Brett Phillips Rises To Competition

Best Player

The Brewers made a calculated gamble when they promoted outfielder Brett Phillips to Triple-A Colorado Springs for the 2017 season. After all, he struggled last season at Double-A Biloxi, hitting .229 with a strikeout rate of 30 percent.

But the Brewers wanted the 23-year-old Phillips to play with prospects Lewis Brinson and Ryan Cordell in the same outfield and thought he would accept the challenge.

Phillips did exactly that, putting together a strong first half and re-establishing himself as a top prospect. Through 63 games, he hit .289/.357/.579 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. What was the difference this year after a subpar season at Biloxi?

“It comes down to confidence,” Phillips said. “It’s just a matter of being consistent, and last year I didn’t do that. This year, it’s something I was able to work on at the plate and be more consistent.”

Biggest Leap Forward

The Brewers expected big things from righthander Corbin Burnes when they drafted him in the fourth round in 2016 out of St. Mary’s. After a strong pro debut last season, the 22-year-old raised his game to a higher level this year.

Burnes began the season at high Class A Carolina and went 5-0, 1.05 in 10 starts with a 0.88 WHIP and .181 opponent average. That earned him a promotion to Biloxi, where he went 2-0, 0.76 through four starts. Overall, Burnes went 7-0, 0.97 with a strikeout rate of 8.8 per nine innings through 14 starts.

Minor league pitching coordinator Rick Tomlin and Carolina pitching coach Dave Chavarria worked with Burnes in spring training on a minor adjustment with his setup, allowing him to use his lower half a bit more.

“Corbin took to that very well,” farm director Tom Flanagan said. “He pitches to his strengths, and he pitches with a purpose. He continues to attack hitters.”