Milwaukee Brewers 2016 to 2011: Roster Comparison (Upcoming Series)

Here at Reviewing the Brew, we are set to start a series of articles surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers that will benefit from your participation in polls and comments. Be sure to weigh in to make the process fun and informative.

With 56 games remaining for the 2016 Milwaukee Brewers, it is almost certain the team will play its last game October 2nd against the Colorado Rockies. For the casual fan, trades involving established players such as Jonathan Lucroy seem counter-intuitive in fielding a winning team. Fans following the team more closely understand the value of addition by subtraction as a small market franchise. While these two fans may argue about the direction taken by the front office, they will both agree on the goal of making it to the playoffs and competing for the World Series.

So how is a die-hard fan supposed to handle the frustration coinciding properly with the final out on October 2nd? Some might turn all of their attention to the Packers, living and dying by each pass thrown by Aaron Rodgers. Others may ramp up their examination of the Milwaukee Brewers roster and farm system, trying to predict accurately when the team will be playoff ready.

One way we will seek to predict this is by turning to the past. The last time the franchise made it to the post-season they were able to advance to the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals. That year Ron Roenicke’s team won the NL Central with a 96-66 record, advanced past the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NDLS (3-2) and featured NL MVP* Ryan Braun.

More from Reviewing the Brew

• Brewers: 4 Players Who Must Step Up for the Crew to Make the Playoffs
• Brewers: Yet Another Huge Promotion For Top Prospect Jackson Chourio
• Brewers Making Colossal Mistake With Corbin Burnes’ Contract
• Which Players May Be In The Final Month Of Their Brewers Careers?
• Brewers: Where Does Devin Williams Stand In NL Reliever Of The Year Race?

Here at Reviewing the Brew, we will attempt to use this 2011 roster as a measuring stick for the future success of the team. I can promise this process will be far from perfect, but it will be a fun way to gauge the current status of the team and attempt at making predictions. This process will start by comparing one position group at a time with the goal of delivering a grade.

1. On Level– After comparing the statistics and other intangible factors it is determined the current team is on the level with the 2011 roster.
2. 1-2 years away– The team’s current roster is not on par. The talent necessary to compete is close (AAA or AA).
3. 3-5 years away- The team’s current roster is not on par. The talent required to compete is either in the lower levels of the organization or needs to accumulate through trades and free agency.

In the comment section, please leave your thoughts as to what position grouping we should begin with.

Outfield

Infield

Starting Pitching

Catching

Bullpen