Look for Weeks and Hardy to use their youthful legs to secure the middle of the field defensively. As long as the two stay healthy, the top of the Brewers batting order could prove to be relatively potent.

It may only be March, but let the speculation begin! Will the Milwaukee Brewers be playing in October?

As the Posts position-by-position analysis of the Brewers roster continues, it is time to take a look at the middle infielders “ the second basemen and shortstops.

As far as overall strength of positions goes, the middle infield looks to contain the most talented and promising players.

Headlining the middle infield will be second baseman Rickie Weeks and shortstop J.J. Hardy. Weeks and Hardy, both 24 years old, have become fan favorites here in Milwaukee and continue to indicate that a bright future is in store for the Brewers franchise.

Last season, Weeks injured a tendon in his wrist on his throwing arm in late July. He eventually underwent season-ending surgery in August. Playing in only 95 games, Weeks batted .275 with eight homers, 34 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. The speedy lead-off hitter comes to spring training healthy with hopes of staying off the disabled list.

Hardy also caught the injury bug last season and needed season-ending surgery in mid-July. Hardy suffered a severe sprain in his right ankle after sliding into home during a play at the plate. Hardy saw action in only 35 games before doctors decided to repair a loose tendon in the ailing ankle.

Look for Weeks and Hardy to use their youthful legs to secure the middle of the field defensively. As long as the two stay healthy, the top of the Brewers batting order could prove to be relatively potent.

Backing up Hardy will be veteran shortstop Craig Counsell. The Whitefish Bay native hit .255 last season, and drove in 30 RBIs despite spending six weeks on the disabled list with a fractured rib.

Behind Weeks on the depth chart at second base will be another veteran, Tony Graffanino. Graffanino is fairly new to Milwaukee after being traded from Kansas City in late July. Last season, Graffanino knocked in 59 runs and batted .274 and saw action at third base and shortstop for the Brewers.

Counsell and Graffanino bring experience and leadership to the dugout and will also be able to act as mentors for Weeks and Hardy.

Also in the mix is rookie second baseman Hernan Iribarren. The Venezuelan native batted an impressive .319 in the minors last season but was dealt a six-game suspension after it was discovered he was using a corked bat.

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