Fear The Chorizo

serious question - If Ryan Braun leads the NL in HR and RBI next year, how many people are going to be upset that he didn't hold a 2-hr press conference to answer any question under the sun from reporters with axes to grind? I know I won't...

The biggest thing that's sticking in my craw about last night? Having to listen to ex-players like Nomar ripping him for cheating the game... http://pintsinthepaint.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/nomar1.jpg http://pintsinthepaint.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/nomarsi.jpg not sure if it's very visible, but the date of that SI cover is March 2001...you know, before MLB bothered to test for PEDs. Ex players whose prime occurred between 1985 and 2005 should just keep their mouths shut anytime a question of PEDs comes up, because whether they took them or not, they all knew how much they became part of the game during that time period. And I can't remember ANY of these players talking about the PED issue during that time while they were still playing...when they would have been directly affected by players cheating the game and costing other active players jobs and money. At least in today's game there are active players willing to publicly denounce PED users (unfortunately it seems the more outspoken they are against them, the more likely it is that they are users themselves)

There's more holes than swiss cheese in his statement, but that was probably done craftily so as to not screw himself if/when anything else surfaces. The statement itself only discusses what led to his failed test in 2011 - no denials or admissions of prior PED use, no specifics of who the "3rd party" was that supposedly linked him to Bosch and Biogenesis, etc. He has to realize that if he does have any skeletons in his closet, they are bound to surface now...I've heard all the rumors about scouts or MLB staffers mentioning they've heard he was a notorious juicer and all that stuff - to me he wouldn't have been included by the same baseball writers who now loathe him as one of the games' young stars of the post steroid era a few years back if the college PED rumors were that well known in baseball circles. The proof will be in the pudding - he was tested a ton in 2012 and still put up big #'s...nagging injuries derailed his 2013 season, which has to be the concern longterm as a Brewer fan. If he used PEDs to recover from nagging injuries (something I'd guess a ton of big leaguers still do, and I'm sure Braun did more than in a few instances during 2011, is he going to be able to stay healthy enough to be a quality MLB player for the next 5-6 seasons?

No, Weeks is paid like an average starting player. For 2013, Weeks is the 5th highest paid 2B in all of baseball. Only Utley, Cano, Uggley, and Kinsler have higher salaries. Weeks is also the Brewers' highest paid player for 2013.

It's probably Francisco's job in 2014 unless Morris takes the next step, or by some miracle Gamel stays healthy and produces. I really don't want to mess around with resigning Hart and counting down the days until he has more leg problems. Once tall guys start breaking down it normally doesn't pay to hope for a return to form.

Bottom line - Weeks is paid like a top tier 2B that should be a big time run scorer and run producer. Gennett is probably little more than a replacement level player who could have a defined role on a good team. The fact there's even a comparison/discussion on Gennett taking playing time from Weeks is more of an indictment on Weeks' than an endoresement for Gennett.

This thread is circling the drain, much like Braun's reputation... why would any sane GM try to trade for Braun, no-trade clause or not? He's owed 100+ million dollars, and at this point nobody knows if he's capable of being an MVP caliber player, or if PED use was the only reason he became a great, or even serviceable, MLB player. The Brewers better hope he's not a shell of himself, otherwise that contract is going to completely cripple the organization. Until he proves he can still produce, no team would touch him in a trade unless they'd give the Brewers nothing in return. Not sure if this is the best thread to post this, but Gabe Kapler wrote an awesome article regarding PEDs and his own struggles on whether or not to take them during his career...I believe it's somewhere on Baseball Prospectus' site - very good read and offered a lot of perspective from a player's standpoint during the heyday of PED use before MLB started testing.

instead of a manager call system, I think they should make the managers throw something onto the field. The NFL coaches get to throw a stupid little red hanky onto the field - I think baseball managers deserve to get the fan reaction of seeing them protest the call by chucking a neon green fungo bat out of the dugout. Another question is if there will be gamesmanship by the jumbotron operators...if a questionable call goes a home team's way, does the jumbotron operator decide to hold off on showing a replay until the next pitch is thrown? Will teams mimic the stupidity that happens during an NFL game when teams rush up to try and get a quick snap off to beat a coaches' challenge? I can see a bad out call being made at first and instead of going around the horn, the 1B fires it back to the pitcher and he toes the rubber. But, I guess the next batter up could decide to take a nap before entering the batters box to make sure the manager has enough time to look at a replay... I like the concept of replay in baseball, to get the calls right - I just don't want it to become part of the in-game strategy like it is in the NFL. To me it's simple - no ball/strike reviews, put an extra ump in the press box and give him access to all replays. There's enough time between when a call is made and when the next batter comes up to check a review and determine if an onfield call is correct, flat out wrong, or questionable. If the call is wrong or questionable, that press box ump buzzes the homeplate umpire to hold up play and to run over to the ump replay monitor behind homeplate. The homeplate ump and press box ump look at the replays for 30 seconds, agree on the proper call, and move on with the game.

At this point have a healthy Weeks playing through the season long enough to get 600 PA seems like about a 5% chance, so I'm not worried about him making 600PA next season. If he does, it means he's healthy and productive for the whole season, at which point I wouldn't be terribly upset if the option did vest. Very, very unlikely at this point, though

Tony Gwynn Career OPS - 0.847, OBP - 0.388 Ichiro Suzuki Career OPS - 0.780, OBP - 0.363 Adam Dunn Career OPS - 0.865, OBP - 0.368

What's frustrating on Weeks is that his production is always at the extremes, the only consistent thing about him is that he's streaky. When he gets hot he'll go on 1-2 week rolls that shoot his slugging and OBP percentages up, then he'll go back to into a slump. When he slumps, he's like another pitcher hitting in the lineup. When he's hot, he's an all star caliber hitter. At the end of a season, Weeks' slash #'s are overall respectable, especially for a 2B (then again an .670 OPS and a .356 slg % isn't respectable for 2013 at all). But the reason his RBI #'s and other secondary stats are terrible is because his hot streaks don't last nearly as long as his bad slumps. Those counting stats need consistent production to accumulate. He's only scored 40 runs and driven in 24, with almost half of those RBI's by driving himself in with 10HR. Granted, runs scored and RBI have alot to do with teammates producing around him, but those #'s are brutal. Now that he's hurt again, unfortunately another recurring issue with him is injuries.

The biggest problem for the Brewers is right now they're on the hook for another $10M+ to have Weeks continue stinking at 2B next season, when they could get similar production (or lack thereof) at that position for about $500K. For a small market team, Weeks is paid to be a middle of the order run producer and run scorer, while playing a position that doesn't normally require a ton of offensive production to be valuable. Weeks is paid for his bat, not his glove, and the fact that he's been terrible overall for the past few seasons leaves no room to remain optimistic for 2014. No, Weeks isn't as bad as Yuni B is statistically. Throw in what his contract assumes him to be, and I'd argue he's worse. Remember, Weeks is supposed to be an everyday starter - Yuni B was signed this year to be a backup utility infielder. Injuries all over the infield and terrible play by the other backups warranted more ABs from Yuni B. early this season. The fact that Weeks' #'s are even comparable to Yuni B's is an indictment on Weeks. I don't get why Yuni B's still on the team aside from that he's healthy and the Brewers don't want to add too many more young players to the 40-man roster, but Yuni B is the last thing the Brewers need to worry about moving forward.

Without the Miami New Times MLB doesn't know a damn thing about Biogenesis and the 12 players suspended probably passed several dozen tests. How people (especially Bud) thinks the tests work is absolutely laughable to me. That's what the next phase of this story should be, if MLB is indeed serious about cleaning up the game instead of trying to save face publicly...of all the players suspended recently, only Braun failed a test (others linked to Biogenesis did fail tests but already served their suspensions). One guy supplied PEDs to about 20 baseball players, and his client list was actually much higher when factoring in pro athletes in other sports (who apparently don't give a crap about PEDs, since we've heard nothing from the NBA, MMA, tennis, etc). MLB needs to keep digging and following leads - yet the only way the Biogenesis story came to light is the business failed and a former worker was pissed at the ringleader so he went to the papers. with all the publicity this story has generated, I won't be surprised when the next "clinic" or "nutrition/performance company" surfaces in the news that's linked to a few dozen more MLB players. At the end of the day, the deterrent for PEDs needs to be some combination of a stiffer suspension (2-3 seasons for 1st time offense), and the ability for owners to put poison pills into contracts that allow them to be voided upon a player getting suspended. I think the MLBPA may be at a point where that's acceptable the next time the CBA gets negotiated - they'd much rather do that than leave pandora's box open for MLB to basically invent suspension lengths without positive tests using evidence given to them from a creep in exchange for not suing him.

elephant in the room is that Biogenesis also had pro athletes in basketball, track & field, etc...baseball is the focus now, but I'm sure the leagues that have far less expansive drug testing (NFL, NBA, etc) are full of athletes on the same stuff that baseball players are taking with limited concern for being tested. the only way MLB would really be able to put a stop to this is a lifetime ban for the first offense (assuming a solid failed test or clear evidence that a player bought/used PEDs is available). I think that in itself may be difficult to achieve, but the next best solution is for player contracts to have a poison pill put into them indicating that any contract is voided if a player violates the JDA. I think the owners would definitely be ok with that, and the players' association would be willing to approve that change.

Assuming the list of Biogenesis suspensions comes out today, I really hope the media focuses less on the players themselves, but more on the fact that none of these guys failed a test (except for Braun in 2011). What I'm guessing the players' union is worried about is for these players that are about to be suspended naming names of teammates, opponents, current players they know who have been taking the same stuff that the Biogenesis guys were taking routinely without worrying about failing a test. I think it's true that that almost no big league players take the same stuff that Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, Canseco, Sosa and many, many others took during the 90's/early 2000's when there wasn't a testing program in place. Those steroids actually balooned players up and turned them into cartoon characters - they would also fail any of the testing done on players today. I do think that there are still plenty of players taking "the Biogenesis stuff" that are getting it from many other Tony Bosch-type guys.

I look at the situation the Brewers have with Lohse from two different sides... I didn't agree with them signing him in the first place, because at the time I viewed it as a shortsighted move for the longterm health of their organization. Depending on what the Brewers do with him over the next calendar year could go a long way to improving the organization, though. Many posters are always going to see Lohse as the reason they didn't have a 1st round pick in 2013, and that's fair. But, now that he's on the Brewers, his contract is actually well below market value for the production he's been giving over the past few seasons. It's true that age might catch up with him, but for right now there are no signs of that. I wouldn't have a problem with running Lohse through waivers to see if there are any claims, because it would free up salary. But, I think the better move would be to try trading him this offseason for prospects, or looking to deal him at the 2014 deadline - I'd have no problem with them being willing to eat a portion of his remaining salary if that meant a better prospect package. Then, the Lohse signing would end up amounting to losing a 2013 draft pick, paying him below market value for 1+ seasons with his production, and moving him for minor league talent that is much closer to contributing at the big league level than the mid-late 1st round pick of a weakly regarded draft.

So we have a very good catcher (defensively and offensively), who's signed to a very team-friendly deal that will probably lead to a modest-length, team-friendly extension that has LuCroy playing through his prime years as a Brewer, and people want to experiment with him at third or another position?? Lucroy puts up very good offensive numbers for a catcher, not a third baseman. Keep Lucroy as a catcher and let the Brewers work on finding a quality third baseman. Guys like Coulter should be moved off catcher, projectable power bats that have time to learn a different position in the minors.

why not trade him when you could actually get value? a completely valid question - what were the offers for Lohse that Melvin had to consider? Unless all of the legitimate offers are known, it's kind of pointless to ask why Lohse wasn't traded at the deadline for "value". IMO, Lohse is worth alot more than a compensatory draft pick - or similar packages to what Kennedy and Norris were traded for. To me those trades seem more like salary dumps, for the Dbacks it frees up payroll to go after a waiver deal like Alex Rios if they are still in contention through August. For Houston it basically frees them from any longterm salary commitments of any significance. With Lohse, if the Brewers trade him they need to get maximum value in the form of prospects - this year's deadline didn't appear like the best timing to move him. It's true Lohse may completely fall apart and the Brewers will be stuck paying him for two more seasons...it's also very possible that his value will be highest over this offseason, when a very questionable list of pitchers hit free agency, and teams would rather get an arm like Lohse at his current contract for two seasons than sign someone like Garza for 4-5 years at $5 million more per season.

There are a handful of veterans on the Brewer roster that probably clear waivers and can still be traded, or if they are claimed losing them for salary relief alone would be pretty appealing. Plus, there's plenty of offseason for Melvin to make a trade or two - which he's been known to prefer as it opens the trade market to all of MLB instead of just who's chasing a pennant. The biggest problem Melvin had was the veterans that could have been better trade options this year were either injured or terrible this season.

I don't think Soriano has ever been described as having a "bad attitude" - he's known for occasionally loafing on the field, but by all indications he's a good clubhouse guy that enjoys the nightlife while keeping his nose clean. He's dealt with leg issues ever since he signed that contract with the Cubs. Remember the Cubs initially saying he was going to be their centerfielder? I think he signed that deal coming off a 40/40 season for a bad Nationals team, and he was never, ever the same type of player from the moment the ink dried because he couldn't run anymore. Wouldn't be shocked if he had a little "nutritional help" during that contract year. Soriano's contract was among the worst of the bad contracts dished out by Hendry around the time the Cubs organization was being sold. Sam Zell basically gave him a blank checkbook to try and improve the on-field value of the team for perspective buyers. The biggest news coming from the Cubs is that they finally got approval for the Wrigley renovations, which will lead to an increased revenue stream. They are a few seasons away from having a roster full of young talent, a refurbished stadium capable of generating more money, and a much better TV contract (rumors swirling the Ricketts are simply going to buy their own network for the Cubs). I don't think it will be too long before the Cubs organization is looking really healthy at all levels, something that hasn't been the case for a very long time.

Gomez is a plus defender in CF Aoki's range makes him a good defender in right Braun is an average defensive left fielder (when he isn't busy being suspended for PEDs) Segura has been nothing but great at SS Lucroy is well-regarded as a defensive catcher, even if he doesn't throw lots of base stealers out. That leaves 3rd, 2nd, and 1st as questionable defensive positions right now. Once Weeks is gone, 2nd will be upgraded defensively. 1B and 3B are positions teams can live with questionable defense if they get premium offensive production. I'd say this Brewers team is much better defensively than the fielding-hack teams of 4-5 seasons ago. I love this trade - as others have said, Melvin turned a nothing into a decently-regarded prospect that strengthens their organization. With what the Cubs got for Garza and the amount of contending teams this year who could deal, I think Melvin needs to shop just about every veteran on the roster, especially if the value is right.

This will continue to be headline news until the ARod lifetime ban is announced - sounds like MLB's pissed that ARod interfered with their investigation by trying to buy some of the evidence implicating him. There are going to be other names listed over the next few weeks that are likely to impact alot of teams chasing pennants, and Braun's decision to accept his suspension without applealing again may be viewed in a more favorable light. Still, a cheater's a cheater, and that's going to follow him the rest of his career, including HOF voter opinions. As for Braun, color me embarrassed to give him the benefit of the doubt during this time, embarrassed at the whole craptastic investigation and how it's been portrayed by the media - in the end, Braun got suspended and deservedly so. The fact his suspension will be served during the rest of a lost season is a silver lining, but the troubling thing for me is that since there was never a spike in his production throughout his career that would signify PED use, I think Braun may have been on PEDs ever since college (Biogenesis was heavily linked to the U of Miami, for what it's worth). We may be stuck with a talented guy who can't stay healthy that's about to make a huge portion of the Brewers' payroll for the forseeable future. I hope I'm wrong on that for the sake of the team I root for.

I remember there was alot of angst as to why in the world Melvin signed KRod to a minor leage deal earlier this year, knowing they'd have to pay him the veteran minimum if he was put on the Brewers' roster this season - looking like a solid move by Melvin, because he's going to be able to add much needed young talent to the organization by trading KRod - without paying too much of his salary. I questioned why he was initially signed in the middle of the Brewers tailspin out of contention...now it looks like a solid baseball move (assuming KRod is indeed traded)

wasn't part of the joint drug agreement that if a suspension wouldn't be formally announced until an arbitration hearing is completed and the suspension is upheld, whether that be from a failed drug test or from other evidence indicating a player used PEDs? If so, what ESPN is saying basically flys in the face of the JDA, indicating that MLB will announce these pending suspensions prior to any players listed getting an arbitration hearing. If MLB is going to stick their neck out and announce suspensions publicly before arbitration hearings, they better make the evidence they have available to the public also - at least that way the public can view the evidence however they want and come to their own conclusion on this farce of an investigation. Keystone cops would be laughing at this. Depending on the number of names involved (outside of Braun and ARod), and depending on the evidence presented by MLB claiming these players used PEDs, this debacle could completely circle the drain and lead to a work stoppage and law suits aimed at everyone from all different angles. If all MLB has as evidence is the word of a guy trying to keep his neck out of legal and financial trouble, and no failed drug tests, the players' union is going to be put in a difficult spot. MLB is opening pandora's box if they start suspending players based on what some sleazeball says only, and the union won't sit idly by if there are dozens of players facing suspension without hard proof. I also think it's ironic that there's almost if not more coverage of this story than Aaron Hernandez. The NFL is just as full if not more full of drug cheats and has a guy formerly from a high profile team who just murdered at least one man.

wait, HAS braun actually lost ANY endorsement deals through this process thus far? I havent heard of a single issue concerning that, yet. since the first leak of his failed test for testosterone surfaced about 1 month after he was named NL MVP, of course he's lost out on tons of endorsement deals. Think of what his public profile was before and after that leak happened in late 2011. His name would have been on everything MLB was peddling, let alone lots of individual endorsement deals. Once it was public that he had a suspension looming after an appeal hearing, companies inevitably steered clear of him.