Five Things I Know I Think

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

This is one of those rare occasions in which I can’t wait for the weekend to be over.

In just three days, I will be at Miller Park enjoying the first Milwaukee Brewers game of the year. Nothing beats eating a good brat and drinking a cold beer with the game of baseball to entertain me.

But before the season officially kicks off, take a look at five things I know I think.

1. I think the Brewers made a mistake when they chose Lyle Overbay over Juan Francisco. By letting Francisco go, they gave up a potential future starting baseman. Notice how I say potential. Francisco, who I think can be a player similar to Mark Trumbo, is capable of hitting 30+ home runs. Yes, his defense his subpar and he strikes out a lot, but come on. Overbay? Francisco had a tremendous spring while Overbay failed to turn heads. It’s almost guaranteed Overbay will not be with the Brewers in 2015, so why keep him around this season? I’m sorry, but this decision has me questioning Doug Melvin and Ron Roenicke.

2. I don’t think Jeff Bianchi will finish the season on the Brewers’ 25-man roster. I know he had a phenomenal spring, but he’s never really proven himself in the big leagues (.226 career average). Utility infielder Elian Herrera will be waiting in Triple-A and has switch-hitting ability working in his favor.

3. I think the Brewers scouting department deserves some praise for finding Wei-Chung Wang. The Brewers selected Wang from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system in the Rule 5 Draft. Wang, who had only pitched in rookie ball, made the team out of spring training after a surprising spring. Wang becomes the first player in history to jump from rookie ball to the bigs. He’s only 21 and can one day become a viable starting pitcher. Props to Milwaukee’s scouts.

4. I think Zach Duke gets the boot when Tom Gorzelanny returns from the disabled list, which is too bad. He definitely earned his way onto the roster. Unfortunately, Gorzelanny is a more proven bullpen arm, and it doesn’t help that Wang — who’s also a lefty– is a Rule 5 Draft pick and would have to be offered back to the Pirates if taken off the 25-man roster. Even if Duke pitches lights out, I still think he’s a goner.

5. I think the Brewers will finish with around 83 wins. They’re a very good .500 team, if that makes any sense. If the rotation stays healthy along with Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez, Milwaukee has a chance at the Wild Card. But for this to happen, Marco Estrada and Wily Peralta will have to be on top of their game.