Milwaukee Brewers Bring Back Solid Outfield

I'm back with my third installment of Brewers coverage. Today, let's look at the Brewers outfield situation.

Before I start, I want to extend my congrats to the Giants' Tim Lincecum on winning the N.L Cy Young. To think that he put up such solid numbers as a number of the lowly Giants is incredible. Congrats Tim!

Now, back to the Brewers...

The Brewers outfield is the only thing right now that looks to be set. That being said, there may be a spot open for a bench player after Gabe Kapler. But as far as the starting three, Mike Cameron, Ryan Braun and Corey Hart will be the top three out of Spring Training. On paper these three look to be one of the strongest out fields in the league offensively and defensively.

Ryan Braun put up a stellar sophomore season, after his rookie of the year campaign in 2007.  Braun led the team in hits, home runs, RBI, and average. He also led the N.L. in extra-base hits with 83. 

Braun was a few assists short of taking home one of the three outfield gold gloves, committing no errors in his first season ever in the outfield. Braun showed that his rookie year was no fluke. 

Braun joined Albert Pujols as the only players to hit 30 home runs in both of their first two seasons. Braun signed a four-year extension midway through the season, guaranteeing that he will be a Brewer for the next four seasons.

Mike Cameron, who was signed soon after the seasons end will patrol center field for the Brewers again in 2009. Cameron put solid numbers considering that he missed the first 25 games of the year due to a suspension. 

He drove in 70 runs to go along with 25 home runs. Cameron brought his great defense to the team and helped Ryan Braun in his transition. He also provided great leadership in the clubhouse.

The right field spot will belong to the speedster Corey Hart. Hart got his name out there after he was voted in to the summer classic by the fans. Hart ended up playing nine innings in and was involved in the game-ending play. Hart's season was tainted with a late season collapse as he batted .177 in the month of September.

His struggles at the plate continued int the playoffs. Rest assure though, Hart will be back to normal next season and it's nice to have an everyday player on your team. Hart's 157 games were second only to Prince Fielders 159. Hart also had good defense to go along with his great base skills. The Brewers hope that Hart can steal more bases next year.

On the bench is Gabe Kapler. Another 2008 newcomer, Kapler brought a hot bat to go along with some solid defense. His catch in Los Angeles—where he went into the stands to take back a Russel Martin homer—was voted the best play in right field this year by ESPN's Baseball Tonight. 

He hit .301 in limited action, but had many clutch hits over the course of the year. The only other likely candidate to steal a spot on the bench would be Tony Gwynn Jr. Matt Gamel could be transformed into an outfielder, but we'll have to wait and see.

The Brewers outfield is the best looking thing the Brewers have right now. If they can take care of the other areas, the team will be legit contenders once again. Next week, we will look at the starting pitching.