Five Things I Know I Think

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve blessed you with my opinions.

But don’t worry, I’m back now.

Since my last “Five Things”, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Matt Garza and Francisco Rodriguez. Both signings will positively impact the Brewers and will help them contend in the competitive NL Central.

The Brewers have also reported for spring training, officially kicking off the 2014 campaign. How excited are you? Because I am psyched.

Here is my five things I know I think for the month of February.

1. I think ESPN’s player projections for the upcoming season are absolutely ludicrous. If they think Ryan Braun is going to hit .273, they are out of their minds, and frankly, they should be sued for being so far removed from reality. ESPN is also putting way too much stake into Jean Segura‘s second half collapse in 2013. The analysts in Connecticut are predicting that the young shortstop hits .268 this season. Silly.

2. I think Rickie Weeks is nervous. Nervous about sitting on the bench for the entire 2014 season. He may seem calm and collected and he may think he should be the starting second baseman, but the Brewers have different ideas. And that should make Weeks nervous. The best case scenario for Weeks is that manager Ron Roenicke decides to platoon him and Scooter Gennett. It worked out last season, so that might be the right choice. Weeks needs to have a tremendous spring training.

3. I think Matt Garza will be the best pitcher in the Brewers’ rotation. He’ll outshine Kyle Lohse and will easily out-pitch Yovani Gallardo, who is currently in a nose dive. I think signing Garza is one of the most underrated moves this offseason. The Brewers got a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for only $50 million. That’s a great deal if you ask me.

4. I think I’m getting sick of the Brewers’ fans I follow on Twitter. I greatly dislike “fans” who make fun of players and/or constantly ridicule someone. Twitter has given Juan Francisco the nickname “Fat Juan Francisco” and I find that disgusting. These people claim they’re fans of the Brewers, but yet they poke fun at someone’s weight. No. Be a good human being and stop being a jerk. I’m this close to unfollowing these people.

5. I think newly-acquired LHP Will Smith is going to surprise some people this season. When the Brewers first traded for him, I was a strong advocate for him being put in the starting rotation. But with the Garza signing, Smith’s chances of starting are slim to none. However, he’ll be a useful arm out of the bullpen and can be used in a spot start situation. The guy is only 24 and has never really gotten a chance to prove himself. Keep an eye out for him.