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The part of that article that I thought was interesting is that it mentions he Brewers were scouting the Mets' lower level minors. That's consistent with what we've seen reported on this site. They are definitely looking to get a few guys in the lower minors they feel good about along with a more "known" advanced prospect in any upcoming deals would be my guess. Yep, Stearns is a big believer, the lower you go in the system, the easier it gets for the other guy to give up more talent. It's risky, you've really got to scout well, but I agree with him.

Matz has a bone spur in his pitching elbow, and D'Arnaud was born on the Disabled List.

The Brewers are not, "trying to package" a reliever with Lucroy - that is a misrepresentation. The Brewers have discussed their relievers with some of the same teams they have talked to about Lucroy, because some of those teams happen to need both a catcher and a bullpen upgrade. I don't read into the Brewers pulling their scouts off of Texas at this point, because I can't imagine there's anything there left to see - they've done their work, and submitted their reports. The Giants are definitely on the Brewers' bullpen, as most of their bullpen is about to hit free agency. I have no idea if they are interested in Braun right now. The Dodgers - your guess is as good as mine right now, but the Brewers have some guys who would make them better. Oh, and finally - I realize they're not going to say, "Oh my god, we need a catcher", during a trade negotiation, but oh my god, Cleveland needs a catcher.

Good analysis, LE, but I think it would take Lucroy/Smith/heavily discounted Braun to get two Top 5s from this particular organization. I think Lucroy brings one of their top five - Aiken, Bradley, Frazier, McKenzie, Zimmer - I think the Brewers should also get Mejia, who may become a more than competent replacement for Lucroy himself, and then one more, from further down the list. If Smith goes, I think the ceiling there is someone like Sheffield or Mejia - he will not get one of those others at the top, but he will get more than one player back.

I've said this several times, but I'll do it again. Neither Will Smith nor Jeremy Jeffress will be used as an "add on" to get a bigger deal done. The Brewers absolutely did ask Miami for three players when they called about Jeffress - the same player who went for Fernando Rodney, plus two. The HUGE difference between most of the relievers on the market and these two, is the three years of remaining team control each of them offers. If the Brewers were to deal Jeffress right now, he may actually bring a better return than the Yankees will get for Aroldis Chapman, simply because Chapman is headed to free agency, while Jeffress can be had for this pennant race, and three more. Guys, those two relievers are very valuable trade chips. They're both good, they've both proven that, and they both offer three more years. That is a very big deal. I believe Smith will be traded, if for no other reason - he is left-handed - teams pay for that. I don't expect Jeffress to move right now - he is available, but the Brewers are not pushing it, they're listening. If someone pays for him, he'll be dealt, so there's certainly a chance, but not a likelihood.

To be clear - the Indians got Brantley if Milwaukee made the playoffs- Taylor Green if they did not. That is fact. Thinker - of course my post was apples to oranges- it's a pitcher and a catcher, a rental vs a guy with a year, and the 2008 trade market vs 2016. I'm not selling the comparison - just providing the example. One thing I fervently believe - there is no player in Cleveland's farm system who should be, "untouchable" in a Lucroy deal - absolutely no one. I agree with you, Indians management could pass on the opportunity, and while I completely understand their need to be cautious about blowing out their depth, if they leave such an obvious upgrade on the table, at such an obvious time - I think Tribe fans should be furious. There is a time to take the leap - this is that time.

A couple of things .... First, there's no debate on Nelson to Boston ... the Brewers also offered a one-for-one trade, I'm certain of it. Second, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks over here, beyond David Stearns, and nothing he's done would make me think he'll miss an opportunity. Finally, yes, I do think Will Smith could bring a "Top 100 plus one", within reason. That player would be in the 80-100 range on that list, and the second player would likely be a teenager very few of us are familiar with, but I do think that's a possibility. Honestly, I would expect Milwaukee to target multiple upside kids, one they're very confident in, and one who's skilled, but has a longer road to the big leagues. Whether those players happen to be on somebody's "Top 100", won't move Mr Stearns.

I don't have 'em all, but I still have several "Baseball America Prospect Handbooks" from recent years. I looked on the ol' bookshelf and found the 2008 edition. That's the year of the Sabathia trade, so, just for kicks, I looked something up. The Brewers traded Matt LaPorta, Rob Bryson, and Michael Brantley for Sabathia, (they also threw in pitcher Zach Jackson, but I left him out of the exercise). When this book was printed, prior to the 2008 season, LaPorta was rated the Brewers #1 prospect, Bryson was number 11, and Michael Brantley was number 24. As that season played out, Brantley's stock rose, but it's fair to say, he was not one of the Brewers' highest rated prospects at the time. The Brewers' farm system was very highly regarded at the time - LaPorta, Manny Parra, Alcides Escobar, Jeremy Jeffress, Mat Gamel, Lorenzo Cain, Brantley, and oh by the way .... Jonathan Lucroy was the #16 prospect in the system at the time. I point that out to be clear - as the top rated prospect in a deep farm system, getting LaPorta was a big deal for Cleveland at the time of the trade. I remember, a scout for the Reds called me that year and told me every single player in the Huntsville Stars' lineup had a chance to play in the major leagues, (that was the Brewers' AA team at the time). OK, so, LaPorta was #1, Rob Bryson was #11, and Brantley was #24 in the Brewers' system. CC Sabathia was a true stud starting pitcher, in his prime - the kind of pitcher who can, and did, change the fortunes of a season. He was also a rental - Sabathia made 17 starts for the Brewers, covering 130.2 innings pitched. Jonathan Lucroy is an all-star, he can hit, and he can field, both at a high level. Lucroy plays a position of demand, and Cleveland is in a position where the addition of Lucroy absolutely fills a major need, and boosts the probability of their making the 2016 World Series - he is signed for one additional season - both Sabathia in 2008, and (presumably at least) Lucroy after next season, bring draft pick compensation if they are not re-signed. So then - what's a fair offer from Cleveland for Lucroy? OK .... their #1, #11, and #24 prospects, possibly adding a fringe player like Jackson. That means, either Bradley Zimmer, or Clint Frazier, adjusting a bit, because I know the Brewers would get a pitcher in the deal, I'll say Rob Kaminsky, or Juan Hillman, and someone in the 20s on Cleveland's list - there are several pitchers in there, but I'll say, outfielder Greg Allen. Bradley Zimmer or Clint Frazier Juan Hillman Greg Allen or If the Brewers insist on a pitcher at the top of the deal, which would likely flip the second player to a non-pitcher ... Brady Aiken or Tristan McKenzie Roberto Mejia Greg Allen

Everything I've read indicates that while the system may be tweaked from what they currently use, draft pick compensation will not disappear. It's possible, all kinds of things are possible, since the new CBA has to be worked out, but that's one thing I expect to remain, in one form or another. I think the big issues this time around will be punishments for PED use, potentially raising the tax on big payrolls, and whether or not to have an international draft.

To your question, I can't answer that, because I don't know what the Brewers think of Sheffield. If they like him enough, sure, I could see that happening, but trust me, if the Brewers decide McKenzie's the guy, they will get him, or they will not trade Lucroy to Cleveland. We all know, fans always overvalue their own guys - all fans, of all teams, so no one should take offense to that. I'm sure Brewers fans think Lucroy will bring more than he actually will, and I'm sure whoever the Brewers get for him will cause some anxiety from the other fanbase. That's just what happens. If we're getting fully, "realistic", Cleveland has a very real shot at the World Series, and Cleveland has a huge hole at catcher right now - no one outside of Ohio would say otherwise. Milwaukee has an All-Star available at the position - everything I've said here has kept the Indians' top four prospects out of the conversation, and now you want to add a fifth player to the, "untouchable" list - that seems a bit unlikely to me. "We want your guy who both hits and defends at an all-star level, who fits a thin position overall, and an obvious need on our roster at a time when we might win our first World Series since 1948. We can afford his contract with ease, we could trade him in the off-season, sign him to an extension, or receive a draft pick at the end of the first round if he leaves after next season. You can't have any of our five best prospects." Nothing about that conversation should make Indians fans happy, and this is coming from a Brewers fan who is trying to be considerate of the longterm needs of that franchise. Edit: To the Indians fans who have been with us during this trade season - those posting, and those lurking - I am sincerely rooting for your team to win the World Series this year. Our two markets have too much in common for me to underestimate how long the odds are for either of our teams to win against baseball's asinine, slanted financial system. The Royals did it last year, and the Indians can do it this year. I won't bicker, I want to see Lucroy and Will Smith to Cleveland, and I want to see plenty of your young talent become part of the Brewers' rebuild. I hope the two front offices can match this up and do it. If you do wind up with Jonathan Lucroy - you will love him. -Todd

Wondering about the PED thing .... that's fair. Wondering about future health issues .... that's fair. Writers going on about how Braun is in the first year of a five-year extension he signed way back in 2011 .... completely invalid. Braun's contract isn't bad in total value at all, a lot of guys his age, who signed as free agents, wind up being overpaid at the end of the deal, some, far worse than what may happen with Braun. The Brewers can't get a king's ransom for Braun at this point - but he's worth plenty.

The Brewers are not, "staying away from" the Rangers, they are scouting the crap out of them. I don't know which guys Milwaukee likes, but there is certainly smoke. On Gallo - don't compare him to Khris Davis. Yes, they both have big power, but Gallo also has strong OBP skills, and by the way, he has a BIG throwing arm - once clocked at 97 MPH. If he can cover enough ground to play in a corner, (which he may not be able to do) - he's instantly the best arm in the Brewers' OF. Davis has one MLB-worthy skill, Gallo has three, is much younger, and still has the chance to improve - Davis is at his peak right now. TX didn't call him up because they also have Jurickson Profar sitting there, that's not a knock on Gallo, that's Jurickson Profar, who was the highest rated prospect anywhere before he got hurt - this is no insult or slap in the face. Gallo's just weird, in that you don't see this skill set. Think about this - he has more power than any minor leaguer out there, and a strong OBP, because he doesn't chase a lot of stuff out of the strike zone .... and still, he'd be a threat to break any strikeout record you could find. That's "swing and miss" at an insane level. He's a risk, absolutely, but he's also got unique talent. I'd rather get the best pitching prospect the Brewers can find - one that has the upside, but also some strong pro results, so I'm out on Aiken for Lucroy, I'd rather it was Atlanta, but I simply can't believe it will be. I'm rooting for Cleveland right now, I like the quality of their prospects, and there's enough depth there to get more than one future MLB contributor.

Jayson Starks says, "70% chance Chris Archer lands with LA." I get his point, but quotes like that always make me laugh .... how does he know it's not 71%?

Brinson is impossible to explain - he entered the season as the #1 OF Prospect, and now, he can't maintain a .300 OBP.

Texas intends to play Profar at 1B, that's how they'll cover Fielder's absence. Yes, TX needs to add MLB-level pitching - right now. I do not see them as a match for Carter, but I do see them as a possible match for any of Jeffress, Smith - heck anybody in the Brewers' bullpen, as well as Jimmy Nelson or Guerra (if you can possibly agree on what he should be worth), and Lucroy. I've got a friend who's a huge TX fan - he calls every day right now and refers to the Brewers as the "One-Stop Shop" - yesterday, he said, "Go ahead and send 6-7 players north, and get me Lucroy, Nelson and Smith or Jeffress." I absolutely do not see that happening, but the two teams do match up well to get something done. Before someone says, "We could throw-in Nelson" or one of Jeffress/Smith .... don't. The Brewers will not be, "throwing in" truly viable trade chips to get one more kid added to a Lucroy deal.

The Braves have been the most creative team out there over the last couple of years - they've done things other teams simply have not. Atlanta trades for international signing slots, they trade for competitive balance picks, they took on a 10 million dollar contract, to get Arizona's first round pick from the prior year, they loaded up on cash for the draft, and dispensed it in a manner that netted three "first round talents" - they're as creative as it gets. Why they would want Lucroy, I have no idea, but it would actually be fun to watch what they come up with next. I could see them flipping him immediately, trying to extend him, trading him in the winter, trading him next July, or using his talent and taking the pick when he walks. Don't ask me how they think any of that makes sense, because I don't see it either, but I'm sure they have a plan, and they're never boring.

Adalberto Mejia is a talent, I wouldn't mind adding his arm to the system, but yes, he had a 50-game suspension for a banned stimulant. Before that happened, Mejia was considered one of SF's best prospects, and this year he has pitched well again, so I can see why teams would want him - the question is, what's the price? Mejia is hovering around "Top 100" lists, he should be taken seriously, but he does have that suspension in his past to take into account.

What you said is true, it's a perfect fit, but Texas will not go quietly in this thing. Like Cleveland, the Rangers are going to deal for bullpen help, and they want Lucroy too - the key difference is they also need a starting pitcher. I think both the Indians and Rangers are checking on every pitcher they can, first, and I think the Brewers are part of both conversations. If it's about winning the 2016 World Series, I think Cleveland should get Carlos Beltran and Aroldis Chapman from NY, and Lucroy from Milwaukee. If they're thinking beyond 2016 - Lucroy and Smith first, and then Beltran.

So you're figuring a 'quantity over quality' type deal with Cleveland if it happens? I wouldn't call it that personally, but I'm sure a lot of people would at the time it was announced. That's a good farm system, and a couple of those kids are really on the rise - Triston McKenzie and Francisco Mejia - click over and check their stats. If the Brewers got both of those guys and one, or maybe even two players they like from further down the list, that might not have a sexy sound to it, but it's real talent coming back. From Cleveland, I would say the Brewers have to get one of those top three bats at the head of the list, or they have to get multiple players out of those next few to get it done.

None of that from me, I'm just trying to project which prospects a team might be willing to deal, based on their histories, and the near-term needs of their MLB club. Not to worry, Lucroy won't go anywhere just for, "guys", the Brewers will get a good return. In Cleveland's case, their depth is starting pitching, and their biggest need on their big club is in the outfield - like it or not, that's not the scenario for a notoriously conservative bunch to give up a top outfield prospect. One other note - if at all possible, I think the Brewers want the Lucroy deal to slant towards pitching over hitting. Look once, six of Cleveland's top ten prospects are pitchers, and one is a catcher - that's plenty to work with, even without the guys right at the top. http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=cle Texas has less pitching in its top ten, and honestly, their young pitchers concern me. Tate, while very young, has underperformed at the launch of his pro career, Ortiz carries extra weight, and Matuella has significant durability concerns. http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=tex

I don't think you have anything to worry about there, I don't see that happening. There might be a teen or two in a Lucroy return, but not an entire package, and don't forget, TX is looking for pitching help too - there's more than one reason for the Brewers to be looking at the lower levels.

This is a fair point, that leads to a fair question .... Which of the available starting pitchers is, "much better than" Jimmy Nelson? Andrew Cashner Jorge De La Rosa Nathan Eovaldi Scott Feldman Jeremy Hellickson Rich Hill Matt Moore Jonathan Niese Jake Odorizzi Michael Pineda Ervin Santana Jered Weaver When you factor in performance, team control, age and contract .... who's the guy you're chasing here? I'm not saying Jimmy Nelson is more than he is, I'm saying no one else here is more than he is either. Teams keep saying, over and over, that this year the pitching supply is very thin, and the upcoming free agent crop will be too. Right now, Tampa says no Chris Archer, Atlanta says no Teheran - unless someone let's go of a better pitcher than the rumors have talked about, the Brewers have every right to ask for a strong return for Nelson right now. Edit: Who could possibly know how to rate Guerra - nobody, "comes out of nowhere" at age 31. I don't expect him to move based on that alone, and if he does, I would expect the, "Lind Return" rather than a big prospect. Second Edit: This is also why the Angels should be pushing Matt Shoemaker and Hector Santiago.

Knowing, not wishing, the Brewers asked for Anderson Espinoza in a Nelson deal, I'm sure they'd start right behind Urias on the prospect list.

They put that rule in after San Diego drafted Trea Turner and traded him to Washington. New leaked that he was the PTBNL, and there he sat, sort of, "phantom property" of the Padres while that season played out. No one from this draft class can be a PTBNL in a "Deadline Deal."

Keep in mind, the players who were drafted this year cannot be traded until after the World Series.