Prince Fielder | Photo: AP

Prince Fielder | Photo: AP

Tools

Brewers Gameday: The Infielders

By Jay Sorgi

Next game: Saturday, April 5th vs. San Francisco
Brewers Gameday with the Jockey Pregame Show at 11:30 a.m. on Newsradio 620 WTMJ

Brewers' Home Opener
Gameday Coverage
620WTMJ Exclusive Audio
Dan, Jay and the Llama's Guide
Our Experts Predict '08 Season
620WTMJ, Brewers Extend Radio Broadcast Rights Deal

Share Your Home Opener Pics!
Click Here to share your pictures from opening day at YouNews

The Brewers' 2008 Roster
Starters
Relievers
Infielders
Outfielders

The team's most solid positions, Milwaukee brings added depth to an infield with three all-stars. 

If Rickie Weeks adds to that lineup by raising his average, it could be the best in all of baseball.

Infielder Vitals 2007 Synopsis
Craig Counsell. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Craig Counsell #30
IF - Bats L, Throws R
6-0, 180
Age: 37
.220, 3 HR, 24 RBI

He's a great clubhouse guy and someone whose two championship rings can give credence to his leadership. Yost will often bring him in on defense.

Joe Dillon.  |  Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Joe Dillon #27
IF - Bats R, Throws R
6-2, 215
Age: 32
.342, 0 HR, 10 RBI

An offensive powerhouse in his 76 at bats in 2007, he's versatile enough to even play outfield positions. If injuries hit, he'll get lots of playing time. Think Bill Hall three years ago and you'll see what Dillon could become.

Prince Fielder. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Prince Fielder #28
1B - Bats L, Throws R
5-11, 270
Age: 23
.288, 50 HR, 119 RBI

Perhaps the best power hitter in the National League, he has a chip on his shoulder because he's getting paid near-rookie money and he wants much-bigger cash. Thankfully, the Brewers are working on that. Now, he'll need to work on making 50+ HR consistent in a park where that's a possibility for many years.

Bill Hall. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Bill Hall #2
3B - Bats R, Throws R
6-0, 210
Age: 28
.254, 14 HR, 63 RBI

Had a very subpar year at the plate compared to 2006 (35 HR, 85 RBI); perhaps the move back to third base, a more comfortable position for the previously transfered centerfielder, could get his mind back on success at bat.

J.J. Hardy. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
J.J. Hardy #7
SS - Bats R, Throws R
6-2, 190
Age: 25
.277, 26 HR, 80 RBI

In 2007, his bat's success reflected the Brewers fortunes. Early on, he was the NL MVP, and the Brewers were 24-10. Then his bat died, and so did the team. A more consistent year could guarantee October.

Jason Kendall, seen here playing for Pittsburgh against the Brewers in 2003, will have an incentive-laden contract with the Brewers. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Jason Kendall #18
C - Bats R, Throws R
6-0, 205
Age: 32
(w/Cubs): .270, 1 HR, 19 RBI

Kendall has to return to his everyday catcher role this year after two injury-plagued years. One of the best defensive catchers around, he was brought in to become the pitchers' best friend. He also can bring veteran leadership and winning pennant-race/playoff experience to a team sorely needing it.

Mike Rivera #11 C - Bats R, Throws R
6-1, 230
Age: 30
.231, 2 HR, 3 RBI

The new backup catcher, he could see major playing time if Kendall has injury problems, a recent issue in the last two years.

Rickie Weeks. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Rickie Weeks #23
2B - Bats R, Throws R
5-10, 215
Age: 25
.235, 16 HR, 36 RBI, 78 BB

Weeks knows how to draw walks, which saved his on-base percentage to a career hgh .374. Now, he needs to show he knows how to put the bat on the ball and "put 'em where they 'aint." Do that, and his teammates' RBI totals should skyrocket.