Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell has options at center field this year.
Lots of options.
Enough options to field an entire defense, as a matter of fact.
The Brewers invited nine players who have seen action in center field to spring training, leaving Counsell with plenty of to think about when it comes to filling a spot that suddenly has a wealth of suitors following the departure of Carlos Gomez.
"Nine is a big number, but I think we're taking an open mind to it. Let some of the action ... let people surprise us," Counsell said. "I think that's the attitude we're taking. Understanding some of these guys aren't natural center fielders. We know it isn't round peg in the round hole necessarily."
One of those pegs, former Pittsburgh Pirates farmhand Keon Broxton, is taking the challenge in stride.
"I was thinking I was going to go into spring training with the Pirates and fight for an outfield spot. But when I got traded, I saw that it was a good opportunity for me to do what I want to do, which is play every day in the big leagues and it's nice to be able to come here and have a legit chance to make the club," Broxton said.
According to Counsell, the 25-year-old might have a shot due to it being his normal position.
"I think Keon is the natural center fielder of the group. That's the best thing he's got going for him, certainly," Counsell said. "He's young, he's still developing as a player, but he's a natural center fielder. He runs around there like, Mike Cameron comes to mind. "
That's three-time Gold Glove winner Mike Cameron, who made a brief stop in Milwaukee during his 17-year MLB career.
But Counsell is prepared to back it up.
"Believe me that's lofty (praise)," he said. "But running around out there, the long strides, it certainly looks like it."
Anderson's changeup: Counsell likes what he's seen out of pitcher Chase Anderson, who was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a five-player swap earlier this year.
"He's got a very good changeup, that's his calling card. He has very good command. He's athletic on the mound," Counsell said. "He's kind of at that stage with some big-league experience where I think he's in a good spot to make adjustments and take a little leap."
No rush for Braun: Ryan Braun reported to camp on Thursday with no restrictions after undergoing lower back surgery in October, but Counsell says that they'll go easy on the 32-year-old outfielder for now.
"He's been a full participant in all the drills, we've just kept his time on the field shorter," Counsell said. "We'll still take a conservative approach with games. He's shown in the past he doesn't need a full spring training."
