Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, GM Matt Arnold, and other staff members had to make a tough decision today regarding outfield prospect Joey Wiemer. The teams last opening day roster spot appeared to come down to a decision between Owen Miller and Wiemer. Wisconsin native Owen Miller, who had a great spring, won the battle and Wiemer was reassigned to Minor League camp.
Following the decision Craig Counsell had this to say about Owen Miller, “Look, this is a part time job. That’s kind of where this is going to sit. Owen had a great spring. Aside from Mike Brosseau, maybe swung the bat as well as anybody. And Miller did well defensively.”
There is no denying that Owen Miller played well. In 39 at-bats he slashed .385/.429/.487. He also played all over the ball diamond including lots of reps at center field. Unfortunately his great spring and defensive versatility has left Joey Wiemer out of the big leagues. For now.
Craig Counsell shares a message for Joey Wiemer after not making the opening day roster.
As mentioned earlier, the Milwaukee Brewers final roster spot may be a ‘part time job’. Just because Joey Wiemer didn’t make the opening day roster doesn’t mean he won’t get an opportunity at all in 2023. Here is what message Craig Counsell had for him after today’s roster moves, “Force your way into the big leagues”.
Wiemer will attempt to do this by starting the season in Triple-A Nashville. Last year he played his final 43 games of the season there in which he hit .287/.368/.520 with six home runs, 15 doubles, and 30 RBI.
This is Counsell’s way of saying continue to make our job tough. Wiemer played quite well this spring and if he can continue to play well and grind through the Minor Leauges he may force the Brewers hand to promote him.
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