The Denver Brewers organization enters the 1977 season with the 10th (out of 22) ranked farm system, largely on the strength of having the top rated player (Jim Atwell) and four players in the top 100.
In addition to hopeful future ace Atwell, the next top prospect in the Denver organization is another right-handed pitcher- Bryant Cox- who is rated #47 among WPK prospects. While Cox does not have the ace potential of Atwell, he profiles as durable, should have three plus pitches, and could be a solid mid-rotation arm. The real question with Cox, a 7th-round pick in 1975 (the same draft in which Atwell was chosen in the 5th round), is whether he will have the stamina to remain a starter.
Next, at #72 overall, comes slugging first baseman Mike Lovett. As mentioned earlier, many prognosticators believe that Lovett will be among the better hitters in the MGL this season, but scouts aren't as high on him as they once were and see him as well below the superstar potential they once saw in him. This is likely due to his lack of well-rounded tools- he is slow and a poor fielder- and in spite of the fact that his hit tool and power remain fairly elite.
Finally, at #84, is third baseman Jose Figueroa, the Brewers 1st round draft pick in 1973. At age 22, Figueroa has been moving a bit slowly up the system and new head of scouting Ulrik Berthelsen doesn't seem to be as high on him as was now retired long-time Brewer scout Nick Meskil. But many in the Brewers front office still consider Figueroa their future third baseman, with his strong contact hitting profile and above average defensive skills, and perhaps most importantly his great makeup (he is a fan favorite!) He could begin pushing Rodrigo "RodRod" Rodriguez for the starting job as early as next season.
Just a little outside the top 100 is the Brewers 2nd round draft pick from last year, lefty starting pitcher Eric Seidel. Seidel, who turns 19 in May, is a long way from being a developed prospect and it would be dangerous to count on him reaching his full potential, but as a left-hander he will certainly be valuable should he develop into a useful arm.
