BA's Brewers Top 10 Prospects

1 PROSPECT WILY PERALTA, RHP
BORN: May 8, 1989. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 240. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2005. SIGNED BY: Fausto Sosa Pena/Fernando Arango.
BACKGROUND: Peralta’s handlers in the Dominican Republic advertised him as an athletic outfielder with a promising power-speed combination when he became available on the international market in 2005. But the Brewers were more enamored with his strong, quick arm, and they signed him as a pitcher for $450,000. He lasted just one pro summer before blowing out his elbow, however, requiring Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2007 season. Back to full strength by 2009, Peralta began a steady climb through the system. In 2011, he led the Double-A Southern League with a 3.46 ERA and was so dominant in five late-season starts at Triple-A Nashville that Milwaukee expected him to return there last season and cruise. That didn’t happen. Peralta struggled with his mechanics, had trouble throwing strikes and allowed hitters to sit on his fastball. He allowed just four runs in his first three starts, but after a brief promotion to the Brewers—he gave up three hits and one run in his big league debut, a relief appearance on April 22—he returned to Nashville and couldn’t get anyone out. His ERA swelled to 6.40 in late June, and his struggles cost him at least one chance to fill a hole in Milwaukee’s rotation. Brewers officials grew quite concerned. Peralta finally was able to make adjustments—a key was closing his front side instead of flying open in his delivery—and pitched well enough to get a September callup to Milwaukee. He showed why he ranked No. 1 on this list a year ago, winning his first big league start against the Marlins and two-hitting the Mets for eight innings in his third.
SCOUTING REPORT: When Peralta has his mechanics together, he pounds the bottom half of the strike zone with a heavy 93-95 mph fastball. He also has the ability to reach back for a little extra velocity when needed, topping out at 98. He throws two- and four-seamers, and he likes to jam hitters by pitching inside. During his September callup, he featured a devastating slider that gave righthanders fits with its deception and sharp bite. He also has a reliable changeup with splitter action, and it keeps hitters off balance when they try to sit on his fastball. There’s nothing wrong with Peralta’s stuff, but he still needs to control and command it better. For a big-bodied pitcher, he’s quite athletic, fielding his position well and controlling the running game with quick times to the plate. He gave up just nine stolen bases in 33 starts last year. His confidence waned during his early-season struggles, but he worked his way back and displayed solid poise while in Milwaukee. The Brewers like his aggressive nature, and he is a hard worker who listens to coaching suggestions.
THE FUTURE: Peralta’s September re-established his standing as Milwaukee’s top prospect and put him in position to make the major league rotation in spring training. He remains prone to bouts of wildness and must stay on top of his mechanics, but he profiles as at least a No. 2 starter. The Brewers haven’t developed a pitcher this highly regarded since Yovani Gallardo debuted in 2007, so a lot is riding on Peralta’s success.

2. TYLER THORNBURG, RHP
BORN: Sept. 29, 1988. B-T: R-R. HT.: 5-11. WT.: 185. DRAFTED: Charleston Southern, 2010 (3rd round). SIGNEDBY: Ryan Robinson.
BACKGROUND: The Brewers bounced Thornburg around in 2012. He was headed for the Southern League all-star game when they summoned him for an emergency start in mid-June. Then he went to Triple-A, where he sat for a couple of weeks with a sore wrist, before getting recalled again in late July and placed in an unfamiliar relief role. As a September callup, he mostly sat before getting a start after Milwaukee was eliminated from contention.
SCOUTING REPORT: Thornburg primarily works with a 91-94 mph fastball that hits 97 and an overhand curveball that buckles knees when he throws it for strikes. Scouts like his deceptive changeup more than his curve, though the latter was his best pitch in the majors. Thornburg has unorthodox mechanics, pinwheeling the ball to the plate a la Tim Lincecum and prompting some scouts to wonder if he’ll be able to repeat his delivery enough. He does throw strikes but needs to improve his command. He left his somewhat straight fastball up in the strike zone too often in the big leagues and gave up eight homers in 22 innings.
THE FUTURE: Thornburg likely will open 2013 in Nashville. The Brewers still see him as a mid-rotation starter, though his future could be as a late-inning reliever.

3. TAYLOR JUNGMANN, RHP
BORN: Dec. 18, 1989. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-6. WT.: 220. DRAFTED:Texas, 2011 (1st round). SIGNED BY: Jeremy Booth.
BACKGROUND: The 12th overall pick in the 2011 draft coming off a season in which he led NCAA Division I with 12 wins, Jungmann signed for $2,525,000, the second-largest bonus in club history. Sent to pitcher-friendly high Class A Brevard County for his pro debut, he had an up-and-down season. He didn’t dominate as much as expected, but he made 26 starts and managed to finish strong, going 3-0, 1.66 in August.
SCOUTING REPORT: Jungmann is all about pounding the bottom of the strike zone with his 90-96 mph sinker and getting hitters to beat the ball into the ground. He uses his tall frame to pitch on a downward plane and get outs early in the count. When he stays on top of his slider, it’s a solid pitch with sharp break. The Brewers are encouraging him to throw his changeup more, though it’s still below average. Jungmann doesn’t walk a lot of batters, nor does he pile up high strikeout numbers. There were concerns about his delivery coming out of college, but he smoothed it out and displayed good command of his pitches in his first pro season.
THE FUTURE: Jungmann will head to Double-A Huntsville in 2013 and could see Triple-A before season’s end. He could join Milwaukee’s rotation at some point the following year, with the club envisioning him as a future No. 2 or 3 starter.

4. HUNTER MORRIS, 1B
BORN: Oct. 7, 1988. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 210. DRAFTED: Auburn, 2010 (4th round). SIGNED BY: Joe Mason.
BACKGROUND: Morris, who signed for $218,700 as a fourth-rounder in 2010, had a breakthrough 2012 season, becoming the first Brewers farmhand named Double-A Southern League MVP since Corey Hart in 2003. He led the league in hits (158), extra-base hits (74), homers (28), RBIs (113), total bases (294) and slugging (.563). Managers rated him the best batting prospect and best defensive first baseman in the league, and Rawlings honored him with a Gold Glove as the minors’ top defender at his position.
SCOUTING REPORT: Morris hits with power to all fields and has produced 57 homers in 337 minor league games. He has an aggressive approach at the plate but improved his plate discipline last year. He drew more walks (40) than he had in his previous 201 games in the minors (38) and waited more patiently for pitches to drive. Morris also made dramatic strides in the field, enhancing his footwork and cutting his errors to six after making 19 in 2011. His range remains average at best, but he has good arm strength for a first baseman. He gets no leg hits thanks to his below-average speed.
THE FUTURE:The Brewers now believe Morris can be a big league regular. He’ll move up to Triple-A and could be in position to start for Milwaukee in 2014, though winning a job will be more difficult if Hart remains at first base.

5. JIMMY NELSON, RHP
BORN: June 5, 1989. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-6. WT.: 245. DRAFTED: Alabama, 2010 (2nd round). SIGNED BY: Joe Mason.
BACKGROUND: While 2011 first-rounders Taylor Jungmann and Jed Bradley had inconsistent seasons at Brevard County, Nelson dominated and earned a promotion by mid-June. His control was much more erratic in Double-A, probably the result of shoulder fatigue that prompted the Brewers to skip some of his starts. He recovered in time to get more innings in the Arizona Fall League, though the strike zone remained elusive there.
SCOUTING REPORT: An imposing figure on the mound, Nelson often overpowers hitters with a 92-94 mph fastball that he can run up to 96. He also throws an effective two-seamer in the low 90s that has good sink and induces weak groundouts. He has become more consistent with his sharp 84-86 mph slider, which he uses to shut down righthanders, and more confident with his fringy changeup. He also did a better job repeating his herky-jerky delivery last year until the shoulder fatigue set in. Nelson is a bulldog on the mound with a confident demeanor. The key to his development will be improving his control and command.
THE FUTURE: Nelson likely will return to Huntsville in 2013, at least for the start of the season. He projects as a No. 3 starter and could find himself in Milwaukee’s rotation before 2014 is done.

6. JOHNNY HELLWEG, RHP
BORN: Oct. 29, 1988. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-9. WT.: 210. DRAFTED: Florida CC, 2008 (16th round). SIGNED BY:Tom Kotchman (Angels).
BACKGROUND: Once the Brewers saw that Zack Greinke had no interest in signing a contract extension, they sent him to the Angels last July for Jean Segura and hard-throwing righthanders Hellweg and Ariel Pena. Because Hellweg already had exceeded his previous career high for innings by 31, Milwaukee pitched him sparingly afterward.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Angels switched Hellweg from relieving to starting in 2011 to give him more innings in an attempt to help him repeat his delivery and improve his problematic command. He has made strides with locating his pitches, but his strikeout totals have dipped as he has dialed back his fastball to get ahead in the count. Hellweg still pitches regularly in the mid-90s, featuring late sink, and he has hit 100 mph out of the bullpen. When he throws his slurvy breaking ball for strikes, he can be tough to hit. His changeup is a work in progress. Tall and skinny, he can overpower hitters with the downward tilt on his fastball, but his long limbs also make it difficult to maintain his release point.
THE FUTURE: When Hellweg throws all of his pitches for strikes, he looks like a potential No. 2 starter. But his lack of consistency could mean that his future will come as a late-inning reliever, possibly as a closer. He’ll open 2013 in Triple-A.

7. VICTOR ROACHE, OF
BORN: Sept. 17, 1991. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 225. DRAFTED: Georgia Southern, 2012 (1st round). SIGNED BY: Steve Smith.
BACKGROUND: The Brewers thought they got one of the steals of the 2012 draft when Roache fell to the 28th overall pick. After leading NCAA Division I with 30 homers in 2011, he broke his left wrist diving for a ball six games into his junior season. The injury required six screws, two pins and a metal plate to repair and he didn’t play again for Georgia Southern or in the minor leagues after signing for $1,525,000.
SCOUTING REPORT: Roache’s calling card is his top-shelf power potential, the product of strength, bat speed and patience. Some scouts question his ability to recognize and handle breaking balls, and his swing can get stiff at times. He may not make enough contact to hit for a high average, but his power should be worth it. Roache has fringy speed and average arm strength, with the instincts to be an effective corner outfielder. Milwaukee praises his devotion to coming back from his injury as soon as possible, as he worked hard so he could take part in instructional league.
THE FUTURE: The Brewers’ medical reports indicate that Roache will make a complete recovery. With his track record of college success, he’ll start his career at one of their Class A affiliates. It may take time for him to return to form, but he has the potential to be an impact offensive player.

8. SCOOTER GENNETT, 2B
BORN: May 1, 1990. B-T: L-R. HT.: 5-9. WT.: 165. DRAFTED: HS—Sarasota, Fla., 2009 (16th round). SIGNED BY: Tim McIlvaine.
BACKGROUND: Gennett did in 2012 what he has done at every level of the Brewers system—hit for a high average and make his league’s all-star team. He also represented Milwaukee in the Futures Game and earned a spot on the 40-man roster. He continues to prove that his size won’t stop him from succeeding and is motivated by those who say he’s too small to make it in the majors.
SCOUTING REPORT: Using an open stance and a level swing, Gennett hits line drives to all fields. He makes consistent contact and has surprising pop for his size, most of it coming with doubles to the gaps. He’s a free swinger who doesn’t take many pitches and draws few walks, resulting in relatively low on-base percentages considering how many hits he accumulates. Gennett has average speed and knows how to run the bases. A high school shortstop, he has worked hard to improve at second base but still has rough edges to smooth out. He has led his league’s second basemen in errors in each of his three pro seasons. His arm and range are average.
THE FUTURE: The next step for Gennett is Triple-A. If he succeeds there as he has at every other level, the Brewers will have to decide whether to keep incumbent Rickie Weeks at second base or move him to give Gennett a shot.

9. CLINT COULTER, C
BORN: July 30, 1993. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 210. DRAFTED: HS—Camas, Wash., 2012 (1st round). SIGNED BY: Shawn Whalen.
BACKGROUND: The Brewers fell in love with Coulter’s offensive potential and quickly zeroed in on him as the first of their two first-round picks in 2012. He’s a physical specimen who was a Washington state high school wrestling champion before turning his focus to baseball. After going 27th overall and signing for $1,675,000, he led the Rookie-level Arizona League in on-base percentage (.439).
SCOUTING REPORT: Coulter has considerable offensive upside. He’s strong with good leverage in his quick swing, and he knows how to work counts to get pitches to drive, so he has above-average power potential. He doesn’t get himself out at the plate. Though his high school coach was former big league catcher Tom Lampkin, Coulter is still raw defensively. He has solid arm strength but must improve his mechanics and agility after throwing out just 16 percent of basestealers and giving up 21 passed balls in 26 games in his pro debut. He has the leadership skills, desire and work ethic to remain behind the plate. He has below-average speed but good instincts and an aggressive nature on the bases.
THE FUTURE: The Brewers will be patient with Coulter, who’s just 19 and didn’t play a lengthy high school schedule in the Pacific Northwest. Whether he begins his first full pro season in low Class A Wisconsin will depend on how he looks behind the plate in the spring.

10. MITCH HANIGER, OF
BORN: Dec. 23, 1990. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 213. DRAFTED: Cal Poly, 2012 (1st round supplemental). SIGNED BY: Dan Huston.
BACKGROUND: As compensation for losing free agent Prince Fielder to the Tigers, the Brewers got the 27th (Clint Coulter) and 38th (Haniger) picks in the 2012 draft. Haniger headed to low Class A after signing for $1.2 million, but his pro debut ended after 14 games when he tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. That injury healed in time for Haniger to participate in instructional league.
SCOUTING REPORT: Milwaukee coveted Haniger for his power as well as his overall athleticism and arm. He improved his plate discipline as a junior at Cal Poly, taking pitches, drawing walks and doing a better job of handling offspeed stuff. Those upgrades and adjustment to load his hands better in his swing allowed him to make better use of his above-average raw power. After totaling 13 homers in his first two seasons at Cal Poly, he hit 13 as a junior, and he could produce 25 or more on an annual basis. Haniger is a fringy runner and average defender in right field. His arm is a weapon, as his throws are not only strong but also accurate. He draws praise for his work ethic, poise and confidence.
THE FUTURE: Because Haniger’s pro debut was so brief, the Brewers will send him back to Wisconsin to begin 2013. They consider him an advanced player who can move quickly.

What I find interesting about these write-ups is that the lower half of the list (6-10) seem to have more favorable things said than the more advanced prospects. The lower-ranked prospects seem to be flooded with potential and ceiling.

Really surprised here that they put Roache ahead of Coulter at this point. Coulter tore up rookie ball and Roache has no pro data post a wrist-break. Odd to me.

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible. Ages are as of April 1, 2011.
[MENTION=1770]Jaypers[/MENTION]413 (IL): Thanks for the chat, Tom. About how far down your top 30 did Jed Bradley slide this year? Are you reasonably optimistic his stock won't go the way of Eric Arnett?

Tom Haudricourt: Bradley is in the 11-15 group of my Top 30. This will be a big year for Bradley, who was sidetracked in 2012 by groin strains, mechanical issues, problems adjusting to pro ball (such as appropriate amount of work between starts). He needs to bounce back strong and show that was a mulligan.

Ben (Leland Grove): How close to your top 10 was Ariel Pena? Did you happen to catch his (unfortunate) stint at last year's Futures game? Has his stuff improved since then?

Tom Haudricourt: Pena was not close to my Top 10 because he has shown too many command issues thus far. I'd like to see him harness his pitches before I consider him Top 10 material. There are throwers and there are pitchers.

Morrie (NJ): Does Tyrone Taylor evoke any comparisons to you? Was he in your second ten?

Tom Haudricourt: Tyrone Taylor indeed is in the second 10. He already is considered one of the best athletes in the system. If he stays healthy, he could have a very high ceiling. Lots of talent there.

Frank (Chicago): Even though you don't contribute to BA's top 100 list, about how many of these guys do you believe are worthy?

Tom Haudricourt: Hard to say without knowing all of the other candidates from the other organizations. I wouldn't want to put together those top 100 lists. It's daunting enough to keep up with all of the prospects from the team you cover.
[MENTION=1770]Jaypers[/MENTION]413 (IL): Last week, in Keith Law's ESPN chat, he predicted a 20% chance Clint Coulter would stick behind the plate. I assume you don't agree with this assessment, but should it be prove to be true, what other position would he be suited for?

Tom Haudricourt: Lots of folks think Coulter is too crude behind the plate to stick there long-term. Having said that, the Brewers thought he made good strides in his first pro year. Obviously, his bat is going to carry him but the Brewers have a very good catching instructor in Charlie Green and they're going to give Coulter every chance to stay behind the plate. Remember, he's only 19.

Ben (Leland Grove): What's the skinny on Drew Gagnon? Do you see him continuing to start in the future? Besides control, what other facets stick out to scouts, if any?

Tom Haudricourt: The Brewers love Gagnon's aggressive and the way he pounds the strike zone. His stuff might not be eye-popping but he knows what he's doing on the mound and has enough to get by as a starter. He had a very strong 2012 season.

Grant (NYC): Kentrail Davis - prospect or suspect at this point?

Tom Haudricourt: At this point, suspect. At some point, you have to take all of those great tools and put them together to reach your potential. The Brewers still believe in Davis but he has slipped down the prospect list.

Jordan (Milwaukee, Wi): Your opinions of reliever Damien Magnifico? If he can harness his command, could we be seeing another Bruce Rondon, from Detroit's system?

Tom Haudricourt: When you can throw 100 miles per hour, you get people's attention. But Magnifico must do more than that to be an effective pitcher in the pros. He has to get other pitches over the plate. Otherwise, hitters will sit on your fastball, no matter how hard you throw it. I'll be interested to see how he progresses with more innings.

Mark (Chicago IL): Does 1B Nick Ramirez have any standout tools besides power? Top 30 guy to you?

Tom Haudricourt: Ramirez was under consideration for the Top 30 but did not make the list this year. That tells you he has work to do.

Kelly (St Cloud MN): If your opinion, who are the top pitching and hitting sleeper prospects in this system?

Tom Haudricourt: Top sleeper pitcher prospect is Hiram Burgos. You break down his stuff and it doesn't wow you but he knows how to pitch, hit his spots and get people out. Kind of like Mike Fiers did last year. As far as a sleeper hitter, the Brewers think Khris Davis can make an impact in the majors, especially with budding power.

Kevin (Boston): Hey Tom,I read Wiley Peralta Scouting report.Both Wiley Peralta and Alex Meyer are fireballer,both have slider and changeup.Who has the higher ceiling?Which stuff is better?Is Wiley Peralta a top 50 prospect overall for you? Top 40?

Tom Haudricourt: I don't know that much about Alex Meyer. I focus on the players in the Brewers' system, so I really can't compare them to players in other systems. I do believe when he's throwing strikes he should be a highly ranked prospect, especially after what I saw last September with the Brewers.

Ken (Lakewood CA): Hi Tom. Not sure they both qualify as prospects, but where do you see Gamel and Fiers in 2013 and what roles do you see them playing? Gamel seemed to have some success in 2012 before getting hurt. Fiers came up and pitched well, but I see you don't have him in the future projected rotation. Thanks.

Tom Haudricourt: It's hard to say with either player but for different reasons. Gamel just hasn't stayed healthy enough to show what he can do in the majors. Until he makes it through a full season, we won't know. He doesn't have anything left to prove in the minors. And Fiers definitely ran out of gas down the stretch last year. Did opponents catch up with him or was he just tired? He relies so much on deception, he doesn't have room for error. But you have to like the way he goes after hitters. He's certainly not afraid.

stevev (chicago): Would SS Arcia land in the top 15? What is his upside? Do you see him being a potential top 10 guy down the road?

Tom Haudricourt: Arcia was close to Top 15. By all accounts, he has a high ceiling. It was very unfortunate he missed the entire 2012 season. Definite Top 10 potential because he's still a teenager and plays a premium position.

Grant (NYC): Between this year's top 10 and last year's, which one do you prefer in terms of ceiling and why?

Tom Haudricourt: A lot of the players are the same but Cody Scarpetta dropped far out of the Top 10 after Tommy John surgery, Jorge Lopez didn't do much (still has good potential) and Taylor Green's offense dropped off considerably. Three of the top 2012 draft picks are in the new Top 10 so you'd probably say they have a higher ceiling.

Patrick (Sandpoint, Idaho): Is Jimmy Nelson a tad old for the success he had at HighA ball.....is he a slow developer but steady to win this race? He's not in the projected 5 SPs, your take?

Tom Haudricourt: Don't focus entirely on the projected 2016 lineups because we're not always allowed to drop people out who are back from last year. Nelson could easily end up in the Brewers' rotation in years to come. He's only 23. I don't consider that old. If he does well in AAA this year, he'll be knocking on the door.

Pat Murphy (Spokane, Wash): Is Hellweg a legit closing probability down line in your eyes? Was he the throw in with Segura or a choice from MIL to hopefully close at one point?

Tom Haudricourt: Hellweg has a big arm. Pitchers with big arms always have a chance to close. The key for him will be how much and how quickly he can harness his command. It wouldn't be a total shock if he made the Brewers' bullpen in the spring, depending on what happens with other pitchers. They're going to take a good look at him.

A.J. (Mobile, AL): Does David Goforth profile more as a starter or a back-end of the bullpen kind of guy? I heard he hit 99 in the last inning of his last start of the year in the playoffs. If he profiles as a short inning reliever, shouldn't the Brewers move him there now and get him up to the ML quickly?

Tom Haudricourt: Goforth probably profiles as a power reliever in the majors but you want to keep a pitching prospect in the starting rotation as long as you can because it lets him work on all of his pitches. You don't move him to relief until you have to. You want these guys to get work and continue to develop.

Tim (Chicago): Do you think Jungmann will increase his K/9IP mark as he further develops his secondary pitches or will he be more of a pitch to contact groundball pitcher?

Tom Haudricourt: I see him more as a pitch to contact pitcher but that doesn't mean his strikeouts won't increase with experience and maturity on the mound. You don't worry about strikeouts. You worry about getting hitters out. The earlier in the count that happens, the deeper into games you will go.

Bob (WI): I was surprised to still see Jungmann getting tagged as a possible #2/3. His performance last year makes it seem like an innings eater #4 is a more realistic scenerio. What did scouts say to convince you that he still has #2 starter upside?

Tom Haudricourt: My report on Jungmann said "the club envisions him as a future No. 2 or 3 starter." That doesn't mean other scouts view it the same way. But if you make it as a No. 3 starter in the majors, what's wrong with that? Let's see how Jungmann looks this year. He has one year of pro ball under his belt. I hope to see more of him in spring camp. Then I'll be able to tell you what I think.

John (Georgia): How is Victor Roache's rehab coming along and what can be expected of him when he becomes a big leaguer?

Tom Haudricourt: Last I heard, Roache's rehab was coming along nicely. The Brewers think he could be the steal of the 2012 draft because of his power potential. After he missed his first pro season, we'll know a lot more when he starts playing this year.

Ryan (Baltimore): The Brewers have some interesting positional logjams to navigate. Carlos Gomez is a free agent after this season. Do you see the Brewers trying to resign him, or letting him walk? If he walks, do they give Schafer a shot, or do they slide Aoki over to CF? And how do you think 1B shakes out with Hart, Gamel & Morris?

Tom Haudricourt: The way Gomez plays this season will dictate any future plans the Brewers have for him. They do like Schafer and Aoki played center in Japan. The first base situation will be fascinating to watch because Hart has only one year left on his contract and Morris is coming off a big year in Double-A. If Morris follows that up with a big year in Triple-A, he'll be hard to hold back.

Karl of Delaware (Georgetown, Delaware): It is 2016 and you are at the Home Run Derby. Who is more likely to be be a participant: Roache or Haniger?

Tom Haudricourt: Roache certainly has Home Run Derby power potential. Probably more so than Haniger.

Michael Stern (Rochester NY): What can you tell me about Tyrone Taylor, Brewers 2nd round pick from this year? How far was he from the top 10? He seems like a very exciting player, with big time speed, and he hit extremely well his first year - batting .389 and .385 in his 2 stops in rookie ball. How much of a prospect is he? Thanks for the chat as always!

Tom Haudricourt: As mentioned earlier, Taylor is an exciting athlete with a high ceiling. He easily could jump into next year's Top 10 with a strong 2013.

Karl of Delaware (Georgetown, Delware): In you opinion who is more likely to be the Brewers second baseman in a year or two? Gennett or Weeks?

Tom Haudricourt: Our projected 2016 lineup has Gennett at second base and Weeks at third.

Dan (NYC): Tom — when Fangraphs wrote its evaluation of Taylor Jungmann, it quoted a source who stated that Jungmann focused on developing pitches in 2012, and didn't worry about stats, hence his low strikeout numbers. Can you verify that? Do you expect a bump in counting stats for Jungmann this year?

Tom Haudricourt: I couldn't tell you who that source was. Wasn't my story. Having said that, the Brewers always encourage their pitching prospects to focus on development and using all of their pitches. It's the smart way to go about. But, as noted earlier, Jungmann is a pitch-to-contact type. I don't think the Brewers are too worried about his strikeout numbers. I'm guessing he's not, either.

Not Jaypers (Wisconsin): Tom, will Yadiel Rivera ever have enough bat to be a Major league regular?

Tom Haudricourt: That's a very good question. He certainly has the defensive skills to make it. Probably a better question is: Will he ever have enough plate discipline (26 walks in 508 PAs last year)? That must improve.

Joe (Clintonville): Big Brewer fan here—-With the problems near the end of bullpen last year, who do you see taking over the closer role in the next 3-5 years?? I really liked what I saw from Thornberg with the TimberRattlers, but I assume they might want him starting because there seems to be a lack of depth there, also. Thanks for the chat

Tom Haudricourt: Well, we've talked about Hellweg. Santo Manzanillo was on a good track until last year, when he missed most of the season with shoulder issues. Let's see how he bounces back. Late-inning relief is volatile. You never know who will pop up. Did anybody see Jim Henderson coming last year?

Al (Wi): Tom, did Cameron Garfields season put him back on the prospect map for the Brewers?

Tom Haudricourt: It certainly was an improvement. Let's see how he follows it up in 2013. That will be more telling.

Al (Wisconsin): Tom, how will the rotation fill out with all the inexperienced options and the potential for those kids to be shut down to protect them in September.

Tom Haudricourt: That will be the answer to the Brewers' 2013 season. Going to be fascinating to see how that works out. Filling innings could be a real challenge in the second half.

Greg (Ohio): What made you rank Roache ahead of Coulter? scouting reports read like Coulter has better approach, better projection, and at least a chance to stay at catcher.

Tom Haudricourt: More power and more advanced as a player (though Roache missed 2012). Coulter is more of a raw player with all kinds of potential. But, hey, they're two spots apart. All of these lists are subjective. If you're in the top 10, you're all pretty close together.

Allan (Wi): Tom does Mark Rogers start the year in the starting rotation or in Nashville?

Tom Haudricourt: He won't be starting the year in Nashville, I wouldn't think. He's out of minor-league options and I don't see that kind of arm clearing waivers.

Not Jaypers (Wi): Are Chris Narveson and Marco Estrada really the Brewers #2 and 3 starters behind Gallardo? How is that going to compete with the Reds and Cardinals in the division.

Tom Haudricourt: We won't know how the rotation shakes out until we see everybody in action in spring camp, including Wily Peralta, Mark Rogers and Mike Fiers (and possibly Hiram Burgos and Tyler Thornburg.

Not Jaypers (Wi): What have you heard was the biggest problem ith Jed Bradleys season. Injuries or lost velocity? Thanks

Tom Haudricourt: As noted earlier, groin issues, messed-up mechanics, fatigue from not knowing how to pace himself. All added up to a miserable year, and the Brewers hope a learning experience.

Mick (Chicago): If Jean Segura ends up needing to move to 2B, is Yadiel Rivera the next choice within the org. or could Josh Prince move back there considering he may have figured it out offensively?

Tom Haudricourt: Though he has a long ways to go, Orlando Arcia probably has more offensive/defensive upside than Rivera. But Arcia missed 2012 with a broken ankle and has made it to rookie ball yet, so we're talking down the road. Not sure what would happen at short in the interim. Which is why Brewers plan to give Segura every shot at shortstop.

Allan D (Wi): Tom, any chance Brewers can trade extra offensive depth like Gamel or Taylor Green and get some pitching depth with guys like Gennett, Khris Davis, Hunter Morris being close to being ML ready.

Tom Haudricourt: Not sure what you're expecting back for unproven players at the big-league level. Always depends on the needs of other teams. The Brewers think they have pretty good pitching depth in their system and are determined to give those arms a chance.

Amy (Boston): Time Travel: What current MLB pitcher can you see Wily Peralta resembling in 2018?

Tom Haudricourt: Just throwing a name out there — Johnny Cueto. Big, bullish hard throwers with similar stuff.

G4 (Milwaukee): Thanks for the chat Tom, you do excellent work. I recall reading the Brewers restructured their international scouting system a while back? What is your opinion of its current state? When should fans expect to see any dividends? Will Melvin ever offer a multimillion dollar bonus for a high-ceiling/high-risk 16-year-old the way some other midmarkets have?

Tom Haudricourt: There's no way to answer those questions until we see what starts coming out of those countries. The fact that the Brewers are trying to improve their status there is a good sign.

Steve (San Francisco): With five of the top six prospects pitchers plus guys like Fiers, Estrada and Rogers, how do the Brewers feel about the young pitching depth they appear to have at the moment?

Tom Haudricourt: The best they've ever felt about it. Now, they need some of those guys to come through. You know some guys will be busts — that's the way baseball is — so the more you have, the more chances to break through.

Jack Ellis (Newton, WV): Is Hiram Burgos doing it with mirrors? Nobody seems to like his stuff, but his accomplishments are significant.

Tom Haudricourt: Mike Fiers heard the same talk and it didn't stop him from advancing to the majors.

Eric (Norfolk, VA): Wily Peralta struggled at Nashville but was solid when called up to Milwaukee. Will he be able to solidify a spot in the rotation?

Tom Haudricourt: The Brewers certainly are counting on it. If you saw him last September, you know he has the ability to do it. Now, it comes down to consistency.

ttnrom (Connecticut): Tom, Thanks for the chat. Who is a good comp inside or outside the Brewers organization for Thornburg?

Tom Haudricourt: You know what? I don't like doing comparisons. They are so arbitrary. There has been comparison in size and style to Lincecum but you never do a prospect any favors by comparing him to a Cy Young Award winner. But Thornburg certainly is atypical in certain ways. It's all how you make it work. Well, folks, I think we'll call this a chat. Thanks so much for participating and keep an eye out for the Baseball America 2013 Prospect Handbook to see how we filled out the rest of the Brewers' Top 30.