LHP Will Smith was acquired from Kansas City in exchange for OF Norichika Aoki, giving the Brewers a badly needed lefty capable of starting or pitching out of the bullpen. The Brewers will look at Smith first as a starter but might use him in relief, a role in which he excelled last season for the Royals.
LHP Wei-Chung Wang was selected by the Brewers in the Rule 5 draft out of Pittsburgh’s system. Wang, 21, pitched in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2013 so it’s a stretch to jump to the big leagues from there but the Brewers like his upside and are intrigued enough to take a look at him in spring training.
2B Rickie Weeks is on schedule as he recovers from a torn hamstring that ended his 2013 season in early August. Even if Weeks is healthy by spring training, young 2B Scooter Gennett appears to have the edge as the starter at the position after excelling over the final two months as Weeks’ replacement.
LHP Tom Gorzelanny had surgery on his left shoulder in what was termed a “clean-out” procedure. Gorzelanny was shut down over the final month of the season with shoulder tightness but the situation did not improve afterward and the decision was made to have the surgery. The veteran reliever is not expected to be ready to pitch until mid-March but the Brewers hope he will be ready for Opening Day.
LF Ryan Braun will move to right field in 2014 to replace RF Norichika Aoki, who was traded to Kansas City. Braun’s switch will allow young OF Khris Davis to see action in left field. Because of a below-average throwing arm, Davis is considered a left fielder only.
RHP Marco Estrada is penciled in as the fourth starter in the rotation after a strong finish to the 2013 season. Milwaukee’s first three starters are expected to be RHP Kyle Lohse, RHP Yovani Gallardo and RHP Wily Peralta. Estrada, 30, went 7-4 with a 3.87 ERA in 21 starts this year.
INF Taylor Green (left hip surgery in April 2013) missed the entire year but is not expected to have any restrictions in the spring. He was removed from the 40-man roster but signed to a minor league deal with an invitation to the Brewers’ spring camp.
1B/3B Juan Francisco missed two weeks with a leg strain in the Dominican Winter League. Francisco, 26, is trying some changes at the plate recommended by Brewers hitting coach Johnny Narron before the end of the 2013 season. He batted a combined .227/.296/.422 with 18 homers and 48 RBIs in 124 games this year for Braves and Brewers.
