Pitching Goes Deep Into The Farm System

The Brewer's pitching at the major league level has been nothing short of a revelation this year. It's not like the production is coming straight out of left field because they have some big names in the rotation but if you had watched them pitch last year you'd think they were in rebuilding mode. Early in the season the Brewers have the third best team ERA, which is six spots up from last years body of work. It's even more amazing if you take out Wei-Chung Wang's 7 innings and 10 earned runs the ERA drops below three which is unbelievable. The pitching success extends down to the minor leagues as well. The Nashville Sounds (AAA) have the second lowest team ERA in the Pacific Coast league and are currently leading their division. The Brewers have a plethora of young arms in the system and at the major league level that are very versatile.

Tyler Thornburg: Much was made about the Lincecum-like delivery of Tyler Thornburg when he first came up for the Brewers in 2013. Thornburg started seven games last year but also worked in the bullpen and had a respectable 2.03 ERA. This year the 25 year old has blossomed into a bonafide big league reliever often bridging the gap between the starters and the back end of the bullpen.

Will Smith: Smith was acquired in the trade with the Royals for Norichika Aoki and it couldn't have worked out better for the Brewers. Smith is only 24 years old yet he pitches like a seasoned vet. Teams have only scratched across one earned run this season on Smith and he has yielded only a .183 batting average against him. That average drops to .074 against lefties in large part because of his devastating slider. Smith was originally a starting pitcher with the stuff of a closer so the sky is the limit for the young southpaw.

Mike Fiers: Mike Fiers has done a great job at the major league level the past two years but he has been in AAA this season so far. Any other team he probably makes the starting rotation but thats arguably the Brewers strongest part of the team. Fiers has been dealing to say the least. In seven starts Fiers has six wins, posting a 1.59 ERA and is averaging 12.7k/9innings and leading the league in punchouts. If the Brewers need another arm or someone to make a spot start Fiers is more than capable.

Jimmy Nelson: Nelson was the Brewers top prospect coming into the season and it is easy to see why. Posting quality starts more often than not (couldn't find the exact number I think 6) with a 4-1 record and 1.76 ERA in 8 starts. He has a sub-one WHIP and scouts say the hard throwing righty will be ready whenever the Brewers make the call.