UpandIn

Well...Wiemer's is lower than Vientos and Wiemer has much more speed, defense and could play CF if we needed him to and Vientos is probably a DH...maybe a 1B. So it's mainly about getting Canha back. Canha is a nice player, but you're taking back his salary and he steps in front of...Frelick? Or Mitchell? He doesn't hit lefties particularly well. You owe him 13.5. I agree, I definitely wouldn't give up Wiemer+ a prospects take back 13.5M. Vientos is a nice player to take a flier on, but he's likely DH or OFer. Almost certainly not a 3B. It's certainly a useful package, but I think we come out behind. Don't think anyone believes Wiemer's the next Trout, just that some don't believe it's worth giving up Wiemer plus a prospect or prospects while taking back money and NOT actually getting a 3B. If you want to use that BTV site, again, Tyrone Taylor has similar value to Wiemer(or he did last I checked). That size is not great for measuring prospect value.

Yup. That all tracks to me. Hill, Waddle and Gesicki are too fast and slippery to cover with our pass rush.

Well...that's perfect. The Packers are awful in Florida because of the heat. Seems like they should be able to manage 54. Though...coming from Wisconsin right now, that might feel like a 90 degree game in Sept.

Yeah, but it's not surprising at this point. They did next to nothing this off-season. So why go out and give up top prospects for a pitcher who you're only going to have for 2 years? I wouldn't make this deal...if I was Baltimore and 1/3rd of their payroll is Adam Frazier and Kyle Gibson. People want to talk about the Brewers being cheap...Baltimore is a bigger market, more revenue and they finally look like they're on the cusp and THOSE are their signings? Not even looking at Rodon or someone? They're apparently happy finishing ahead of the Red Sox and will hope the farm system can make them competitive. We'll be able to get more from someone else. Baltimore is obviously not serious about winning now. Westburg and Cowser are really nice MLB ready prospects, but to get to back of the rotation pitchers back makes this kinda silly.

For starters, I don't thinks he was referencing the valuation of the franchise there. I think she was talking about winning. And there's no question being able to spend like Cohen SHOULD put the Mets in position to be one helluva team. They'd likely be even better if deGrom had given them the chance to match as I suspect they'd have been more than happy to. As for how the Brewers spending, should and could are different, but since I just replied in a long post, I'll reply in a shorter one. I think they could spend another ~25M and this year more than that. That doesn't mean I think they SHOULD be signing Bogaerts for 25.5M a year for 11 years. I think you're just throwing away probably 140M dollars there. I don't even think Mark A is disputing this. Didn't he effectively say as much in front of the media last year? That they could have afforded to make ANY trade out there...then hesitated a bit and said something along the lines of "maybe not a 3 player trade," which I think just meant they couldn't take on contract like Soto and then eaten Corbin's deal(For example). But he was adamant finances were not the reason they missed out on Soto who was making 17, will make 20+ and likely close to 30 next year.

It's a pretty good article save for this one paragraph; Sorry...but the three owners that really seem to get it are the Pads, Phillies and Mets? So that's zero World Series, 1 since 1980 and 2 in ~145 years and then the Mets who've got one since 1986. Money does buy good players...and it's also buying a lot of years of VERY expensive VERY bad players who in all likelihood, wouldn't be able to get a job if...they weren't signed to the deals they are. I do think the Brewers can spend more money, but I don't think you can reasonably use the Mets as the rationale. Just because they're spending SO much. Their owner is worth roughly 30X what our owner is worth AND they generate a couple hundred MILLION more in revenue than we do. I'd guess we could probably spend another 25M without losing money(probably closer to 160-170 this year with 30 million each team is making)...but the latter is a one year thing and I don't really think they're just refusing to spend money so much as the contracts that are being signed are outrageous. When you look at the projected revenue by Forbes(which most people seem to believe is too high. I have no idea and it's Forbes, so I'll defer to them). And then you start going through the expenses the Brewers really have, not just payroll, it all adds up. The ~12M on the international signings/MLB draft, the 290 players in their system overall. Maintaining the leagues, the upgrades they've made in any number of area's. I just understand why they're able to commit money for a year or two years, but cannot get sucked under on these just stupid deals that the top FAs get. I said it last year when Mark Attanasio looked like he'd been kicked in the gut with the Hader trade, I don't think the GM is being told constantly, "no, we just can't do it," I think Stearns...and now Arnold are conservative and they'd add a player if he made sense. But looking at the list of upcoming FAs, the best the board could come up with(so far as I can remember) was Jose Abreu as a player everyone agreed would be a reasonable signing and that the Brewers could afford. He was snatched up very quickly by the Astros. The best team in MLB the last 5 years, no state taxes... So I definitely think they can spend more. There also hasn't been a move, Renfroe aside, that I've really disagreed with or thought they should make this year.

Yeah, I got ya! I was replying in agreement, not at you...

Josh Hader was pretty bad last year and he was a racist, homophobe(always reduce people to the worst behavior if nothing else) who was a clubhouse problem because HE refused to pitch any inning other than the 9th. Of course I don't think anyone ACTUALLY thinks that about Hader...who had a ERA quite a bit higher than Chapman did during his irredeemable season! You'd also think you could just agree to disagree and give someone the last word, but you can't do that either and it ends up being the last 3 words. I presume everyone realizes that Arnold ain't sitting here reading the board and taking his cues from what we think. But I guess Chapman at 7.5+incentives is the third rail on here.

I kinda like both NY teams. The Giants have those two massive bookend Tackles. The Jets if they had Becton could be so much better. That dude makes the NFL look like the league with the little kids and then the one 7th grader with a neck beard who's a foot taller and 120 pounds heavier...goes around just mossing kids. But he hasn't played in two years. IF he comes back though?

I don't care enough about any of this to keep going on. I think adding Chapman would help us...and I'm done justifying my opinion.

I didn't argue your opinion, I argued the an 80 grade is the literal definition of generational. That's not the definition. He struck out 15.5 in 2021. Seems like that might help fortify our BP. But...I suppose it's very unlikely a HOF reliever who's still throwing in the upper 90s could help.

Dude...can I just have an opinion on Chapman without being forced into this same argument every time? We did this like....3-4 days ago. I said I'd like to see them sign Chapman to help fortify the backend of the pen. He pitched a partial season last year...he's a big power lefty who was still getting 15+K per 9 in 2021 pitching in the AL East. Relievers are volatile and he's "trended" downward before. AGAIN, if he were the same guy throwing 105MPH, this wouldn't be a discussion as he'd get Edwin Diaz money. I don't know, I guess I don't want him? Or we can just agree to have a different opinion on him? As for Williams...like I said...specifically spelled out; Yeah, I get Williams peripherals have been really good. He's got a great changeup. I'm not disputing this. Again, I think a "once in a generation pitch," is...a bit much and it's definitely not what an 80 grade means. If it was, then Hunter Greene(and several other pitchers) would have a once in a generation Fastball.

Yes, we've had this disagreement. His velocity was "down" to 97.5 last year...he also missed time with a leg injury and leg injuries lead to lower velo. I also think it's misleading to say he has "rapidly dwindling peripherals," they fell off last year. If they hadn't...he'd be making 20M this year. So that's the only reason he's even an option. As for Williams, I didn't compare Williams to Chapman, I expressed concern about Williams as our closer. And I'd disagree(And say you're being really hyperbolic with the once in a generation stuff) when you say it doesn't rely on velocity. A plus changeup is GREAT when you're hitting 99 like Williams was a few years ago. His FB has dropped ~3MPH since 2020. Everyone knows what he's going to throw. He's still been dominant, but if the FB drops to 92-93...I think it'll be much less effective.

That's...not true. He doesn't live an extravagant lifestyle, lives in the house he grew up in(I believe) and doesn't spend copius amounts of money on frivolous things, so it seems like a stretch. But he tips...and I know he tips because they made such a big deal about how he "only" tips ~25% and not like a "real billionaire." I mean, he may be spending money on the Nebraska FB program despite the fact that he went to a different State School, but it is unlikely. But this describes him as kinda miserly and cheap(literally) when I think he's just a simple man.

That was exactly who I was thinking... There was some jackassery on his behalf at the end of last year, but he's still a flame thrower who can be dominant. And I don't really trust Williams completely(nobody needs to show me why I'm wrong or his peripherals, it's just a feeling based on his diminished FB velo). Bullpens though come together and become great or implode and it's just so hard to predict at this time of the year. I'd have been happy with a Kimbrel signing, but again, not at 10M.

You nailed all of it IMO. #3 would hopefully just be a paycut. If they restructure beyond that, then they're trying to get his cap hit down below 23M or whatever it is exactly. And that'd be a bad idea. I don't like saying a professional athlete "owes" us anything but their effort, but...you think he might feel compelled to lower that base salary to save 5M. I'd say even if Rodgers isn't back, the only reason I'd part with Bakh is to trade him. Just like with Rodgers, a team acquiring him, their cap hit would be very manageable. I don't know why, but I just have this feeling if the Packers really want to move forward with Love, Bakh, Rodgers and Adams may be teammates again.

I think there's almost no chance they cut him. They save 6M dollars by cutting him. It'd honestly make more sense to cut him. And he seemed to be getting healthier as @LouisEly pointed out and he's STILL the best OL we've got. I don't know if the turf was THE reason, he was planning to play and it just flared up on him. But there's a problem here. He's gonna get paid like an elite LT either way. So the question is do you keep him and take on the extra 6M or do you cut him? It comes down to is he worth a 6M cap hit? I don't think there's ANY question he is even if you just got what you did out of him this year. And it seems like that's unlikely as he's been progressively getting better, getting stronger. If we were a year further down the road on his contract, then it'd be a totally different discussion, but he's just too good, too valuable to let go over such a relatively small number vs the cap. And that's really the number that matters. Unless they want Rodgers to leave. Then they won't re-sign Cobb and cut Bakh! I think there's a pretty good chance that Bakh takes a pay cut on his base salary next year, but that's just me guessing and feeling like Bakh would be willing to do that based on the bad timing of the injury and the money he's been paid. Not that it's been his fault.

I get that, but I think the fact that they've been able to handle lefties in the minors at least shows they can stay in on them. They're not bailing out like so many lefties do. At that point, it's just a matter of contact IMO. If Frelick, Mitchell, Turang, if they can put the ball in play vs lefties, they're going to be alright. They may only carry a .680 OPS, but I could see it being a .330/.350 type line for Mitchell or Turang. That's...IF they are capable of doing that. Mitchell is the one I'm the most worried about. But I also wouldn't be surprised if he had a big year. We have a mountain of question marks. Will Winker get back to being a .300/.400/.550 line Will Adames be able to get the walk rate back over 10% in addition to the power and defense? Both Adames and Urias hit into poor luck. Will the shift rules help the Brewers more than most teams? With Turang playing 2B, a plus defensive SS, will he be able to cover enough ground in case he struggles to hit? Or will he just keep on hitting pretty well as he's going to be a 23 year old rookie. Will Frelick be able to strike out once every 200 ABs? Can Wiemer make the adjustments? Contreras do what he did last year in a loaded ATL lineup in Milwaukee when he's expected to get another ~150 PAs and DH on some days? Who else are we going to add? Can Toro or Perkins or Miller break out and be productive ML hitters? There are a ton of questions, but we've got enough options and talent and I think the rule changes will help us. I think our defense is going to be drastically improved save the most important position(C). We'll see if we can work our magic with him as we've done with past catchers. And I think there's a good chance Ashby steps up and becomes a potential 3rd ace. He's that talented and he should have high expectations this year. I also think we've got ~20-30M in payroll room and who knows how that manifests.

I don't think anyone who's a fan of the Star wants to see the Packers in the playoffs. THAT is a team I'm pretty confident we can and would beat again. SF, Buff, Philly, KC...no. But Dallas?

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree. This is a game where losing Stokes really hurts as well. Those two players, Stokes and Gary...were expected to be part of the #1 secondary in the NFL and a top 5 front 7 in the NFL(per PFF position rankings). Stokes was a legit #1 last year in man coverage last year. Long, elite speed. And he ranked...I THINK #1 in press man coverage last year giving up an opposing passer rating of 79.5(just going off memory). THAT version of the defense we all envisioned, with Gary as a difference maker--which he absolutely was when he was healthy, and then Clark who's having the worst year of his career(IMO because he's just not a DE/3 tech, he's a NT who can dominate Centers who tend to be smaller with his first step and hands vs lining up over the Guard, inside the OT). Anyway, Jaire, Stokes...could have made for a better matchup vs Hill and Waddle. Packers need to create pressure. The two rookies can do it in different ways(Wyatt can beat anyone off the ball, but that can also open up running lanes). But I just have trouble seeing this defense matching up with the weapons the Dolphins have. The offense? I actually have confidence in them, but that D...I'm struggling to see how they can match up or play well enough to sustain this run they're hoping to go on.

They were apparently waiting on this, but wasn't there the possibility he was going to get backpay? I thought there was the potential he'd get paid for the time he was suspended or partial pay. I'm sure I'm getting this wrong, but the argument being his suspension without charges was so long relative to how other situations were handled(Ozuna). Though...these were far more significant.... Anyway, setting aside the validity of the claims, was that not the case?

I don't think he'll play. He'll view it as playing for the league minimum. I don't have any special insight into him, but he's clearly got an enormous ego. I'm really not sure how I'd feel about him playing for us if he did play for the minimum. It'd require me knowing exactly what happened and I'll never know that. What the hell, I'd take it. He's gonna play for someone. Why make it the Cards or someone else.

I'd love Marte, but he's a top 20 prospect who hasn't yet seen AA. The difference in acquiring him would likely be significantly more costly and it wouldn't do anything to help us this year. And...they may choose to keep he and De La Cruz to be the left side of their IF. They had 3 other SS's in the top 100. My guess is they'd prefer to move them, but if they did trade Marte, they'd likely start with Chourio and then move on to Frelick+Ashby or another well regarded prospect.

Yeah, it's hard for it to be "unrealistic" when it happened...last year. Please look at the Cleveland Guardians. And then just stop being a clown. He was making a point about the rookies that could play a role on this team. Which one of those rookies do you think can't? Arguments beyond a tired 20 year old game show phrase would be helpful. Don't bother phoning a friend...just go to Baseball reference, come back with an actual argument and explain who among those players is it so inconceivable could be in the lineup? Frelick? No, you've already made a silly argument about Winker being our OFer because Frelick won't be up until his Super 2 Cutoff. Mitchell? Hard to sell that one given...he's already been up and played pretty well. Turang? The one who's pretty close to a lock to be in the lineup? Or Wiemer? The top 50 prospect who is probably the most talented prospect we have outside of Chourio? Explain in a coherent argument why those 4 playing together would ONLY mean that the season has been a disaster? Would it be better if someone put Perkins or Taylor in the OF and Toro at 2B simply because they're not rookies?

I'm pretty sure they could to. But you don't actually win games on the field JUST by adding up WAR. We have a lineup that is desperately devoid of hitters who can hit lefties. We've lost 3 of the top 4 hitters vs LHPing from last year and only one was over .800. We were bad vs lefties to start the off-season. Contreras was...friggin masterpiece of a trade. You're still counting on a 25 year old who's had one good stretch of less than 100 games as your main solution to what was a MAJOR issue with this team(he had an OPS over 1.000 vs lefties). I feel pretty confident he will not be able to duplicate that. I hope Adames can improve upon his sub .700 OPS vs LHPing. But to be able to bring in a guy who'd be able to play all 3 of those spots for 7.5M? It's really not about just finding 1.2 WAR, it's about piecing together a team that can win and not just when right handed pitchers on on the mount. WAR is a great tool. It is basically useless when talking about filling in a roster and looking to plug the holes we've still got. So do we have someone who can play 1st/DH/LF/RF who can hit lefties and put up a ~.840 OPS vs them?