Matt Breen

Notes from the post-season poll: - All opinions in the write ups are my own. - There was not a lot of movement in the poll - not a shocker since things haven't changed that much since early August. The movement was mostly guys moving up or down a slot or two. - The ages listed are for how old a player will be at the start of the 2017 season. - Brett Suter is only 29 innings away from graduating from our list!

The 2016 Post-Season BF.net Community Top 25 is complete. We had 31 ballots. Thanks very much for everyone’s input. Lewis Brinson took the top spot on 25 of the 31 ballots. Josh Hader had four #1 votes, while Isan Diaz and Brett Suter each had one. Newcomers: Cordell Exited the Top 25: Arcia (graduate), M. Diaz (dropped to #29) Number of ballots: 31 Number of players on ballots: 54 Mr. Irrelevant (1 point): J. Ortega, Mallen and Houser Risers: Woodruff (5 spots), Burnes and Suter (3 spots) Fallers: Demi Orimoloye (4 spots), D. Williams (3 spots) If you see any mistakes, please let me know. I will update as needed. We'll plan on doing a new list at the start of the 2017 season.

#1 (+1) Lewis Brinson, OF, Age 22 758 points (25 1st place votes) - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Tore up the PCL (hitting .382 in 23 games) after joining the Brewers. What to work on/watch in 2017: Stay healthy. Brinson has struggled at times throughout his career due to nagging injuries. He can also get impatient, which can lead to some rough stretches. Likely 2017 destination: AAA Colorado Springs #2 (+1) Josh Hader, LHP, Age 22 737 points (4 1st place votes) - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: wipeout slider and fastball combo led to 161 strikeouts in 126 IP in 2016. What to work on/watch in 2017: Consistency and control. He walked 36 in 63 innings at AAA. Likely 2017 destination: AAA Colorado Springs #3 (+1) Luis Ortiz, RHP, Age 21 689 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Ortiz sports a multi-pitch arsenal with excellent command (just 39 walks in 166 career innings). What to work on/watch in 2017: Ortiz needs to just take the ball and go out on a regular basis. He has had some nagging injuries throughout his career, and has only 166 innings under his belt in three years. The club will look to build up those innings in 2017. Likely 2017 destination: AA Biloxi #4 (+2) Isan Diaz, 2B/SS, Age 20 678 points (1 1st place votes) - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: 59 extra base hits in Appleton last year, including leading the Midwest league in HRs. What to work on/watch in 2017: 31 errors in 2016. The Brewers probably need to transition him to 2B full time so he can hone his game there. At the plate, he could be more consistent, and cut down on his strikeouts. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #5 ( - ) Phil Bickford, RHP, Age 21 617 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why to be excited: Using his outstanding fastball and plus slider, he has cruised through the minors, producing a 2.78 ERA over the last two seasons in Rookie and A ball. What to work on/watch in 2017: Repeating his mechanics, keep refining his change up, becoming a pitcher and not just a thrower. As he moves up the minor league food chain, his raw skills will be challenged by more experienced and talented hitters. Likely 2017 destination: AA Biloxi #6 (+1) Corey Ray, OF, Age 22 592 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Immensely talented young man who started slowly but came on as he got comfortable (.819 OPS in August). What to work on/watch in 2017: Not to be overwhelmed due to the pressure of high expectations. Ray will likely never have any one eye-popping statistic, so he just needs to let his overall game and talent do the talking. Defensively, he needs to work on his game in CF, a position he didn’t play much in college. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #7 (+2) Brett Phillips, OF, Age 22 546 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Lots of raw physical tools, including a cannon for an arm and decent power. What to work on/watch in 2017: Making contact. Adjusting to better pitching. Phillips really just needs to improve his overall hitting approach, getting back to the potential he showed in 2014/15. Likely 2017 destination: AA Biloxi #8 (+5) Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Age 24 537 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: The Brewers Minor League Pitcher of the year had 14 wins, a 2.91 ERA and 173 strikeouts in 158 IP between Brevard County and Biloxi in 2016. What to work on/watch in 2017: Maintain the consistency he showed in 2016. If he can repeat his performance next season, Woodruff’s stock will sky rocket. Likely 2017 destination: AAA Colorado Springs #9 (-1) Trent Clark, OF, Age 20 531 points - 31 of 31 ballots What to work on/watch in 2017: Advanced hit tool, excellent patience. What to work on in 2017: Stay healthy. Clark was dogged by leg injuries and his diminished speed and explosiveness really hurt his game. He needs to get back to the player he was in 2015. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #10 (-1) Marcos Diplan, RHP, Age 20 501 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Produced a 3.02 ERA and struck out 129 batters in 113.1 IP in A ball last year. What to work on/watch in 2017: Control. Diplan has walks too many batters. He has to work on becoming a pitcher and not just a thrower. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #11 (+1) Lucas Erceg, 3B, Age 21 472 points - 31 of 31 ballots Why be excited: A .327 BA and solid power (9 HR in 68 games) between Helena and Wisconsin, as well as flashing a good glove. What to work on/watch in 2017: Stay focused, keep working hard. As a college player, Erceg may be pushed quickly. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #12 (+2) Jorge Lopez, RHP, Age 24 362 points - 30 of 31 ballots Why be excited: After a disastrous stint at Colorado Springs, Lopez seemed to find his game in Biloxi, striking out 47 in 45.1 innings and getting his ERA under 4.00. What to work on/watch in 2017: Consistency. The talent is there, but Lopez needs to regain the form he displayed in 2015. Likely 2017 destination: AAA Colorado Springs (unless the Brewers think the thin air has gotten to much into Lopez’s head) #13 (-2) Cody Ponce, RHP, Age 22 361 points - 30 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Big, hard thrower who doesn’t walk a lot of batters. What to work on/watch in 2017: Needs to work on his consistency, and build up his workload. Ponce would flash moments of brilliance, then be very hittable. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #14 (+1) Gilbert Lara, SS, Age 18 292 points - 27 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Very young. Bagfuls of raw tools. Results have been mixed thus far, but ended well last year, hitting .314 in August/September. What to work on/watch in 2017: Lara needs to refine his game in most ways. He is still very young, and needs to mature as a ballplayer. Likely 2017 destination: A- Wisconsin #15 (+2) Jacob Nottingham, C, Age 22 287 points - 29 of 31 ballots Why be excited: The man mashed in 2015, hitting .316 with 17 HR. It’s a matter of finding that hitting stroke again. What to work on/watch in 2017: Can he stick at catcher? Nottingham has seen mixed results behind the plate, and the Crew needs to figure out if he can stay behind the dish. Likely 2017 destination: AA Biloxi #16 (-1) Freddy Peralta, RHP, Age 20 276 points - 30 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Shined at Wisconsin, producing a 2.85 ERA striking out 77 in 60 innings. What to work on/watch in 2017: Peralta’s struggled with his command at times, especially after being promoted to Brevard County. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #17 (New) Ryan Cordell, OF, Age 25 235 points - 27 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Athletic and versatile outfielder with a good glove and solid power. What to work on/watch in 2017: Cordell needs to control the strike zone a little better if he wants to become more than a 4th outfielder. He doesn’t have any single standout tool, but his overall game makes him intriguing. Likely 2017 destination: AAA Colorado Springs #18 (+1) Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Age 20 187 points - 26 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Probably the nastiest slider in the system. What to work on/watch in 2017: Control. Followed by control. And then some more control. Medeiros walked way too many batters last year (63 in 85 innings). Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #19 (+3) Corbin Burnes, RHP, Age 22 163 points - 24 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Advanced college pitcher with a plus fastball. What to work on/watch in 2017: Burnes has dominated younger hitters. His big challenge will be when he moves up the minor league ladder and faces more advanced hitters. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #20 ( - ) Monte Harrison, OF, Age 21 152 points - 22 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Harrison has flashed speed, power and a strong eye at the plate in the past - now it’s about putting it all together. What to work on/watch in 2017: Stay healthy and continue to hone his baseball skills. Likely 2017 destination: A- Wisconsin #21 (+3) Nathan Kirby, LHP, Age 23 134 points - 22 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Kirby returns to the mound for the first time since a brief 2015 stint. What to work on/watch in 2017: Just stay healthy and show the arm is ready to come back. Likely 2017 destination: Your guess is as good as mine #22 (-3) Devin Williams, RHP, Age 22 131 points - 21 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Electric fastball that can dominate a game. What to work on/watch in 2017: Refine his game, develop better control (this seems like what we say about him every year). Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #23 (-2) Jake Gatewood, 3B/1B, Age 21 102 points - 19 of 31 ballots Why be excited: His 33 doubles and 14 HR at Wisconsin are a hint of his extra base potential. What to work on/watch in 2017: Keep refining his hitting approach to tap into his tremendous raw power. Gatewood only walked 18 times last season, which needs to improve. Likely 2017 destination: A+ Carolina #24 (+3) Brent Suter, LHP, Age 27 89 points (1 1st place vote) - 9 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Nice debut with Milwaukee, tossing a 3.32 ERA in 21.2 innings of work. As a reliever, he didn’t give up any runs in 12 innings. What to work on/watch in 2017: Find a niche in Milwaukee, likely as a lefty reliever who can spot start or work multiple innings if necessary. Likely 2017 destination: Milwaukee #25 ( - ) Wei-Chung Wang, LHP, Age 24 81 points - 10 of 31 ballots Why be excited: Left-handed starter who has shown steady improvement in just about every phase of his game over the last few years. What to work on/watch in 2017: As the past couple of years, Wang just needs to keep improving. He seems to take a little time to adjust with each new club. Likely 2017 destination: AAA Colorado Springs The Rest Demi Orimoloye - 72 points Jacob Barnes - 59 Jon Perrin - 49 Miguel Diaz - 48 Clint Coulter - 41 Jordan Yamamoto - 36 Braden Webb - 31 Troy Stokes - 27 Taylor Williams - 24 Ronnie Gideon - 22 Michael Reed - 22 Mario Feliciano - 19 Garrett Cooper - 18 Trey Supek - 17 Joantgel Segovia - 14 Chad McClanahan - 13 Angel Ventura - 11 Zack Brown - 8 Mitch Ghelfi - 7 Damien Magnifico - 6 Rymer Liriano - 4 Tyrone Taylor - 4 Aaron Wilkerson - 4 Wes Wilson - 2 Kyle Wren - 2 Trey York - 2 Jorge Ortega - 1 Adrian Houser - 1 Franley Mallen - 1 All ages are listed as of April 3, 2017, the start of next season. Here's the link to the voting thread: viewtopic.php?f=64&t=34705

Couple of Brewer related question in Eric Longenhagen's Fangraph's prospect chat: Question: Any Brewers prospects standing out in the Fall League? Eric A Longenhagen: Isan Diaz for the right reasons, Jake Nottingham for the wrong ones. And... Question: Your best outfield arm in the minor leagues is… Eric A Longenhagen: Monte Harrison http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/eric-longenhagen-prospects-chat-all-eyes-on-mesa/

Toronto reportedly contacted the Reds about trading for Votto this past summer. I imagine some money would have to go back, but I don't see why not. The guy is still an incredible hitter, and moving to the AL would probably be good - allow him to DH. He doesn't look great on defense. Again, it all would come down to moving some money. Just how much is another question. I don't think anyone would absorb the entire salary. I wouldn't be shocked to see Toronto try to get him this off season. He could be a good replacement for Encanarcion and Bautista, both of whom are free agents. Votto is Canadian - born in Toronto - so he probably would welcome the move. And the Jays would have a nice PR opportunity with the native son thing going on. Couple of notes. Votto's contract goes through is age 39 season (2023). He turns 40 in September of the last year of the deal. He makes $22M in 2017, and then $25M from 2018-23. That's $172M at minimum. There is a club option for 2024 for $20M with a $7M buyout.

Go Cleveland. It's even more imperative they win now that the Cubs are the opponents. I still hope a Ricky Vaughn appearance happens.

One simple thing you could do with the young international players is make the pool a hard cap. Maybe you increase it some as well. But otherwise, you keep things pretty much the same. Let teams trade slots, that short of thing.

Thanks everyone for voting. I am locking this thread now! Watch for results next week.

Charlie Sheen won't be happening: http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17849635/charlie-sheen-wild-thing-throw-ceremonial-first-pitch-world-series MLB has said the decisions have already been made. Sadness.

Charlie Sheen wants to throw out a first pitch for the Indians at the World Series. I have to admit, it would be pretty cool to start off one of the WS games in Cleveland with "Wild Thing" blaring and have the bullpen door open and Sheen walk out to the mound as Ricky Vaughn. http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17845705/actor-charlie-sheen-play-wild-thing-major-league-offers-throw-ceremonial-first-pitch-world-series Sheen has, obviously, had some serious personal issues, so some might not like the idea of having him associated with the team. But I think it would be cool.

I thought the same thing. To hear his defense is looking that good is nice.

I've had some insomnia issues in the past and you might want to review your bedtime routines: - Avoid phone/tablet screen time in the first hour before bed. Limit (or eliminate) TV to slower paced shows. - Don't eat right before bed. - When I go to bed, I envision myself in a peaceful, serene environment that relaxes me. For me, I envision myself flying a small single engine plane over the Mississippi river valley. - Work out in the evening to tire yourself physically. I have a desk job, so I come home mentally tired, but not physically. So it makes it harder to sleep. Stress from work was my major bugaboo in sleeping. So disengaging my mind from thinking about those issues right before bed was pretty critical. - One option that I think is very good is to list your issues for the next day (at the end of work or early in the evening; hours before bed) and write out what you will do about them. Then you have resolution set and worry about them less. --> Then do something else to get your mind off of them. If you think ZQuill is the problem, take a smaller amount each night until you have none. But I'm guessing its probably more about stress and or other stimulus at bed time. Poor sleep is so much about stress. Totally agree with CheezWizHead. Try out different strategies and see what helps. I've had my share of sleeping issues, as has my wife and son. Here's a few suggestions: - Don't work out too late. It gets you worked up and you need time to wind down. - A hot shower or bath can relax some people. Try one near bedtime. - Try white noise. It really helps my wife (not just because of my snoring). You can get free white noise apps on your phone. The noise can lull you to sleep. It doesn't work for everyone, but it might for you. - I'd definitely wean yourself off the ZQuill. It can make things worse if it becomes a habit. - Don't watch TV before bed. Do something quiet. Read. And probably not a tablet, as CheezWizHead notes. They supposedly can interfere with sleeping (look it up if you want). - Again, as noted, organize your thoughts and your activities. I can't stress how much this helped my son. If we listed out all his stuff, and set up a schedule to accomplish things, it really helped reduce his stress. - Consider looking at your bed. When my wife and I got a new bed, it really helped her. The old mattress was just not good. A good mattress can be expensive, so don't do this lightly.

Bugs me when people rip into something without seeing the bigger picture. I'm convinced if someone set out a document with the cure for cancer, the very first thing some people would do is point out the spelling mistake on page 7. It's called big picture. I think it's some people's way of trying to feel important (hey, look what I found!). If they can denigrate something it hurts someone else - and thus makes them feel better. But it's so petty.

Highly unlikely with Arcia filling the SS position... Again, Villar to 2B. Sorry about the error. Didn't realize people would be confused by that.

Where does Arcia play? Villar at 2B. Sorry it was that confusing.

Yes, thank you.

I agree with most of what Briggs says about the 3B situation - assuming Villar moves to SS full time and Scooter is dealt. Valbuena isn't anything great, but he could suffice for a couple of years while a guy like Erceg moves up the ladder in the minors. Valbuena's defense is average - nothing more, nothing less. He provides power and hits left handed. He's also pretty versatile - having played 3B, 2B and 1B the last couple of years. I'm not so concerned about Rivera. I just don't see the bat ever getting better - so it's not like you're blocking someone special. I've always liked Cecchini (I love OBP type guys), but last year was disappointing. I was hoping he'd hit .300 and pop 10-15 HR at Colorado Springs - and get a chance in Milwaukee. No luck. And his defense has never been considered very good. He'll be 26 in April, so time is running out. I wouldn't be shocked if he is taken off the 40 man roster. All that said, if something clicks he still has a chance. But I just don't see it happening - as much as I would like it to. Adding a guy like Valbuena at $5-7M for a couple of years isn't a huge commitment. We certainly have the financial ability to take on a modest contract or two. He would offer a bridge to the younger players in the system. Perez could play against lefties. Valbuena would probably be an okay backup at 1B - maybe even get a few starts. I am honestly not advocating for Valbuena. I can just see the decision makers rationalizing his acquisition: It's not too expensive, isn't for too long, it fills a couple of needs (lefty bat, 3B), it's not blocking a young player, and allows Perez to stay in the super utility role. Again, you have to make sure Valbuena is healthy after having surgery on his hamstring. And I certainly would scour the market for a younger and cheaper replacement - such as what we did with Broxton and Villar. The latter option - trying to find a young guy - is my preferred route. But you still have to find a guy you are happy with, and who another team is willing to trade. That doesn't always happen.

Valbueno is a guy I'd be wary of due to his injury this year (as well as some other things), but I understand the appeal. Hit .260 last year, has power, bats left handed. He takes his walks - 10-13% every year. Average defender. And he's not that old - turns 31 next month. However, the .260 BA is his best batting average ever. He's been more in the .220-.250 range. And the guy probably would need to sit against lefties. He has some pretty big splits the last three years: 2016: .841 OPS vs righties / .741 OPS vs lefties 2015: .808 / .581 2014: .811 / .610 The guy is 31, so I don't expect him to get better. Also, he had surgery on his hamstring in August. To envision him losing a little quickness and/or speed is not crazy. I'd be very sure the guy is healthy. Hammy injuries can really dog a player, and if you just chip away a little at Valbuena's skill set, he could really plummet (I think of Weeks after his ankle injury. He was never the same. Lost a little speed, a little lateral movement, a little edge - it really hurt him). As for what will he get paid? Assuming he's healthy, I'm guessing around 2/$12M. Around what Freese got from Pittsburgh.

My list of 15 guys: Major Leaguers: Villar, Arcia, Braun (assuming you have to), Santana, Davies, Guerra, Thornburg Minor Leaguers: Brinson, Hader, Ortiz,, I. Diaz, Diplan, Woodruff I have two spots left, and probably protect Brett Phillips and Keon Broxton. But I would consider Jimmy Nelson.

According to Vanzee's rules, players who have only two years of experience are ineligible to be drafted. So no one should have to protect Clark, Ray, Erceg, Bickford, Lara or Ponce.

In the past, if a player had no trade protection a team had to include him on their protected list. Of course, that could change, but that's how it has been done if the past, if I recall correctly.

I'm going to take a stab at suggesting the following things as getting heavily considered in the next CBA: 1. International draft. 2. Expansion of two teams, making for 32 teams. Eight divisions of four teams. 3. Expansion of playoffs. Division winners, plus wild card teams. How exactly thing work out would need to be determined. A couple of teams in each league would probably get a bye series. 4. Something is done to rein in the massive rosters in September. 5. Probably some tweaks in free agency. Losing the qualifying offer would be big for the players. Just a guess, but I bet it happens in some fashion. Perhaps have a way to rank players (like in the old Elias rankings), and if a team loses one of the top players (let's say 15, for example), that team gets a sandwich pick between the 1st and 2nd rounds (unless they sign a top 15 player, then they forfeit the extra pick). I think this will be a sacrifice on the owner's part to get something they want (like the international draft). With expanded playoffs (more teams, longer playoff time frame), you may end up with a shorter season. But that's hard to do. Let's say you drop back to 154 games - that's eight games less for teams to get revenue and for players to make money. But again, with the extra playoff money, plus the 50 extra major league jobs, something might be worked out. The salary cap stuff is pretty daunting. I imagine there will be some tweaks, but how much is anyone's guess.

Turns out the Mets gave Tebow $100,000 to sign - not to mention gave him a spot in the AFL (which is a pretty prized thing). Here were Keith Law's comments: “a craven, mercenary move befitting an independent-league team desperate for the added revenue from ticket sales, not something a major league team with postseason aspirations should be doing.” I totally agree with Law on this.

Big concern with McMahon is his defense. He led all 3B in the minors in errors two years running (2014-15) with 32 and 39 errors. The got moved to 1B last year - playing 1/2 his games there. He had 17 errors at 3B last year in 67 games - so he was right on pace with his previous years. As for his hitting, he weirdly struggled against righties last season. Maybe a fluke. Who knows. Maybe others have some perspective on him. As noted, my big concern is McMahon's defense. If he can't play 3B, his value really drops. Despite striking out a bit too much, I liked his bat coming into 2016. The guy had 67 xbh in 2014 and 2015 - that's pretty good.

I don't think anyone feels there should be blanket rules - as noted - there are always exceptions. The Cubs have made one large FA pitcher pickup - Lester. 6 years and $155M. The deal has been great so far for the Cubs, but we will see how it ends up. The other FA signings pitcher signings have been for 2 years (Hammel and Lackey - I believe Hammel has a club option for a 3rd year). The Cubs financial resources and their lack of long term commitments allowed them to make all these deals - only one of which was long term. No they don't. But I bet the Dbacks do (but there's time for that to change). But even with Zack's quality pitching in LA, it's using hindsight to pick out the successes. I can name lots of $100+ contracts that were bad investments - Prince Fielder, Carl Crawford, Barry Zito, Mike Hampton, Josh Hamilton, for example. People often say things like, "When you sign a guy to a big contract, you know the last year or two are often throwaways." That's fair, but it's all about managing your finances so that you can afford to swallow a $20M contract during those years and still be competitive. It's a lot harder on a smaller market team. To me it's all about being smart. You have to do that in so many ways - draft well, develop players well, trade well - and make smart free decisions. And even then, there's so many variables you can't control, that despite all the best planning can cause things to blow up (or get better - who saw Jake Arietta becoming a Cy Young pitcher). Just gotta do the best and hope things work out in the end.