Sugarrayray

Did Yelich literally grow an arm in the offseason???

Strange thing is Black and Gasser are both actually probably more major league ready than Chourio at this point. It’s strange how they’re so aggressive with some and so slow with others. I know they all play different positions, but it just really erks me that categorical bums like Haase, Bauers, and Taylor Clarke are considered options to get any type of playing time for this team while Black and Gasser go back to AAA, after both being dominant there last year. I know depth is very important but not at the cost of putting your best players on the field. I mean, sorry to rant and I’m sure he’s a real good kid with a good attitude, but just imagine what Tyler Black must think. Like “huh, Brice is not a major league level hitter, but they brought him up opening day last year. And, they say my defense is a question and that defense is so important on this team, but then they just all of a sudden move Sal to 3rd where I’m supposed to play.” It’s complete mixed messaging. Sal looked terrible and lost at third when I watched their game yesterday. You’d have to be a pretty special person to not be frustrated and negative-minded about that. I’m sure he’ll overcome it, but whats the point? You have top prospects who are ready to play ball, AAAA guys should never take a minute of playing away from guys like that.

I remember thinking last year that I was hoping he’d up his curve usage because it actually seemed like his best pitch. On another note, it is cool to see the occasional true kitchen sink guy who can still tap 94-95 every now and then.

I really will be disappointed if guys like Bauers, Haase, and Taylor Clark in the bullpen make this team. They are not good big league players, and I can’t stand the thought of them taking playing time away from all the young talent the Crew has. It surprises me how many people think Haase will make this team even if Sanchez is healthy - Sure Sanchez will be the primary DH but as pointed out in this article they prefer to rotate at the DH, and he will also be the backup catcher. They acquired Haase long before they knew they were going to get Sanchez. Just like they acquired Bauers long before they had Hoskins. They may also give Hoskins time at DH, especially early in the season to ease him back in to every day form.

Great Article. Even before his injury, Ashby’s lack of command and mental inability to perform with 2 strikes has long made me think he is better used as a reliever. At least until he learns how to command his pitches better. I’m really hoping Gasser gets a chance soon; I don’t think it’s good for a player’s confidence and mindset to perform well at the top level of the minors for a completely full season and then get sent there again. If it’s for a month or two fine but I think he should be given a shot in the major league rotation by Summer. Glad you pointed out the shift in Junis’ changeup usage. I had noticed he really seemed to find confidence in a hard sinking changeup late in the year and I think that’s a big deal for his chances to start. Finally, I simply don’t see what the Brewers see in Junk. He is not good. He cannot strike anyone out and still walks too many people. I seriously, seriously hope he will not be given a chance to start in the bigs before Gasser, and even Rodriguez, if/when a situation occurs where they need to call someone up. I don’t like what he offers.

I agree with a lot of that but I just don’t see Dunn as a serious option right now. He struck a ton in double A last year. I think he needs some more seasoning in AAA before he’s making a lot of appearances in the bigs.

There just is no way they do this. They love versatility. That would hamstring their versatility like crazy, not to mention that both Haase and Bauers are bad players. Also carrying three catchers is strange enough, but three right handed catchers is absurd, especially as they have no switch hitters this year, as yet.

I think a year like this its important to compete, but also really important to see what they have in guys like Gasser and Hall. The Brewers are wizards at getting the best out of pitchers. They already went out and got depth options with Junis and Ross, who happened to be chillin with easy 96 velo the other day. Miley will make some starts. Rea appears to be heavily featured. I really don’t want that many guys taking innings from young talented guys, specifically in a year where they are competitive, but taking a slight step back from last year. Also Carlos Rodriguez is soon to be ready as well. Let’s say the Brewers are more competitive next year, there will be far fewer innings to be patient with guys like Gasser, Hall, and C-Rod. So I’m thinking now’s a good time. The Brewers were extraordinarily patient with guys like Turang and Wiemer last year. Now its to do the same with the rotation.

Trevor Bauer is off the table I’d say, presumably because Matt Arnold wants to be able to look at himself in the mirror when he gets out of bed in the morning.

Its funny to me. I think people forget the Brewers were fine before they had their two horses. This is the team that got Chacin to act like a psuedo ACE! Outside of Tampa Bay, there’s no team in baseball that is currently better than the Crew at getting the best out of their pitchers. They made Lauers punk ass good for two years. I’m surprised people think so lowly of this starting rotation. I think it’ll be just fine. Combine that with elite bullpen and defense, and improved offense, I like this club's chances.

Great stuff! Hell yes. Interestingly though, its funny Misiorowski says that about attacking lefties because I watched over last season as he developed a put away curveball that he was using against lefties also. Still might be a third pitch, yeah, but it definitely seemed like it was a big part of the game-plan. Also veerrryyy relieved to hear Ashby plans on using a fourseam up in the zone this year, I was frustrated when he pretty much didn’t have one before. I’ve always thought that was the missing ingredient for him. Rounds out the arsenal replete with his great changeup as well

Matt Arnold is a shrewd and smooth operator. I’m guessing he’s not all that worried about the wrist. I’m betting when he saw the medical file after the initial physical, he realized he had more to bargain with than originally thought and promptly used it to his advantage. Eric Haase absolutely sucks and I’m quite relieved he’s no longer seriously in the plans. However, if the wrist injury was very serious, I‘m thinkin they’d rather save money and roll the dice with a healthy Haase.

I’m so glad this weird wait is over, I like this signing. I agree and I would be willing to bet heavy that there is no way they carry 3 catchers on the roster. If they do, maybe for a few days for whatever reason, but not for any length of time. It’s not like Haase is a good catcher anyways. This simply is a case of the Crew signing Haase earlier in the winter when they felt he was the best option they could get/afford at the time, and then when Sanchez’s price came down right before it was time for pitchers and catchers to report, they pounced.

I kind of cannot believe this situation. I have no memory of a time where any single bit of info or news about a player and team situation like this just evaporated for this long. Like dude needs to be in camp to work with pitchers. Does anybody have any clue or thoughts on what could be happening?

So happy his wonderful tenure didn’t end in the unceremonious way it was appearing to!!!

What else have you heard? Pray tell.

What don’t you like about Gasser? Command is sound, deep arsenal, attacks hitters, has shown he can pitch a lot of innings and not miss a start? I agree he may not have top of the rotation stuff but he at least looks like a good number 3 if not a really nice number 4. To me he seems like a much doper Eric Lauer with more consistency and better stuff. Whats not to like compared to someone like Rodriguez?

Huh then what’s even the point of it?

Jackson ChourioJeferson QueroJacob MisiorowskiTyler BlackRobert GasserCarlos F RodriguezBrock WilkenLuis LaraJoey OrtizDL HallYophery RodriguezCooper PrattJosh KnothEric BitontiLogan HendersonEric Brown JrMike BoeveLuke AdamsDaniel GuilarteDylan O'Rae I love this farm system!!!!!

Well, I don’t agree with their thinking here; I’ve seen swing changes sited too many times to get my hopes for a 28 year old with a truly putrid major league track record. Hope I’m wrong. I just think a year like this one, suppressing at-bats for guys like Mitchell, Black, and even Wiemer for a guy like this is truly misguided. And yeah was sad to see Avina go for this bum. Anyhow thanks for explaining their rational for this to me.

Can anybody please explain to me why Bauers is on anyone’s list? I really struggle to see what value he has. And also makes more than the minimum so I just don’t see him coming close to making the team. Also I would be shocked if Elvis ain’t in the building to start the year based on how much they loved to use him last year. I also think the chances of the two of Ross and Ashby BOTH being healthy and effective and ready to pitch at the beginning of the year are being overstated. And I think Gasser tends to get overlooked a lot. Out of the three leftie prospects he has the least impressive stuff but by far the lowest reliever risk. He has multiple pitches and knows how to attack and set guys up, doesn’t miss starts and strikes guys out, and has the best command of the 3. I actually believe he will be second on the team in innings pitches this year!

Couldn’t have said it more accurately. Burnes is like a light weight Aaron Rodgers when it comes to that diva stuff. Very light weight but still this kinda spin is right up his and Boras’ alley.

At least this makes me think they’ll get rid of Bauers, who for the life of me I don’t understand why he would be wanted on a major league roster. They need someone to catch 40 to 45 games and a guy who can help DH against righties. This is not surprising to me and seems like a solid low risk signing. Obviously they have their salary level ballpark set before the season. I think their thinking is just because they had to get something for Burns, doesn’t mean they should ignore adding ok talent on the short term. Sometimes guys have an unexpectedly good first half and can be flipped at the tradeline. It does no harm and all of these deals are very short term. I think a lot of people are also overlooking another thing. This is going to be the youngest lineup the Brewers have had in a while. Even if the Brewers internally decided to not try to compete at all this year, it behooves them to have a couple guys like Hoskins and Sanchez in the lineup, as having power hitters takes pressure off others to go all out and start pressing. I think this is exactly what happened to Sal Frelick the last month of the season when Counsell insisted in batting him in the 4th spot - he seemed to start pressing and trying to be a guy who drives runs in instead slapping the ball around and trying to get on base. So adding short term power to the lineup is always a good thing - it’s valuable to the lineup and development of hitters and can also be used as a trade asset, albeit a minor one in this instance. It’s certainly not like he’ll be blocking anyone. If Quero is pounding on the door midyear, they can trade Sanchez :)

Hey I wanted to know if anyone has thoughts on this or knows more than I do. its pretty obvious Junis mostly sucks against lefties. Although, I noticed that his change up usage almost tripled last year from the first couple months of the season to the last two or so. I am not being exact but it’s around there. His second half of the season stats are wayyy better than his first half. I wonder if he finally found the right change and the Brewers see something there that gives them confidence in his ability to start. I mean by the end of the year he was even throwing his change against righties, and it is fairly firm. This gives me more confidence in the deal now that he truly appears to be a three pitch pitcher. Any thoughts from my fellow geniuses?

Hey bud I think its a mutual option, which never get exercised. So I think its 4 mil this year with a 3 mil “buyout” next year or something like that. Hope this helps.