NievesNoNO

I think the way things have unfolded, I'll be disappointed if the Brewers don't make a major move this deadline. This team is ready now- when healthy; it wasn't last season. A deal for Degrom would be HUGE for this team and obviously he's not just a half-season rental. I don't really want anything to do with Syndergaard; he's too injury prone for my liking for the cost. If it takes Hiura and Burnes so be it. Peralta has proven to be a major league arm so I'd be super hesitant to deal him. This teams is more complete than the 2011 model. They don't have the high end star power but the depth and bullpen is impressive. The way things have played out, the franchise has a bunch of player in their prime right now who are still under contract for a few more seasons. All the star power isn't sitting in the minors waiting; it's here now. I know some want to wait things out a bit like the Astros and Cubs did but the design isn't the same. Remember when the Mets had Harvey, Syndergaard, Degrom, Matz, and Wheeler all lined up to be the next great staff that would push for multiple WS titles? Almost they won one but it sure doesn't look all that promising for that group to win one anymore. The point is, you take a shot when you have a legit chance because even the best laid plans don't always work to perfection. I like Hiura, but do people really think that he's a generational type player who couldn't be replaced in the system? If Hiura, Burnes, and some other pieces get it done, honestly I make the deal not looking back and enjoy the ride.

Let me start by saying I haven't bothered to research any of this. I'm curious if people think defensive shifting has negated some of the value of some of the more premium defenders. For instance do people think that Orlando Arcia might have less defensive value as he would've say 10 years ago when there wasn't as much shifting going on.... or is it more.. or unchanged because most everyone does it? I tend to think that the defensive shifts probably do negate some value from those stud defenders. Also, if you're shifting wouldn't it make sense to then place your best defender towards the open side. (and maybe teams are doing this. I don't see a lot of games) So, for example when/if the Brewers shift their entire infield to the left side, wouldn't it make the most sense to move Arcia to essentially 2nd base to cover potentially more ground if the ball is hit the other way or up the middle?

I'd be willing to assume that an inconsistent offense has cost us more games than a guy who won't participate in 80% of games is going to be able to help with. If you're willing to 'go for it' with DeGrom, better find a way to fix that lineup, especially since Hiura won't be here and we have no other offensive help coming up soon in the system. You might be right. I'd guess that inconsistent starts from our pitchers have also cost us as many games as the inconsistent offense. I guess I'm really comfortable with the position players, when fully healthy. I love the Miller deal and think he can at least be a consistent OBP to move the lower half of the lineup. I don't think there's really an upgrade to be had at catcher given how good Pina is defensively. Obviously if there was an opportunity to upgrade this season at SS, that would help, but I'm good just running Arcia out there in the 8 hole every day. Let the glove play. Last season I wasn't convinced on making the playoffs. I feel good about this team getting in this year. There's no power house in the NL. It's not like they have to contend with the Astros, Yankees, or Sox to get to the WS. The Cubs, to me are the only clearly better offensive team in the NL.

I think the Miller add was semi-brilliant. I would like to see a trickle affect with the rest of the roster, however that shakes out. I'm in agreement that we have too many Middle infield types with Sogard, Perez and Villar. Sogard needs to go. Miller can be somebody that at least can move the lineup along with his OB% ability and has some pop to boot. I think he should be the unquestioned starting 2B going forward.

I would trade almost any combination of minor league prospects to acquire DeGrom. I also agree it doesn't get done without Hiura. Hiura+Santana/Phillips+Woodruff+Burnes?? I question how "really" available he is. He's a legitimate ace. I know there's a lot of ball to be played yet and the Brewers have disappointed many of us in the past with their 2nd half performances but this is a team with a real chance now. I wasn't in the boat to push last season but based on the off-season, their current record (best in the NL) and the structure of their MLB roster, I'm ready to "go for it"

Hopefully they get all the stupidity for the series out this game.

As others' have mentioned, I like: JA Happ and Lowrie Put me down for Brad Hand again this year. This is a pretty well rounded team. The starting pitching I think still leaves a bit to be desired if you're talking about a WS contender but every where else they're really good (right now) This team has a bit of a feel like the Royals did a couple years back. You're not really sure if they belong but they can beat you in a lot of ways. The starting pitching isn't elite but the bullpen is.

Agreed. The Brewers have played a lot of tight games and haven't had a very productive offense. I'd rather have Arcia's glove on the field. Not that I'm not concerned about his bat but, I think the importance of his defense on this team is being understated a bit. From the Brewer's perspective I can see why they made the move. Saladino is hitting well and can play the position. At least the Brewers depth at SS is actually capable of playing the position.

Get some insurance and bring out the bullpen

Based only on vegas odds, seedings, win totals and completely blind hunches: Virginia, Villinova, N. Carolin, and Mich St. Finals: Virginia v Villanova Champ: Virginia First year in as long as I can remember that I'm not in an actual pool, other than filling out a CBS bracket. Actually looking forward to not really caring who wins.

Yes, it should be comical almost. I don't know what the record is or what they are projected for but I'd imagine they have a very good chance it making some history with their lineup. Actually looking forward to seeing what they're capable of.

I have been hyper-critical of the way this roster is constructed since the Cain and Yelich deals were announced, so you aren't going to get any argument from me there. If we don't end up trading from the surplus of OF and 1B candidates to shore up the starting pitching and/or 2B spots, it will be very disappointing. But there's still 2 1/2 weeks of spring training left, so moves can still be made. But time is starting to be of the essence. I agree. There's still some time left for things to fall into place a bit more, but really there should never be a healthy Cain, Yelich, Braun, or Santana on the bench. Not for a team that has some holes to fill yet. You can rework the AB's all you want but it would be a waste of a resource to do so, imo For Walker... Nice value for the Yankees. I'm in agreement with some others of you with giving Villar another chance to take that job. They also have Sogard and Perez still on the roster with Orf seeming capable in an extreme situation.

Without any other details I'd take them in the following order: Ramirez Springer Bregman Dozier Pham

I'm confused on why these guys are taking one year deals and setting themselves up for disappointment again next season, competing with the big name FA class. The same class that, I think is holding back spending this off-season. If I'm the Brewers, as much as I'm not completely sold on Cobb, I'd have to believe a semi-aggressive multi-year deal would look pretty appealing to Cobb right now. Count me in as wanting to put something together for him. 3/40?

Ha, this is great. Pretty much how I felt as well. I don't ever really remember seeing anyone respond in a rude manner to him. He pretty much gave himself away when he supposedly left and claimed to be insulted but then went on twitter.. and then never really left. Somebody with a real source wouldn't go on twitter spewing stuff, imo. Anyway, maybe the guy will grow up and come back and have something relevant to add. I don't have any input on how things should've been handled. I think it was handled fine. I also just want to say thanks to the mods here for keeping this a constructive and active board. Also, the same to most of the posters on here. It's the only sports board that I bother posting on and I really enjoy reading others' opinions and the responses. Been on here on and off over the years but it's typically a good conversation with knowledgeable, passionate baseball fans.

Just trying to formulate a roto auction draft strategy for this season. I usually play for a pretty balanced team and basically try to just get the most value and don't get too creative. Without getting into too much detail I play in a 13 team very competitive/active league. A couple teams go hitting heavy, other's do a 'stars and scrubs' approach, many just try to balance things out. Every once in a while a team will try to go pitching heavy. I'm thinking about going that route this year. My question to the group is, for those of you that participate in auction drafts are there any strategies that you find more/less successful? Just looking for mostly a generic discussion without much detail given to league specifics, although I DO realize that has an big influence on how you'd draft. There's just to many different leagues/rules to get too much involved there. Last season I had about 20% of my budget locked into Miggy and Greg Polanco and never could recover. As I said, I'm thinking about trying a pitching heavy approach as typically higher end pitchers can be bought for close to what real value would be and high end bats are typically inflated. That said, regardless of draft type who do people like as mid to late round/valued offensive types? As of now my target list includes: Eddie Rosario, Mazara, Margot, Kiermaier, Greg Bird, Willie Calhoun, Matt Olson, Villar. Who else should I add to that list?

Interesting league setup. Haven't seen one like that before. I think I'd go: Harper Stroman Gray Lindor Rosario Suarez Robles Colome Snell Greinke

Hmm, tough call. Can you trade one pre-draft? I guess I'd choose to let Syndergaard go, based on durability/injury concern.

This is my thought as well. If he is able to come close to last year's results and they are out of it at the deadline then I think you could make a good case for entertaining offers. I think he's good but he walks too many and we've seen what happens when he can't get his curve over. He's pretty mortal as are most pitchers when they need to solely rely on their fastball. Thankfully that wasn't very often in 2017, but count me in as cautiously optimistic regarding his projections for 2018.

You make a good point. It would be very risky to put Braun in at 1b in spring training games and have him potentially flail around and look terrible. Other teams would see it, see our dilemna, and we'd lose all leverage. We're talking about a guy who is athletic, was a SS in college, and came up as a 3B. Granted he was exposed as a bad 3B once he hit the majors, but I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be able to handle playing 1B on a regular basis. Thames isn't near the athlete Braun is, and he made the transition successfully. Braun playing a passable 1B is the least of my worries with the team right now. I have a pretty good deal of concern about Braun at 1B. I can't envision it working out well. I know he won't field as many batted balls and throw across the diamond as much but he'll be involved in a greater number of total plays and still need to field and throw plenty. Yes, he's athletic but he's also not college aged anymore and hasn't ever played 1B at the professional level that I can recall. I agree he won't have to be great to match Thames and Aguilar but honestly, I can't see him playing defensively to their level as a 1B. He will almost certainly be a worse 1B than a LF. All that said, his healthy bat in the lineup is important, so if him at 1B is how they balance things out that's fine with me. I still think Santana gets moved but if he's not the depth is ok. I would imagine, as others have said, that Aguilar would be the odd man out in that situation. Probably not a big deal, but between him and Thames at 1B they had a pretty good thing going so I'd be a bit disappointed as it feels like a bit of a waste of resources to me. I agree with many of the breakdowns others have posted about playing time. There's enough and it's ok to have some insurance, but if there's a chance to trade Santana for something of value then I think that's a better use of a resource for the current group. Maybe my opinion changes on that before the season depending on other FA signings or moves.

I would agree that if the Brewers have other plans to bring in an additional piece to the rotation then Odorizzi wouldn't really have been a good option as I think Woodruff fits that 5 spot just fine. I would however, taking contract situation into account, prefer Odorizzi over a long-term commitment to Arrieta. I think there's a real chance Odorizzi outperforms Arrieta.

I agree, from the Twins perspective there's nothing to dislike. Given a similar potential deal from the Brewers he would've been a great get imo, if the opportunity was there. Odorizzi, outside of last season has been an effective MLB pitcher. He still gets plenty of swings and misses and could just be an adjustment away from keeping a few more balls in the yard.

Confusing move. He'll end up traded I think. I'd think he'd get picked up by the first available team. He's not great but he certainly is worth a roster spot and really isn't overpaid for his production.

I could get on board with Cobb as well, obviously depending on the deal. He's been good over his career when healthy. I for sure like him better than Lynn and will likely com at half the cost of Arrieta and might very well out perform him. Even if they sign him, I'd still be on the look for another starter. His injury history is too strong to rely on him as the only rotation upgrade.

How serious does Arizona really want/need an OF? Would they give Godley for Santana?