Zack Greinke left for the Angels. George Kottaras left for Oakland.

Then, something strange happened: nothing.

The Non-Waiver Trade Deadline has officially washed over Major League Baseball, and though there were plenty of big deals going down across both leagues – the Brewers weren’t in on one of them.

Why?

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What we haven’t talked about is the fact that the Brewers actually lost three players in the deal. Of course, we all know the Crew lost Greinke, but in turn, the corresponding prospects forced the hand of Milwaukee to deal out two current Milwaukee Minor Leaguers: Brock Kjeldgaard and Edwin Maysonet.

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This year, the name might as well describe the level of talent on the Minor League club. As of right now, six of Milwaukee’s top 20 prospects call Joe Davis Stadium home. The team itself, despite an enormous amount of talent, is sitting at 6-6 and two games back from the division lead. Of course, records don’t matter in the Minors any more than batting average does in Spring Training – that is to say, everything is conditional. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the key players on this roster who are mere steps away from playing in Miller Park.

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He was been posting good power numbers ever since making the switch to outfielder in the 2008 season with 76 homers, including a career-high 24 long balls in 2011. Even with his large stature, Kjeldgaard stole 15 bases last season between Brevard County and Huntsville. Not wanting to lose him to the Rule V draft this off-season, the Brewers placed him on their 40 man roster as an outfielder, though he has split time between first base and the outfield.

When given the choice of interviewing him in a dark alley or via the internet, the easy decision was made to go with the latter. In all seriousness, the staff at Reviewing the Brew loves Kjeldgaard’s ability. Our newly-appointed editor Colin posted about Brock this spring and Lou later said it was “madness that Brock didn’t get more time” in the big league camp.

With all the aspirations for Brock around RtB, we were able to interview him as our fourth prospect interview in the past two weeks. Read the first three with Seth Harvey, Tyler Thornburg, and recent Brewers call-up Eric Farris here.

Reviewing the Brew: The Stars official website has you listed as 6’5″, 235 pounds. Is that any of a stretch or are you that imposing a figure at the plate?

 Brock Kjeldgaard: Actually I am 6’5″ 250lbs. That weight must be from a few years ago.

RtB: There’s obviously some power in that frame. What’s the farthest you’ve ever hit a ball?

Kjeldgaard: I couldn’t tell you the farthest I have hit a ball, because it is hard to tell as so many things come into play.

RtB:For reference for Brewers fans, what’s the official pronunciation of your name? And what’s the worst it’s been butchered at a minor league ballpark?

Kjeldgaard:  My last name actually has a few silent letters. It is pronouced Kell-guard. The “J” and the ‘D” are silent. And the worst I have heard my name pronounced was last year playing international baseball. At the World Cup in Panama the announcer would introduce me as, “Bateador Canadien número 18, Brock Kijeldimigardencop.” I think he just saw the first few letters then made the rest up.

RtB:I’ve asked this question to the other guys I’ve interviewed. What are the best and worst parts of being a minor leaguer?

Kjeldgaard: For me, one of the toughest parts about playing minor league baseball is always being on the road. It can be tough being away from home for 7 months of the year. As for the best parts, I would have to say playing everyday and being able to see all different parts of America.

RtB: You had 15 steals between Brevard County and Huntsville last season–is that a part of your game that people may overlook, especially with your ability to hit for power?

Kjeldgaard:  I think running the bases is a very important part of the game. That being said, base stealing is just a part of running the bases. The better you can run the bases, the more you can help your team and your teammates.

RtB: Have you been able to avoid the injury bug through most of your career?

Kjeldgaard: I have been very fortunate throughout my career to be able to stay on the field. There’s always scrapes, aches and pains you have battle through every day.

RtB: The Brewers “protected” you by placing you on the 40 man roster, keeping from losing you to the Rule V draft. What did this message from the organization mean to you both as a prospect and as a person? 

Kjeldgaard: Obviously, being added to the 40 man roster means a lot to me. And it shows that the Brewers also believe I can be successful. I have improved quite a bit in the past couple seasons, and I know I can improve a lot more in the future.

RtB: What are your short-term goals as a player?

Kjeldgaard:  Short terms goals for me are pretty simple. I just try to take it day by day. I know if I can do that, everything will take care of itself by the end of the season. 

RtB: And any long-term goals?

Kjeldgaard: As for long term goals, I think it is the same as everyone who plays at this level. To make it to the major leagues and stay there for a long time.

RtB: What was the experience of playing for Team Canada like? 

Kjeldgaard: My experience last fall with Team Canada was something very special. Obviously our team performed very well, bringing home a bronze medal at the World Cup and a gold medal at the Pan Am Games. It was a special team put together, and has to be my most memorable experience playing baseball. Standing atop the podium in Mexico with Cuba to our left and the USA to our right has to be one of the proudest moments of my life.

RtB: After being drafted in the 34th round, how difficult has it been to become one of the top Brewers prospects despite being a late selection?

Kjeldgaard:  It has been a long road since being drafted back in 2005. For me, it has been a little bit different road then most. There have been a lot of tough times, but also a lot of great times. I am very fortunate and thankful for getting a second shot in baseball after my pitching days.

RtB: Braun, Weeks, Hart, Gallardo, Gamel, Lucroy, and Axford all are “home grown” guys at the major league level. What does the plethora of talent on the Brewers from the farm system say about the organization as a whole? 

Kjeldgaard: It says a lot about the organization. There’s even more guys down in the minor leagues who are on the verge of having very succesful major league careers, as well as all the players I have played with over the years that are playing for other teams.

RtB: On a completely unrelated note, you’re from Canada which is slightly known as a bit of a hockey country. Which team will you be pulling for during the NHL Playoffs starting this week? 

Kjeldgaard:  As I respond to these questions I am actually flipping back and forth watching some playoff hockey. My team is actually the St. Louis Blues, who have had a very strong season and hopefully can make a real strong push in the playoffs.

RtB: One last question: You have to come in and pinch hit against Zack Greinke, down by 1 with Kentrail Davis on first as the tying run. How do you approach the at-bat?

Kjeldgaard: No matter who the pitcher is, I try to approach each situation the same. I try to get a ball up in the zone, put a good swing on it and try to drive it into the gap.

This week there was so much news happening, I could add hundreds of things to the junk drawer.  So in honor of March Madness, these are things that I am putting in the junk drawer to forget.  Here are some things I am “Mad” about and deserve to be junked.

First Handful of Players Re-Assigned

This bugs me because I wanted to see more of a couple of these guys.  Primarily, I think it is madness that Brock Kjeldgaard did not get more time.  Brock was sent to Huntsville Alabama, along with pitcher Cody Scarpetta.  Then, it was Taylor Jungmann and Jed Bradley who were designated to minor league camp. That was not surprising beacuse those two have never even pitched in the system.   Anderson De La Rosa was the 5th player and he followed Jungmann and Bradley to minor league Summer camp.  We hardly had any time to see these guys, but clearly the organization does not think they are ready.  Therefore, I am forced to accept this, but it does not mean I have to like it.  This also sucks for Colin Bennett, who picked Kjeldgaard to follow this spring.  Sorry pal.  Better luck next season. 

Oct 4, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shaun Marcum against the Arizona Diamondbacks during game three of the 2011 NLDS at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Shaun Marcum Is Still Not Pitching

This is frustrating for a few reasons.  Part of me wants to believe that he is genuinely having issues, but the Satan part of me thinks that he is milking it a little bit.  Why would he do that?  Shaun was clearly bitter that he was open to a long-term extension and the Brewers apparently were not.  Now, I do not doubt that he has some tightness in his shoulder.  That does not mean that he is not milking this thing for all it is worth.  Why would you risk injury in Spring Training, when you need to be pitching for a contract?  Just think about it for me.  It makes sense.  But, Marcum has been working with Rick Kranitz and was scheduled to throw off of a mound today.  So maybe I am blowing this out of proportion.  It wouldn’t be the worst thing ever if he started the regular season healthy. 

Brandon Kintzler Needs Nerve Testing

Kintzler had X-rays on his forearm earlier this week.  His discomfort was initially self-diagnosed as a screw moving.  Last season Kintzler had surgery to repair a hairline fracture in his arm, which involved a screw.  It is possible that the screw is still the root of the problem however.  Brandon now believes that the screw could be “pinching a nerve”.  If you have never had a pinched nerve, it is terribly uncomfortable.  It does not hurt necessarily, but it certainly is not something you enjoy.  This is good news however.  Hopefully this is something he can recover from and we can get some innings out of him.  Guy has good stuff, it would be a shame to watch him sit on the shelf for another season. 

John Axford Gets Into Politics

This may sound absurd, but John Axford has publicly thrown his support behind the highly controversial Stache Act.  If you do not know what I am talking about, follow this link.  This glorious movement was sent to me by an old friend, Shawn Anderson of The Hall of Very Good.  For those of you who do not know, Shawn is an avid baseball fan and a member/writer for the American Mustache Institute.  The AMI is responsible for this glorious piece of legislation.  You should really educate yourself on this.  It is one of the more genius things ever and I am not surprised that John Axford is on board with this.  Thanks Shawn. Oh, and for the record…nothing about this makes me “Mad”.  I just felt like it deserved some love.

**Special Note** Shawn and I will be doing a pre-season chat soon, so be on the look-out.  It is gonna blow your mind. 

Not related to the Junk Drawer, but the Brewers won today over the Padres 6-4.  Taylor Green hit a 2-run homer, Chris Narveson looked pretty sweet, and Tyler Thornburg has now thrown 5 consecutive scoreless innings.  That win puts us at .500 on the Spring!!!   Whooeeeee!!!!

Go Brewers!!

This year may prove to be the biggest one he’ll ever get.

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Technically, I was supposed to preview Chris Narveson’s season outlook today; I instead got caught up in the (Spring) Opening Day hysteria. As expected, Ron Roenicke started his typical starters on offense with Randy Wolf on the mound. More and more players got involved as the game progressed, holding a 1-1 tie against San Francisco in the Spring opener. As a whole, the game was a positive, though the Brewers only scratched four hits, which isn’t a call of concern yet as the hitters have only had a week of practice.

Roenicke inserted prospects into the game in its latter stages, giving Brewers fans a glimpse of the future. In case you missed it, here’s what we learned from a paltry sample size of action.

Michael Fiers

Fiers emerged as one of the top prospects in the Brewers farm system in 2011, winning the Pitcher of the Year in the Brewers organization while spending time in AA Hunstville and AAA Nashville. At 6’3″, 200 lbs. and 26 years, Fiers is an older prospect and should see his time with Milwaukee coming soon. Last season he pitched two scoreless innings as a September call-up after going a dazzling 8-0 with a minuscule 1.11 era in 12 games. His fastball is nothing special at 88-92 mph, but has late movement not normally seen in the Minors. He uses every inch of his 6-3 frame in his delivery, somewhat reminiscent of John Axford’s motion, but with a longer step and less arm movement.

Personally, Fiers’s prospects as a Big Leaguer excite me as much as any other Brewers farmhand, which is why I listed him first. After blossoming in 2011, he might be seen in the bullpen in 2012 and should compete for a much-engrossed starting spot in 2013 with the likes of Jed Bradley and Taylor Jungmann. He inherited a tie ballgame in the ninth and pitched a scoreless frame. He retired the Giants’ Roger Kieschnick, Tommy Joseph, and Connor Gillaspie on two weak groundouts and an infield pop out, respectively. Overall Fiers has  shown enough  positives on the mound that I think he can contribute in the majors as a fifth starter or a bridge-inning reliever.

Eric Farris

Farris put himself in a position to possibly score the winning run after singling with one out in the bottom of the ninth. After a Nori

Brewers prospects warm up during a practice in Maryvale, Arizona. (Photo credit: Ross D. Franklin) - AP

Aoki fly out and with Taylor Green at the plate, Farris was caught leaning and Wilmin Rodriguez picked him off to end the game. The pick off isn’t any sort of an alarm; Farris stole 70 bases in 2009 while in high-A ball. The aggression is something good, especially on a team that will need to manufacture more runs with the loss of Prince Fielder. Farris is a long shot to make the Opening Day roster and will most likely begin in Nashville. There is, however, a glimmer of hope that he will beat out veteran Cesar Izturis and former Braves pinch-hitting great Brooks Conrad on basis of his speed and glove. A second baseman of small stature, Farris’s future hopes at starting for the Brewers shouldn’t be very high–he’s stuck behind Rickie Weeks. On Sunday, however, he showed promise with a solid stroke to the opposite field.

Caleb Gindl

The stocky outfielder (he’s 5’9″, 200 pounds) made an appearance in Sunday’s game, rolling out to second in his only at-bat. He may not look great in a baseball uniform, but he possesses above average pop and solid defense. Fellow RtB Steve Alstadt profiled Gindl and his future with the Brewers here. I recommend referencing the article. Anything I would write about the man affectionately called the “human bowling ball” by his teammates would be exactly what Steve already wrote.

Martin Maldonado

The 25-year-old catcher has been a journeyman throughout his Minor League career, making stops with two organizations and every possible level with the exception of the Majors. He made his name known with a strong showing in the Winter Leagues this past season, posting solid .271/.350/.415 numbers with four homers and 15 RBI. His prospects with the Brewers in 2012 are bleak with the re-signing of backup catcher George Kottaras this winter, but he is projected to hold that spot in the future. His role with the team will be limited as long as Milwaukee keeps Jonathan Lucroy–as it is expected to do–but his quick release and strong arm behind the plate along with improved offense give the Brewers a future backup catcher.

Brock Kjeldgaard

Pronounced “kill-guard”, the 6’5″, 235 pound pitcher-turned-outfielder has shown enough promise to be placed on the 40-man roster. He appeared as a pinch hitter on Sunday, striking out in his one plate appearance. Kjeldgaard doesn’t flash much leather on defense and strikes out a lot, as shown in the Spring opener. He doesn’t project to be an everyday starter in the future, but could manage a spot on the roster as a pinch hitter by 2013. His 18 homers in his first two and one-half months at Brevard County in 2011 showed promise at the plate, but his strikeout rate combined with below-average defense and no definite defensive spot will nag his chances.

The Brewers obviously didn’t want to lose Kjeldgaard’s bat, signing him and placing him on the 40-man roster to avoid losing him in the Rule 5 draft. Expect him to roam in AA and AAA in 2012 before actually competing for a job in the Big Leagues in 2013 or ’14, when he’ll be competing for a spot with guys like Khris Davis, Kentrail Davis, Gindl, and Hunter Morris.

Oct 5, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez (right) celebrates with teammate George Kottaras after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during game four of the 2011 NLDS at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

In 2011, the Brewers went to great lengths to fill their bench with aging veterans to help the team.  From what I saw this off-season, the team ran out of money, so they could only afford one or two old guys.  From my personal standpoint, this is excellent news.  Veterans should be starters, not bench warmers.  You need to have the young guys getting some opportunities to play in the big leagues, thus your bench should be littered with promising young talent. 

Over the past few seasons, the Brewers have gotten away from that.  Thanks to K-Rod and some well deserved raises, the team did not have the funds to add three to four players worthless players to fill the bench.  Since that is the case, lets meet the some potential bench candidates for the 2012 Crew.

So, here are our options and who I think will be on the opening day roster.

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