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The Milwaukee Brewers had a rough 2015 season, with a 68-94 record and two managers (Ron Roenicke and Craig Counsell). Things don’t look dramatically better for 2016 right now, but here’s how the Brewers’ lineup should look on opening day against the San Francisco Giants.
1. CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Credit: Getty Images1. CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Milwaukee claimed Niewenhuis off waivers in December, and he immediately became a candidate to start in center field. A solid spring cements his spot in the opening day lineup.
2. 3B Aaron Hill
Credit: Christian Petersen Getty Images2. 3B Aaron Hill
Hill was acquired from Arizona during the offseason, and he'll step right in as Milwaukee's starting third baseman. Ideally, Hill would start well, stay healthy and become a viable trade chip for the Brewers.
3. LF Ryan Braun
Credit: Getty Images3. LF Ryan Braun
Braun's back, after offseason surgery, has become an issue late in the spring. But he is expected to be good to go for opening day, and the No. 3 spot in Milwaukee's lineup is where he belongs.
4. C Jonathan Lucroy
Credit: Getty Images4. C Jonathan Lucroy
Lucroy had an injury-plagued 2015 season, and trade rumors continue to surround him. But for opening day, he'll be behind the plate for the Brewers and should bat in the cleanup spot.
5. 1B Chris Carter
Credit: Getty Images5. 1B Chris Carter
Carter strikes out at epic levels, but he also has 90 home runs over the last three seasons. He fits as Milwaukee's No. 5 hitter, for better or worse.
6. RF Domingo Santana
Credit: Getty Images6. RF Domingo Santana
The offseason trade of Khris Davis shifted the Brewers' corner outfield situation, and Santana is in line to start in right field. His contact rate in the big leagues last year (61 percent) is not ideal, but Santana at least has the upside of youth in his corner.
7. SS Jonathan Villar
Credit: Getty Images7. SS Jonathan Villar
The Brewers traded Jean Segura this offseason, and Orlando Arcia is a prospect on the verge of making it to Milwaukee for the long haul. For opening day, Villar, who was acquired from the Houston Astros over the winter, gets the nod at shortstop.
8. 2B Scooter Gennett
Credit: Getty Images8. 2B Scooter Gennett
Gennett was abysmal against left-handers (.114 batting average) and functional against right-handers (.279) last season. But he is in line for a clear full-time role this year, starting with opening day.
9. SP Wily Peralta
Credit: Lisa Blumenfeld Getty Images9. SP Wily Peralta
A 4.72 ERA over 20 starts with the Brewers in 2015, and a 6.30 ERA over 20 spring innings, did not prevent Counsell from making Peralta his opening day starter.
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