jay87shot

There is nothing wrong with hitting .260-.280, my point is that if he hits in that range (which I expect he will) that it really doesn't make doing the extension next offseason much different. Now if he hits over .280 I would think an extension will be more costly for us next year and if he hits poorly maybe we just wait.

I wouldnt be against a contract like Aaron Ashby's. His defense and base running give him a pretty high floor. However, I agree with the last couple posts, no reason to do it this year. I doubt Turang goes nuclear, if he hits like .260-.280 I wouldnt think there is much change in an extension next offseason. Also with the amount of young guys it is better to wait. We wouldn't want to extend Brice and Joey say and they level out and that costs us someone else bigger down the line.

I think we have a bunch of overlooked bullpen options that can easily be overlooked and be "dominant". Look at how good Bryan Hudson and Jared Koenig were last year, I don't think they get much credit for how good they were. I wouldn't be to surprised to see another scrap heap style addition turn out like those guys or Megill. After what we saw from Ashby at the end of last year I think he could be like Josh Hader early in his career before closing. I think 2 of Sal, Turang, Ortiz, and Mitchell will really break out and be close to .300 hitters (maybe just healthy for Mitchell). We saw it from Turang for about 1/2 year and he was a near 5 WAR player and we've seen stretches from the others.

Cmon now, Knoth really. Hopefully having it a month and a half ago makes him ready for early 2026. Heck maybe it tightens everything up, he gets the rest of his body ahead of schedule and he can add a few mph. Losing Gardner stinks I kind of had him lined up as one of the better AAA relievers. With losing Shane Smith (possibly could be returned) it hasn't been a great offseason for our minor league relief. I like some of the depth moves that are likely AAA pitchers but not really as much as Smith or Gardner.

We haven't mentioned any of the Rangers IF depth for a while as trade options. There bullpen is pretty rough looking and they have Josh Smith, Ezekiel Duran, and Justin Foscue as extra IF'ers. I also like Casey Schmitt as a cheaper blocked 3B option. The is a little more power and higher end defense upside. I've mentioned the Ray's IF depth enough. The O's don't have the depth the once did but Mateo or Urias could make sense. The Mets with Acuna and Mauricio (maybe McNeil) could be interesting. Maybe the Twins as well.

If Durbin does look the part in camp I would be all for Turang at ss and Ortiz at 3B. I do prefer Ortiz at ss and Turang at 2B just because turang was just so good defensively. I will say Ortiz was a gold glove 3B after the first 40 games or so. Another reason I would have the group of utility guys fight over 3B is that we have better prospects like Boeve close who will be 3B where we have no 2B prospects. What about leaving Turang and Ortiz at 2B and 3B? Are there any SS options that are blocked and ready to trade for? Even someone to hold the spot for a year for Pratt.

At this point I am fine with some form of a Dunn and Durbin/Monesario platoon at 3rd. Dunn did show the tools to be a good 3rd baseman in the time we saw him last year. There is power and speed and he was a decent fielder. Consistency and lack of walks was a major problem but in the minors it was a strength so I do really like the upside of Dunn the most out of our options. In reality Spring Training should sort out 3B, give Dunn, Durbin, Mone, and Sal (maybe Collins) as much 3B work as possible and there should be a decent option. If the all stink we can overpay a bit for someone like Baty or Mead who likely will be blocked.

1st=CB Benjamin Morrison I think CB is our biggest need and there should be a couple great options at 23. For now I like Morrison based on size and tape. 2nd= OL Grey Zabel The versatility and and amazing Senior Bowl might end up making him a 1st rounder but I will hope for 2nd at this point. 3rd=WR Tai Felton WR from Maryland have been underrated, Felton had a great year and if he shows decent athleticism has high potential. 4th=NT Nazir Stackhouse With Slaton potentially gone to FA a replacement run stopper would be nice. Guty seems to draft a Georgia defender or two every year. 5th=LB Danny Stutsman He always seemed to be around the ball at OKL, this could help if we loses McDuffie or just long term if we don't pick up Walker's option year. 6th=CB Zah Frazier I am not going to pretend to know the later round CB well at this point, Frazier seems to be rising so he might be long gone but he looks the part of a big projectable CB. 7th=TE CJ Dippre With Musgraves injuries it would be nice to have a little TE depth, Dippre should be a solid practice teamer who can be ready to play as a rookie if needed. 7th DE= Ahmed Hassanien 22 sacks at Boise the past 2 years and I haven't seen him ranked in the top 200 anywhere. At 6'3" 277, this might be my sleeper of the draft right now, I would take him as high as the 4th. A lot will depend on workouts.

If he isn't to expensive I would take Iglesias in a heart beat. However my guess is that his camp is trying to secure a multi year deal. Jorge Polanco got 1/7+ so my guess is Iglesias should get like 2/20 or 1/11-12. Iglesias did hit .331/.381/.448 for a 3.1 WAR with average defense at 2b and 3B (only a couple SS games) in half a year.

Agree, now how long until someone else figures it out and gives Hook and Co. a manager/ton of money to be pitching coach is questionable. I will say our farm system is so deep with solid arms that we should be able to replenish the loses well for the next 3-4 years no problem.

Great point, I don't have a problem with this in the least.

Mlbtraderumors put out an article proposing that we are looking for SP depth. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/looking-at-the-brewers-rotation-depth-options.html They do recognize our depth, noting Elvin Rodriguez could be an option which I hadn't really thought about. With it looking more likely that Woody won't be ready to start the year and Gasser maybe missing most of the year instead of 1/2, I agree. It is getting close to the point where guys like Lorenzen and Clevinger signed really cheap deals 1/3. I would prefer to keep Ashby and Hall in multi innings roles and be able to move them into the rotation (better for confidence). Guys like Patrick, CarRod, Elvin Rodriguez, Misi, or Henderson could earn a rotation spot. But here are some guys that could be had cheaper that I would be happy to get. I think Pivetta, Quintana, and Heaney still get decent deals in the next couple weeks that won't count as deeply discounted. Kershaw to the Dodgers seems like a lock. Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson, not my favorite but the experience is there. Cal Quantrill and Chris Flexen, were decent in less than ideal situations and could be decent. Mike Clevinger and Spencer Turnbull, I don't know where he is coming back from injury but maybe a minor league contract. Jacob Junis, Drew Smyly, and Ryan Yarbrough, have been multi-inning relief guys but have been solid and could piggyback or be stretched out. Kyle Finnegan, I doubt there is time to convert him to the rotation but he has the arm and a 3 pitch mix that could do it. Easy to transition to bullpen if it doesn't work.

I can see calling Baty a lotto ticket, it was only 2 years ago he was the #21 overall prospect with above average tools across the board except speed. He wasn't good in the bigs in 2023 but was pushed through the minors a bit fast only 32 AAA games, 4 games low A. He did put up a 0.3 WAR in 50 games last year which isn't great but with more consistent playing time something to build on. He isn't your traditional lotto prospect but I would say he has like a 40% chance of being a dud, 40% chance of being a bench player/platoon option, and 20% chance of fulfilling his potential and being a Alec Bohm or better style 3B. I would be fine adding him if the price is like Peguero or Payamps maybe add in Collins or someone comparable. He could hit .250 with average defense and 15+ HR, I would be happy with that for this year at 3B.

I am thinking a trade is all that makes sense at 3rd, I don't really want any of the free agents at this point. I would rather go with Dunn, Durbin, Sal, Collins, Mone and eventually Boeve than DeJong, Drury, or Rodgers. I think Zach Denzenzo or Shay Whitcomb (maybe a small 2nd piece) would make a good trade for Blake Perkins or a reliever (Payamps/Peguero) especially if Black platoons 1st and can be the 5th OF. Defensively neither are great but they do have big upside and could move to 1st in 2026 if the bat is good. Brett Baty makes a ton of sense now that Alonso is back as well.

23) OF Ethan Conrad Highly successful at Marist, the Cape, and Perfect Game. He looks like a potential Garrett Mitchell style OF with potential plus tools across the board and will play at Wake this year. 31) 2B Henry Godbout from Virginia hit .372/.472/.645 with 29 bb/20k, he would be an early guess to me for someone who fits our offensive mold (average runner, fielder, so maybe not overall). 38) P Chase Shores 6'8" throws up to 100, missed 2024 with TJ but the upside alone is intriguing. My guess is that if healthy he ends up higher. 40) OF Kane Kepley See Sal Frelick, if he can get it done at UNC he will be very sought after. 45) P Angel Cervantes Does turn 18 until August, not the biggest arm but at 6'3' 195 will likely add strength and has a very good changeup. 94) P Jack Lafflam 6'6'' 175 pounds with a 4 pitch mix is a ton a projectability for a HS prospect. I kind of wouldn't mind a solid catching prospect unless Corobo or Dinges catch fire, however wasnt thrilled by any in the top 100.

I think we should believe in it as fans but I think the major rankings and general excess media coverage is building on itself a bit much. I really don't like the idea of DSL guys in the top 100 prospects, yes the stats show an extremely high potential but in reality the DSL is essentially a slightly higher than high end high school competition. If a 17 year old had his numbers at a prestigious top notch HS program we wouldn't be gushing as hard as we are. That being said he would definitely be a potential/likely high-end 1st round pick with his abilities if he were draft eligible this year and then likely a top 100 prospect so there are some semantics. Basically since we signed Gilbert Lara a while ago I feel like waiting until full season ball to start the helium on a players prospect status is wise.

Yeah Garret is going to cost at least 2 1st and a couple more picks or players as well. I would guess there are 28 other teams with fans like us hoping to get him for less.

I really don't see anything all that enticing on the market, I like John Collins but the fit is rough and he isn't a big improvement over Bobby. I doubt we could find a way to get someone like Brandon Ingram and that being only the rest of this year would seriously reduce the price I'd pay. Ayton or Robert Williams could be nice younger centers and Jeremi Grant is having a down year but could be an interesting add. The Wizards have Poole, Brogdon, and Kuzma who could be appealing, however the Blazers and Wiz would likely want 1st rounders and I don't think I would give up that 2031 pick for any of those guys. Here are some thoughts. Bobby Portis to Detriot for Malik Beasley and a future 1st (top 20 protected). This gets us under the 2nd apron (I believe) and another competent shooter familar to the team. The Pistons get a tough big to pair with Duran and Stewart. We get DeAndre Ayton the Lakers get Brook Lopez and Pat C (pick from Portland/Bucks?) Portland gets Reeves, Rui, Marjon We get younger at the 5, the Lakers get a perfect fit for Luka and LeBron, Portland gets the younger wings in Reeves and Rui (probably would need to trade on of Simons, Scoot, or Sharpe) We get John Collins the Thunder get Middleton and the Jazz get Lu Dort, and Aaron Wiggins We get a 3rd big to go with Giannis and Ayton (Giannis plays some more 3 and more 5), the Thunder get a scoring boost from a vet that complements SGA and Jalen Williams (Chet and Hartenstien), the Jazz get 2 younger wings for Collins. Obviously, this is way to much and would likely upset Giannis but it would add some youth while maintaining shooting and overall depth.

If Slaton is 3/24 that is a pass, big run stuffing NT are easy enough to find later in the draft. I really don't like DK Metcalf for our needs, I feel like we need an Davante (from 3/4 years ago) style guy who when it is 3rd and 7 we know well get open and keep the drive going. For me, Godwin is the best guy for that because of his hands. Metcalf isn't much different than Christian Watson in my opinion just no health concerns. Good point on some of the extensions that could be needed like Tom. I do think we will follow last year's lead and sign 2 proven players at the higher end of there position and then use the draft to fill in depth. I really haven't done as much draft research as normal but I do think the center position is weak and I do like the CB depth at first glance. Looking at that I would maybe look at signing a OL and drafting at CB. What are thoughts about Quat Walker? He clearly isn't worth the 16 million option but I don't think I would give up on him unless contract extension demands are way to high. He was decent last year but really hasn't made enough big plays to say we should give him more time. With 6-7 really good linebackers as free agents I would be tempted to let Quay go and add a vet cheaper who has had more success. Lavonte David or Bobby Wagner would be great mentors for Cooper and Hopper, where Sherwood, Baun, Bolton, Jones, or Greenlaw could all be big time improvements and are young enough to warrant a longer term big money deal.

Love this, I never got why Molitor transition to DH so soon. Was there an injury or was he just never a great fielder in the 1st place. It was a hair before my time. I personally am glad they got rid of Shef, he was always a moron anyway.

I still think Dunn has some upside, we saw some clear power, speed, and defensive potential from him. Combine that with with solid average and walk rates in the minors and there is a potential gem there. Durbin is in that same boat for me, especially since he really hasn't stayed fully healthy and his fall league performance was epic. Add in the potential of Sal giving the IF another shot in spring and Boeve starting in AAA (likely) and not being to far away and my overall worries aren't huge. Between those 4 with Collins and Mona who I agree are likely just utility big leaguers there is enough upside. My biggest worry is that it could take half the year for one of those guys to take over and prove to be an every day option. The free agent options other than Bregman and maybe Iglesias are all platoon/utility guys at this point as well.

3/4's of the infield are fine/settled it really is just like 1 spot and in reality we have 4 passible options. I really wouldn't mind Durbin, Dunn, Mone, and/or Collins (Sal maybe) at 2B but the issue for me is that none of those guys are worth moving Turang off 2B. As 3B that group gets a lot more iffy, there are lots of potential solutions but really I don't see one option that is a clear path unless MA decides to pony up for Bregman which would seems almost impossible to me since we didn't make a real run at Willy.

I am still hoping there is a way to turn some of our bullpen depth into a block 3rd baseman. Maybe Alonso eventually re-sign a 1 year deal with the Mets and a couple of there relievers get hurt in spring training and we can turn Peguero or Payamps into Brett Baty. With the Rays signing Kim, I wonder if Curtis Mead or Jonathan Aranda (Brandon Lowe for more expensive) could be had for a cheaper price. All 3 of Mead, Aranda, and Baty are flawed but they all have the upside that would make me feel better going into the year with Durbin, Dunn, and 1 of those guys.

I really am not to worried about the bench, there will definitely be some games where the bench/pinch hitting options are weak but in reality I don't think there is anyone of our everyday players who will need to be pinch hit for other than 3B. I am fine with Sal and Mitchell hitting in the 8/9th vs. a lefty same for Ortiz/Rhys vs. righty. If things started today, I would have Black on pace for Bauers role last year, when he is going good he can DH more and Murph can probably sneak him into the OF or 3B occasionally if/when there are OF injuries. Bauers had 300 ab's, my guess is a slighty expanded version of that is around 400 abs and injuries could make it more.

DH is fine, I would guess Yeli plays at least 50% of the games there at least until there are injuries. Rhys and Contreras will likely get a lot of run as well, then there is still Black and the 4/5th OF to get some extra ab's as well. The extra IF spot weather it be 3B or 2B does worry me, we do have plenty of options and the are still a decent amount of cheaper FA vets that would help (Iglesias, Polanco, Rodgers, DeJong, Moncada). If we don't add anyone I am pretty confident one of Durbin, Dunn, Collins, Monaserio, or maybe Frelick will be solid my worry is that will take most of the year to figure it out.