Previewing the Milwaukee Brewers’ 2015 starting rotation

Feb 17, 2014; Maryvale, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitchers hold a meeting during camp at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

We found out Monday that the Brewers traded away their ace pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, for three minor league prospects.  While the act of trading Yovani was not all that surprising, some could argue that the timing of it was a bit odd.

Piggybacking off of what our Kurtis Hardy said in his evaluation of the Gallardo trade, it would seem that a trade of a good starting pitcher would occur closer to the trade deadline rather than three months before the season starts.

Regardless of when it happened, it seemed inevitable that Milwaukee would ship their top pitcher of many years.  Gallardo was entering the final year of his current contract, and Milwaukee’s front office did not feel confident they would retain Gallardo after this season.

Once the trade was made, editor of Dairyland Express, Phil Watson, covered possible scenarios  for Milwaukee regarding their starting rotation.

Two of those scenarios revolved around the addition of starting pitching powerhouses; free agent James Shields and Washington Nationals starter Jordan Zimmerman.

The days following the trade, GM Doug Melvin spoke regarding these two pitchers.  Melvin would not comment on Zimmerman because Jordan is currently on another major league club.  Melvin also squashed any James Shields rumors (as of now), telling Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Haudricourt he “doesn’t see pursuing Shields.”

That being said, it is safe to assume Milwaukee’s opening day starting rotation (pending on injuries) will consist of Kyle Lohse, Wily Peralta, Matt Garza, Mike Fiers, and Jimmy Nelson.

Even without a fading Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee’s starting rotation will be one of their strong points this year.

Next: Lohse Now The Leader