Pittsburgh Pirates NL Central Rivals: Milwaukee Brewers

Analysis: What follows is the second of a series of four articles providing a look at the Pirate’s NL Central Rivals going into 2017:

As we get ready for what should hopefully be an exciting and successful season, I’m going to be examining the outlook of other NL Central teams. Almost half the Pittsburgh Pirates schedule is composed of these teams so we’re going to be seeing a lot of them. Because of this, I think it’s worth getting to know them better and getting an idea of what to expect. Before the season starts I’m going to give a look at each, going in reverse order of their 2016 finish. Up now are the Milwaukee Brewers, who finished last season fourth in the division.

2016 Record: 73-89

Pittsburgh Pirates Record vs. Brewers in 2016: 10-9

Key Additions:

• Neftali Feliz (RP) – Free Agent Signing
• Thomas Milone (CF) – Free Agent Signing
• Eric Thames (LF) – Free Agent Signing
• Travis Shaw (IF) – Acquired in trade with Boston Red Sox

Key Losses:

• Chris Carter (1B) – Signed with New York Yankees
• Blaine Boyer (RP) – Signed with Atlanta Braves
• Tyler Thornburg (RP) – Traded to Boston Red Sox

Projected Lineup

• Catcher: Jett Bandy
• First Base: Eric Thames
• Second Base: Jonathan Villar
• Third Base: Travis Shaw
• Shortstop: Orlando Arcia
• Left Field: Ryan Braun
• Center Field: Keon Broxton
• Right Field: Domingo Santana

Projected Rotation

• Junior Guerra (R)
• Zach Davies (R)
• Jimmy Nelson (R)
• Wily Peralta (R)
• Matt Garza (R)

Games vs. Pirates

• At Pittsburgh: May 5-7, July 17-20, September 18-20 (10 games)
• At Milwaukee: June 19-22, August 15-16, September 11-13 (9 games)

Outlook

Much like the Reds, the Brewers have had a rough few years. Unlike Cincinnati though, the Brewers can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Brewers lineup and farm system are stocked with promising young players. Also, they’ve made a couple of intriguing additions that could allow them to field a competitive team this season. Despite this, they’re likely at least a year away from competing for a playoff spot. The Brewers need everything to go right this season to compete this year. However, it’s unlikely for all the stars to align and the Brewers will likely endure at least one more losing season.