PHOENIX: Andruw Monasterio was just another face in the clubhouse at this time last year.
Sure, going into his second season with the team, the Milwaukee Brewers thought he had some potential. But sufficient to make it to the main leagues for the first time and establish himself as a valuable contributor?
Not in that way.
Manager Pat Murphy remarked of the infielder, who went from being a non-roster invitee to making his major league debut in late May, “It’s great story because we really didn’t know.” “Let’s not spend a lot of extra time with guys who aren’t going to be on our roster,” I would constantly tell the coaches. Like, let’s concentrate on the men that we anticipate being present.
Following shortstop Willy Adames’ bizarre concussion, Monasterio was called up from Class AAA Nashville. After filling in as a shortstop and second base cover, he eventually made the transition to third base, where he finished the season having started 51 of 78 games.
The Venezuelan native shocked everyone by threatening to hit for a.300 average in the first few days of August and then finished at a respectable.259 with three home runs and 27 runs batted in. In the field, he contributed two outs over average and six defensive runs saved at the hot corner. He also played admirably.
Murphy stated, “Monasterio broke through.” He simply kept playing well, you know. And we felt he was underappreciated when he reached the major leagues.
“He did a fantastic job.”
This spring, Monasterio will try out for the third base position again, going through the Murphy audition process alongside players like Christian Arroyo, Joey Ortiz, Owen Miller, Tyler Black, Oliver Dunn, and non-roster invitee Joey Ortiz.
Although he is in camp and is seen as the team’s future third baseman, Brock Wilken, the Brewers’ first-round selection from July of last year, won’t be expected to be in the mix for another year.
Four observations regarding Milwaukee’s third-base situation are provided below.
The previous season, Brewers third baseman Andrew Monasterio started 51 games.
Andruw Monasterio wants to inflict more harm.
At 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, Monasterio’s physical stature from the previous season was comparable to that of a second baseman. In contrast, Wilken’s 6-4, 225-pound body is more suited for playing third base every day and anchoring a lineup.
After the Brewers were eliminated from the National League wild-card round in October of last year, Monasterio decided to build up his body’s strength and size. At 200 pounds, he was large enough to see the difference but not too bulked up like former Brewer Luis UriÁas was a few springs back. He reported to Maryvale…
In order to cross the fence in 2024, he wants to hit at least a few more of the six balls that he hit off or straight into the wall during the previous season.
“I realized from watching my home plate videos and photos that I wasn’t getting enough support for my lower body,” stated Monasterio, who has started practicing yoga and increasing the amount of agility training he gets. “This offseason, I was just trying to get bigger and stronger.”
“I think my outcome was good.”
Even though Monasterio’s slugging percentage (.348) wasn’t very high, he was able to make contact, something the other hitters in the lineup occasionally found challenging. When it was implied that Monasterio was merely a mediocre offensive player, Murphy became infuriated.
He argued, “I beg to differ.” Given what he brings to the table and what is expected of him, I would rank him as an above average offensive player. He struck the ball quite well. In the most dire circumstances, he received huge hits at crucial moments. In my opinion, he had a high percentage of solid at-bats in those crucial circumstances due to his ability to swing at the appropriate pitch, make firm contact, and comprehend the circumstances.
Although Monasterio lacks a cannonball arm, he has demonstrated the ability to field on the fly and make rapid reads, two skills necessary to be a regular at third base.
Murphy stated, “Defensively, he was above average.” He seemed to be getting used to everything and slowed down. He seems like a good defensive player to me.
Potential At third base, Tyler Black will have the best chance of making the Brewers team out of training.
Tyler Black must put in a lot of work at third base.
Throughout his first several minor-league seasons, Black had double-digit starts at first, second, and third base in addition to center field because the Brewers, as they often do, moved him around defensively.
Black’s best chance of making the team out of camp will come from his 103 starts at third base, which were by far his most (with some time spent at first base thrown in).
Black, the fourth-ranked prospect by the Brewers, had a career year in 2023, batting.284 with 18 home runs, 73 RBI, and an OPS of.930 following spells at both Class AAA Nashville and Class AA Biloxi.
Black’s speed was another important component of his game; in 67 attempts, he stole 55 bases.
With regard to the 2021 first-round selection (33rd overall), Murphy stated, “Guys that can produce offensively find their way on the team.” We will thus look to find a defensive position where he can flourish if he has excellent attacking productivity. We’ll need to take a little longer to figure it out because he’s new to us.
“I believe in the kid, I guarantee that.”
Black’s ability to maintain his health had a significant role in his impressive performance from the previous season. He struggled with serious injuries during his first few years in the league, but those setbacks served to highlight his gritty style of play.
With just one step separating him from the majors, Black will have to be more selective about where he plays. Murphy, though, respects the Toronto native’s willingness to compete and get his nose in there.
“A man who is kind of relentless, you know, is a gamer in my eyes. refuses to let a bad incident or a pitch influence a subsequent pitch or anything of the sort. Simply remains unrelenting,” Murphy remarked. “He might save his finest AB for last on the day.
“I enjoy the child. He’s actually one of my favorites.
Christian Arroyo has a strong chance of succeeding.
Arroyo may have the best chance of making the Brewers opening-day roster out of all the external non-roster invitees they brought to camp.
He can play both infield positions as well as the outfield, and since entering the majors in 2017, he has amassed a respectable amount of major-league experience (295 games between four clubs). He has also put up respectable offensive statistics (.252/24/120/.693).
Murphy stated that Arroyo will spend most of his spring training at third base, with a little bit of time at first base. Throughout his career, he has started 44 games at third base and two at first.
Murphy remarked, “I’ve heard great things.” “Many of my friends know him well in the game and have faith in him. He’s a ballplayer, they claim. I felt that our signing was excellent.
“His sport is baseball. I believe he can accomplish all of those things. The situation calls for a line drive, a sac fly, and you to hit the ball in the opposite direction. I believe that because there are so many young players on the team right now, the non-roster invitees have a great chance to make an impression.”
Owen Miller and Joey Ortiz lead the remainder of the group.
Without a doubt, Ortiz, who was acquired in the exchange for Corbin Burnes, has high expectations. His defense is his strongest suit, and he can see a situation where he alternates between third and second base, his ability to bat consistently providing the last obstacle he needs to overcome.
And there is Miller, who has started 18 of his 22 major league games for the Brewers at third base.
The right-handed hitter from Ozaukee High School is similar to Arroyo in that he can play everywhere on the diamond. Miller, who has one minor-league option remaining while Arroyo has none, may find it more difficult to make the opening-day roster.
Oliver Dunn, a minor leaguer who was acquired via trade early in the summer, is on the 40-man roster, but he will probably need more playing time before he can be considered a serious third baseman or second baseman.
