Matt Breen

For argument's sake, let's say this happens. This gives us a bullpen of Jeffress, Henderson, Thornburg, Cotts, Perez, Broxton, Kintzler, Smith and Papelbon. It's not a great bullpen, but it's pretty deep (nine guys), which is good. You don't have to overuse guys. Even AAA has potential to help at some point - Wooten, Pena, Knebel, Goforth, Blazek - even Hellweg. But this is not a shut down bullpen - like KC had last year. We have guys coming off injuries, guys coming off mediocre years, guys who are aging. Again, you have to protect yourselves with numbers when you have a lot of question marks, which this team is looking to do. The number of players (nine guys) doesn't really concern me. With Thornburg and Henderson coming back from injuries, you never know where they'll be. And injuries are simply part of life. Plus, Thornburg may end up back as a starter. You can never have enough depth, and a team like Milwaukee will need it.

The failure against lefties last year was odd, but I think that the same unit can rebound. Overbay, Reynolds and Segura all hit below .200 against lefties. The first two are gone, and the latter has a good chance of rebounding against them (Segura had an .865 OPS in 2013 vs lefties). Lucroy, Braun and Gomez were all about average against lefties last year (of the three, the best OPS was .838), when they have traditionally pounded lefties (each has hit .900+ and 1.000+ OPS vs lefties in the recent past). Davis was also a bit underwhelming against them last season (.777 OPS), and could easily improve against lefties. A-Ram was the only Brewer who really crushed lefties last year. It just confirms that the club needs Braun and Segura to get back on track, it needs A-Ram to stay healthy, it needs Gomez and Luc to keep producing, and it needs Davis to improve. Losing Rickie hurts, but it's not insurmountable. I don't think anyone expects Scooter to hit .103 vs lefties, but we'll see. In 2013, we were 8th in the majors with a .736 OPS vs lefties. I think getting back to that spot is entirely reachable.

Viciedo is an awful outfielder. Over the past three years, he ranks as the 5th worst outfielder (with regard to defense) in all of baseball by Fangraphs. It's kind of like Prince Fielder playing the OF (okay, not that bad, but you get the idea). Actually, he kind of reminds me of Kevin Mench. And that's not a compliment.

If Milwaukee wanted Papelbon so badly, why didn't they just cough up the money for one of the better relievers, such as Neshek or Gregerson, who got $6M a year for two years. Oh wait, they don't have closing experience. Okay, how about Sergio Romo got $7.5M a year for two years. All those guys are cheaper and don't cost prospects or draft picks. Melvin has always been to obsessive about having a 'proven' closer. If he does add Papelbon, it better not cost us anything with regard to prospects.

I think the only one who would not like it is the LOOGYs of the world. It's not like they are eliminating positions. Perhaps some more rounded guy get gigs over LOOGYs. Same number of jobs. I think hitters would like it too, since they wouldn't be facing as many specialists later in the game. I don't think it's going to drive down salaries. It just means a LOOGY doesn't get as much, while a more rounded player is more valuable. But maybe I'm wrong on that assumption.

I'm good with this, even if someone claims Herrera. He's nice depth, but not crucial.

Agreed. It does get mushy. And you have to remember, different people and publications use different criteria for ranking an organization. Someone may weigh how close a guy is to the big leagues differently than another person. It is what it is. I tend not to get to worked up about it. In the end, the rankings mean nothing. It's what happens when the guy gets to the big leagues that matters.

As people talk about shortening the game and increasing offense, here's one thought that has come up: force relievers to face more than one batter in a game. The idea was reportedly tossed out by Theo Epstein at the last GM's meeting, and people were receptive. Some options include making a reliever face a minimum or two - or even three - batters. Maybe even add in 'or the end of an inning.' So the rule could be 'A reliever must face a minimum of (insert 2 or 3) batters (getting the batters out or allowing the batter to reach base), or reach the end of an inning.' Shoenfield suggests you add in that if a pitcher leaves due to an injury, he must sit out a minimum of three games. This would prevent pitchers from faking injuries. Obviously this would have some major ramifications late in the game. Is it fair? Like banning shifts, are we just dumbing down the game? Are we penalizing smart people figuring out how to manage their rosters? Or are we saving fans from watching parades of relievers coming in and out? In 2012, the Mets and Astros used 11 pitchers to get the last 16 outs in one game. This kind of thing can really get crazy in September when teams have loads of extra guys on the roster (which I hate - teams play five months, then suddenly September rolls around, and how a game is managed can dramatically change - just hate that). Limiting the number of relief pitchers would (theoretically) speed up the game (less substitutions) AND improve offense (diminished ability to create situational match ups, especially with Loogys). Curious how others feel about the idea. Here's some of the articles where writers discuss this idea. Dave Shoenfield - http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54831/should-relievers-have-to-face-two-batters Ken Rosenthal - http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/just-a-bit-outside/story/rosenthal-speed-up-mlb-game-make-relievers-face-more-than-1-batter-faster-game-more-runs-012815 Tom Verducci - http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/01/27/rob-manfred-commissioner-major-league-baseball

Even with the comments, I think we are lucky to be around 24-25 with Sickels.

Law came out with his top 100. He has Arcia at 54. He is the only Brewer. He notes that Luis Sardinas is ineligible. Cubs have four players, including Bryant at #1 and two others in the top 20. Cards have four players, Reds have two and Pittsburgh has five guys, including three guys in the Top 30.

From 1955 to 1961 (7 seasons), Banks averaged 40- HRs, 110 RBI and 7.4 WAR. All from the SS position. Pretty extraordinary.

The Brewers will get better in rankings when they have guys in the upper minors who have proved themselves. Right now, the only player who projects as a starter who has been at AA or AAA is Taylor Jungmann. I guess you could include Corey Knebel since he could be a closer. That's not exactly very exciting. By mid season, a lot of guys are going to get the chance to take the step to AA or AAA: Arcia, Taylor, Lopez, Wagner and Cravy, for instance. And by season's end, Coulter, Taylor Williams or Wang may log significant time at AA. And who knows, maybe Roache or Jed Bradley takes a huge step up and re-establishes their prospect status. Of course, some of these guys will fail. But some won't. And over the next year, we'll see this system get better. But until that time, we don't deserve to be ranked as anything special. As guys prove themselves at the upper levels of the minors, we'll see that change.

It appears that's exactly what they are focusing on with their pitching staff. Here is some additional evidence to support that point. At some point Jungmann is likely going to get his shot with the club, and he's supposedly a pretty extreme ground ball pitcher.

I thought we should start a new thread as 2015 rankings from various pundits and organizations start coming in. The first is from Keith Law of ESPN, who is widely beloved and respected by BF.net users. Law ranks Milwaukee's system as 28th in baseball, ahead of SF and Detroit, respectively. The article is an insider piece: http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12211903/chicago-cubs-no-1-farm-system-rankings-2015-mlb Top 10 teams are: 1. Chicago Cubs 2. Minnesota Twins 3. Houston Astros 4. New York Mets 5. Boston Red Sox 6. Atlanta Braves 7. Pittsburgh Pirates 8. Colorado Rockies 9. Washington Nationals 10. Los Angeles Dodgers Bottom 5 are: 26. Oakland Athletics 27. Los Angeles Angels 28. Milwaukee Brewers 29. San Francisco Giants 30. Detroit Tigers

This is very true. Philly doesn't 'need' to get rid of Papelbon - even if they want to. The worst case scenario is they keep him, let him close for 3-4 months, and unload him - either by trade just cutting him - before his option kicks in (which is if he finishes 48 games). Remember, the whole option year thing becomes a non-issue if Philly just cuts Papelbon. They could do it today and be out $13 million and move on. But the club would be wise to just let him close for a while (just don't let his option vest). This keeps one of their young players (I think Ken Giles is their closer in waiting) from accumulating a bunch of saves this season, and driving his arbitration price in the coming years (saves is a huge factor is determining arbitration prices for closers). So if Philadelphia kicks in money (assumed) to make the trade happen, it has to be worth their while. Paying 1/2 will cost them money in the long run. It's maybe $3-4 million a year - tops - that they'll want to pay. Of course, the money can fluctuate depending on the quality of the prospect(s) sent back to Philadelphia. Again, this is not something Philly needs to do. I know it's an awkward situation, and the club just wants to move on from him, but the move has got to make sense for them.

That was my first thought. How could this be implemented? Players will wear collars with electrodes in them. The field will be blocked out in zones, with an invisible fence marking each territory. If a player reaches the border of their territory before the pitch is delivered, he will get shocked. For each violation, the shock will increased exponentially until he is incapacitated. If a player is able to break through their designated territory, a large wild animal will be unleashed upon them. http://i.minus.com/i7hZoMmF2TbI2.gif

We need a second LHP so that Roenicke doesn't use Will Smith, one of our best relievers, as a LOOGY (which he will probably do if there isn't another one) Joe Thatcher fits the bill. The Willis story is fun, but the guy's been out of the big leagues for three years, so I'm not counting on that ship.

I'd much rather have Papelbon than K-Rod because Frankie's HR rate scares the bejesus out of me. It's gone up 4 years in a row. I guess last year's rate was so high you might think it's an aberration, but I thought Frankie was actually pretty lucky he didn't give up a few others. I totally think we'll end up with K-Rod. I just hope no more than one year. And while Frankie scares me, I'm willing to accept the risk on him that he won't be so homer prone. Add K-Rod, maybe a LOOGY as well (Joe Thatcher wouldn't be bad), and this team is pretty much ready to go.

Minnesota press guy reports that Beachy has reportedly settled on a team (not the Twins): "Hear FA pitcher Brandon Beachy -- nice bounce-back guy -- has zeroed in on new team. Just some contractual stuff to finalize. No #MNTwins."

Don't forget about Knebel. Sure the guy got taken to the woodshed in 8 innings last season with Detroit (although he did strikeout 11 batters), he's been lights out in the minors. A 1.65 ERA, 104K in 76 innings. He supposed works in the mid-90s and can get things up to 98mph. That's the kind of player that could very quickly become part of the back of your rotation. If this kid can cut back on his walks, he could be something special.

This is really, really moronic. You're taking away where a team can place its players. Just considering that is moronic. How about just raising the strike zone a few inches. The great decline in offense coincided with the expansion of the bottom of the strike zone a few years ago. Amazing that this is one of the first things the guy is considering.

When contacted for comment, Yuniesky Betancourt said, "I tried to tell everyone that I was ahead of my time, but nooooo, you didn't listen." Thank you. This made me laugh.

Which do you take if it's on the table: Papelbon: 2-years/$18 million total or K-Rod AND Joba: 2-years/$18 million total Just curious what people would want.

Melvin has always valued an 'established closer', so I'm not surprised at the interest. I guess it all comes down to what it costs to get him. I'm betting the Phillies kick in $3-4 million a year on the contract. He shouldn't cost the Brewers much in prospects - certainly not a Harrison type player. That would be pathetically stupid. With the money they are shedding, the Phillies will get a generic player - nothing more.

Rookie-wise, there's not a lot of guys ready to help out in Milwaukee as a full time starter. However, you do have numerous players who could start the year with the club as reserves and/or relievers. Plus, there's quite a few guys who may help out during the course of 2015 - but probably not right away. - Rogers or Jimenez are on track to be the right handed part of a 1B platoon - plus maybe spell A-Ram at 3B. Could easily get 60 or more starts plus be a key pinch hitter. That's 300 ABs - not insignificant. - Gomez or Sardinas has a good shot as the back up middle infielder. If we platoon Scooter, this could get this player 60 or so starts. Again, that's around 300 ABs. - OF Kyle Wren is likely ticketed for AAA. If he does well, he could take over later in the year for Schafer if the latter struggles again. But that's pretty much the 5th OF spot, so not a big impact. - I think OF Shane Peterson, who we picked up on waivers, has an outside shot at a roster spot if the club is comfortable with Parra as the back up CF. A lefty, he would strictly be a 5th OF - pinch hitting mostly. Probably offers more pop than Schafer. He plays the corner OF spots, plus 1B. - As noted by others, Jungmann is our #6 starter now. He struggled when first brought up to AAA last year, but finished very well (his last six starts at AAA produced a 1.80 ERA, 42K in 35 innings). He's still walking too many guys, but a half season at AAA is probably just what he needs. If he can do well, he'll be ready for his shot (and with Lohse a free agent after 2015, it's perfect timing for Taylor). - For relievers, Knebel, who we got in the Gallardo trade, looks ready to contribute. I also like David Goforth, who was at AA last year. He's got perfect stuff for the bullpen. His results have been okay so far, but he only just started relieving. I think a few months at AAA may be all he needs until he's ready. Otherwise, some power arms at AAA (Blazek, Pena) might figure out how to pitch better. I hold out hope the club moves Hellweg into the pen when he returns. Maybe he pitches well enough at some point to get the call (but I'm not holding my breath). On the whole, we aren't looking at any big contributors. A couple of platoon spots, a couple of relievers.