:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46503812/usa-today-8602365.0.jpg)
The 2015 Rule 4 MLB Draft began yesterday, with the Brewers making three selections in the first two rounds. No one was sure what the Brewers would do in this draft, if they would go back to drafting college players who could progress quicker or high-school players that would take longer to develop. At the end of the night, three new players had joined the ranks of Brewers draftees: Trenton Clark, Nathan Kirby, and Cody Ponce.
The first pick the Brewers made this year was Trenton Clark (who goes by Trent Clark), a high school outfielder from Texas. Trent Clark was considered by some to be the best pure bat in the draft, and was projected to go as high as the top ten. His talents would allow him to play center field in the majors, and will begin his career in the minors in center field. This represents a break in the Brewers preferred draft style over the last few years, where they have selected pitchers with their first pick. However, the last hitter they selected with their first pick (Clint Coulter) is doing very well in the minors, so hopefully this one works out just as well.
In the competitive balance round at the end of the first round, the Brewers made their second selection of the draft: Nathan Kirby, a college starting LHP out of the University of Virginia. Kirby has put up some excellent numbers over the last few years for the Cavaliers, but has dealt with some injuries. However, these injuries are not arm-related, so the Brewers are not as concerned about the injury risk here. He has some issues to work through, but could be a fast riser in the system if he figures those out.
The last selection the Brewers made yesterday was at #55 overall, where they selected Cody Ponce, a RHP from Cal Poly Pomona. Ponce has pitched well this year, but has dealt with a sore shoulder this spring. He also has some work to do on his secondary offerings. However, there is some upside there, and hopefully it will show as he develops.
The draft continues today as the Brewers will make eight more selections. Who else will join the Brewers organization? We will find out later today.
Yesterday's Results
In a game that went over five hours thanks to a few rain delays, the Brewers were able to "weather the storm" and come out on top. Jimmy Nelson had a great start, pitching six shutout innings and limiting the Pirates to four hits and three walks while striking out seven. AJ Burnett also pitched well, but an RBI groundout from Jean Segura got the Brewers on the board and an RBI single from Ryan Braun added some insurance.
Brewers News & Notes
- Even though the Brewers have what is considered a weak farm system right now, they have been better at drafting than people realize. Noah pulled the stats from 10 years of MLB drafts, and found that players drafted by the Brewers have put up one of the highest WAR totals as well as have had a reasonable number of players make the majors.
- Prior to yesterday's game, Derek posted a series preview of the Brewers-Pirates series.
- Three years ago, Taylor Jungmann was the 12th overall selection for the Brewers in the 2011 draft. Tonight, he will make his MLB debut. John McGonical of MLB.com notes that Jungmann is ready for his debut tonight.
- With Jungmann making his debut tonight, Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker provides a detailed breakdown of what Jungmann will bring to the Brewers.
Minor League Update
| Team | Level | Record | Yesterday | Today |
| Colorado Springs Sky Sox | AAA | 23-33 | Omaha 14, Colorado Springs 2 | Colorado Springs @ Omaha |
| Biloxi Shuckers | AA | 35-22 | Biloxi 2, Mobile 1 | Mobile @ Biloxi |
| Brevard County Manatees | A+ | 25-31 | Brevard County 7, Palm Beach 2 | Brevard County @ Palm Beach |
| Wisconsin Timber Rattlers | A | 18-40 | Wisconsin 4, Fort Wayne 3 | OFF |
| DSL Brewers | R | 2-6 | DSL Tigers 2, DSL Brewers 0 | DSL Brewers @ DSL Marlins |
News & Notes
- Four members of the Brevard County Manatees were selected to the Florida State League All-Star Team. Marcus Young of Miller Park Prospects has more information on the four players selected.
- Pete Schwichtenberg of Reviewing the Brew notes that Tyler Cravy had a great start in Colorado Springs in his first start back in the minors.
NL Central Update
| Team | W | L |
| Cardinals | 38 | 20 |
| Cubs | 30 | 25 |
| Pirates | 31 | 26 |
| Reds | 25 | 31 |
| Brewers | 21 | 37 |
- Rockies 11, Cardinals 3
- Reds 6, Phillies 4
- Cubs had the day off.
Today's Division Games
- Cubs (Jon Lester) @ Tigers (Anibal Sanchez) - 6:08 pm
- Phillies (Aaron Harang) @ Reds (Anthony DeSclafani) - 6:10 pm
- Cardinals (Michael Wacha) @ Rockies (Jorge De La Rosa) - 7:40 pm
Today's Action
Taylor Jungmann will make his MLB debut tonight against the Pirates. Opposing for the Pirates is Francisco Liriano. First pitch is at 6:05 pm.
(Also, today is a Woot-Off.)