Brewser5

One of the rare times I was rooting for the Cubs, and I have to do it again against the Cards. I really can't stand the Pirates. They are a bunch of babies. They are always at the top of hitting batters, but then throw a tantrum when they get hit. They have also been involved in multiple on field altercations. Got to say, Arrieta is a joy to watch on the mound as well.

It's the intensity of a Game 7 in a Game 1. This is great for the game of baseball and is great to watch. Also whatever gives the Brewers a better chance in a tough division is OK with me.

Lester is on a different level when it comes to playoffs. And if you don't qualify Lester as an ace, Buchholz had a 1.74 ERA that year. I think that constitutes as ace. Buehrle had his best statistical year in 2005. I would say he put up ace like numbers that year. My point is, I don't think we fare well if we ever got into the Playoffs with Jimmy Nelson as our number 1 and he has to go toe to toe twice with Kershaw/Bumgarner/Lester/Wainwright/Etc. An ace is vital in my mind.

Note: 2008 Phillies had Hamels. Halladay was still with Toronto. Sorry. Good Call. Still holds true to my point.

The idea that a team has to have a true "ace" material pitcher to compete is a myth. You have to have a good pitching staff. You have to score more runs than you allow. I only agree that you need a solid rotation to get you to the playoffs. If you want to win a WS you need an ace. 2014 - Giants - Bumgarner 2013 - Red Sox - Lester 2012 - Giants - Bumgarner 2011 - Cardinals - Carpenter 2010 -Giants - Lincecum 2009 - Yankees - CC 2008 - Phillies - Halladay Not only do they have an ace, but for the most part they had an awesome supporting staff with the exception of the 2011 Cards. I could go on, but if you want to win a WS, you are going to have to beat an Ace with an Ace, and I do not see that anywhere in the Brewers farm system.

For all the talk of Braun being moved to first base, I really don't think that will happen. The Brewers have had multiple opportunities to do that over his career and they have not even tried it. With Lucroy they at least have him practicing over there and playing in a couple games to get comfortable. Don't forget how terrible Braun was at 3B. I know a lot of his problems were with throwing, but 1B is not as easy as people make it out to be. One of my favorite movie quotes of all time regarding 1B, "It's not that hard, Scott. Tell him, Wash.....It's incredibly hard." I believe Rodgers will be the 1B next year. He has proven that he belongs with the bat and giving him a shot at 1B in a rebuilding year is not a terrible idea. He will also get some relief from Lucroy and Clark. I like the idea of trading KD and moving Braun back to LF. Although it may not happen this off season, when Phillips/Coulter/Etc. are ready to go I like the move.

I find it really hard to believe that the Dodgers would take the worst pitcher in the league with a terrible salary for Ethier or Crawford. Those two are quite serviceable and I am sure they could find a much better deal elsewhere.

I know Pap is a complete tool, but he has been around for a while. I don't think he is the only one that feels that way in the Nats clubhouse about Harper. He is just the one that won't put up with it. Now do I agree with how Pap handled it, absolutely not, but I am sure there is more going on in that clubhouse than anyone knows.

First post here, so be easy on me! I would aggressively shop everyone on the team to try and fill our 3B dilemma and bolster our pitching depth with a few exceptions: 1. Hold onto Braun. He had a great bounce back season and for the most part the thumb procedure seemed to work. This off season surgery should be fairly minor and I fully expect Braun to have a better season next year if he can stay healthy. His contract is not as terrible as made out to be with the way FA are getting money thrown at them left and right. I think he can be a key piece in this rebuild on the field and in the club house. 2. Only trade Lucroy if we are totally blown away. Lucroy is very important to developing these young pitchers. Even though he may not be a factor in the total rebuild, he will be key in getting us there. I would see if he has a bounce back year, mentor the young guys, and hope his stock bounces back though out 2016. He can also provide relief at 1B since I fully expect Lind to be moved in the off season. I would also like to see a lot of different pitchers take the mound in 2016. Use 2016 as a total rebuild year and see what we have to work with. The only 3 I would like to see with a constant spot is Peralta, Nelson, and Garza (Until the trade deadline). Hopefully Garza will bounce back and can be moved at that time. FYI - I have been watching you guys communicate on here for a couple weeks and really enjoy the constructive baseball chatter. I was posting on MLB.com for some time and that place is a complete dumpster fire. Zero moderators and all name calling. I really look forward to the discussion on here!