https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlbs-rob-manfred-could-threaten-brewers-with-relocation-as-part-of-push-for-ballpark-updates-per-report/
The Journal Sentinel report indicates that the renovations -- upgrades to seating areas, concourses and gathering spaces -- would cost an estimated $428 million over the course of the next 20 years.
Does anyone believe the concourse, seating and gathering spaces are inadequate?
I hadn’t noticed the Miami Marlins with equal or better record than Mets, Phillies and Padres through 50 games.
With Sandy Alcantara’s ERA hovering around 5.
Mets, Phillies and Padres combine for $ 836 million in payroll.
Jesus Aguilar has career OPS of .799 against LHP in 697 AB.
In 2023, Aguilar has 1.149 OPS against LHP in 45 PA.
I assume Oakland would be willing to trade Aguilar for a fair price. Seems like bringing Aguilar back would be a ‘Brewers move.’
At the same time, I don’t think we need to typecast the Brewers’ need as only more offense against LHP. I think we could let Hiura hit against anyone for a little bit In Milwaukee.
If Hiura reproduces his .866 OPS against RHP like he did in 2022, that would also be helpful.
Two seasons above replacement level (2019 and 2021).
Two seasons below replacement level (2020 and 2022)
Houser’s 13 IP in 2018 were essentially replacement level.
Conclusion: At age 30, this is not the player you make a multi-year commitment to. Maybe two-years at affordable contract? He probably could get a short multi-year deal in free agency.
In any case, no rush.
I think it is alright for people to miss 7-year Brewer veteran, Brent Suter. He had a career ERA of 3.51 for Milwaukee.
I think the front office felt, correctly, they could get similar production for less than $3,000,000 salary this year.
Milwaukee and Saint Louis hitters have identical BABIP, suggesting similar luck. Both third-highest in MLB. If both teams regress on BABIP then in theory, both offenses decline.
I see the Cardinals’ pitching has third-worst BABIP allowed and third worst HR/FB % in MLB. If that regresses to middle of the pack, they will improve.
They also are third-worst for hard hit percentage allowed, which could also mean hitters are just hitting Cardinal pitching hard this year.
The Brewers at 13-5 is even more exciting given the lack of cupcake opponents.
Pirates and Cubs still playing well and Cardinals are 6 GB. Cardinals run differential doesn’t provide immediate hope for a quick turnaround.