For all of the success that the Brewers have had with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in the past two seasons, I feel like the organization (and certainly the fanbase) is vexed by Rickie Weeks' failure to blossom the same way. While the entire team was putting together a second-half surge to the playoffs in 2008, Weeks was hitting .234/.342/.398. That's not bad for a second baseman with a good glove, but Weeks' glove isn't really anything special. The Brewers obviously expected more from a young player who showed good on base skills in the minors and seemed to be progressing as a hitter in the majors. Accordingly and unsurprisingly, there's a story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel today about how the Brewers' coaching staff has been working with Weeks all spring to help him be less bad at baseball.
Weeks is an incredibly important part for the Brewers this year. The Brewers need more offense in 2009 without CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets in their rotation. Even if their rotation is better than people expect, it won't be especially deep and the offense is going to have to bridge the gap for them if they're expecting to contend. Weeks can be a big part of that if he provides some real offense from second base.
At the same time, this is a huge year for him if he wants to be an everyday second baseman in the major leagues. Alcides Escobar is knocking at the door in the minor leagues, and he's got a great glove and what seem to be rapidly developing skills at the plate. Milwaukee would love for him to be its shortstop of the future, especially with J.J. Hardy headed for free agency after 2010, but if Weeks keeps struggling and the Brewers need to make a move to stay in contention in 2009, I don't think they'll hesitate to bring Escobar up and start him at second this year.
