LakeshoreLarry

Good article Tim on the pros and cons of a Hoskins trade. I'd be surprised is Arnold could get good enough offers to justify a trade, but Arnold has surprised me before. Arnold took control in November of 2020 and since that time the Brewers have missed the playoffs in only one year. I happen to have the 2020 Brewers rooster in my computer files and took a look at the team. Only one position player, Yelich, remains with the current team and only 3 pitchers, Woodruff, Peralta, and Williams are still on the rooster. That's a lot of wheeling and dealing and I might add, with great success. I just thought your readers would be interested in that tidbit.

Being a long time Brewer fan, I appreciate the article. Thanks. I remember being disappointed he didn't win the gold glove the year we went 81 consecutive errorless games. He was always one of my favorite Brewers.

Another under the radar option is Josh Smith, Texas Rangers. He has been a utility player but got 523 AB's this year due to injuries to Jung and Seager. Most of his playing time was at 3B but can also play SS, 2B, and the OF. He hit .258 with 13 home runs and an OPS+ of 110. Josh Jung is having surgery on his wrist this off-season and is expected to be ready for spring training. It's possible Texas could trade him for the right package. Smith's salary will probably be just a little over $1 million for 2025 and he is Arb eligible in 2026. He hits left-handed but may not have to be platooned since he hit .286 against lefties. From what I read, his defense is good.

I consider myself a pretty good and knowledgeable Brewer fan but I have to admit that K C Hunt flew under my radar. Thanks for the great article.

Thanks for the report. My dark horse candidate to see significant time in the Milwaukee bullpen is Bukauskas. I think he can be a strong late-inning reliever.

I think the Brewers will pick up his contract. The price is reasonable for his production and the ability to add depth to 1B, corner OF, and DH is a bonus. It's early in the off-season and if circumstances change regarding that depth, I think the Brewers would get value back if he is traded later this off-season.

Thanks Tim for your view of the fast start. I have to admit the April schedule looked tough and before the season started, I would have been happy with a 10 - 9 record. I share your caution regarding the rookies but I'm hopeful the hitting may still come around with more experience and adjustments.

Thanks! I enjoyed the trip back in time. BTW, I had opening day tickets to that game and I did attend when they finally got around to having the game.

Thank you Braden for your entry. I enjoyed reading your blog about these Brewer minor league players I had never heard of. I hope you keep up the good reporting.

Does anyone here know how long Frelick would have to stay in the minors to gain that extra year of service time?

Thank you for this interesting report. It seems to me that moving him down in the order is a great idea. These aren't small sample sizes and that OBP with runners on base and in scoring position for both years is a significant statistic.

Your article gave us some great information on Tellez's hitting tendencies and your conclusions and suggestions are logical and well thought out. Thanks!

I think Brady Singer from the K C Royals would be a good pitcher to target. He's still young and won't reach ARB till next year. He's 26 years old and started 24 games last year and had a 3.23 ERA with at FIP of 3.58. He had a 4.5 WAR. The problem is who the Brewers might have to give up. I'm thinking at least Mitchell, Houser or Lauer, and one or more of our other prospects. I hope Matt Arnold at least checks in with KC to see if he might be available.

Two players I'd like to see the Brewers trade for is Luis Arraez from the Twins and Anthony Santander from the Orioles. Easier said than done of course but both are rumored to be available. Arraez would play 2B and then I'm okay with Urias at 3B and Turang as our super utility player. Owen Miller and Toro would be backup if Turang has problems with MLB pitching. Arraez would be excellent top of the order hitter. Santander would play RF and he is a switch hitter that hits left-handed pitching very well. He would give us the production that we lost when we traded Renfroe and would probably hit in the 6th, 7th, or 8th spot. I expect one of Lauer or Houser would have to be traded and probably Tyronne Taylor would also be included. I'm sure prospects would also be included. Realistically, Matt Arnold would have to pull off some magic again to get both players. However, if possible, I believe that lineup along with the Brewer pitching would be very competitive for the NL Central title at a reasonable team salary.

Back in October I suggested this trade: Brewers receive: Arraez, Ober and Kirilloff (39.9 on BTV) for Renfroe and Woodruff (37.8). Renfroe's value was zero. It got a lot of down votes on the Brewers side because Renfroe was also included in the trade and Kirilloff's injury history. So, with Renfroe already traded may I suggest Hiura and Woodruff, or Brewers might have to offer Tellez and Woodruff for the same 3 Twins players. Of course, the next question is: Who's on first? Hopefully a trade for Yandy Diaz or Joey Meneses for example might work.