Forum Friday: Contract Extensions, Out-Getters and Needle-Movers

What a difference a week makes! Last Friday, Milwaukee was 2.5 games behind Chicago for the division lead. Today, the Brewers enjoy a 1.5-game lead over the Cubs. Come join the discussion with three of the best thread topics on Brewer Fanatic.

Brewers: Harrison Extension

Kyle Harrison is garnering national attention for his incredible start to the season. With four full years of team control remaining, is it already too late to offer Harrison a contract extension? Or, after only nine starts in Milwaukee, would the Brewers be foolish to further invest in a player at peak value? 

The K+, BB+, HR+, ERA-, and FIP- numbers for Kyle Harrison and Jacob Misiorowski are remarkably similar. Most community members agree it would be terrific to keep either or both players, but at what cost? This thread topic includes fascinating discussion about the importance of Milwaukee's front office and coaching staff. Milwaukee has made a habit of trading star pitchers before their final year of team control. But can the Brewers continue to reload with talented young arms?

Brewers: Long Term is Patrick a Starter or reliever?

Chad Patrick has proven to be a capable starter and an exceptional reliever. The Brewer Fanatic community especially appreciates how Patrick consistently elevates his performance in high-leverage situations. Some posters note how Patrick's fastball touches 96-97 mph out of the bullpen, velocity he rarely reaches as a starter.

Milwaukee has benefited from multi-inning ace relievers like Aaron Ashby and Josh Hader, before Hader transitioned to a traditional one-inning closer role. It seems like the Brewers can never have enough talented "out-getters." Chad Patrick might be most helpful in a flexible, undefined role: an occasional spot start, regular multi-inning relief appearances, or right-handed fireman during high-leverage moments. 

Rumors: Let's Go All In?

It would not be summer in Wisconsin without discussion on whether Milwaukee needs to add more needle-movers to compete for a championship. With the Brewers back in first place, is now the time to add a bat like CJ Abrams or Byron Buxton? This thread topic explores the constant tension between the Brewers' long-running "bites of the apple" approach and doing everything possible to win a World Series.

A compelling point was made that Milwaukee's best opportunity to beat the Dodgers could be in two or three seasons. The Brewers' top prospects will have big league experience by then, and Los Angeles' aging core of players will mercifully be past their prime.