Young Brewers have mixed results in winter ball
January 12th, 2010 | by adamburnett |The Winter leagues present a great opportunity for young players to learn more of their craft. Older players looking to get back to the show play in the winter months. Some of the stars also make cameos in their home country’s leagues each winter. The Brewers had some young players go down for extra work and results were mixed.
Alcides Escobar led the Venezuelan league in hitting with a .393 avg. along with a .440 OBP and 16 SB in 45 games with 173 AB.
Carlos Gomez batted .275 with a .373 OBP in 25 games and 91 AB in the Dominican league.
Hernan Iribarren hit .309 in 48 games 175 AB and a .365 OBP. The 9 SB and 6 CS is concerning.
Mat Gamel hit .211 in 11 games and 38 AB with 1 HR and 4RBI in the Venezuelan league.
Adam Heether hit .214 in 21 games and 70 AB with 2 HR and 15 RBI in the Venezuelan league.
Escobar carried over his success in 2009 into winter ball. I don’t worry about him taking over the shortstop job. Gomez was inconsistent during his time with the Twins. His growth is something to watch for this season. Iribarren is out of minor league options and will have to win a job out of spring training. He can play 2nd/outfield, but that may not be enough to fit in on the Brewers. Gamel lost a lot of time riding pine in Milwaukee in 2009. The Brewers admitted the mistake and wanted him to play winter ball to make up for lost time. I haven’t given up on Gamel, but I think he’s going to need a blistering spring to start at the hot corner. Heether is a utility player that is going to face tough competition in spring training.
