Brewers claim SP Nick Green on waivers from Angels; DFA RP Luis Pena; Latest-- Pena claimed by the Mariners (reply #61)

[And That]

Link to JS Blog.

 

Another starting pitcher to throw at the wall. Green has a good changeup, but doesn't profile much above a bottom of the rotation pitcher. He still has 2 options left, I think. Had a 5.32 ERA last year in AAA as a 23 year old.

 

Pena was a strange choice to DFA, IMO. He has an option, a live arm and will probably be lost on waivers because if he clears waivers, he could elect to become a free agent. Pena had big control problems last year in the second half but by all accounts is still a well-regarded prospect.

[logan82]

Was Pena the same guy who at this time last year was thought to be the closer in waiting by some people?

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

This must be a vote of confidence for Omar Aguilar. I suppose a little more AAA starting pitching depth wouldn't hurt, but I didn't think Luis Pena was that low on the Brewers totem pole. Why not DFA Gwynn? It's only a matter of time before it happens anyways.

[MillerParkSouth]

I'm hoping Gwynn is DFA'd to make room for Looper.

 

I like the pick up. I'd agree that it's a little curious to get rid of Pena, but this Green kid sounds intriguing and should provide for some solid depth, if nothing else.

[patrickgpe]

Why not DFA Gwynn

there would be no other OF's on the 40 man besides the starting 3. If we had OF depth, then I'd be fine with it.

 

I think this move has alot to do with putting together a AAA starting rotation and thats about it. We really didn't have any pitchers that could fill in if needed in the minors. Now we have a few.

[bklynbrewcrew]

Luis Pena has a power arm and I hate just throwing his potential away for no reason. With guys like Rottino and Gwynn taking space on the 40 man roster this move makes no sense.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

there would be no other OF's on the 40 man besides the starting 3. If we had OF depth, then I'd be fine with it.

We have Trot Nixon and Chris Duffy signed to Minor League Deals. We could always add one of them.

[And That]

I think this move has alot to do with putting together a AAA starting rotation and thats about it. We really didn't have any pitchers that could fill in if needed in the minors. Now we have a few.

You typically don't fill in AAA rotations with 40-man roster moves. Green was acquired because the Brewers think he could pitch for them at the major league level.

 

We had plenty of pitchers in AAA/AA before acquiring Wright and Green, not sure where the "didn't have any pitchers" thing comes from. Narron, Gulin, Narveson, Holliman, Ginter, Welch and Brae Wright will all get shots in the AAA rotation and they were here before the two aforementioned pitchers got here.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

So who would the Brewers call up first in a pinch? Wright or Green?

[chuckiehacks]

What is the Brewers' fascination with Vinny Rottino? He can't make it past the Looper transaction, can he?

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

Since they already have Corporan and Salome all set for AAA, I tend to agree that Rottinos time on the 40 man is limited.

[nate82]

Why not DFA Gwynn

there would be no other OF's on the 40 man besides the starting 3. If we had OF depth, then I'd be fine with it.

Iribarren can also play the OF along with some IF positions plus theres Nixon and Duffy available.

[TooLiveBrew]

Brad Nelson can handle the corner OF spots as well, correct? Maybe not well, but...

[JohnBriggs12]

Those calling for Gwynn to be DFA'd need to remember a spot will need to be created if and when Trot Nixon is added. That won't happen until late in ST.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

Mike Lamb also has some OF experience and Bill Hall has played a few games out there.

 

Those calling for Gwynn to be DFA'd need to remember a spot will need to be created if and when Trot Nixon is added. That won't happen until late in ST.

Morlan or Swindle's release could also create a spot.

[monty57]

I hope Swindle doesn't get released. I'm looking forward to seeing that funky delivery everyone talked about when he was signed.

 

I'm surprised Pena was let go, as there seem to be other choices. Maybe the Brewers know something about him we don't.

[Ennder]

Pena is 26 years old this year, had a career ERA of 4.15 in the minors and had his worst year ever in 2008. Hard for me to lose too much sleep over this.

[Invader3K]

What is the Brewers' fascination with Vinny Rottino? He can't make it past the Looper transaction, can he?

The whole PR thing of him being from Wisconsin?

 

Other than that, I don't know. I think his days in the Brewers organization are probably numbered.

[Herm]

If I'm Aguilar or Dillard I interpret this news as a vote of confidence.

[kramnoj]

Green's 666 IP weren't a fit for the Angels.

 

Those homers allowed are a little scary, but he certainly does have good control. Seems like a decent move for catastrophic insurance for SP depth.

[valpocrewsader]

Was Pena the same guy who at this time last year was thought to be the closer in waiting by some people?

Yes. Very disappointing that we will likely lose him....

[vannzee]

Green's 666 IP weren't a fit for the Angels.

 

Those homers allowed are a little scary, but he certainly does have good control. Seems like a decent move for catastrophic insurance for SP depth.

 

He was pitching in a hitters league...

[jjfanec]

valpocrewsader wrote

Yes. Very disappointing that we will likely lose him....

He is 26 years old and only has one year above AA and that year was horrible. He walked pretty much a guy an inning and gave more hits than he had innings pitched leading to a WHIP over 2! He has a big arm and it would have been nice to keep him but i would not say it is very disappointing to lose him.

 

It is nice to have Wright and Green along with McClung ready to go if something happens. Not that they are great but in the last week and half our depth looks a lot better.

[rluzinski]

Chone projection:

 

http://www.baseballprojection.com/greenni3378.htm

 

I'll take it...

[kramnoj]

He was pitching in a hitters league...

 

Yes. That's true. Did you look at more than last year? Like when he gave up 23 HR in 17 games a couple years ago in AA? Yes, it was a hitter's league, but that's still a little high. The point that was made in the scouting report is that he doesn't make hitters miss. Giving up that many HR is one of the consequences of that.