The Brewers do not boast one of the better farm systems in the league, but they do have some players that could help their big league club in 2015. Both have been traded for proven pitchers in the past, and both have little to prove in the Minor Leagues. The team’s bullpen was pretty average in 2014, but two somewhat under-the-radar prospects could help solidify the back end. The team enjoyed some success with Francisco Rodriguez last season, but felt comfortable letting him go with some young guys ready to contribute.
Corey Knebel has had an odd early pro career so far, getting traded twice after being selected in the first round by the Detroit Tigers in 2013. Most recently brought to the Brewers in the Yovani Gallardo deal last month, Knebel has a blazing fastball that could make him a shutdown reliever in the Major Leagues. Drafted out of the University of Texas as a closer, the righthander has advanced quickly through the system, dominating along the way.
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His high 90’s fastball is complimented by his great curveball, which lead to some fantastic strikeout numbers. In 30 Triple-A innings last year, he had 40 strikeouts and a WHIP under 1.00. He also has a changeup that he doesn’t use as often, but can also be a solid pitch for him. The curious thing about him last year was his struggles closing games. He saved 3 games but also blew 3, but he is definitely expected to get comfortable in the 9th inning in the future. He had an 8-game debut in Detroit last year, with some success. His strikeout numbers were there (11 in 8.2 innings) but he got hit a little bit as well (11 hits).
The 23-year old should be ready to contribute in the Brewers pen in 2015. His herky-jerky delivery adds some deception that should bode well for him, especially early on in his career. There is a very strong case that he will make the squad out of Spring Training, and could eventually become the closer at some point during the season.
A 16th rounder back in 2008 by the Angels, Johnny Hellweg has quietly advanced through the Brewers system after coming over in the Zack Greinke trade in 2012. He made his MLB debut in 2013 as a starting pitcher. but the results were unspectacular. He started the 2014 season in Triple-A, but Tommy John surgery ended his year in April. The righthander stands out for his imposing 6 foot 9 frame, which creates solid downhill movement.
Hellweg throws his fastball in the high-90’s, but doesn’t really have a plus secondary pitch. This equates to disappointing strikeout numbers, especially when his fastball sits in the mid-90’s range as a starting pitcher. The biggest problem with his game is his lack of command. He’s never really been able to limit his walks in any season, including 15 in just 20 innings before his injury last year.
The 26-year old lacks of quality secondary stuff or control means he probably won’t get a shot to start in the big leagues. If he can harness a little bit more control, he should fit in the bullpen, where his size and fastball velocity will be best utilized. He should start 2015 out of the Triple-A bullpen, and with some success, should see himself in the Brewers pen at some point.
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