{image1}Brewers pitchers and catchers have made their way to Maryvale, Ariz., signifying the official start of spring for seamheads.

It's only fitting, then, that the team's battery mates arrived at Spring Training early, as they were the primary culprits behind last year's 68-win season. Milwaukee's 5.03 ERA was the third-worst in the National League in 2003, and its total of three shutouts was good for dead last.

But if you're a Brewers fan, you're familiar with this tale of woe. So, to the immediate point: is there any chance this age-old trend of lousy pitching will reverse itself in 2004?

Some preseason publications are predicting a Red Sox-Cubs World Series for this October (Street & Smith's for one, though it went to press before last week's A-Rod trade), so things do eventually change.

Milwaukee's pitching evolution isn't likely to be that dramatic, but a couple new faces should provide some hope. Let's take a look at three newcomers, in particular: Chris Capuano, Jorge de la Rosa and Adrian Hernandez.

Capuano came over in the blockbuster Richie Sexson trade on Dec. 1, 2003. He may as well be GM Doug Melvin's poster boy for the deal, which was about shedding payroll and receiving untested talent in return.

The lefty starter will be 26 this August and received his first extended action in the majors with Arizona last year. He put together two solid seven-inning performances against San Diego and Los Angeles in the last two months, including a three-hit, eight-strikeout effort against the Padres. In his other three starts, he failed to last five innings.

Capuano, who had Tommy John surgery in May 2002, was 9-5, 3.34 at AAA Tucson in 2003, including 108 Ks in 142.2 IP. His big league experience is similar to fellow lefty Wayne Franklin's prior to the 2003 season, though Franklin was three years older at the time. Capuano should receive every opportunity to earn a spot in the rotation.

De la Rosa, however, is unlikely to break camp with the Brewers. Many consider the young lefty from Mexico to be the key element of the Sexson trade -- and the fact he was also a main cog in the Curt Schilling-to-Boston deal on Nov. 28 is a good indication of his potential.

But de la Rosa has only limited experience above the AA level, where he spent most of 2003. At AA Portland, he exhibited his best control and command in two minor league seasons, working 99.2 innings and fanning 102. His 2.80 ERA was also the best of his brief pro career.

De la Rosa has a good curveball and throws in the low-to-mid 90s, so he does have closer characteristics. Plus, his professional time in Monterrey (prior to joining the Red Sox in 2001) was all spent in the bullpen.

The Brewers are high on new closer Danny Kolb, but Melvin may still decide to groom de la Rosa as the team's next franchise ace. Either way, he's likely ticketed for Huntsville or Indianapolis in April.

Hernandez, a non-roster invitee signed in December, has a legitimate shot at the 25-man roster. Touted by the New York press a few years ago, "El Duquecito" failed to earn a big league win during 2001-'02 with the Yankees. He saw no time at all in the Bronx last year, earning 32 appearances (9 starts) at AAA Columbus.

Hernandez has workable stuff, as evidenced by his 103 Ks in 101 innings at Columbus in 2003. But he walked 49 during that stint, which explains why Brian Cashman never sent the AAA-to-Yankee Stadium shuttle to his hotel room last year.

Melvin says Hernandez often struggles with one bad inning -- a familiar trait on the current staff. But Melvin also likes Hernandez's ability to eat relief innings as well as spot start, a role he said the team lacked last year. If that's the case, Hernandez may end up competing with veteran Dave Burba for a position on the staff in late March.

Where does this trio fit in with the roster's established pitchers? Early chatter has only Ben Sheets and lefty vet (and Melvin guy) Doug Davis firmly set in the rotation. In all likelihood, Franklin and Matt Kinney will also fill either one or two spots.

However, if Capuano impresses in camp, manager Ned Yost may not want to have three lefties -- Davis, Franklin, Capuano -- in a soft-tossing rotation. Plus, young righty Wes Obermueller -- no fireballer, himself -- will also be given a chance to earn a starting assignment.

Best guesses for our three newcomers? Capuano in a spot-starting/long relief role in April, de la Rosa heading the rotation in Huntsville and Duquecito waiting his turn at Indianapolis.