Brewers player grades

Published Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:34 a.m.
INFIELDERSAlcides Escobar, SS - Without announcing it as such, the Brewers began the transition from J.J. Hardy to Escobar as their starting shortstop on Aug. 12, when they exchanged places at Class AAA Nashville. Escobar lived up to his reputation as a sometimes sensational defender in the field but also confirmed the scouting report that he sometimes makes careless mistakes. Escobar, 22, who improved his offensive game in the minors, held his own at the plate for the Brewers, batting .304 in 38 games. He doesn't draw many walks (four in 134 plate appearances) and must improve in that category to boost his on-base percentage (.333). Escobar is so fast that any groundball not hit sharply at an infielder is a potential base hit. He could utilize that speed even more by increasing his bunt attempts. With a better OBP, he could emerge as a reliable leadoff hitter. GRADE: B-plus.Craig Counsell, INF - The steady veteran opted not to have knee surgery during spring training and the decision paid off handsomely for the Brewers. Counsell didn't show any signs of being hobbled during the year and filled in nicely for the injured Rickie Weeks at second base and for a period at third base after it became clear that Bill Hall wasn't the answer. He batted .345 in May and .292 in July before wearing down a bit under the unexpected workload. Counsell finished at .285 with a .357 OBP and eight triples, tying for eighth in the NL. Considering Counsell figured to be a sparingly-used utility man - he ended up playing in 130 games - the Milwaukee native played above expectations. GRADE: B-plus.


Back | Read more at JSOnline Brewers Feed