David Crawford

While our pipeline is full of huge potential in Pratt, Made and others... what Ortiz is doing on the field is immense. It is now and it is tangible. Even when these prospects start pushing him, they will need to be similar defensively at least even if the bat is most likely better. I am not convinced that Joey Ortiz can't be a .250 BA/.310 PBP combined with his elite glove, that is extremely valuable today.

While I understand the Brewers intend to manage this in a big picture sense, the fact is that we have William for one more year and we would sacrifice or strain that relationship over the next year. Offer him $9.5M, you will have a happy catcher and avoid this process. I remember how upset when Devin went through the critiquing during the hearing. Sure, these guys are millionaires and you likely win this hearing but you send a message to future players while doing so... William's value is so much more than behind the plate or at the plate. His attitude and conviction to battle daily are examples for young players in our organization (especially Latin American). With the exception that he doesn't always run out ground balls to first base. That drives me nuts.

Wonderful letter, thanks for sharing. I would also like to ask Santa to be sure we can keep as much our managers & coaching staff together as long as possible. I don't take that for granted in today's word: 1. Murph 2. Chris Hook 3. Jim Henderson 4. Matt Arnold 5. Assistant coaches, scouts and talent recognition staff including those located in Latin America Thanks Santa, cheers to a 2026 Brewers World Series championship which will be very special considering it comes in advance of the 2027 lockout!

Chris Hook will have a lot of input on who pitches in the postseason. He will be objective and Murph will trust him. I think we can trust in that process.

Vaughn was instrumental in his first month with the Crew. The league has adjusted to him. He needs to adjust as well. You cannot be that good for a full month and not be talented enough to rebound. Connor Dawson & Eric Theisen, let's go!!!

I agree that Megill is becoming 'less' dominant and that trend likely will continue as teams pick apart his two pitches and search for ways to attack. Why is it that good relievers rely so heavily on two pitches? Certainly they have worked on other pitches throughout their career, adding a third pitch that is 'decent' would certainly help secure his ability to negotiate these 9th innings. Especially when he is facing the same teams over again in the second half of the season, it will become more difficult.

Thanks Michael, appreciate and enjoy your work. I hope to follow in similar footsteps someday (writing) when I retire and unlock more free time. Meanwhile, I will see you all at Miller Park today. Not our traditional opening day starter unfortunately, but a reset for this young and exciting team. I will be in Section 109 wearing a yellow suit with some tributes to Ueck on it. Cheers and go Crew!

Here are my predictions for the division. Brewers: 90-72 Cardinals: 86-76 Cubs: 84-78 Pirates: 81-81 Red: 76-86 How do we get to 90 wins? Young talent continuing to step up. Garrett Mitchell takes the next step. Joey Ortiz takes the next offensive step. Even old talent will have a say, Hoskins' bat will compensate for his glove. Starting pitching will be a weakness but not unlike last year, reasonably good. Woody will make it all the way back and ride the roller coaster for a bit, until he really figures it out in September and the playoffs. Our depth in the pen will be tested, moving bodies back and forth to Nashville to help combat 4-6 inning starts. Craig Yoho will make his mark in the pen. Team speed will be the difference maker in close games.

I am buying this scenario and think a successful transition back to starting is in the cards this year. Successful multi-inning relief is the backup plan, but he best helps this team by becoming a solid # 4 in the rotation. He has the ability, Hook & company need to draw it out and help him be able to maintain a starter's mentality and regimen.

Thank you, this was enjoyable. I agree with the risk and reward. Megill has a high upside but a handful of things that can derail. I have a lot of faith in the fact that Chris Hook and his team are elite within the MLB and will do everything in their power to equip Trevor to be successful across a full season. How difficult is it to develop a reasonably good third pitch for someone like Megill? Maybe it goes without saying that he has tried many times over the years to do this as it would benefit him. Even something that could factor in 5% of the time would be helpful... or that backup plan when his control is not spot on and he needs something else to confuse hitters. Thanks for the article, really enjoyed it.

Eric Haase, we are carrying him as a third catcher or DH option but he can play some outfield. What he did in spring training combined with what he has done in 25 AB's for the Crew would normally lead to more at bats. Any particular reason he does not get an opportunity to infuse our lineup with some slugging?

Mr. Irrelevant, You are most certainly not irrelevant. Thank you for your service and for your passion for the Brewers. I identify with much of your state of mind about baseball and this team. I am 56 years old and still play wood bat baseball on two teams, old man variety. We score every game to a tee, because it matters. Win or lose, we play the game the right way and have a blast doing it as well as enjoy plenty of soreness after! I watch or listen or attend every Brewers game possible. You embody this Brewers fan base in all of the best ways. Let's keep enjoying this 2024 World Championship Season. In Murph I trust!

I agree with the original post. This team is young and very much controllable. This is the beginning of a new window of opportunity. Therefore, giving up talent for what may be viewed as a high level starter under control for a year or two, would almost positively be too expensive. That market will be very competitive. Adding salary for a rental but not giving up the future, all for that. Looking forward to several years of excellence with this 'crew', the Pat Murphy era seems like the one to deliver the WS.

I expect the Brewers to break out of their slump tonight, because it is not expected. Justin Steele came in with a 5.60+ era on Monday and we should have hit him. We often struggle where we should thrive and visa versa. Imanaga has a strong IVB fastball and a split fingered fastball, and he is lefty... we would expect to struggle. For no good reason, I think we score our first three runs of the season off this starting pitcher tonight. Sure hope to hear some more about Trevor Megill soon, other than knowing it is not fractured. Closing by committee takes another turn... thank goodness we had Paredes waiting to come up.

Less of a comment on who I would take, rather a question regarding Garrett Mitchell. He really seems to have fallen out of favor, is that true? At the beginning of last year before his injury, it seemed like the sky was the limit. Speed, defense, excellent offensive upside. Why would Sal Frelick be higher on the totem pole in terms of potential? Same with Joey Wiemer here in terms of you protecting him over Mitchell? Thanks.