MLB Playoff

Baseball preview: Milwaukee Brewers

Last season, the Milwaukee Brewers showed they’re set up to be a successful team for the next few years. Several young players helped the Brewers to compete in the division before they ultimately faded and finished behind the Chicago Cubs. First baseman Prince Fielder was third in the NL MVP voting after finishing with 50 home runs (most in the NL) and 119 RBIs. Shortstop J.J. Hardy had 26 home runs and 80 RBIs in 151 games and Ryan Braun hit .324 with 34 home runs and 97 RBIs in 113 games. Braun shifts to left field this season after playing at third base in 2007. Right fielder Corey Hart hit .295 with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs. Veteran right-hander Ben Sheets anchors the pitching staff and the has big expectations for 22-year-old starter Yovani Gallardo. Last year, Gallardo finished 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA in 20 games (17 starts). If he is able to establish himself as a top pitcher this season like the Brewers expect, they could be playing deep into October. However, Gallardo injured his knee before the start of spring training and it remains uncertain if he’ll be ready for the beginning of the season. Watch the news out of Milwaukee to see if he’s able to make a full recovery. Gallardo needs to be healthy for the Brewers to make a championship run. Milwaukee Brewers 2007 record: 83-79 (2nd in NL Central) Key additions: RHP Eric Gagne, RHP David Riske, CF Mike Cameron, C Jason Kendall Key losses: RHP Francisco Cordero, RF Geoff Jenkins, C Johnny Estrada, RHP Scott Linebrink, 3B Corey Koskie Most valuable fantasy performers: 1. Prince Fielder, 1B – Fielder became the youngest player to hit 50 home runs in a season in 2007. He’ll be 23 in May and there are a lot more home runs in his future. He hit .288 last season with the aforementioned 50 home runs and 119 RBIs. If Fielder is able to get his batting average to .300, he’ll pass Albert Pujols as the top first baseman in the major leagues. Of course, there’s always the chance that he suffers a decline...

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