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Milwaukee Brewers' Prospect Report: Taylor Jungmann Ready For Opener
By Pete Schwichtenberg
Milwaukee Brewers' organization will reign in a fresh start at AAA in 2015. Taking on the former affiliate, the Nashville Sounds to start the year, top pitching prospect Taylor Jungmann will toe the rubber for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. In a crucial season for his development and in a new surroundings, he will look to prove that he is ready to take his game to the next level.
Jungmann has not developed as quickly as most hoped after entering the organization as a dominant pitcher out of the University of Texas. But even though he has not cruised through the system he has still put up solid numbers. In 80 career outings, (79 starts) Jungmann has gone 33-26 with a career ERA of 3.79 while holding opponents to a .249 batting average against.
It hasn't been a quick climb, but he has still steadily been able to work his way to the top of the system. After 18 starts last season in Nashville, this will be Jungmann's second go around through the Pacific Coast League. While he struggled through his first few starts in AAA last season, he settled in nicely to finish the year with a 3.98 ERA and a 8-6 AAA record. Perhaps most impressive of all was the .235 batting average that he held opposing hitters to.
While last season was all about reestablishing himself as a top prospect, this year will be about proving that he is ready for the next level. After trading two starting pitchers this winter, the Brewers' prospect has quickly become one of the next options as a starter. This spring he was able to impress at big league camp and with Kyle Lohse in the final year of his contract, a strong season can put Jungmann in position to be a part of the 2016 rotation in Milwaukee.
The new era is set to begin in Colorado and there is not a better pitcher to start it out than Jungmann. With an off day in Milwaukee, all eyes will be on Jungmann tonight.
In his first time out he will face Oakland A's prospect Chris Bassitt. The 26-year-old Bassitt will not only be making his first ever AAA start, but also his first start as a member of the A's organization. As part of the Jeff Samardzija trade, Bassitt is a pitcher with big time strikeout ability. In 2013, he struck out 139 hitters in 149 innings (which led all White Sox prospects). He currently ranks as the 11th best prospect in the A's organization according to MLB.com. Last season Bassitt finished with a 2-1 record in the minors and was even able to earn five starts in Chicago where he went 1-1 with a 3.94 ERA.
Next: Milwaukee Brewers Farm Report: Timberrattlers are Must See in 2015