Chris Narveson

2013

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2012

Narveson ended last season with a 4.23 ERA in 161.2 innings as Milwaukee's fifth starter. His 7.01 K/9IP strikeout rate seems to indicate that he has more potential, but a high walk rate and home rate have limited what he can do. Interestingly enough, while the walk and home-run rates have improved during his seasons with the Brewers, his strikeout rate has gradually declined during that span. He'll have to fight for a rotation spot in 2012 and may end up in the bullpen.

2011

Narveson started 28 games for Milwaukee in 2010 with a 4.99 ERA. Walks and home runs were his biggest downfall and he'll need to improve on that to maintain a rotation spot in 2011. He'll compete for the fifth starter spot in spring training, but may end up in the bullpen or working as a starter at Triple-A Nashville.

2010

Narveson was a journeyman minor leaguer who got a shot with the Brewers in 2009 at the age of 27. He responded with an ERA of 3.83 in 47 innings. The Brewers may be able to keep him in their bullpen as a lefty reliever, but it's more likely that he'll start the season at Triple-A Nashville and wait for another opportunity.

2007

Narveson battled shoulder injuries in 2006, yet still managed to pitch well at two minor league levels and even make a spot start for St. Louis during the pennant race. At 25, the sun hasn’t set yet on the once-promising lefty, but his 2006 K:BB of 58:33 in 80 Triple-A innings needs improvement. He’ll compete for a spot in the St. Louis pen, but it’s more likely that he’ll spend more time in Memphis until he’s truly ready.

2006

Late in 2005, Narveson returned to the organization that drafted him after spending most of the year in the Red Sox organization. He pitched poorly in both spots, sporting a 4.77 ERA with Triple-A Pawtucket, followed by a 12.15 ERA in two starts with Triple-A Memphis. Once considered a top prospect, he'll need a big rebound year to return to that status.

2005

Narveson needs to improve on his 4.5 BB/9IP of last season if he wants a promotion to Triple-A, especially in the Colorado organization where it's hard enough to succeed as a pitcher.

2004

Command left-hander who is going to need at least another season in the minor leagues working on his control. Narveson is a Tommy John surgery survivor, a group that has begun to outnumber actors who have worked with Ted McGinley. Stash him on a deep reserve list, and you might have something in 2006.

2003

Narveson improved the velocity on his fastball in his draft year, and now works in the low-90’s. The second round pick out of high school in 2000 has three other quality pitches; a slider, curveball, and change up. The left-handers stuff is good, although not top tier. The 21-year-old throws strikes, doesn’t get himself into trouble, and has shown great confidence in the low minors. A mid-season elbow tear shut him down in July 2002, although the tear was slight and he should be back on pace at High-A to begin 2003.