Five Fearless Projections for the 2016 Milwaukee Brewers
The 2016 season may be unlike we've ever experienced as Milwaukee Brewers fans - not because of the losing (we've been there) - but because of the clear plan to sacrifice potential wins now for the hope of high-quality, sustainable success in the future.
Of course, one of the many beauties of baseball is that no matter how poor a team plays or how much a player struggles, it's designed to give you the opportunity to see great things.
With that in mind, here's a look at the potential positives that I'm boldly predicting will be produced from this new venture. Remember, these are meant to be "stretch goals" if you will, unlikely to happen, but possible should things fall into place.
Domingo Santana Has a Slugging Percentage of .500 or Better
I'm high on the powerful right fielder's upside, and with an obvious full-time opportunity in front of him, he is poised to cash in offensively.
Should he continue to improve his plate discipline and drive the ball to the opposite field, 30 HR and 30 doubles isn't out of the question.
Why is this a fearless projection?
Last year, only 8 players in the National League slugged .500 or better (Ryan Braun was 9th at .498).
Jeremy Jeffress Earns His First All-Star Berth
Jeffress looks to get the bulk of late-inning work to start the year. He has electric stuff and keeps the ball on the ground at a high rate.
He's been terrific the past 2 years, posting an ERA+ of 203 and 150 with good heat and a heavy sinker,
Why is this a fearless projection?
The Brewers will be lucky to get more than 1 All-Star so he may need 20+ saves, a sub-2.50 ERA and a high strikeout rate to catch some eyes.
Milwaukee Wins the Season Series vs. the Chicago Cubs
The Lovable Losers are one of the favorites to win the World Series, but that doesn't mean they'll beat down the Brewers.
This series always seems to be a bit odd and Milwaukee is 39-36 against the Cubs the past 4 seasons.
Why is this a fearless projection?
It's likely Chicago finishes 15-20 games ahead of Milwaukee, and the Brewers went 5-14 against the Cubs last season. I think the Brewers' style will stymie the Cubs this year.
Jimmy Nelson is Top 10 in the NL in WHIP & top 20 in WAR for Pitchers
Nelson has the repertoire, mental makeup and overall experience to go to take his game to the next level.
His 1.286 WHIP was good for 20th last season, while his 1.3 WAR lagged behind and ranked just 65th in the NL.
Why is this a fearless projection?
Aside from the number of spots he needs to jump, he needs to join names like Harvey, Bumgarner, Cueto and Wacha just to sniff the same neighborhood.
Chris Carter Hits 25+ HR by the All-Star Break
He started scalding the ball last August after a slight adjustment, and it continued this spring. Miller Park has been the 3rd-best HR park in baseball the past few years (Houston 10th).
He'll heat up with the weather and net the Brewers a nice prospect in a deadline deal.
Why is this a fearless projection?
In the last 5 seasons, only 19 players have reached hit 25 HR in the 1st half of the season.
Only 4 Brewers in franchise history have accomplished this feat - Prince Fielder (29), Jeromy Burnitz (26), Carlos Lee (26) and Richie Sexson (25).