Milwaukee Brewers to Have a Mix of Old and New on 2012 Roster: A Fan’s View

Baseball players move from team to team as often as guys change underwear. So it should not come as a shock to fans of the Milwaukee Brewers that their team will have a new look in 2012.

This could be good or bad on how you look at it. It's good in that the team has a strong nucleus moving forward. The top two pitchers in Zack Greinke(notes) and Yovani Gallardo(notes) are back as is slugger Ryan Braun(notes). A good young catcher in Jonathon Lucroy should return, and you could do worse than having Corey Hart(notes) back in right for another season. Let's also hope Rickie Weeks(notes) will be 100% healthy to start the 2012 campaign.

I want to remind you that at this early date, this is all still speculation. I'm sure there will be some losses that will hit hard, but there's always the possibility for a young star to emerge.

Let's take a quick look at possible losses that could occur during the winter months, new players that are waiting in the wings, and I'll speculate on free agents that could be heading to Milwaukee.

Losses

It's no secret that Prince Fielder(notes) is going to be one of the most sought after free agents. It's just hard to see which team is going to ante up a ton of money to sign the powerful first baseman. The bullpen could also be hit with significant losses. Francisco Rodriguez has made no secret of the fact he wants to be a closer somewhere else. LaTroy Hawkins(notes) and Takashi Saito(notes) are also free agents this time around and could be goners. Jerry Hairston Jr.(notes) and Mark Kotsay(notes) kind of fit the role of players you would like to have back, but you don't know what they are going to do. I expect Doug Melvin and company to try and bring Hairston back. Veteran player Craig Counsell(notes) is also a free agent and he may opt to retire.

Youthful additions

Expect to see Mat Gamel(notes) in a Brewer uniform next season come hell or high water. Brewer fans have been curious about Gamel, but didn't complain when he didn't get rushed to the show. He's put up big numbers in the minors including batting .310 and hitting 28 homers at Triple-A Nashville this season. I don't know if Gamel can make Milwaukee fans forget about Prince Fielder, but he has a ton of potential.

Also you can look for some young relievers to get a chance if some of the veteran relievers aren't brought back. The key here is finding relievers that can get to the final inning when John Axford(notes) takes over.

Potential Free Agents

This is where it gets interesting. I would call the current crop of free agents top heavy but there is some depth. I expect Yunieksy Betancourt to be gone, so could a player like Clint Barmes(notes) be a possibility? Barmes is a steady player who hit 12 homers in 2011, but batted only .244. Being a Midwestern boy, I have to think Barmes would enjoy playing in Milwaukee, and Milwaukee fans would love him.

The starting rotation may remain the same, but if a change has to be made, how about free agent Mark Buehrle(notes)? The lefty is amazingly consistent. He makes his 30 starts each year and will get you between 13-15 wins. Sounds good to me. Some other free agent starters include Aaron Harang(notes) and Jon Garland(notes).

Looks like the hot stove league will keep Brewer fans good and warm this winter.

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