Minor League Notes: Brewers Move Hart To Outfield

By Tom Haudricourt
February 4, 2004

MILWAUKEE --Given time, Corey Hart might have developed into a reliable major league third baseman. But the Brewers, who have a string of 11 consecutive losing seasons, aren't blessed with an abundance of time.

With that in mind, the Brewers will switch Hart from the hot corner to the outfield in 2004, even though the 6-foot-6 prospect was the MVP of the Double-A Southern League last year with Huntsville. There were a number of reasons for the switch, not the least of which was Hart's struggle to convert from a first baseman to a third baseman. In 119 games with the Stars in 2003, he committed 32 errors as he tried to learn the nuances of his new position.

But the Brewers also are committed at third base to Wes Helms, who signed a two-year, $4.5 million deal over the winter. And the Brewers might lose left fielder Geoff Jenkins, who can become a free agent after the season.

Last but not least, the Brewers are thin in run-producing corner outfielders in their farm system, one of the reasons Brad Nelson was moved from first base to the outfield last year. "We're trying to find a way to get Corey's bat in the lineup (in the majors)," assistant general manager Gord Ash said. "We think the fastest way to do that is to move him to the outfield. He had a ways to go at third base."

Hart was supposed to see significant time in the outfield in Puerto Rico over the winter but strained his throwing shoulder after only one week and was shut down. Thus, he'll have to do on-the-job training this spring.

An 11th-round draft pick out of a Kentucky high school in 2000, Hart batted .302-13-94 with 40 doubles last season for Huntsville. He struck out 101 times in 493 at-bats but stole 25 bases, showing good speed and quickness for his size.

With Prince Fielder expected to emerge as Milwaukee's first baseman in the near future, Hart was given a chance to show what he could do at third. He never looked completely comfortable, however, and the Brewers believe he'll relax more in the outfield and produce even more at the plate.

"I saw him play third base a few times and he did just fine," Ash said. "But we think this move is best for him and the organization, and he was all for it.

"We think this can move up his timetable to get to the big leagues. He'll probably spend most of his time this year in right field but I don't see any reason why he couldn't play left field."