System overview
While poor major league performance cost former GM Dean Taylor his job, there is no question but that the Brewers farm system is in better condition than it was before he took over. What was once one of the worst farm systems in the game has improved greatly over the last few seasons. It still ranks as average overall, but average is better than awful, and signs point to continued improvement. New GM Doug Melvin has retained scouting personnel most responsible for the revival.

The organization is rich in corner players with power. Brad Nelson, Prince Fielder, and Corey Hart are all potential impact hitters. Unfortunately, all three are most comfortable playing first base, but at least it gives Melvin some depth at the position to work with. Middle infield candidates Bill Hall and J.J. Hardy impress scouts, but both have a lot of work to do with the bat. On the pitching front, the Brewers have three impressive right-handers: Ben Hendrickson, Mike Jones, and Pedro Liriano.

System depth needs to be improved, as the level of talent drops sharply after the top group. That will be a major focus of the rebuilding effort. But there is material here, more than was present before Taylor took over. In that sense, his tenure was at least a partial success.

2002 amateur draft
In the first round, the Brewers took Fielder, a Florida high school first baseman. He has as much power as his father Cecil, but is a more polished hitter, with better strike zone judgment and more batting average potential. He also must watch his weight, but so far it looks manageable. Second-round pick Josh Murray also came out of the Florida prep ranks. An athletic shortstop, he is very strong with the glove, and has a chance to be a decent hitter. Third-round choice Eric Thomas, a 6-9 right-hander from the University of South Alabama, has had some shoulder trouble, but can throw 94-96 mph when healthy.

Other picks to watch include outfielder Nic Carter (4th round, Campbell University), pitcher Khalid Ballouli (6th round, Texas A&M), and second baseman Callix Crabbe (12th round, Manatee CC). All three could move fairly quickly. A major sleeper is 29th-round outfielder Steve Moss, who could have gone in the top five rounds if teams thought they could sway him from college. The Brewers did, and they may have a steal. He hit .292 with excellent plate discipline in rookie ball.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Enrique Cruz, 3B: Rule 5 from the Mets, will likely stick on the roster in a reserve role. Lanky, athletic, good defense, hit .291 with 33 steals at Class A St. Lucie.

Ben Diggins, RHP: Acquired in trade from Dodgers. Can throw 95 mph at times, but sometimes just in the 88-90 range. Needs to improve his breaking stuff, and will probably begin the year in Triple-A. Relief may be his destination.

Wayne Franklin, LHP: Acquired in trade from Astros. Went 13-9 with 3.12 ERA and 151/59 K/BB in 179 innings at Triple-A New Orleans. Likely to make the rotation. Not a spectacular pitcher, but could develop into an inning-eating workhorse from the left side.

Keith Ginter, 2B: Acquired in trade from Astros. Could win the second base job. Hit .264 with 12 homers at New Orleans. Defense is steady, but not excellent.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
J.J. Hardy, SS: Hit .293 in the California League, but struggled after ill-advised promotion to Double-A. Scrappy, works hard, a yard rat with decent athletic ability. May not develop much power.

Corey Hart, 3B-1B: Hit .288, with 22 homers, 24 steals in the Cal League. Doesn't control the strike zone that well, but has Richie Sexson-type power. Trying to play third, but better off at first or perhaps the outfield.

Ben Hendrickson, RHP: Works with 90 mph fastball and outstanding curve. Posted 2.97 ERA in 13 Double-A starts, but will need improved command.

Mike Jones, RHP: Throws harder than Hendrickson, though his breaking stuff is less refined. 3.12 ERA, 132/62 K/BB in 139 innings at Class A Beloit.

Dave Kryznel, OF: Like Hardy, he was rushed to Double-A and suffered for it, hitting just .240 with horrible strike zone judgment. Did much better in the Cal League in the first half, hitting .268 with 64 walks and 29 steals.

Pedro Liriano, RHP: Acquired from the Angels. Terrific slider, good fastball, fanned 176 in 167 innings in the Cal League, with just 129 hits.

Brad Nelson, 1B: Hit .297 with 17 homers at Beloit. Has almost as much raw power as Fielder or Hart, but is more polished as a hitter at this point. Iowa farm boy who has yet to fully tap his ability.

KEY SLEEPER
Manny Parra, LHP: Draft-and-follow from '01, signed before the '02 draft. Can hit 95 mph, also has a good curve and slider combo. Posted 55/10 K/BB ratio in his first 50 professional innings.

Other names to know
Mike Adams, RHP; Ozzie Chavez, SS; J.M. Gold, RHP; Shane Nance, LHP; Johnny Raburn, INF; Dave Pember, RHP; Matt Ford, LHP; Francisco Campos, RHP; Bill Hall, SS.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.