, Lucroy hit .310 with a .390 on base percentage. He had 10 home runs and 33 RBI. Lucroy has played four games since being promoted and is off to a good start with Brevard County. He's currently hitting .357 with one home run and five RBI's.

Lucroy is one of the Brewers' prospects I find the most exciting. Catching has been very weak in the Brewers' sytem over the years, but it is starting to become a strength with Lucroy, Angel Salome, and the recently drafted Brett Lawrie. If Lucroy continues to perform well he'll have a chance to start next season in Double-A.

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Prospect Watch: Taylor Green

Taylor Green, the reigning Brewers minor league player of the year, is having another stand out season at High-A Brevard County. The 21 year-old third basemen is hitting .316 with a .398 on base percentage. He has six home runs and 42 RBI's. While his bat is very good, he needs work defensively, as he has 11 errors.

Green is a very promising prospect. He doesn't have a ton of power, but he's a guy that could hit around 20 home runs in the big leagues. He's more in the Jeff Cirillo mold of third basemen than a Mat Gamel or Ryan Braun type. If he continues to play well he could earn a promotion to Double-A once the Brewers choose to move Gamel to Triple-A.

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Prospect Watch: Alcides Escobar

It seems like every week someone from the Huntsville Stars shows up on Prospect Watch and this week is no exception. Huntsville is stacked with talent. One of the more highly touted players on the Stars roster is Alcides Escobar.

Escobar, 21, has been swinging the bat extremely well this season at shortstop. Through 62 games Escobar is hitting .337 with a .374 on base percentage. He's also hit six home runs and has 42 RBI. Escobar has proven to be a threat on the base paths as well with 16 stolen bases.

It's amazing how talented the Huntsville lineup is. The way Escobar is going he could see a promotion to Triple-A this season, along with several of the other highly touted prospects in the Stars lineup.

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Prospect Watch: Michael Brantley

Can you say under the radar? Michael Brantley, the Brewers' seventh round pick in the 2005 draft is tearing it up playing center field for Double-A Huntsville. You may not have heard about him yet because of all the other talent there like Mat Gamel, Matt LaPorta, Angel Salome, Alcides Escobar, and Cole Gillespie, but you will be hearing a lot about this name in the near future.

Through 51 games and 204 at bats, Brantley, who just turned 21 a few weeks ago is batting .322 with a .402 on base percentage. He's also stolen 16 bases. These are very strong numbers for someone his age playing at Double-A, or any age for that matter. Last season Brantley hit .335 with .413 on base percentage for Low-A West Virginia.

Brantley has done a fantastic job batting lead off for Huntsville. He's getting on base and letting the big guns drive him in. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him. Brantley most likely won't see the big leagues this season but don't be surprised to see him called up at some point in 2009.

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Prospect Watch: Jeremy Jeffress

Jeremy Jeffress, the Brewers' 2006 first round pick has had three starts for High-A Brevard County since returning from his 50 game suspension. The results so far have been mixed. He allowed five runs his first start, pitched a five inning shutout in his second start with 10 k's, and allowed nine runs in his last start.

Through three starts Jeffress is 1-2 with a 10.33 ERA in 21.2 innings pitched. He's allowed 21 hits, walked six batters, and struck out 22. He definitely has the potential to be dominant. He's been striking a ton of guys out. I believe he'll become more consistent as he gets more starts. The Brewers are really hoping Jeffress can perform with how weak starting pitching currently is in the system.

Here is some footage off YouTube from his 10 strikeout performance.

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Prospect Watch: Matt LaPorta

The last time we checked in on the Brewers' top prospect, Matt LaPorta, he was absolutely raking for Double-A Huntsville. What's he doing now? Absolutely raking for Double-A Huntsville. LaPorta is hitting .314 with a .426 on base percentage, and an outstanding 1.048 OPS. He also has 11 dingers and 39 RBI's. Defensively he has yet to commit an error and he has been named Southern League Player of the Week twice already.

The Huntsville lineup is downright nasty and LaPorta is the top guy in it. Expect him to move up to Triple-A Nashville around the All-Star break. I would also expect to see him selected for the Future's Game that goes on All-Star weekend.

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Prospect Watch: Cole Gillespie

Cole Gillespie, a 23 year-old outfielder for Double-A Huntsville was the Brewers' third round pick in the 2006 draft. The former Oregon State Beaver is doing well for Huntsville this season. Gillespie has hit 6 home runs and driven in 27 runs. He's batting .273 with a .359 on base percentage.

Gillespie seems to be hitting for more power than last season. He already has 6 homers. Last year at High-A Brevard County, Gillespie hit 12 the entire season. Huntsville is currently 26-11 on the season and Gillespie is a big reason why. With a lineup consisting of Gillespie, Matt Laporta, Angel Salome, and Mat Gamel, Huntsville should continue to see a lot of success.

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Prospect Watch: Angel Salome

Angel Salome, the Brewers' top catching prospect who is coming off a 50 game suspension is currently playing for Double-A Huntsville. He's off to a fairly decent start. Salome has played in 15 games and is batting .288 with a .327 on base percentage while hitting 2 homers and 6 RBI. He has not made any errors yet.

It's good to see Salome bouncing back after the suspension. Catching has been weak in the Brewers' farm system for years. With the exception of Salome, and Jonathan Lucroy, who is playing for High-A West Virginia there isn't much to talk about in that department.

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Prospect Watch: Mat Gamel

Mat Gamel, the top third basemen in the Brewers farm system is absolutely raking right now. Currently playing for Double-A Huntsville, Gamel is hitting .367 with a .436 on base percentage in 98 at bats. The 22 year-old has also hit 3 home runs and driven in 18 runs.

It's great to see Gamel off to a hot start. He is probably the Brewers' third basemen of the future but still needs a lot of work on his defense. He already has 8 errors this season. Still, his bat is awfully impressive. With the way he's going he could see Triple-A this season.

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Prospect Watch: Matt LaPorta

Matt LaPorta, the Brewers' top prospect had a solid first week at Double-A Huntsville. The 23 year-old left fielder hit .273 with a .429 on base percentage, 1 home run and 4 RBI's in 11 at bats.

LaPorta is far and away the Brewers' top slugger in the minors right now. He probably will not see the big leagues until September but likely will move up to Triple-A later in the year.

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Prospect Watch: Matt LaPorta

Matt LaPorta, the Brewers 1st round pick in this past June's draft is currently playing for Single-A West Virginia. LaPorta has been swinging the bat very well. After 16 games and 60 at bats LaPorta is hitting .317 with five home runs and 17 RBI. He has a very good on base percentage of .403 and has an OPS of 1.069.

LaPorta is probably the Brewers top prospect already. He'll finish the season at West Virginia and will most likely start 2008 in High-A Brevard County.

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