Milwaukee Brewers’ Rotation Analysis: The Four Spot and Wily Peralta

Sep 16, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher

pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

With the signing of Matt Garza it appears the first three spots in the starting rotation will be Garza, Kyle Lohse, and Yovani Gallardo (in some order).  For the first time in a while the Brewers have several candidates to fill in the back end of the rotation. Here’s a look at the leading candidate for the fourth spot for the 2014 Brewer starting rotation.

The fourth spot could be filled a couple of ways. Ron Roenicke could go with the most capable arm or mix it up and say, go lefty. Should Roenicke go most capable, spring training should go a long way in making his decision. Should he go lefty, his options are limited and that is a major understatement.

Leading Candidate: Wily Peralta

I’ve mentioned before that I expect Peralta will make a jump this year and prove he is a long-run pitcher for the Brewers. During 2013, though inconsistent at times, he showed an ability to go deep into games and eat up innings. His control improved over the second-half of last year as did his strike-out to walk ratio.  Both will need to continue to improve if Peralta is truly going to make the jump.

Long Shot Candidate: Will Smith

Well, here’s your lefty. Smith is unproven at this point, but should have an opportunity over the next month to make a case for a starting spot versus the bullpen.

What do you think; will it be Peralta or Smith in the four spot? Who do you have following the big three?