Now back to the previews. Today I want to take a look at the Brewers, who actually have pretty many players that have at least some fantasy value in mixed leagues. In fact, if your league has pitching staffs instead of individual pitchers, take a long look at the Brewers. They can be had very late in the draft, and should provide excellent value.

Top 3 Players:

Bill Hall, OF - Yes I said outfield. In case you have been under a rock all spring, or you have been holding your breathes for a Duke NCAA title, Hall has been moved to Center Field this year. At the start of the year he has SS, and in some leagues 3B eligibility, but will gain OF during the first month of the season. Regardless of what position he plays, Hall has great power numbers. If he gets his K rate down to league average he will be powerful.

Ben Sheets, SP - One of my personal favorite players in this years draft. Had him stolen from me in my draft the other night. Darn you Springfield Isotopes! You will rue the day you made me settle for Lackey! Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Ben Sheets has had some injury concerns over the last few years, but his K/BB ratio of 10.55 makes him a awesome risk to take.

Francisco Cordero, RP - With the improvements to the Brewers pitching staff, and the development of Fielder, Hall, and Weeks, Cordero should get more opportunities then might be projected for him. His K/9 rate of 10.04 was only .26 lower then his incredible 2005 numbers. This is one player who has excelled with a change in sceinery.

Top Prospect:

Yovani Gallardo, SP - Gallardo with the Brewers 2nd round pick in the 2004 amateur draft. He has been steadily impressing people ever since. In Double A last year he posted an ERA of 1.63, WHIP of 1.01, and a K/9 rate of 9.89 in 13 starts. Not bad for a 20 year-old. The way that he is pitching this spring, he just might make the rotation this year. Keep him on your radar with Homer Bailey and Phillip Hughes.

Breakout Player:

Cory Hart, OF - Hart can put up some solid power and speed numbers for any team, especially deeper and NL only leagues. With the talk of platooning Mench and Jenkins in left, Hart should get a great opportunity to start in RF this spring. Could be a 15HR, 10 SB find really deep in the draft, or on the waiver wire.

Player to Avoid in Your Draft:

Geoff Jenkins, OF - As I stated earlier, they are possibly going to platoon Jenkins with Mench in LF. Avoid this guy unless you can garrantee that Jenkins will never face left-handed pitching. He hit .306 against righties, and a frigid .133 against lefties.

Not on Everyone’s List, but Should Be:

Dave Bush, SP - He is entering the magical 3rd year of being a starting pitcher. don’t let the high ERA (4.41) from last year mislead you. His WHIP of 1.14 doesn’t match. With more of the same control he should improve greatly.

High Risk / High Reward:

Rickie Weeks, 2B - When healthy, Weeks can give owners a rare combination of speed and power from the 2b position. His injuries are the greatest thing holding him back. A patient owner may reap the rewards during the year.