Nick Neugebauer -- By Robert Sherry

A highly-touted right-handed pitcher from Arlington High School in Riverside, CA., Nick was chosen with the 13th pick in the second round (56th overall) in the 1998 draft. Nick being a Scott Boras client, there were some who thought that the Brewers would not be able to sign him or lose him to college. Fortunately, the two sides were able to come to an agreement, which included a team best $1 million bonus.

While pitching for the Beloit Snappers in the Midwest League, Neugebauer went 7-5 with a 3.90 ERA in his 18 starts, giving up 50 hits and 80 BB's, while striking out 125 in 81 innings of work. He lead all minor league starters in strikeouts per nine innings (13.95) and batters hit under .180 against him over the course of the season.

Nick still needs to work on lowering his walk total as he had bouts of wildness but, at 6 foot 3 and 225 pounds, he is a power pitcher who has Kerry Wood potential. He uses a very good slider along with a upper 90's MPH fastball. Due to his performance, Neugebauer has probably moved past J.M. Gold and the recently drafted Ben Sheets as the top pitcher in the Milwaukee system.

I would expect Nick to pitch at Stockton of the California League in 2000 with an arrival in Milwaukee probably right around the time the Brewers new park opens. He could be a future #1 starter in a very good rotation.

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