Roster reaction

The once and future Timber Rattler beat writer has a look at the Timber Rattler roster.

[T]he Timber Rattlers' lineup features eight players who are considered among the Brewers' top 30 prospects as determined by Baseball America.

By the way, BA rates the Brewers as having the 10th best minor league system among Major League Baseball's 30 franchises.

Topping the list are infielder Brett Lawrie and outfielder Cutter Dykstra.

The 19-year-old Lawrie, selected by the Brewers in the first round (16th overall) of last year's June draft, will be making his professional debut with the Rattlers after participating with Team Canada in the World Junior Championships and the Beijing Olympics last summer and the World Baseball Classic last month.

He's rated by Baseball America as the third best prospect in the Brewers system and 42nd overall by BA editor Jim Callis.

Jim Breen over at Bernie's Crew takes a crack at it, too.

* One notable omission is Jake Odorizzi. The right-hander just graduated high school last summer, but has an advanced four-pitch repertoire that many thought would propel him to a Class-A assignment. The Brewers obviously will be a little more cautious with Jake, allowing him to refine his approach in extended Spring Training. I would not be surprised to see Jake join the Timber Rattlers before long, however. Milwaukee loves the kid.

* Juan Sanchez and Edgar Trejo are also interesting players.

Sanchez played third base for the Minnesota Twins' rookie league club, but also has experience at shortstop. The 22-year old has a pretty advanced approach at the plate for such a young player. He hit .314/.382/.467 in 2008 with 13 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 home runs. At only 167 pounds, however, the Brewers are hoping for a power surge as the youngster fills into his body a bit more.

Trejo only played 3 games in Helena last season due to injury, but the Brewers obviously value the 18-year old quite highly. At 6'2" and 194 pounds, the Brewers are hoping for Edgar to improve his power dramatically. He posted only a .048 ISO for the AZL Brewers in 2007 as a 17-year old. His fielding is mediocre, but Milwaukee likely wishes to develop Trejo into a utility fielder of sorts. He played all the infield positions but first base with the Baby Brewers. Expect that to continue with the Timber Rattlers.

Can it be Thursday tomorrow?