Bobby

Brownlie

Brownlie has lost velocity in recent weeks. If his season is over, he’ll finish at 5-4 with a 3.00 ERA, 48 H and 59/24 K/BB in 66 IP for Single-A Daytona.

Brownlie, pitching for Single-A Daytona, worked 6 1/3 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 run. He didn’t walk anybody and struck out six.

He allowed two hits, walked one and struck out four.

Brownlie, the Cubs No. 1 pick last year, is expected to be okay.

Just like last year, many of the most interesting minor league free agents are choosing to sign with the Nats, a team perceived to have a lot of potential openings. Shell, a former Angels prospect, definitely qualifies, though he’s turned in back-to-back disappointing seasons. Maybe he’ll find himself as a full-time reliever. However, because of the Nationals’ needs, he’ll probably be in the rotation at Triple-A Columbus initially. Brownlie, a one-time star at Rutgers and Cubs’ first-round pick, returned to the minors from indy ball last season and had a 3.17 ERA in 48 1/3 IP for Double-A Akron. Warden, another signing out of the Cleveland system, has a chance to contribute in middle relief right away.

Even though his shoulder remains a major concern, Brownlie is still a top prospect. On just about any other team, he might be a candidate to reach the majors this season.

Brownlie, a 2002 first-round pick, appears ready for Double-A. He’s 5-2 with a 1.88 ERA, 33 H and 49/20 K/BB in 57 1/3 IP for Daytona.

Brownlie, a former first-round pick who went unselected in the Rule 5 draft in December, allowed one run in three innings this spring. It’s possible that he’ll see time in middle relief at some point.

The 22-year-old Brownlie was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick heading into last year, but injuries in his junior year at Rutgers and the fact that he had Scott Boras as an agent left him on the board for the Cubs at pick No. 21. It’s believed that he’s getting a bonus of about $2.5 million. He should be considered a top prospect, one who could reach the majors as soon as 2004.

Brownlie, a 2002 first-round pick, is 5-3 with a 2.82 ERA, 46 H and 39/11 K/BB in 54 1/3 IP.