Like Bill Hall last spring, second-year hitting standout Ryan Braun is moving from the infield to the outfield in hopes of making Milwaukee a better defensive team while getting the best starting eight players on the diamond.
Hall understandably struggled early in switching to center after spending his career in the infield. He replaces Braun at third base this season because the latter committed an astounding 26 errors after being called up from Triple A in late May.
Braun no doubt will take his lumps, where he'll be manning left field after the platooning partners of long-time Brewer Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench were released. Braun is looking to avoid the sophomore jinx after winning National League rookie of the year honors. He batted .324, scored 91 runs, hit 34 homers, knocked in 97 and set a major league rookie record with a .634 slugging percentage, shattering Mark McGuire's standard. However, he struck out 112 times and walked only 29 times, an area that should improve now that he knows many of the opposing pitchers.
Corey Hart is the incumbent in right, although he has admirably filled in in center occasionally. Hart, whether down in the order or replacing the injured Rickie Weeks in the lead-off spot, turned in a wonderful campaign. He batted .295 and had a .353 on-base percentage while belting 24 homers, knocking in 81 runs and stealing 23 bases, second to Weeks' 25. Hart also led the team with nine triples.
As for center, that spot will be veteran Mike Cameron's, once he returns from a 25-game suspension to start the season, that is. The three-time Gold Glove winner brings speed and experience to the young unit, although his 160 strikeouts and .242 average at San Diego last season weren't what the Brewers brass was seeking during off-season shopping.
That means holdover reserves Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn Jr. and newcomer Gabe Kapler will vie for important playing time in April and beyond.
Gross offers more power after hitting seven round-trippers and knocking in 24. He hit .350 in August after being shipped to Nashville to get regular playing time. He finished at .235 but registered a .329 OBP.
Gwynn is an excellent fielder and stole eight bases, but his fast start fell off to a .260 average in 123 plate appearances.
Kapler came out of retirement and can play all three spots. He has a career .270 average and played on Boston's 2004 World Series champions.
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