Milwaukee Brewers Farm Report: Takeaways From Shuckers’ Opener

The Milwaukee Brewers organization began a new era on Thursday night as the newly founded Biloxi Shuckers began their season. With a roster full of talent, here are some takeaways from the 4-0 opening night victory:

1. Orlando Arcia Isn’t Just a Gold Glove at Shortstop

For years, Arcia was viewed as an above average defensive shortstop who would need his bat to improve if he was going to be an everyday player. That time has fully arrived for Arcia. Last season he began to show his offensive prowess by batting .289 at Brevard County and a .346 on base percentage helping him to move to the top of the team’s prospect rankings.

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On opening night batting in the second spot of the order, Arcia was a star at the plate. He not only collected two doubles and went three for four, but he was also able to drive in the first two runs in Shuckers’ history. He is one of the most underrated prospects in all of baseball and this could be the year he finally gets the attention he deserves.

1. This Team is up for Any Challenge

To begin the 2011 season, it doesn’t get much tougher than facing Robert Stephenson, but the Shuckers showed they were up to the challenge. Although the talented right hander struck out seven batters in 5.2, they were able to work counts and battle to score three runs off of him and knock him out of the game early. Ranked as the best prospect in the Reds system and the eighth best right handed pitcher in the minor leauges by MLB.com, there may not be a tougher draw that they will face this year than Stephenson.

1. Brooks Hall was Outstanding

The Shuckers could not have asked for a better outing in the opener than what they got from Hall. Pitching five innings, Hall allowed zero earned runs while surrendering just three hits and two walks. Though he got into trouble at times, he was able to trust his stuff and quickly work out of jams.

1. Michael Strong Could Have a Future in Milwaukee Bullpen

There are never enough good left handed relievers in the game and Michael Strong had a great night of relief for the Shuckers. Pitching in two innings the 26-year-old left hander struck out three batters and did not allow a base runner. Though he is not considered a highly rated prospect, he has had a fair amount of success in his minor league career (especially in 2014 when he posted a 2.50 season ERA) and his left handed arm could help to earn a job in the future.

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