Milwaukee Brewers 2012 Preview

After having such a great season in 2011, the Brewers went into the off season knowing that it would most likely never have Prince Fielder playing first base again, sure enough he signed with Detroit.  The one thing that threw a wrench into their 2012 hopes was unexpected and that was MVP Ryan Braun getting suspended 50 games for his failed PED test.  The results from his appeal aren't expected till at least next week, and without him the Brewers lose a lot of fire power.  The team does bring back a solid pitching staff and added some lineup help to fill the voids left from their two stars.  With Braun expected to miss 50 games expect Ron Roenicke to be really tested in getting his team to respond to this adversity.  Let's take a look at how the Brew Crew will look come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- Zach Grienke and Yovani Gallardo will both compete for the "ace" role in Spring Training and both have the stuff to be front end starters.  Look for Shaun Marcum to be the third guy sent out and he even has the stuff to be a potential ace.  Veteran Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson will round out the rotation.  With a big majority of last years run producers missing from the lineup the rotation will have its work cut out in holding teams to low run totals and hoping the offense can come through.
Bullpen- Closer John Axford and his mustache were very impressive last year and look to build on that going into this season.  Resigning K-Rod was a big move for this team and gives them a solid 8th inning guy who can also close games.  Kameron Loe will fill in as the other setup guy and if he performs as he did down the stretch last year will set the table nicely for Axford.  Marco Estrada and Frankie De La Cruz will fill in the other bullpen roles.
Catcher- Jonathan Lucroy will look to build on a great season and maybe add some more power to the offense.  George Kottaras will serve as Lucroy's backup and see some late game pinch hitting opportunity's.
Infield- Newly signed Aramis Ramirez will be the third baseman and hopefully will provide some of the power vacated by Prince.  All Star Rickie Weeks will be at second and if he can stay healthy should have a great year.  Another new addition Alex Gonzalez will bring his veteran presence to shortstop and can provide some offense as well.  First base will go to youngster Mat Gamel and will have a lot of pressure in his first year in the big's, especially from the fans as they expect big things from their first baseman.  Taylor Green will serve as the infield utility man and can play all four positions.
Outfield- Speedster Carlos Gomez is a great CF when he is healthy and if he can stay on the field will provide a great spark for this ball club.  Gomez could move over the LF with Japaneese signee Norichika Aoki possibly earning the job in center.  Right field will go to Corey Hart and should have another great year, if he hits the field everyday look for big things.  Left field is going to be a question mark until they find out what is going to happen with Ryan Braun but the team does have three solid options to plug in here.  Nyjer Morgan and his big mouth could get some starts here and whoever loses the battle for CF between Gomez and Aoki will also see some time in left until Braun returns.
Lineup-
1. Carlos Gomez- Should easily hit 50+ steals.
2. Corey Hart- Potential at a 30+ HR season.
3. Rickie Weeks- Could flip flop with Hart, but will put up a near .300 clip.
4. Aramis Ramirez- Not much lineup protection, expect a lot of IBB's.
5. Alex Gonzalez- Veteran bat who should hit around 15 dingers.
6. Mat Gamel- Has a lot to prove in his first year.
7. Norichika Aoki- Known for an "Ichiro" hitting style.
8. Jonathan Lucroy- Will provide some offense and possible 20 HRs.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt! Unless you're Marcum and hit Grand Slams!

Once the final results to Braun's hearing come in everyone in baseball will have a better feel for this team, but as it sits now and with him probably missing the first 50 games of the season, don't expect much.  The team still has some offensive potential, but losing the guys that would give the other hitters better pitches, look for opposing pitchers to attack this lineup, until the are proven wrong.  This will not be a repeat year for them in the division and they will probably finish around .500 and in the middle of the pack of the division.  But with the NL Central having such a different landscape than last year, this could go to anyone that wants it the most.  Good Luck in 2012 Brewers Fans!

-Buddy