Milwaukee Brewers: David Stearns’ 5 best moves in first year
By Tim Muma
Few people batted an eye the Milwaukee Brewers dealt Jason Rogers to Pittsburgh to get minor leaguers Keon Broxton and Trey Supak last December.
Many took note of Supak, a 19-year-old right-handed pitcher, before paying any attention to the athletic outfielder.
Stearns saw Broxton’s tremendous raw ability with the bat and his legs, the type of power-speed combo baseball teams often take a chance on.
Broxton upped his numbers to solid levels: .354 OBP, .430 slugging percentage, .784 OPS and 23 stolen bases in 27 chances.
The Brewers threw Broxton into the mosh pit of center fielders vying for an Opening Day roster spot out of Spring Training.
His first stint didn’t go well – and that’s being kind. Broxton went 0-for-16 with 11 strikeouts to earn a demotion back to the minors. After bouncing back and forth once more, he stuck.
Broxton made some adjustments at the dish which led to more success with the Brewers. Most notably, he lowered his hands in his stance to allow him to make more consistent contact.
Broxton upped his numbers to solid levels before breaking his wrist and ending his season: .354 OBP, .430 slugging percentage, .784 OPS and 23 stolen bases in 27 chances.
What’s most impressive is how he got to those stats.
Over his final 37 games, Broxton hit .300 with a stellar .400 OBP, .533 slugging percentage and a .938 OPS. That included seven doubles and seven home runs as well.
He should have the inside track on the center field spot in 2017…barring another Stearns deal.