20) Victor Roache – OF
Date of Birth: September 17, 1991 Height/Weight: 6’1″/225 lbs. Bats/Throws: Right/Right Acquired: Drafted first round (28th overall) in 2012
Patience is a virtue, and one that Victor Roache doesn’t possess. He’s got plenty of power, but swinging at everything won’t help that along. He especially loves to swing at every breaking pitch, which seems to be his kryptonite at this point.
The Brewers took Roache in the first round because of his work ethic, but a lack of patience at the plate will still be his downfall if it isn’t corrected. Limited range and a sub-par arm will keep him relegated to left field assignments. Expect to see him begin 2016 in Double-A Biloxi this season.
19) Jake Gatewood – SS
Born: September 25, 1995 Height/Weight: 6’5″/190 lbs. Bats/Throws: Right/Right Acquired: Drafted first round (41st overall) in 2014
An average hitter with a ton of raw power potential, Gatewood has had some impressive moments in his youth. However, proven issues with his swing have slowed his growth showing that he may just be an average hitter at best unless those little nuances can be corrected. Better than average bat speed for a man his size.
Although a shortstop and designated hitter now, don’t be surprised to see his size and speed force him into a corner outfield spot or possibly third base. He could play right field, but the club already had plenty of talent at the short stop position. I expect him to begin the season with the Low-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
18) Jed Bradley – LHP
Born: June 12, 1990 Height/Weight: 6’4″/225 lbs. Bats/Throws: Left/Left Acquired: Drafted first round (15th overall) in 2011
Injuries hampered Bradley’s early few years in the minors, but 2015 saw an explosion in production and multiple promotions ranging from High-A ball up to Triple-A. He’s never thrown all that hard (high 80’s to low 90’s), but he doesn’t consistently throw strikes which is as frustrating a quality as you’ll find in a pitching prospect. If his changeup is clicking and he continues to throw a 2:1 or 3:1 strike out to walk ratio as he has in the past two season, he may find himself in Milwaukee’s Miller Park sooner than he thinks.
17) Miguel Diaz – RHP
Born: November 28, 1994 Height/Weight: 5’11″/176 lbs. Bats/Throws: Right/Right Acquired: International Free Agency in 2011
Boasting a 95 MPH fastball, Diaz is diminutive in stature but big in power. He also throws a changeup and slider, but neither are anything to write home about. His power is what the scouts like, but his offspeed and breaking stuff are what’s going to get him moving up the ladder eventually. Injuries (fractured right elbow) shortened his 2015 season but if he begins 2016 anywhere, it should be at least with the Low-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
16) Kyle Wren – OF
Born: April 23, 1991 Height/Weight: 5’10″/175 lbs. Bats/Throws: Left/Left Acquired: Trade with Atlanta Braves in 2014
A smart, speedy outfielder with a quick first step, Wren is a demon on the basepaths. A better than average hitter, he relies on his ball placement to get on base rather than power, which is minimal at best.
He’s also very aggressive defensively which helps him snag fly balls as much as assists him with getting balls back to the infield faster. If he brings up his average at the beginning of 2016 in Triple-A Nashville, he could find himself at least in a backup role for Milwaukee by the middle of the summer.
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