What We Learned: Don't forget about the prospects

Yesterday’s Results

Brewers 5, Rangers 2

Scooter Gennett's debut was moved up to Thursday in the designated hitter spot, and it paid off. He was a triple short of the cycle in the Brewers win. Meanwhile, Taylor Jungmann was sharp, throwing four scoreless innings.

Links from BCB

• With 17 days to go until Opening Day, Derek continued his look at the future prospects with a look at the 2017 prospects.
• Looking a little more into the near future, Kyle focused on the 2016 pitching prospects, with a little extra love for Junior Guerra.
• In his Thursday report from Brewers camp, Travis has a profile of shortstop prospect Yadiel Rivera.

Other Brewers News and Notes

• One player who will not making the Opening Day roster is RHP Yhonathan Barrios. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com reports that Barrios will start the year on the disabled list, ending his chances at making the Brewers bullpen.
• Craig Counsell's flexibility with the closer role has some people impressed with him. One person is Ryan Romano of BP Milwaukee, who thinks that Counsell's flexibility will pay off with some extra wins.
• Responding to a question about Rymer Liriano, John Sickels of Minor League Ball wrote a profile on the Brewers outfielder.

Around Baseball

• The story around Adam LaRoche is getting more intense by the day. Chris Cwik of Big League Stew reports that the White Sox players considered boycotting Wednesday's game against the Brewers to support LaRoche, and a meeting with team president Kenny Williams involved Chris Sale yelling at Williams. Meanwhile, Mike Oz notes that many players love having kids in the clubhouse, and Prince Fielder spoke about his experience on both sides of the issue.
• Justin Morneau is still a free agent, and now we know part of the reason why. He underwent elbow surgery during the offseason and is out until at least the mid-season mark.
• Two players announced their retirement yesterday: RHP Rafael Soriano and RHP Brady Penny.
• The Indians have brought in Marlon Byrd for a physical and are expected to sign him to a minor league deal.
• The Pirates released LHP Jesse Biddle.
• Rays closer Brad Boxberger will miss at least eight weeks following abdominal muscle surgery.
• Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will open the season on the disabled list as he recovers from a dislocated right kneecap.
• The Reds signed RHP Alfredo Simon to a one-year contract.
• The city of New York is expected to enact a smokeless tobacco ban at ticketed sporting events, banning the substance from Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. They would be the fifth MLB city to enact the ban, joining Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

This Weekend's Action

Here is what is coming up this weekend for the Brewers:

Friday: Brewers vs. Reds - 3:05 pm (FS Wisconsin, Brewers Radio Network)
Saturday: Brewers @ Angels - 3:10 pm (Brewers Radio Network)
Sunday: Brewers vs. Dodgers - 3:05 pm(FS Wisconsin)