Brewer Player Power Rankings: Pitching Edition

Aug 4, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher

(26) pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Brewer power ranking is a composite score that considers on the field as well as off the field activities.  With pitchers and catchers reporting in less than two week, let’s take a look at which pitchers are buzz worthy.

1: Matt Garza

A surprise signing and the largest free agent signing in Brewer history get you the number one spot. Staying healthy will go a long way in staying here.

2: Jim Henderson

With the Garza signing, all the talk is around starting pitching, but what about the bullpen? Sure, this move pushes a potential starter to the pen; however, many games will still be decided in the ninth when Henderson is handed the ball. If the new starting rotation comes through, expect even more pressure to be a successful closer.

3: Kyle Lohse

Lohse was content being the “ace” of a mediocre staff; will he be content (presumably) being the number two guy? A lot of people are counting on it.

4:  Yovani Gallardo

Many debates over the past couple years have been centered on Gallardo and whether he is a number one option. Well, how about the third position? I believe it was suggested he would excel here.  You know what that means: Doug Melvin and company read Reviewingthebrew.com!

5: Marco Estrada

Talk around the camp fire is that Marco will be competing for the five spot. Didn’t he already earn the four spot?

6: Wily Peralta

See #5, no job is safe heading into the spring. Of course, keep in mind it’s likely there will be injuries that will open up spots in the rotation. Actually, it’s more certain than likely.

7: Jimmy Nelson

According to Baseball America, Nelson is the highest ranking prospect at #83. Good for number seven on this list.

8: Tyler Thornburg

Did anyone else find it strange that back in November Ron Roenicke named Thornburg as the fifth starter in the rotation? This is reason #113 why you don’t name starters prior to spring.

9: Will Smith

New lefty could be part of the starting rotation or bullpen. Regardless of where he lands there is still hype around Smith.

10: Wei-Chung Wang

Picked up in the Rule 5 Draft there is still something intriguing about this make the team or go home scenario.

What do you think? Are you waiting for Francisco Rodriguez to return, again? Well, we have a whole season to rank the Brewer pitching. Let us know your rankings and your top ten heading into Spring Training.