MLB Milwaukee Brewers

Predicting the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2015 Starting Rotation Post-Winter Meetings

Predicting the Milwaukee Brewers' 2015 Starting Rotation Post-Winter Meetings

Wily Peralta Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

Last season, the Milwaukee Brewers' rotation was as good as it has ever been. Even when things got bad offensively, the starters continued to rack up quality starts. With almost every arm still intact and six possible capable arms to chose from, here is an early look at their Opening Day rotation for 2015.

1. Yovani Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

1. Yovani Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

After a poor showing in 2013, Yovani Gallardo rebounded to have one of the best seasons of his career in 2014. Although his record didn't show it, Gallardo posted a 3.53 ERA and was consistently able to keep the Brewers in games. Often unfairly criticized for short outings and struggles to pitch deep into games at times, he has been one of the best pitchers to come through the system in a long time.

2. Kyle Lohse

Kyle Lohse Milwaukee Brewers
Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kyle Lohse

Kyle Lohse Milwaukee Brewers
Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Lohse was signed late in 2013, but he has been excellent from day one with the Brewers. As a Brewer he has been consistent as can be, posting a 3.45 ERA in his two years with the club. In the final year of his contract, he has fully become the leader of the staff.

3. Wily Peralta

Wily Peralta Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

3. Wily Peralta

Wily Peralta Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

Though he will not get the ball on Opening Day, he is the best pitcher on the staff. With his blazing fastball, he has become the workhorse of the staff. Last season, he went 17-11 and could have won 20 games were he to get better support. Locked up through at least 2019, Peralta is an arm who the Brewers will build around for years to come.

4. Matt Garza

Matt Garza Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

4. Matt Garza

Matt Garza Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images

Things didn't start out quite the way that Matt Garza had hoped for the Milwaukee Brewers. After getting rocked in the spring, he went 1-3 through April with an ERA of five. He rebounded nicely to finish the year 8-8 with a 3.64 ERA and became one of the best pitchers by mid season, until he was setback with injury. With a year in Milwaukee under his belt, the pressure will be off Garza as he looks to improve in 2015.

5. Mike Fiers

Mike Fiers Milwaukee Brewers
Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports

5. Mike Fiers

Mike Fiers Milwaukee Brewers
Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports

After a dominating start to the season in AAA, Mike Fiers was incredible in Milwaukee. In 10 starts, he posted a 2.06 ERA, striking out almost 10 batters per nine innings with a WHIP of .835. Through six minor league seasons, Fiers compiled a combined 2.75 ERA. If he can build off of his strong 2015, the Brewers may have the best No. 5 starter in all of baseball.

Long Reliever: Jimmy Nelson

Jimmy Nelson Milwaukee Brewers
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Long Reliever: Jimmy Nelson

Jimmy Nelson Milwuakee Brewers
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Nelson has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues. Last season in Nashville, he went 10-2 with a 1.46 ERA. Though he didn't have much success in the major league rotation last season, he will have a spot soon. If Lohse or Gallardo are traded, he is more than capable to step in to a rotation spot.

Pete Schwichtenberg is a Milwaukee Brewers writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.

Share Tweet