Gwynn Jr. Having Trouble Living Up To His Name

Tony Gwynn Jr. will begin yet another season in the minor leagues for the Milwaukee Brewers, as he was sent down to AAA-Nashville earlier this week.

Gwynn was drafted by Milwaukee in the second round of the 2003 MLB Draft, and made his MLB debut three years later. It was almost 24 years to the day, since his father made his jump to the majors.

Tony Gwynn Sr. was one of the greatest hitters in the game, but somehow that skill was not passed on to little Anthony.

Even Gwynn Jr.'s uncle Chris had a decent MLB career.

I don't expect young Tony to be able to put up numbers his dad did, but Gwynn Jr. isn't impressing anybody right now.

In his three scattered years in the big leagues, the younger Gwynn hasn't put up the numbers that have been in his pedigree.

Gwynn Jr. is just 26 years old, but he is starting to run dry in the Brew City. He just doesn't seem to be panning out as the Brewers' center fielder of the future; like the organization thought he would be back in 2003.

In his three years in Milwaukee, Gwynn has only gotten into 130 games, and had 264 plate appearances. He has 60 hits, and only 14 stolen bases, while hitting a dismal .248 with an on-base percentage of .300.

Several injuries (that have had the worst timing) have cost Gwynn a lot of playing time, especially this spring, when he was supposed to fight for the fourth outfielder spot.

Having missed the entire spring, he was passed over for that roster spot, despite having his Hall of Fame last name.

The Brewers are giving 2001 draftee Brad Nelson, and newly acquired Casey McGehee, a chance to start the season in the big leagues instead.

There have been talks about Milwaukee trading some stars (like Hardy, Weeks, Fielder) for primetime pitching.

I think it's time for the Brewers to part with the underachievers, and Gwynn happens to be one of them.

However, I like Tony Gwynn Jr., so I hope I'm wrong because this guy has the ability to be a solid major league player.