An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/284022
7 Aramis Ramirez, who was plagued by injuries last season, returns at third base and, if he can stay healthy, will add to run production. Questions at second and first base were being addressed in the spring. Scooter Gennett and Rickie Weeks were sharing time at second. A trio of veterans – Juan Francisco, Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay – were vying at first. It's the second time around for Overbay, who was the first baseman before Prince Fielder came up from the minors. "I feel great here," Overbay said. "I enjoyed Milwaukee, the organization and fans the first time around and hope I can help the team win." Jonathan Lucroy has developed into a team leader at catcher and is backed up by Martin Maldonado. Veteran Matt Garza has been added to a starting rotation that already included Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse, Willie Peralta, Marco Estrada and perhaps Tyler Thornburg. Several pitchers are in the mix in the bullpen, with Canadian Jim Henderson at closer. I think we have more depth in pitching than we've had in the past," said GM Doug Melvin. "You can't have too much pitching." As for Hank, the pooch mentioned at the start of this story, he wandered into the Brewers' spring training camp in Maryvale and immediately endeared himself to the players and fans. They named him after former Brave and Brewer great Hank Aaron. He drew a great deal of national publicity, raced in a Sausage Race (as the real "hot dog") and added to the overall optimistic, upbeat attitude on the club. Hank traveled to Milwaukee weeks before the opening game March 31 against the Atlanta Braves and will be living in the home of one of the Brewers' executives. His "position" during home games this season has yet to be determined. Cover photo, page 6 photo and bottom photo on this page (Carlos Gomez) by Scott Paulus of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club. Batting cage photos, including Ryan Braun (center), by Gregg Hoffmann.