It wasn't too long ago that Brewers fans everywhere were
hell-bent on running Corey Hart out of town. After his down performance in 2009
and subsequent victory at arbitration, the general public was incredibly down
on their tall, rangy right fielder. Now, with the trading deadline approaching,
many of the same critics are desperately clinging to this rising star, demanding
that the team keep him in a Brewers uniform.
Whether this will happen or not remains to be seen. While
the most talked about member of the Brewers trading class, Prince Fielder, is
enduring a somewhat down year, Hart's stock has never been higher. He put on
an impressive show in the first round of this year's Home Run Derby, bracketing
the All Star break with a game-winning and leadoff homer. It's almost certain
that Prince Fielder will be traded sometime this coming winter, but Hart could
go before the month is out.
One of the most plausible destinations for him could be San
Francisco. Manager Bruce Bochy has made no secret of his fondness for the young
slugger and has subtly expressed this interest directly to Hart. Talks are in
progress that could lead to a West Coast move for the young outfielder.
But whomever Hart lands with, the Brewers will be looking
for two things in return: a Major-League starting pitcher and a high level
outfield prospect. Here's what the Giants have to offer...
Johnathan Sanchez, LHP
If there is one pitcher who Milwaukee would like to see come
to their roster from the Giants, it's Sanchez. He's had some trouble staying
within the strike zone this season but has still managed to put together a 7-6
record. His ERA sits at a comfortable 3.42, with 109 strikeouts over 110.2
innings pitched. He's 27 years old and may be entering the peak of his career.
He's already had one no-hitter in his big league career, which should tell you
something about his talent level. The Brewers have shown strong interest in
Sanchez, and would likely insist on his inclusion.
Madison Bumgarner, LHP
The Brewers got their fill of Bumgarner earlier this month,
when he held them scoreless through eight innings. So far, the 20-year-old has
started six games in the majors, with a career record of 3-2. He's a big kid (6'4",
215 pounds) with a low- to mid-90s fastball and good changeup and has already
shown some success against major league talent. Through his 33.2 major league
innings this season, he's posted an ERA of 2.41, with a WHIP of just over one.
He's been hailed as a future number-one starter, which would make him a great
compliment to Yovani Gallardo. While Sanchez has been hailed as the favorite to
wind up in Milwaukee, Mumgarner may have the greater potential of the two.
Matt Yorkin, RHP (Triple-A)
Though not being mentioned as a possible trading piece,
Yorkin has put together some interesting numbers for the Fresno Grizzlies this
season. He's 6-3 through 20 games, with an ERA of 3.39. Opponents are hitting
.263 against the 29 year-old righty while drawing only 22 walks against 73 Ks. He's not a frontline guy by any means but could add some depth to the
Brewers' Triple-A pitching pool.
Roger Kieschnick,
OF (Double-A)
Though currently on the seven-day DL for the Richmond Flying
Squirrels, Kieschnick is one of the most highly touted outfielders in the
Giants system. His first professional season came in 2009, when he batted .296
with 23 home runs and 110 RBI in A-Ball. He's struggled a bit since moving up
to Double-A (.251, four homers, 23 RBI) but has all the tools to be a
successful major league player. And if you're thinking his last name looks
familiar, you're right. Roger is a nephew of former Brewers
pitcher/outfielder/pinch hitter Brooks Kieschnick, who wowed fans with his
power and versatility.
Thomas Neal, OF (Double-A)
Another member of the Flying Squirrels, this 22-year-old
left-fielder is currently hitting .284 with eight home runs and 46 RBI. He's
also smacked a respectable 24 doubles, which could turn into home runs as his
6'1", 225 pound frame continues to develop. His strikeout to walk ratio
could use some improvement (66 Ks to 27 BB), but his .347 on-base percentage
remains respectable. Neal has a solid shot at the big leagues, and could prove
to be a value cog in the Brewers' outfield of the future.
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