Fear The Chorizo

Do the White Sox have anything left of value in their system? If they miss out on the remaining FA corner OF's they seem like a good fit for Davis - they play in a HR-happy park and have some dominant starting pitching that helps mask defensive deficiencies. Plus, the White Sox to me are an organization that's been more than willing to use their farm system as tradebait to try and fill MLB roster holes in order to piece together contending teams, rather than go for a gut rebuild at the MBL level.

it's the type of deal a small market team shouldn't pay out to a FA outfielder headed towards his mid 30's, no matter how good he is. that's the reason it's a horrible deal. When they can't resign Cain, Escobar, Ventura, or someone else a couple years from now, Gordon's contract will be one of the reasons.

If Stearns follows the gameplan he appears to be initiating for rebuilding this organization, how the MLB Brewers start the 2016 will have zero influence on trading away veteran talent if the return is sufficient. A few seasons ago the Cubs would be mildly competitve during the first few months when some of the scrap heap veterans were performing ok, only to see them slide to the bottom of the standings after MLB talent was traded away at each deadline - leaving gaping holes on their MLB roster. I think a Lucroy trade may still happen this offseason, and a Braun trade is likely at the deadline if he shows no ill effects from offseason back surgery. Those two moves alone will make the Brewers MLB squad Astros/Cubs bad from a few seasons ago, regardless of how the young pitching performs...but they will also bolster the quality of prospects in the pipeline.

Which player would you rather have as a corner OF on your roster? Player A - .798 OPS, .439 SLG, .359 OBP, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 23 SB Player B - .854 OPS, .498 SLG, .356 OBP, 25 HR, 84 RBI, 24 SB Player A is Heyward's 2015 season. Player B is Braun's. Offensively, Braun is the better player even with a balky balk and trick thumb. His 2015 WAR was almost a full 3 wins below Heyward's, due in large part to the defensive comparison and the fact that Heyward had about 40 more plate appearances. That being said, Braun would be a very sought after player in a league that's starved for corner OF offensive production. He'd also make a great DH. His current contract is not in the least a problem when it comes to maximizing his trade value. Based on his production he's actually a bargain. when the Brewers want to shop Braun, there will be a solid market for him even with the PED backstory. I don't think he'll be moved this offseason because of his back surgery - teams will want to make sure he's healthy before offering up top tier prospects via trade. Assuming Braun opens 2016 with normal production and he's as healthy as he can be at this stage in his career, he'll be a trade deadline target for teams who need an impact bat.

Yeah, the MLB roster is going to be brutal. Cubs and Astros pre 2015 brutal. I've mentioned it in other posts on this board recently - Stearns saw firsthand and played a significant role in how Houston got themselves off the mat. That included getting demonstrably worse at the MLB level in order to stockpile young talent in the draft and trades. Not surprised in the least that the moves he's making are mirroring what the Astros did. I think Stearns is looking at the NL Central from a bottom up perspective in 2016, meaning that he views next season as a race to the bottom against the Reds. At some point this offseason, the Brewers and Dodgers are going to get together on a trade. Either Braun or Lucroy + others are going to LA with a combination of MLB roster filler and quality prospects from the Dodger system in return. Mark it down.

For a Lucroy trade, it should start with schwarber (move to 1b where he belongs), and include almora or a projectable pitching prospect and montero. I would then flip montero for something prospecty Nothing less, Lucroy's talent and contract are that valuable

To me this has a lot of similarities to the Carl Crawford free agent deal Theo did when he was with the red sox...good not great player signed for alot of money over a long time with the hope that he doesn't lose his athleticism too quickly. Looks like a no brainer improvement but has a decent chance of blowing up in their face. I still don't love their pitching staff for next year, and I think they need to bolster that via trade and in turn thin out their bevy of young position players. I am probably also in the minority, but I think they will regret trading castro.

We have to remember the model Stearns was a part of before becoming the brewers gm....Houston was atrocious at the MLB level for three seasons, which came after several more seasons of decline. They took the long approach, almost sacrificing the quality of the MLB roster in order to acquire prospects by all possible means. I think the brewers currently have more in the cupboard than the Astros did when they were on the way to rock bottom, but it will be interesting to see if Stearns wants to build around some of the talent in its prime at or near the MLB level, or go scorched earth like Houston did a handful of years ago.

I would call him more of a poor man's Milton bradley, because he is nowhere near the talent that Sheffield was. Talented, but someone teams seem to not want in their dugout for very long. To this point, Lawrie has shown no signs of making brewer fans regret the trade that brought back marcum...that is saying alot, because while marcum gave the brewers a great 2/3 of a season in 2011, he fizzled down the stretch that year.

since none of these prospects were ever draft eligible, teams did not pass on them in any amateur drafts. These guys were international signings, which is where organizations with quality international scouting programs excel at bringing in under the radar talent. these type of international signings hardly ever show up in an organization's top 30 (assuming their system is worth a damn), because any recent draftees have much more information available on them until they pitch more than a short season in the minors. if there was ever a trade that screams - "we're going for a full organizational rebuild, this year's MLB roster be damned", this is it. Obviously none of these prospects are even close to sniffing a 40 man roster spot, which helps keep flexibility to add more significant and advanced level prospects.

It was almost too perfect to see the skies open up in the bottom of the 9th and soak a despondent, depressed Wrigley Field. The Mets still need to win one more game - taking care of business tonight would be good, since Lester and Arrieta would be potential game 5-6 starters that could make things interesting if the series has to head back to NY.

Call me crazy, but are the Cubs going to have to trade Schwarber? From an offensive standpoint, I can't think of too many young hitters I'd want in my lineup before him...but what position does he play for an NL team, particularly one that has Rizzo at 1st and a player like Soler that should be an everyday RF? He's clown college in corner OF positions, and frankly there's no chance of him being able to catch on an everyday basis. I'm sure it will never happen and he'll get every opportunity to "develop" into more than a softball beer league left fielder, simply because he appears to be an unbelievably talented hitter...but he looks worse than mid 30's Manny Ramirez playing out there right now.

I understand the want for MLB to try and shorten the time length of their games - but at the end of the day it's the one sport of the 4 major ones that doesn't have a clock tell you when the game's over. If anything, people should be astounded that it takes the NFL well over 3 hours on average to complete a game with a 1 hour clock, particularly when over half of each game minute is spent with teams in a huddle or setting up the next play. I think there's more time during an NFL game spent reviewing scores, turnovers, coaching challenges, referee penalty discussions, and staring at injured players laying on the field than actual game action. With essentially 17 built-in 5 minute lulls in action between 1/2 innings and innings from 1 through the top of the 9th, baseball should have ample time for commercial breaks. That's about 1.5 hours of time right there, not to mention pitching changes. The fact that baseball can get through a 9 inning game in 3 hours on average is actually pretty good considering the logistics of the game, and the fact that every game has to end with at least one team getting 27 untimed outs to win.

Arrieta dealt with a combination of nagging injuries and struggled with his command during most of his career - both likely due to his unorthodox delivery of throwing across his body. The last two seasons are pretty much the only two that he's been relatively healthy, which has improved command of his quality stuff. Nobody's ever doubted his stuff, just whether he'd be able to harness it and stay healthy enough to anchor a rotation. The problem that nobody's really talking about him yet is this - the 2014 season was by far Arrieta's highest IP total for a season...156. So far, the 2015 season (regular + postseason), Arrieta has logged just under 250 IP. That's a HUGE jump for a guy with a history of arm issues, and he appears to be pitching on fumes at this point. Arrieta's 2015 performance has likely earned him a huge pile of $...If I'm the Cubs, I'm very nervous about paying him $25million + per year for 5-6 seasons.

It was frustrating to see how much better Estrada and Gallardo did with new coaching though Since nothing should ever be viewed in a vacuum, I think it's important to consider that both are also free agents at the end of the season. Coaching may have something to do with perceived upticks in their performance this year, but visions of $ signs dancing in their heads also helped them stay motivated/dedicated to their craft during the year that would determine their last best chance for a big payday.

Keep in mind that last year's World Series teams were both Wild Card teams, so while it does give division winners an advantage for the initial 5-game series, the Wild Card teams aren't at an insurmountable disadvantage, either. I enjoy the 1-game playoff, so far it hasn't had any hiccups - my concern with the current format would be what things look like if and when any play-in games to determine the 2nd wild card team, or differentiate from a division winner/wild card team need to happen. And while the 1-game wild card round is exciting, I think it gives a bit too much advantage to teams with a unicorn starting pitcher to advance. If I had my druthers, I would prefer a scenario that includes 32 MLB teams, four 4-team divisions and 2 wild card teams in each league (similar to the NFL model). Round 1 of the playoffs would be the two wild card teams playing the two division winners from each league with the worst records in a best of 5 game series with no offdays between ballparks once the series gets started. The top 2 division winners from each league would basically get a "bye", or about 1 week off from the end of the season until their first series. close to how much time they are currently getting, actually, so it wouldn't lead to a concern of rust - and it would allow players on that roster with nagging injuries or fatigue to rest. Rounds 2-3 and the World Series would remain best of 7.

I think Segura's best role at this point is as a super utility IF - he can play SS, 2B, or 3rd, can be a good pinch runner/defensive replacement, and actually wouldn't be a bad platoon-mate with Gennett. In that role on the 2016 team, he'd still get close to everyday playing time - particularly if they do the smart thing and keep Arcia in the minors until any arby clock timeframes have passed. The thing I'm most happy about with Segura is that a couple offseasons ago he wasn't awarded a lucrative contract extension to buy out a season of his free agency. Had that occurred, we would be talking about a player with zero trade value who makes far too much for a bench role on a small market club like the Brewers.

Where? Bullpen for starters, as I'm hoping guys like KRod and some other veteran relievers with value may be moved this winter to create those holes. Trading Garza will probably have to wait until next season if he can stay healthy and put together a good 2016 season. And I most definitely didn't advocate them to spend 10's of millions on FA - the cubs signed Feldman to a 1yr, $6 Million deal with incentives, and they got this year's NL Cy young award winner and team's best reliever for dealing him at the 2013 trade deadline. I'm also assuming players like Khris Davis, Segura, even Lind may be dealt before the 2016 regular season begins, too - should have mentioned that in my earlier post. The decision Brewers' brass needs to make is whether they can get more value to the organization by either: 1 - moving some of the current 40-man roster during this offseason for prospects, signing some other veteran FA's to market-friendly deals to temporarily fill those holes before trading them to make room for their own MLB-ready prospects when they're ready. 2 - holding onto those same 40-man roster players until next season's trade deadline to hopefully increase their trade value if they perform well, and forego any FA meddling this offseason. The apparent OF logjam will sort itself out, and I would advocate for starting all of Arcia, Peterson/Reed and Phillips in the minor leagues next season - anything to delay arbitration, particularly when you can delay it during what appears to be a 2016 season that the Brewers shouldn't expect to contend for a playoff berth. It likely will be a combination of the two approaches, as it takes at least two teams to make trades.

Absolutely the Brewers should be players in free agency - not for the guys that will demand top dollar and multiple years, but the guys that would sign for 1-2 years at reasonable cost before flipping at next year's trade deadline to contending teams. During their rebuild, the recent Cubs model included signing lower tier free agents with the sole purpose of moving them for prospects with warts but promise, or including them in larger trades to acquire premiere prospects. See the trade of Scott Feldman for Arrieta and Strop, or signing Hammels and including him in the deal to acquire Addison Russel. The key is to identify the specific free agents that will maximize their value while in Milwaukee. The Cubs did a great job at this, but even they made a mistake or two (See the Edwin Jackson signing) There will most definitely be holes in the 2016 Brewer MLB roster that would be best filled at this point by veteran MLB free agents at reasonable cost instead of rushing a prospect when they're not quite ready.

It helps to draft near the top of the 1st round for multiple years in a row - hitting on even a few players considered worthy of top 5 in the draft status gives you franchise cornerstones under team control that small markets are able to extend at somewhat reasonable prices through their prime years - for Hou, Pitt, and KC (the teams brought up earlier in this thread as examples the Brewers should mold their style after, throw in the Cubs in that mold, too), those teams were in baseball hell for years until a few of their high 1st rounders realized their potential. Milwaukee hasn't been up there in the draft consistently since Weeks, Fielder, and Braun were drafted - I believe the Brewers are headed that way again for a few seasons. I think the new GM needs to strike while the iron's hot and deal Braun this offseason if he finishes with solid #'s - what better time than now to rid this organization of that contract and continue restocking the pool of young talent? Lucroy may be a good candidate for an offseason or deadline trade next year as well.

I think Davis does get dealt this offseason, to make room for a younger (and more talented) left fielder in Domingo Santana. If the Brewers can get something of value in a deal, they should pull the trigger. If he's on the roster next season, it's likely as a 4th OF option again, and one that's limited to playing in LF only...not a very valuable asset for the Brewers' MLB team.

A media storm can get only so intense when it's focus plays in helena. Kudos for Denson coming out, oftentimes the mental anguish caused by hiding things or keeping significant secrets far outweighs any stress with having the public knowing who are as a person. I too hope he finds peace with his announcement and eventually there won't be a need for staying in the closet in the developed world. I would be optimistic and say worldwide, but I think the 50% of the world's populace that still view women as property may need to do a bit more evolving before tackling acceptance of an openly gay baseball player.

Seeing as the thumb/thumbpad on a hitter's top hand is just about the most important part of their grip, suffering a nerve injury that leads to the problems Braun has faced at that location all but guarantees a significant drop in production. It's unfortunate - Braun's monster 2012 season was the season after the failed PED test that ultimately led to his suspension - he continued to crush the baseball and turn on inside pitches with ease. His thumb injury didn't occur until early 2013.

Will's is great - I think it's southwest of wrigleyville on Racine...too far off the beaten path to pregame for a Cubs game, but awesome to catch Packer/Badger games. Good bars close to the stadium to visit if you don't want to feel like you're in a frat party include Casey Moran's (nw of stadium), goose island (on clark south of wrigley), or a few good places along Southport a few blocks west of wrigley (Justins and Schoolyard have great outdoor beer gardens).

Totally not familiar with their farm system - do they have any prospects of note that would be nice additions to the Brewer organization should the Giants feel the need to add to their MLB roster for the stretch run? They are basically tied with the Dodgers for their division and currently hold the 2nd wild card, and have been playing great lately - a look at their roster indicates they may have needs for utility IF and 4th OF positions that players like Segura and Parra would seem to improve. Hell, Gomez would be a nice upgrade as an everyday player for them, too. The Giants always seem to have enough pitching, but I could see a Brewer bullpen arm being a situational fit for them potentially, too.