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Among the players called up to the Brewers on September 1st are catcher Kevin Curtis, outfielder/firstbaseman Andrew Kennedy, and relief pitcher Jaden Francis.
All three have had WPK time with the Brewers in the past 2 seasons but have yet to stick at the big league level.
Curtis is thought likely to be given the chance to platoon with Joey Townsend next season at the catcher position unless and until a suitable starter can be identified. (The veteran Matt Webb will likely be allowed to walk away as a free agent at the end of this season.) Curtis is unlikely to ever hit for a decent average at the WPK level, but he is very good defensively (though with just an average arm), will likely be able to draw a decent number of bases on balls, and when he does make contact, as rare as that might be, can drive the ball into the gaps for extra bases.
Kennedy has been lately getting some playing time at AAA Chester at firstbase and this should increase his chances to make the team in 1970 as both an outfield (leftfield mostly) and firstbase backup. While neither a spectacular fielder or runner, Kennedy is expected to be a well-above average, if not tremendous, hitter at the WPK level as he matures. His lefthanded bat would complement the righty Erbakan well at the firstbase position and he provides potentially great pinch-hitting skills when not starting. And unlike a few other lefties in the lineup- Antonio Puente and Tanner Yurek- Kennedy shows indications of hitting same-handed pitchers almost as well as he does right-handers. Also not insignificant to Brewers management is the high regard teammates have for Kennedy, who is emerging as a true leader in the organization.
Francis remains a pitcher the organization has high hopes for, in spite of his spotty minor league track record and recent struggles at AAA. He has solid raw skills, a fantastic curveball to go along with what should develop into an above average fastball, good HR suppressing skills and already great stuff. Where Francis continues to struggle is with his control. It is still projected that he will develop at least slightly above average control and if and when that time comes he could be a very solid member of the bullpen, likely in a set-up role. But if there is one area where the Brewers have ample depth, both currently at the WPK level but also at all levels of the minors, it is relief pitchers. So Francis will have to start producing soon or he may find himself on the outside looking in.
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