Sunday Survey: Why is Jimmy Nelson Still in Nashville?

May 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Marco Estrada (R) rects on the pitching mound as Miami Marlins first baseman Garrett Jones (L) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

When you watch the Brewers and follow Twitter at the same time you end up with a skewed view of the team’s fan base. Sometimes it leans positive, sometimes it leans negative.  A common trend I’ve noticed over the last few weeks is that fans have grown disillusioned with Marco Estrada.

Marco Estrada is giving up 2.41 home runs per nine innings pitched. If continued through the rest of the season, that would be the highest mark in Major League history.

In his last start he managed to hold Colorado, the best home run hitting team in the National League, to just one home run, but he still gave up seven earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of work.

This has a lot of Brewer fans asking: Where is Jimmy Nelson?

Nelson, Milwaukee’s top prospect, is currently dominating AAA for the Nashville Sounds. For the Sounds he’s got an 8-2 record with a scant 1.79 ERA.

So, for this week’s Sunday Survey, we’re asking the Reviewing the Brew team, “Why is Jimmy Nelson in Nashville?”

Dave Radcliffe, Staff Writer

While Marco Estrada has been one of the biggest disappointments on the roster, the Brewers, for whatever reason, are still winning more often than not when he is on the hill.

Estrada is able to settle down and give Milwaukee at least six innings almost every start, which is a valuable quality. When it comes down to it, the Brewers are winning, and Ron Roenicke probably doesn’t want to mess with the rotation as a result.

Not only that, but Estrada has a solid track record with Milwaukee when healthy, so that has likely bought him more time. But if the following trends of Jimmy Nelson performing well at Nashville and Estrada’s downward spiral continue, a change simply needs to occur. Even though the Brewers are clicking on all cylinders as of late, being content as a result could be dangerous.

Jay D, Staff Writer

He really enjoys the night life in the music city!

Just kidding. I think Doug Melvin knows this is his biggest internal piece for improvement without making a trade externally. As a result he wants to be timely using it. They are 46-30 even without Nelson

Michael Trzinski, Staff Writer

Yes, I ask that myself.

Marco Estrada has struggled mightily in his last seven games even though his record during that span is 3-3. He has given up 14 home runs in those games (24 this season) and has an ERA of 7.59 since mid-May. Although he is not a complete failure in the win column, his continued lackluster performance could be a detriment to the team in the drive for the pennant.

Jimmy Nelson has pitched well at AAA Nashville. He has averaged nearly seven innings per start, compiling some impressive numbers. His WHIP is 0.952 and in 90+ innings, struck out 96 and walked only 27. He has recorded eight wins in ten decisions and has an ERA of 1.79. The only thing he can’t do is hit: 0 for 52 lifetime in the minors, with 36 Ks.

Pitching-wise, he has proved that he can do the job at AAA and is ready to move up to the big club. With Estrada trying to find his game, now would be the time to bring up Nelson. Give him at least three starts to see what he can do.

Can’t be any worse than Estrada’s performances of late.

Ben Orr, Former Editor

I couldn’t tell you why Nelson is still down in Triple-A. He’s clearly proven time and time again that he’s MLB ready, so I don’t know what good the Brewers think they’re doing by keeping him down there.

I don’t care if Marco Estrada bounces back, he’s proven in the past few years how inconsistent of a pitcher he is and it’s time for him to go to the bullpen. Nelson needs that starting rotation spot and if the Brewers are serious about contending this year, they’ll need a shake up instead of hoping that Estrada magically turning things around.

At this point, they’re just wasting Nelson’s talents in Triple-A where he could be flourishing with Milwaukee. I can’t honestly see how Doug Melvin or Ron Roenicke can justify Estrada’s spot in the rotation any longer.

Bill Berg, Editor

The fact that Milwaukee is still winning is probably the main reason that Estrada is still in the rotation and Nelson isn’t. I honestly believe that Milwaukee was really just waiting for an injury.

If they bring Nelson up now and move Marco back to the pen then when somebody gets hurt Marco goes back into the rotation without being “stretched out” to start and it’s a big mess.

Depending on your point of view it may be a promising sign that Doug Melvin was on hand on Saturday to watch Nelson’s start against the Salt Lake Bees.

So, what do you think? Why is Jimmy Nelson still in Nashville?