2008 Woodie Awards
Yost, Brewers face tough upcoming decisions
Sean Lamb
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Sports
As the Brewers close out the first month of their season, some tough decisions have to be made. Fans have to be pleased with the way the Crew has started the season, but it still feels like they could be doing a lot better.
Ned Yost is going to have to make some changes within the next couple of weeks. Spots in the starting rotation and in centerfield are going to start filling up, and Yost will have to decide which players he is going to use.
In the starting rotation, Yovani Gallardo returned from an injury on Sunday and made a strong effort against the Reds. With Gallardo back, Yost will have to decide which of the six starters to send to the bullpen. He may have to wait on that decision, depending on the health of ace pitcher Ben Sheets. If Sheets does not miss a start, Yost will be left with three pitchers and two starting spots. It will be a toss-up between Dave Bush, Manny Parra, and Carlos Villanueva.
Experience may not be the deciding factor here. The brewers have had a lot of success plugging in their young players early on. With a 0-3 record, and an ERA at 7.02, Dave Bush would seem to be the most likely candidate to send to the bullpen. Even without a lot of bullpen experience, Bush might be able to adjust quickly and become a solid mid-relief pitcher. He is one of the hardest working players on the team, and there will always be a chance for him to work his way back into a starting role.
At centerfield, Yost now finds himself with an abundance of talent. Last year, this position had to be filled by Bill Hall, who had never even played there before. Now, Yost has five different players who could fill this spot. With Mike Cameron returning from his suspension on April 29th, and Tony Gwynn Jr. returning to full health, Yost will have to decide how he is going to work his platoon system. Gabe Kapler has come out of nowhere to become one of the Brewers best hitters so far, making it even harder for Yost to decide who gets the starting spot. Yost will most likely send either Gabe Gross or Hernan Iribarren down to the minors. Once again, experience may not be the answer here. Iribarren is playing his first year in the majors and has had only six at-bats. However, Gabe Gross is batting a miserable .121 so far, making a strong case that it might be time to go with some younger talent.
At full health, the Brewers have proven to be a very good team. As more players start to return to the roster, it will be up to Ned Yost to put the pieces together that will push the Brew Crew over the top.
Ned Yost is going to have to make some changes within the next couple of weeks. Spots in the starting rotation and in centerfield are going to start filling up, and Yost will have to decide which players he is going to use.
In the starting rotation, Yovani Gallardo returned from an injury on Sunday and made a strong effort against the Reds. With Gallardo back, Yost will have to decide which of the six starters to send to the bullpen. He may have to wait on that decision, depending on the health of ace pitcher Ben Sheets. If Sheets does not miss a start, Yost will be left with three pitchers and two starting spots. It will be a toss-up between Dave Bush, Manny Parra, and Carlos Villanueva.
Experience may not be the deciding factor here. The brewers have had a lot of success plugging in their young players early on. With a 0-3 record, and an ERA at 7.02, Dave Bush would seem to be the most likely candidate to send to the bullpen. Even without a lot of bullpen experience, Bush might be able to adjust quickly and become a solid mid-relief pitcher. He is one of the hardest working players on the team, and there will always be a chance for him to work his way back into a starting role.
At centerfield, Yost now finds himself with an abundance of talent. Last year, this position had to be filled by Bill Hall, who had never even played there before. Now, Yost has five different players who could fill this spot. With Mike Cameron returning from his suspension on April 29th, and Tony Gwynn Jr. returning to full health, Yost will have to decide how he is going to work his platoon system. Gabe Kapler has come out of nowhere to become one of the Brewers best hitters so far, making it even harder for Yost to decide who gets the starting spot. Yost will most likely send either Gabe Gross or Hernan Iribarren down to the minors. Once again, experience may not be the answer here. Iribarren is playing his first year in the majors and has had only six at-bats. However, Gabe Gross is batting a miserable .121 so far, making a strong case that it might be time to go with some younger talent.
At full health, the Brewers have proven to be a very good team. As more players start to return to the roster, it will be up to Ned Yost to put the pieces together that will push the Brew Crew over the top.
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