Original Published Date: April 18, 2014

Updated: June 9, 2014

With a pitching staff that has been better than expected, the Milwaukee Brewers sit atop the NL Central as we near the mid point of the season.  While their minor league organization is void of impact talent, they do have some depth in the upper-minors that could provide relief if injuries hit the major league club.

1. Next in Line Infield Prospects

• Irving Falu (2B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Taylor Green (3B/2B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Hunter Morris (1B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium

Notes: While Irving Falu and Taylor Green profile as utility players, Hunter Morris has the upside of a regular major league first baseman.  While there is swing and miss in his game, he has plus raw power and that translated into 24 home runs in Triple-A in 2013.  The Brewers are playing aging veteran and strikeout king Mark Reynolds at first and he has responded well.  However, Morris has more upside and at a minimum should serve in a platoon with Reynolds before the summer gets underway.

2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects

• Caleb Gindl (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Jeremy Hermida (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low

Notes: I didn’t realize that Jeremy Hermida was still playing!  Unfortunately both he and Caleb Gindl don’t provide much upside from a fantasy perspective.

3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects

• Mike Fiers (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Jimmy Nelson (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Johnny Hellweg (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low

Notes: The next-in-line pitching option for the Brewers is Mike Fiers.  Fiers did have his 15-minutes of fame when he pitched very well in his 2012 debut.  However, he’s a command and control pitcher and profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter.  Jimmy Nelson is the best option for the Brewers and profiles as a number there starter in the major leagues.  He did get a spot start in late May and pitched extremely well and is likely an injury away from a promotion.  At 6-foot-9, Johnny Hellweg towers over fellow small forward Jimmy Nelson at 6-foot-6.  As with Nelson, Hellweg has big stuff but struggles mightily to throw strikes.  He’s likely is headed to the bullpen.

4. Next in Line Relief Prospects

• Johnny Hellweg (RHP, Triple-A)  – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Alfrado Figaro (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low