Brewers Challenge Ray With FSL Trial

MILWAUKEE—The Brewers do not hesitate to give top prospects aggressive placements in their system, and that tactic applied to fifth overall pick Corey Ray as well.

After signing the multi-talented outfielder to a $4.125 million deal, the Brewers sent Ray to high Class A Brevard County, one of their most aggressive assignments for a position player fresh out of the draft.

The 21-year-old played for one of the top college programs in the country at Louisville, so the Brewers figured Ray was up to the task of starting in the Florida State League, a tough environment for hitters.

The decision was made after scouting director Ray Montgomery, general manager David Stearns and farm director Tom Flanagan put their heads together.

“With his skill set and advanced nature to the game, and what he brings to the table, David and Tom talked about it and we felt like he’d be comfortable there and it would be a good place to start,” Montgomery said.

“That league can be notoriously tough on hitters, but with Corey’s approach and style, I think he’ll play fine there.”

The Brewers also announced that Ray would play center field for the Manatees. Some amateur scouts questioned whether the 6-foot, 190-pound Chicago native might have to move to a corner outfield spot, but the Brewers plan to give him every opportunity to play center. Ray vowed to make that plan work.

“I believe I’m a center fielder,” said Ray, a lefthanded batter who through 22 games hit .227/.260/.278 with four extra-base hits, three steals and four walks. “I think the people here believe I’m a center fielder. If they don’t, one day they will.”

The Brewers have many of their top prospects playing young for their league, and while some were struggling with results, Stearns defended the practice.

“No one has jumped out and greatly exceeded expectations to this point,” Stearns said. “But if you look at the overall output of some of our top prospects, given their ages and levels they’re playing at, it’s still pretty impressive. There is still value to that.”

MICROBREWS

• The Brewers claimed righthanded reliever Rob Scahill on waivers from the Pirates and assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

• The Brewers promoted 19-year-old righty Marcos Diplan to Brevard County after he went 6-2, 1.80 at low Class A Wisconsin, with 89 strikeouts in 70 innings.