Brewers go young in starting rotation

MILWAUKEE - The Brewers offense will look for the most part like the one that led the National League in runs scored during the 2012 season. The starting rotation on the other hand is undergoing a makeover.

Yovani Gallardo will anchor the Brewers staff as the clear number one but after Gallardo the Brewers are banking that a host of young and unproven players will perform at the major league level.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke spoke at length about the rotation during the Brewers On Deck event Sunday.

“Going into it yes they're young. Can they do it for 6 months is always a question mark but at least we like them enough that we know that if they're on their game they can pitch in the big leagues and be successful," said Roenicke.

Yovani Gallardo added that the team got a glimpse at a number of the potential starters during last season’s strong finish.

"They had the opportunity to pitch in some tough situations and they stepped up and it's pretty exciting. It's pretty exciting going into spring training with the guys that are going to be competing for jobs."

Gallardo is entering his 7th season in the majors and feels comfortable stepping into the role as leader of the rotation.

"I think I kind of played into that role after being here for a number of years,” Gallardo said. “The other 4 or 5 guys that we have competing for the rotation they’re young. I try to help them as best I can. That's what makes the starting rotation so solid is we help each other out with whatever it might be."

General manager Doug Melvin likened the transition in the rotation to what the Brewers did a few years back when they broke in unproven position players like Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder. At some point the prospects they’ve cultivated have to be given a chance to perform at the major league level.

"The reason we got Greinke, Marcum and Randy Wolf a few years ago was to buy time for the younger guys to develop for the big leagues,” Melvin said. “Now it's their time to pitch at the big league level."

Brewers owner Mark Attansio spoke enthusiastically about the pitching depth of the organization.

"We have other good pitchers in the minor leagues. We've got a list of 5 or 6 guys who we think are major league ready," Attansio said.

When pressed about a lack of experienced pitchers in the competition he said, "If you've got guys with major league contracts clogging your roster you can't check those guys out."

One of those players the Brewers are banking on is former first-round pick Mark Rogers. After dealing with injuries the 5th overall pick in 2004 thinks he's ready to make a big league impact.

"It's been a very good off-season. I try to be as prepared as possible coming into spring training and it's the first off-season I've really been able to prepare for the season with no rehabbing and trying to get things right,” Rodgers said.

He went 3-1 with a 3.49 ERA during the 2012 season and Rogers thinks he’s ready to compete this spring.

 “I feel great. I'm ready to go and compete for a job and hopefully win a lot of games for this team."

Even the Brewers biggest slugger, Ryan Braun, gave his pitching staff a ringing endorsement.

"I think this is the best starting pitching that we've developed during my career here with the Brewers,” Braun said. “Certainly it's a time for optimism a time to be excited."

Brewers pitchers and catchers report for spring training February 12.