ZIPs projections are a baseball analytic model to predict the outcomes of the regular season. ESPN’s Dan Szymborski puts this together every offseason, and it usually provides insight on what type of team we can expect for the 2018 season. Now, it’s not perfect nor is it always accurate. But it usually provides a baseline of what might happened for the Milwaukee Brewers. The model is not encouraging for the Brewers to start the 2018 season, and it appears that Brewers General Manager David Stearns needs to do some work with this roster.

On offense, it appears that Travis Shaw and Domingo Santana are going to lead the team. That’s not surprising given their seasons last year. Shaw and Santana both showed a great deal of promise last year. Ryan Braun is not expected to be the star player of this team which should come to no one’s surprise. Lewis Brinson scores well, but it’s not an obvious breakout season from him per the ZIPs model. Another surprise is Orlando Arcia not making a next step. Personally, I feel that could happen with him. Acria showed some real offensive strength last season.

Pitching staff is a tough read honestly. Chase Anderson pitched like a goddamn All-Star last season, but the model expects it to be a flash in the pan. I can’t see that. Anderson changed up his game, and the numbers will not see that. The lack of Jimmy Nelson for probably the first two or three months of the season stress the importance that they probably need to add a frontline pitcher. One thing that might save this team from a pitching perspective is their bullpen. Corey Knebel appears to be a top notch closer with Jacob Barnes and Jeremy Jeffries being rock solid late inning relievers.

I’m excited for next Brewers season, although, I feel like there is still some work to be done with the team.

Charlie.