Milwaukee Brewers: 5 former prospects from the 2000s lost to history

Nick Neugebauer

Nick Neugebauer had everything a scout could possibly want in a top starter, and it’s no wonder that he was drafted in the second round in 1998. He had the look, the size, and the stuff to slot in behind Ben Sheets for years as the Milwaukee Brewers #2 starter.

Neugebauer was rated as the 17th best prospect in all of baseball in 2002, after he posted a 3.10 ERA in 130 2/3 innings between two levels in 2001. In 2001, he struck out 175, walked 61, and was tagged for seven homers. He even earned a late season call up, and was battered for five runs in six innings. However, he did strike out 11.

He was penciled into the Milwaukee Brewers rotation in 2002, and he actually made 12 starts at baseball’s highest level. He posted a 4.72 ERA in 55 innings, and was eventually sent back to Triple-A.

Neugebauer was hampered by rotator cuff injuries during 2002, needed surgery in the off season, and was never the same. He missed all of 2003, and tried a come back in 2004. After one appearance in High-A, he was released, and eventually retired.