Milwaukee Brewers: What to do with Jonathan Villar?
By Joe Kiemen
![Sep 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jonathan Villar (5) reacts after striking out during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports Sep 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jonathan Villar (5) reacts after striking out during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/84c06a9dd5bed8ce3fb04d68f1d18e42dedd163dc7b825ae26c53b04a0166c60.jpg)
The Milwaukee Brewers 2016 season is quickly coming to an end and with that comes the time to start predicting what lies ahead.
If there is one silver lining of supporting the rebuilding Milwaukee Brewers, it is the knowledge that re-reinforcements are coming. Through trades and the draft, David Stearns has quickly built up one of the best farm systems in baseball.
This makes it all to easy to envision a roster of players including Orlando Arcia, Isan Diaz, Lewis Brinson, Corey Ray and Brett Phillips. Even though we look forward to what lies ahead, there are still some current roster members who figure to be a part of the long term plan.
One of these players is former shortstop and current third baseman, Jonathan Villar. Despite his recent struggles at the plate, Villar is still pulling a .283/.368/.441 slash line. This is slightly down from where he was throughout the season but still outstanding stats for the switch hitter.
If we are to consider his ability to create runs by stealing bases (58) his offensive production becomes even more impressive. With a late season power burst he may even reach a 20 home run season, as he currently sits at 16.
Because of this offensive ability, Jonathan Villar figures to be a major piece in rebuilding the Brewers. But to be in the lineup he must play a position. Having already been moved for the arrival of Orlando Arcia and his struggles with the transition to third base, where should Craig Counsell choose to pencil him next year?