HiAndTight

No...I do not remember anyone thinking he was a sure thing at all. I also don't believe I've seen anyone who has suggested Wang is a "sure thing," either.

He just hurt the team yesterday when they had to have Braun play CF and Reynolds in RF. The issue isn't that Wang is bad, its that he's so bad that he won't be used leading to having to have another man in the bullpen and a short bench. The Brewers are playing with a 24 man roster. And how did that hurt us yesterday? In a day when both Gomez AND Segura went out within an inning of each other, neither player even made a play on the ball in a game we WON. So I'm failing to see how that DID hurt. You're going to some extremes to here to try and make the argument that Wang is costing us. The game in which Braun moves over to CF and the Rockies don't score again and we win you claim costs us. You're arguing apples to oranges by comparing 36 year old starters to 22 year old rule 5 players getting designated for assignment when struggling, and you're setting the limit at the EXACT ERA Wang has. Just about every team has a guy in the BP that has been very bad. The difference is, most of those guys will almost certainly ALWAYS be bad whereas Wang is at least a good prospect. But I'm curious, what would our record be without Wang? I've been hearing about how much he's been costing us since April. We might be what, 55 wins? 60 wins? Would we be 60-23 if it just wasn't for Wang in our Pen, 10 games better than anyone else in baseball? Or would we most likely have the exact same record as if we'd passed on drafting Wang in the rule 5 draft?

I doubt the Rockies would want a guy who gives up HR's like Estrada AT ALL, and if we really wanted to upgrade our 5th starter, we could do it for 500 K with Nelson, not 11 million. That's too much salary to add for too little return IMO. Morneau is a great target himself though.

We've beaten very good pitchers regularly this year. Strausburg being the latest, but Lester, Shark twice, Cole, Cashner as well as others. 2nd in the league in pretty much every offensive category. What about spliting this thread with some, "this helped us get to the playoffs," type thread instead of the whole...glass is half empty line of thinking?

The point about Falu is pretty simple. RR said he valued Falu offensively because he can make contact. Nothing else; just that he can make contact. I think that's fairly obviously a stupid reason to value a hitter. I'm not going to try to out-snark you here, because I know when I'm beaten, but I think my point is fairly simple. If you think I'm wrong, and you feel like explaining why it makes sense to promote and rely on a hitter who can do nothing other than not strike out, that's fine. You say that my complaint about the Garza decision is invalid because I'd complain just as much if RR brought in a reliever there and he failed. Actually, I wouldn't. You made that up, pulled it out of your butt, and pinned it on me. I really, truly, desperately wanted RR to pull Garza at that point. You don't just get to assert whatever the hell you feel like asserting, posit that some people think your assertion is too hot while other people think it's too cold, and conclude based on that variety of imagined objections that you're obviously right, let alone that a particular person with a distinct objection to your view is obviously wrong. That's exactly the kind of whitewash I was talking about. I wasn't trying to "out snark," anyone. You said that RR "fetishizes," Falu and that he extols his offensive capability. He used him as the last option and didn't give him a single start. So if someone is "asserting whatever the hell they feel like asserting," it's you regarding Roenicke's opinion of Falu, which unlike what you accuse me of doing, you actually did state that Roenicke has an unhealthy obsession with Falu. As for Garza, never once did I state YOU said anything. I spoke in general terms. He'd been getting beaten up for overusing the BP. I stated that regardless of his move, people would come on here and blast him for it. He's a veteran who is used to pitching deep into games...which he's done well. I never said that YOU in particular would have bashed RR for going to the pen, I said that he would have been as he has been all year. But I find the hostility in your post a bit hypocritical. And by the way, I don't believe RR promoted or counted on Falu "simply because he can make contact." If you're saying promoted as in literally called him up, that's not his call. If you're saying promoted as in promoted his value offensively, you're mistaken. For a guy you claim RR spoke so highly of, he got 10 at bats before another team claimed him off waivers and put him on their 25 man. In fact, it's pretty clear he didn't value him very highly at all, he was simply the last option available. With that said, he has a career .303 BA and has hit over .300 at various stops at every level above A ball in his career. So while I don't believe that RR fetishized him or "extolled his offensive capabilities," just because he doesn't strike out, he clearly has done more than simply NOT strike out. So I'm at a loss as to what I was "whitewashing."

You are overlooking his one full year as a regular with the Marlins in 2011 when he hit .296/.360/.393. That adds up to an OPS of .753. He's a .263 lifetime hitter with over 150 career steals. He's got some value. We're talking who is this year's Jerry Hairston. That bar isn't all that high. Hairston was a career .257 hitter with not all that much more power and less of a SB threat. Correction, he had one so-so year out of his 8 year futile career. [sarcasm]Go get him Doug![/sarcasm] [sarcasm]I'm shocked you're against a potential trade without offering any alternative solution.[/sarcasm] Because the only way we can upgrade our bench without giving up much is to go out and add Manny Machado. Actually, you might make the argument he's only had one good year as well. I'm curious, just what type of player DO you think the Brewers should target to bolster their bench, add versatility without giving up any top prospects? It seems to me you click on a players link, look at his OPS and if it doesn't meet your prerequisite, you not only dismiss him, you're almost outraged at the suggestion. From 2011-Now Bonafacio=.269/.328/.354 And a OPS of .682. Lost in there is the fact that he can play LITERALLY every position in the IF or OF(sans catcher). And he's a very effective threat on the bases as he's stolen 111 bases with 28 CS in there. I'd like to see an adjusted OPS that accounts for stolen bases somehow. Ie, Billy Hamilton has a slugging pct of .385, but he steals .30 bases everytime he gets on. That way maybe some people wouldn't dismiss anyone with a sub .800 OPS right off the top. More than anything, I see you eviscerate every player that someone suggest. Who do YOU suggest? It's easy to find flaws in players games. Especially players we're targeting to help provide bench depth. All we need though is someone who provides a significant upgrade over what we have. Bonafacio is a significant upgrade over Bianchi or Herrera.

One more quick question. I know this would go against my belief that the Bucks shouldn't get involved in Free Agency this off-season as I think they need to be back in the lottery next year, but with the Suns drafting another very talented PG in Tyler Ennis, a guy many thought could be a lottery pick, there is a chance Bledsoe and his desire for a max deal may price himself out of the Suns. If we could pull off a deal in which we traded a protected 1st round pick, plus a couple players, Ersan, Henson, Knight, a combination of whomever it would take,would you sign him to a max deal? The argument against is obvious. We're rebuilding. He is a big unproven. He was an elite player last year, but was injured. The argument for is also obvious. He's a very rare PG who's extremely athletic and a legit two way player who is mature and could be a much needed leader with such a young team. He would also POTENTIALLY give us a "Big 3," with Giannis, Parker and Bledsoe to go with some athletic, long bigs. He'd cost 4/60 or 5/75-ish if we worked out a deal with Pho. I think outside of obviously LeBron, he's the only FA I'd be willing to make a commitment to in this class(though he's obviously restricted, but again, the Suns sounded as though they may not be interested in a max deal prior to taking Ennis who might be a little foreshadowing. PG-Bledsoe/Wolters SG-Giannis/Knight/Mayo SF-Parker/Middleton/Delfino PF-Henson/Ersan/O'Bryant/Inglis/Adrien C-Sanders/Raduljica/Zaza I understand that where Bledsoe is, an established star on the verge of becoming a potential superstar is ahead of where this team is right now, but he might be the perfect PG to help bring the younger guys along while walking the fine line between winning now while still maintaining enormous upside while we wait for players like G to develop. Parker is NBA ready. This is a team that I think could win 40 games next year and if the Freak realizes his potential, a 1st team Defensive player, a 20/10/4 type guy along with Parker who led the ACC in rebounding last year who should become a 22/8 type player, in 2-3 years they could be legitimate contenders as a new arena opens up. Is he worth foregoing another year of rebuilding and a potential lottery pick next year IF you could somehow convince him that things are getting better in Milwaukee? Or are we better trying to dump the bad salaries and developing the younger players during another 20-25 win season.

I don't think we're getting ahead of ourselves at all. Of course he has a long way to go. If he didn't, he would have been the top pick in the draft last year. But here's what I know. He appears to not only not have character issues, but extremely high character. He went from a 2nd division league in Greece to playing in the NBA. He's GROWING still. There may not be a single player in the NBA with his combination of size and athletic ability. He's grown from 6'9 to almost 7 FT since being drafted. He made plays last year that arguably no other player in the NBA is physically capable of making. I don't know if he becomes a max player, but there is no WAY that the chances are equal that he "flames out," and isn't in the league or isn't a contributor than they are he becomes a max player. And finally, what difference does it make if I'm getting ahead of myself? Of course I am. I just posted who I'd like to see the Bucks draft in next years lottery. What the hell else do we as Bucks fans have right now other than to hope that such an insanely freakishly gifted, hard working 7 foot shooting guard who's already drawn praise from the likes of Kevin Durant for the intensity he plays defense with and how tough of a matchup he was. So yeah, I'm going to hope that Giannis becomes a star player because I literally cannot find a single reason why he can't. He's roughly the same age as Parker and Wiggins and had he played in college last year, I think he would have been in the discussion for the top pick in this draft. He needs to get bigger(what 7 foot 19 year old doesn't have to gain muscle and girth?). He needs to develop his confidence(not his aggressiveness). Though again, what player coming from the level of competition that he came from in Greece to the NBA wouldn't? We now have one player who I believe can potentially be a top 5 player in the NBA(Giannis) and a 2nd who I believe can be a top 10 player...A Melo who rebounds a little more and scores a little less). And what's the point of waiting until they actually reach their ceiling before we talk about it? This part of being a fan is almost as fun as the payoff. Watching these elite young players struggle,develop and watch them on their ascent. And right now it looks like we have two who love being in Milwaukee right now. I hope that in 3-4 years we're making some noise with some of these young guys.

It sounds like he's not only coming over, but the early plan(very early) is to get him on the floor and give him some minutes to develop. I still kinda like the idea of sticking with Hammond just because it seems as though he's understood this whole time this team really needs to completely rebuild and take chances. I would have preferred Wiggins over Parker (by a lot actually just because of upside) but I do love that Parker really WANTS to be in Milwaukee and has already made comments about being a "throwback type player," who "spends his entire career in the same place." I liked the PG from Colorado as he had very good size and was a 1st round prospect before his ACL, which is an injury guys come back from pretty regularly now. But I also trust Hammond's drafting. I hate the FA signings, but I think a lot of that was pressure from Kohl to be competitive. One question I have for some on this board. What's your opinion of Adrien? I really thought he looked like he could provide good depth and was an outstanding rebounder/defender. But with the glut of big men, I wonder if he'll be back.

I haven't seen any consensus other than the obligatory, he MAY outgrow the position...etc..etc..etc.. From most of the articles I've read he's a very smooth defensive IF'er with a very strong arm. I guess I just think some of this, "he's not going to stick at...whatever position," commentary is getting more and more ridiculous and it's usually based on size and industry norms. People are so eager to move Coulter despite the fact that he's just 20 and has elite tools to be a catcher(and has greatly improved back there as well). Now we're projecting that a 16 year old kid isn't going to stick at SS because of his frame? Look at guys like Tulo or Ripken. Guys come in all different body types. But I haven't seen Lara. I have seen Coulter quite a bit. Obviously a lot of guys who come up as SS's have to move. But lets see him play a couple years there first.

I am really hoping so. He's been outstanding as of late, and I liked the attitude of him coming back to Milwaukee because he had unfinished business here. Last 10 games, 13.1 IP 14/2 SO/BB, 2.43 GB ratio...what's not to like? I would certainly prefer him over Figaro. Maybe we'll finally get the pitcher we were hoping to get when we drafted him in what feels like forever ago. Jeffress/Henderson/Thornburg/Nelson. Lots of power arms we have who could be back soon or added to our staff in the near future.

.791 OPS vs RHB. As good as he's been, tough to put him in the rotation or closer role with that number. Just for something to think about, Zach Duke is .532 OPS vs RHB- actually better than vs LHB. Now, some of that is skewed a little since Smith has been asked to face the better part of the line-up more often, but .791 is still up there. His numbers actually scream LOOGY, but I think he can be more than that. If he learns how to get RHB out, he can definitely take on either the closer role or starting rotation. As for Aoki, sorry to see him injured. With Cain, Escobar, and now Aoki I really pull for KC. Even healthy though, this was a nice trade for the Brewers. Righties hit .235 against him last year for a .680 OPS, he fared better vs right handers as a 22 year old starter than he did lefties(though he struggled vs both as is expected for a young starter) and he's fared well vs right handers through his minor league career as he's actually put up better numbers vs RHB than LHB at times coming up. His SLIGHTLY inflated numbers this year vs righties might have something more to do with a BABIP roughly 100 points higher than it was last year vs right handers. I don't think his numbers "scream," loogy, but even if they did at this point, this is a really good example of getting a little bit too caught up with numbers on BBRef and ignoring a players actual talent and real life ability. 95 on the black with a dominant slider, a good curve, and a change he can and does use as a starter, he's got everything you need to start. And as his BABIP regresses back towards the norm(.290-.300..though with a improved GB rate and low LD pct, his may well end up being lower). Really though, this is just trying to find something negative about Smith at this point. He's been outstanding and is very tough on right handers. He clearly has the ability to be a starter or a closer.

How will he continue to do it when he hasn't done it this year? And to say he tried to "force," Kintlzer into that role is just plain old hindsight being 20/20. Of the two guys he tried to "force," into being 8th inning guys, one was our closer last year who put together a dominant year, and the other was a guy who threw 77 Innings and was also fantastic in that role while sporting a 2.54 FIP. Kintzler struggled and as such, he's been used less in high leverage situations and Henderson went on the DL(after the rigid, stuck in his ways RR removed him from the closers role to start the season and went with K-rod). And there absolutely is an option right now for an 8th inning guy. It's the reliever we have who has a 1.43 ERA despite facing right handers nearly 2/3rds of the time. Just because he's a lefty doesn't mean he's more than capable of getting righties out. I think this is a manufactured argument based on preconceived notions of RR rather than what he's actually done this year...which has been outstanding. I agree. I've come to accept that no matter who are manager is, people will think he's a moron because players don't perform as expected and as such, the manager will get the blame for putting them in that situation as with Kintlzer who was very good last year, or Henderson(who should have been the SU man to start the year if not Kintlzer as both were outstanding last year). RR has done pretty much everything everyone on this board wanted him to do, from moving Braun to the 2 holes, Gomez to the 4, to using his best reliever in the 7th at times when the other teams best hitters were up, or the game hung in the balance(as he did with Smith last night), or using Duke as well as he has this year and so on. Yet there are still fears that if we get another really good reliever, he's going to be too rigid and force him into the 8th inning role all the sudden. I would imagine if Henderson and Thornburg regain their form from earlier this year or last year, he's going to look really smart....of course others will say our pen is easy to manage so it'd be too difficult to mess it up.

Right, but I'm thinking about who are the 12 guys you'd want to take into a post-season or down the stretch in September. And I still believe Wang is going to the DL for a stint before Sept if we need it. Jeffress would need to prove it, but he's held right handers to a .575 OPS while they have a BABIP of .379 against him. He just might have turned the corner and COULD be a impact arm down the stretch. Kintzler...again, I'm going on faith here, but it looks like he has that nice sinker back. As far as the Roenicke comment, I don't understand that one at all. He's played the matchup's beautifully this year in my opinion. He's used Duke in the 8th when lefties were coming up, Smith in the 7th if the tough part of the order was up. I think he's used matched up pretty well. If, and when we're talking about shoulder and elbow injuries it's always a big if, but IF Henderson and Thornburg can get back healthy, that gives you two more power arms. Guys who the stuff to be closers or set up guys. And a really well balanced bull pen with power arms with plus fastballs(Smith, Thornburg, Henderson, Jeffress) as well as a really good lefty in Duke, and Kintzler could be a guy to come in when you're looking for a big DP. Wooten HAS been better, but moving forward, Kintzler has more to offer I believe. Not to mention, if Nelson doesn't start, if we made it to the post-season, he could come in out of the pen with that power sinker throwing 97-98. We're not going to matchup 1-4 with LAD, Washington or probably the Cards, but if we can get good starts and go to a dominant pen, maybe the year nobody was expecting a real run in the post-season comes this year.

Well...they're definitely more pleasant to be around. And...you have certainly succeeded.

Just an opinion. I think the Cardinals are a more talented team than the Brewers. Especially when healthy. I think they're substantially better suited for a playoff series as well. Wainwright is a legit ace, Wacha may be one, Garcia has been REALLY good, Kelly is a awesome back of the rotation type, Shelby Miller, Carlos Martinez, and down the line. They also have several guys who can help them out in the minors. Now if they have a few serious injuries and we don't, the gap closes. As for recent Brewers teams, I don't know, that seems pretty recent to me. That was also just one year. But if you're talking about recent teams and their history, then why would you ask why I think the Cards are more talented? WS team vs a team that went on a nice run at the end of the year so they finished with more than 70 wins. I really like this Brewers team. I think they're loose, they've got some good veterans....but they need to get really lucky with guys like Aram, Lohse, Garza, K-Rod and keep getting good production out of them(I might add Yo as well) and they need their young guys who are really playing well to keep it up(Peralta, Gennett, Davis). Well, again, everything has to go right. They don't have much margin for error. On the other side, Segura will hopefully play better, Nelson could make a big difference, Henderson AND Thornburg and possibly Jeffress could give us a dominant bullpen.

Now I'm not a big fan of TLR to say the least, but I think the train has officially run off the tracks here.

I thought you said this was a ~80 win team in April? I think who they are "on paper," has changed a bit now that we have come to accept that Lucroy is a legitimately great player, and Gomez was no fluke. I don't think many had them pegged as an 88, 89 game winner back then.

These Navicular breaks are just unique. If Embiid would have broken it during the season and the Bucks and their Doctors could see how it healed, and it healed perfectly, he would be a lock at that pick for the Bucks. But it's such a unique injury and sure a difficult one to heal, it's just too big of a risk right now. The Navicular bone is shaped like a peanut. You have ONE blood vessel going into it and it is surrounded by cartilage on all sides. So if you break it down the middle, it's still difficult to get enough blood flow to heal it, hence the long downtime. If you break it on the pinkie or small toe side of your wrist/hand, it's even worse as it's further away from the blood supply. I've actually broken the Navicular bone in my wrist which is considered the rarest break and the MOST difficult to heal because you often break other bones first, and because usually if you break it, it feels like a sprain and you don't go in for 2-3 weeks after the fact. I happened to break two bones in my wrist, so it was something I got taken care of right away. If I had it to do over again, I would have had the surgery right off the bat because it's 3 months in a cast and then there is a 90 pct chance of it healing if it's just a straight fracture. Surgery is simple. In and out, pin in it and you're healthy and rehabbing in 4-6 weeks(I was a athlete in college at the time, so I had constant treatment, but went with the Doctors recommendation and it didn't heal correctly). And then after I broke that, about 3 years later I broke the Navicular bone in my FOOT. My Doctor was the same surgeon the Bucks use. The same specialist. They said that while the wrist is the rarest bone to break and most difficult to heal(see above) that when you break the Navicular bone in your foot, they almost always recommend surgery because it's ALMOST as difficult to heal because of simple fact that it feels good enough to walk on before it's 100 percent which leads to chronic issues with your feet. It's ALSO difficult to see the break as, again, the entire bone is surrounded by cartilage and the best way is to actually open it up if the scans or x-rays don't give you a clear picture. BUT, with all that said, ACCORDING TO the Bucks team surgeon, once the bone is FULLY HEALED, and the issue is that most of the time guys push it in order to get back and start rehabbing it before it is fully healed, then it shouldn't in any way be a debilitating injury. Bill Walton had it, but they treated it differently back then. Big Z had it and he rushed back and had to have it fixed again. Then he went on to have a decent career, but it cost him a couple of seasons to get healthy. Yao had the same break, but, again, came back before it was fully healed. This caused chronic problems and he developed arthritis in the foot. Guess who also had the same injury? Danny Manning. He seemed alright. Jrue Holliday. MICHEAL JORDAN. He had the greatest career and was an iron man after the injury. So personally, I would be alright with taking Embiid if we could trade down 1 or 2 spots, pick up another pick in the lottery, and then giving him the ENTIRE YEAR to heal. Not trying to get him back on the court in Jan. Not in 7 months. But keep him off of it for a full season. Have him play summer ball next year and be ready for the season. There is a LITTLE too much panic about this injury. And frankly, the Bucks need a FRANCHISE player. Which means they need to be willing to take a risk and shoot for GREATNESS. Jabari Parker isn't greatness. He's a Glenn Robinson type player with a LITTLE bit of Grant Hill's playing style. He'll be very good. But he's not the type of guy who can be the best or even IMO the second best player on a Championship team. Dante Exum is. Exum is the fastest guard that has ever run the 3quarter sprint at the combine. His lengh and athletic ability is off the charts. He's Wiggins-esque, but a true PG. Had played over here, IMO, he would be a lock for the top 2-3 over Parker and in with Wiggins and Embiid coming into the process. Embiid's back is a concern and there is obviously the risk that goes along with big men. But if you let the foot heal, as others have shown, he can come back with very little risk of further injury. And in a scenario in which we trade down with say Utah, he's a GREAT value pick. One last thing. The Bucks are NOT in a position to win 40+ games next year. The BEST thing they could do is draft Wiggins, Exum or Embiid, in that order, wait for them to develop along with the Freak and tank next year as well where there is expected to be a couple big time impact players atop the draft. Not like this, but guys like Mudiay, the 6'5, uber athletic, almost Russell Westbrook like PG who is a true PG, or a guy like Myles Turner, the big 7-footer who can run the floor and defend. We're more than just one more really good player away. My Perfect scenario; (2015 1st rd pick) PG-Mudiay SG-Wiggins SF-Giannis PF-Henson C-Sanders 2nd 31st Walter Tavares 7-3 C Cape Verde -Raw, needs a while, but has ability to be dominant shot blocker and touch to score a bit. 2nd 36th Jordan Clarkson 6'6 PG/G Colorado -Would likely be a 1st rounder if not for torn ACL this past year. Great length to get to the rim, defend the position and a great athlete. 2nd 48th- Thanasis Antetokounmpo-6'7 SF/PF who can guard the 2/3/4 spots. Is a defensive specialist, good rebounder, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, you want to keep Giannis happy and around family(as I've read is his dream) so that if/when he becomes a defensive savant who can go for 25/10/4 a night, he sticks around! Depth Wolters-Very good backup PG Knight-A Gordon type combo guard who can score, but is not a TRUE PG(at least not yet). Adrien-PF who brings toughness and outstanding rebounding and interior defense. I like him. Middleton-SF who showed quite a bit last year. Could be part of a really nice 2nd unit. Radujica-Big man who I thought showed enough last year to be part of the C rotation. Mayo, Udoh, Zaza, and Delfino are guys who just don't fit with what the Bucks should be looking to build. Maybe you dump them when someone goes down assuming they're healthy, trade them for expiring contracts, whatever. Ersan may still have some value, and if so, try and grab another 1st rounder next year for him. Of course this is MY dream scenario. A true scoring PG, a SG with off the charts ability offensively and already a very good defender. A SF who is like the SG, except checks in at 7 FT, but has equal upside. And a 4/5 combo that is long and athletic. This would give us one of the longest starting 5's I can remember, and a very good blend of upside and athletic ability to develop coming off the bench, and solid young players to develop. Of course this assumes we can snag a top pick next year in order to get Mudiay, but the point is, I don't want to see a quick rebuild. I want to see us build a group that can contend for a title in 4-5 years. They build that type of team, they can get their stadium. The one guy I'm unsure of is.

He absolutely SCREAMS Spurs. He could become a star on SA next year. He isn't a great passer, so he doesn't take Diaw's place, but he absolutely could thrive there and put up perhaps 13/7 while shooting 50 pct, 42-44 from 3 in 25 minutes a game. #30 fits. And he is a GOOD passer. Just not as good as Boris....who is a FA. A bit pricey however for them. Miami would be a great fit...but again, if they pull off this Lebron, Wade, Bosh, Melo thing, they won't be able to send us anyone to match the salary. The Clippers would also be a good fit. He'd be perfect on their second team, or to team with Jordan when Blake is out. A lot of contenders could really use him. But the best match salary wise might be OKC. They can give up a guy like Perkins, we can send them back Ersan and one of the 2nd round picks. 36 if 48 doesn't get it done.

I see the quote below, but that seems to be a pretty light hearted comment. He said playing with his brother would be a "dream come true." And they play the same position? Maybe...if you find yourself having to define what a 7 footer who can play the 2 actually is. But he's so versatile and athletic, I think he can literally play all 5 spots as he develops(obviously less PG). But for argument sake. We draft Wiggins. PG Wiggins Thannis Giannis Sanders That's a big long, lineup. Plus, big bro is likely to be a glue type player. A poor mans Udonis if all goes well. A bench guy who can defend and rebound. I want him happy as a pig in feces so it's a no brainer when he becomes a max player in a few years and loves Milwaukee.

Nice to see that Williams pedestrian line comes with a few caveats. 3 IF singles.... Devin Williams, Para, Gatewood, Arcia, Harrison, Coulter, Taylor. That (and I'm missing a LOT of good talent here) could really, REALLY look nice in 3-4 years. Thoughat least Arcia will likely come up first, the rest could move together. Edit-Oh yeah, and the guy with the dominant slider and 97 MPH fastball who hides the ball and was drafted 1st was somehow forgotten about. Fantastic looking group.

I like our pen. Thornburg, Henderson should be back, and just watch out for Jeffress who's really pitching well. 97 with control can really help. Looks like he's turned it around. But, if it didn't cost much, another guy with closing experience would be nice. Say what you want, but being a great pitcher doesn't mean you can be a great closer always. And how great has it been to be able to have Smith pitch the 7th if the 3-4-5 hitters are coming up and one or two are lefties? Can't wait to see if they try and give him a shot in the rotation next year. We FINALLY have some really good power arms.

This of course assumes a couple guys come back from injury as expected and don't end up with more serious injuries. 1-Peralta 2-Lohse 3-Gallardo 4-Garza 5-Nelson(again, JUST maybe he comes up and dominates like rookies do from time to time) BP K-Rod Smith Thornburg Henderson Duke/Gorz Kintlzer Jeffress-He looks like the walks are really under control and his K-Rate is excellent, and he's been going 2-3 innings. Kintzler is showing signs IMO of getting that sinker back. Though his peripherals look atrocious. Duke looks legit, but Gorz had his velo back tonight. If Thornburg and Henderson can come back strong, that gives you 4 elite late inning guys(NOT counting Duke and his .226 BAA RH and .227 BAA LH and mid 1.00 ERA). Some will prefer Wooten, but I just think Kintzler, despite terrible peripherals, looks like his pitchers are looking better.

Yeah, as long as they don't throw everyone out there for 115 pitches because they'll have an extra day off. I'd be good with putting everyone on the DL starting now and using Nelson from here on out. I believe that could keep all of them fresh for Sept and beyond. Or put Nelson on the 15 day to keep his inning down and do so when super 2 is no longer a concern. I'm starting to feel better about a Pertala/Lohse/Gallardo/Garza playoff rotation with the HOPE that Nelson can have that great stretch like Wacha did to force his way in there at the end of the year.