Loaded Team

Triple-A Nashville has several notable prospects on its roster, but the chance to see 2011 first-round picks Taylor Jungmann and Jed Bradley as well as righthander Jimmy Nelson in the same rotation makes high Class A Brevard County the best place for Brewers prospect watchers. The Brevard County lineup will be much more questionable, as the Manatees will not have anyone from the Brewers' Top 30 Prospects.

Where Is That Guy?

Righthander Mark Rogers will miss the first eight games of the season as he finishes a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant. Once he's eligible to return, he'll step into the Sounds rotation. He's hopeful that carpal tunnel surgery to re-route a nerve in his wrist will help his command. In the past he has lost feeling in his fingers at times while pitching. Outfielder D'Vontrey Richardson failed to report for spring training. Righthander Nick Bucci and first baseman Nick Ramirez were held back at extended spring training due to injuries.

Big Jump

As top draft picks from big-time college programs, it's not shocking that Jungmann and Bradley are jumping to Brevard County. Both are on the fast track and may jump to Double-A Huntsville by midseason. Farm director Reid Nichols hasn't ruled out either of them making it to the majors by September if they have strong debut seasons. Righthander Santo Manzanillo was expected to compete for a spot on the Nashville roster, but after he was in a serious car accident during the offseason, making Huntsville's roster is impressive enough. He was expected to miss significant time recovering from a fractured right scapula.

Time Is Running Out

Considering the long list of injuries he has battled his perseverance is admirably, but as some of his fellow 2004 draftees are getting ready to hit free agency, Rogers is still trying to get established in the big leagues. If he stays healthy all season, he could make it to Milwaukee for good this year, but any more injury setbacks might finally mean the end of the line. In eight pro seasons, Rogers has thrown fewer than 500 innings.