Matt Breen

Segura swung at three balls there. Weak ground out is the ultimate result. Sad.

Should Kintzler be sent down? I guess what are the options? Blazek, Figaro, Hand, Pena? None of these guys inspires. Fiers is the guy I would call on - and I think he'll get the nod to take Garza's spot. But there's not one really at AAA that looks any better than Kintzler.

I have to say that I've pretty much soured on Segura. He's a solid defender, but he just looks awful at the plate - and his base running has been pretty questionable. And we're not talking about a month or two of poor play, but for over a year now he's been bad. I could see a guy like Rollins as a short term fill in for the rest of the year. He's got a 2.7 WAR for 2014 - that would be pretty nice to have on our team. He'd certainly be a welcome addition for the rest of 2014. You could then just send Segura to AAA in 2015 and tell him to get his act together. If not, maybe he's more a utility guy. I'd hate to give up on Segura, but he's doing just about everything possible to make me want someone else. But maybe I'm over reacting. Maybe his son's health issues really affected him. It's a tough one.

Cubs should have an impressive offense within 2-3 years, a lot of it young and cheap. As people have pointed out, they have little pitching - and the prospects are almost all hitters. Even their best pitching prospect, CJ Edwards, may profile best as a reliever. Still, the club should have money to burn. I expect them to make one major signing in the off season (Lester or Scherzer, for example). Then another after next season, when they should really have the ability to contend as their young guys mature. Add in a more mid-rotation guy, and you start looking like a contender. Jake Arrieta could be a long term solution as well, but we'll have to wait and see if he can sustain this year's success. With all their young guys, they could perhaps trade for a pitcher as well. Castro would be the perfect guy to deal for an arm. I think the Cubs have done as well as could be expected, considering how crappy they were. They have some guys that look like they could be great. They'll need to overpay for some starting pitching in the next couple of years, but with all their young and inexpensive bats, that's okay.

Do coaches get drug tested? Maybe Kirk Gibson could get nailed.

Let's look at money for next year - assuming you keep Gallardo and A-Ram, let go of Estrada, and give modest increases to Maldonado and Kintzler, we are committed to $82 million (see numbers below). That leaves us with about $20 million to spend, assuming payroll stays about the same. You still need to fill 1B, four back up spots, and your bullpen is questionable. A signing like Big Panda would eat up $14-15 million of our free cash - which limits us in a lot of areas. We could move Braun to 1B, add in Parra for $6 million to play RF (assuming we like how he plays), spend a few million on a few decent back ups, then maybe ink a reliever or two. I don't like overspending for a closer, but I have a feeling that's exactly what Melvin will do. He seems to value having a proven veteran in that closer spot. If Parra isn't starting next year, it's not worth paying him $6 million a year. But I like taking the risk on him. He's having a tough 2014, but from 2011-13, he had 2.6. 1.8 and 4.6 WAR, respectively. He's only 27, so he shouldn't be in decline. I don't expect a 4 WAR, but 2-2.5 isn't out of the question. With no one at AA or AAA, you could even consider offering him a 2-year / $10 million deal or something like that. Lucroy - 3 million Maldonado - 1 1B - 0 Scooter - 0.5 Segura - 0.5 A-Ram - 14 Davis - 0.5 Gomez - 8 Braun - 13 BU IF - 0 BU IF - 0 BU OF - 0 BU OF - 0 Gallardo - 13 Garza - 12.5 Nelson - 0.5 Peralta - 0.5 Lohse - 11 Henderson - 0.5 Kintzler - 1 Smith - 0.5 Jeffress - 0.5 Thornburg - 0.5 Wooten - 0.5 Fiers - 0.5 Total: $82 million

The Brewers have to make a decision on Estrada this winter too. He's going to be a rather expensive long man as he figures to get $4 million or so in final arby year. Fiers isn't as likely to go in a trade if Estrada is non-tendered. Unless Estrada is lights out for the rest of the year, I don't think there's any way the club pays him $4 million or more to stay on this team. At least Fiers will be cheap next year - and provides needed depth. I'm betting Estrada is non-tendered and Fiers is given a shot as the long man in the pen. If there's an injury in spring training, then Fiers steps into the rotation. The other reason to keep Fiers is that starting pitcher options are limited after him for 2015. Jungmann is probably next on the list, but he still looks like he needs some AAA time.

Torts, thanks. This is a great addition. I added the links to the intro post under stats.

Wow. That hurts the Pirates big time. Let's hope our guys can heal up and stay healthy. The team that avoids major injuries may well be the one that wins it in the NL Central.

Igor67, I just started a new thread for the next listing. One note: I'm letting people include Wang in our prospect list. Could you re-post your list in the new thread and update it if you want Wang in the top 25. Thanks.

The trade deadline has passed and it's time to update the our community prospect list. Please post your top 25 prospects, in order. IMPORTANT: Do not post less than 25, or your list won't be included in the final tally. Submissions are due by Tuesday, August 19. Once the totals are in, I'll post results within a few days. Just post your list in this thread, or message me. Here are some updates, news and resources to consider as you make your list: 1. Mitch Hanigar (#6 on our last list) and Anthony Banda (unranked) have been traded. So don't vote for them. 2. Jimmy Nelson is technically a rookie at this time, but let's NOT include him in our prospect list. He'll likely exceed rookie status in the next few weeks - maybe before this list is actually published. 3. I'm making Wei-Chung Wang eligible for our prospect list. I know he technically isn't a prospect in the eyes of MLB, but for our purposes, he's a prospect. So let's treat him as one in our listing. 4. Player Notes: - Hunter Morris (#11) is out for the rest of the season with a broken arm - Nick Delmonico (#13) was suspended for 50 games - Tyler Cravy (#15) has been on the DL since late June - Hiram Burgos (#33) is out for the season after shoulder sugery - Johnny Hellweg (#27) is out for the season after TJ surgery 5. Newcomers to consider on this list: - Franly Mallen and Nicolas Pierre, last year's big International signings, both are playing in the Dominican Summer League - Top picks in 2014 draft, including Kodi Medeiros, Jake Gatewood and Monte Harrison - International bonus baby Gilbert Lara (signed for $3+ million). Lara won't play until 2015. 6. Resources - if you're interested at looking at other prospect lists, here's some quick links: BrewerFan Top 20 List - From May 2014 - viewtopic.php?f=64&t=31355 MLB Top 20 (recently updated) - http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2014/#list=mil John Sickels (Pre season list) - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/1/30/5363560/milwaukee-brewers-top-20-prospects-for-2014 Discples of Uecker Top 30 (pre season) - http://disciplesofuecker.com/dou-2013-top-30-prospects-1-10/8478 Miller Park Prospects top 25 (from May) - http://millerparkprospects.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/milwaukee-brewers-top-25-prospect-rankings-5/ 7. Stats - Here are direct links to all the Brewer organizational players by position and club: Hitters: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIL/2014-organization-batting.shtml?redir Pitchers: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIL/2014-organization-pitching.shtml?redir Or, if you prefer, here are links to each of the Brewer minor league affiliates: Nashville (AAA) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=556&stn=true&sid=t556 Huntsville (AA) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=559&stn=true&sid=t559 Brevard County (A+) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=559&stn=true&sid=t559 Wisconsin (A) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=572&stn=true&sid=t572 Helena (Rookie) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=433&stn=true&sid=t433 Maryvale - (AZL Rookie) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=t_ibp&cid=406 DSL - (Dominican Summer League Rookie) - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=607

Unless someone else has deep desire to take over the process, in the next couple of days, I'll start the process of a new Community Top Prospect list. I was thinking to expand to 25 prospects. Otherwise, just keep and eye out and we can all have fun on another community project.

Parra provides great depth for the rest of the season. Not bad considering all the little injuries we've had this year. Plus he can spot start, pinch hit and be a defensive replacement. Next year, we could keep Parra and put him in RF, and move Braun to 1B (a debateable move, but one I think would be good.)

I think Arcia has a lot of work to do before he gets into the top 50. John Sickels has Nelson at #36 in his revised top 75. Coulter is mentioned as 'considered' (along with another 75-100) guys. Arcia isn't even on that list - although Sickels says the 'other' list is incomplete. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/7/14/5898649/minor-league-ball-top-75-prospects-mid-season-update-2014-sickels I think everyone here loves Arcia, and if he keeps up his performance through the rest of 2014, he'll start getting noticed a lot more. He's got a lot to like, starting with his defense, but most prognosticators are going to want to see his bat working at an upper level. Alcides Escobar moved into the top 100 after his AA season (2008), when he hit .328. He had hit .303 between A+ and AA in 2007, but didn't make the Top 100 of BA or Baseball Prospectus. Probably due to his lack of power and patience. But he really turned up things in 2008 producing a .797 OPS at AA Huntsville. Arcia shows more power and a better eye at the plate than Escobar at this stage of his career, so I'm very hopeful he continues to develop. But there are a lot of slick fielding, light hitting infielders in the minors (and majors). These guys turn into back up infielders in the majors than often than quality regulars. Still, I could see Arcia sneak into some lists this off season due to his glove, young age - plus a solid bat. But I see him getting his due more next season - assuming he can keep hitting well at AA. He doesn't need to hit .300 and 20 HR. If he can hit .280 and get 8-10 HR, you'll have a guy that will easily get into top 100 lists. Especially at his young age and with his defense. The key is his continuing development as a hitter. A lot can happen between A ball and AA.

Yes! My Irving Falu jersey can be broken out. Now, let's hope that Maysonet jersey can make a comeback!

Brandon Phillips' contract isn't any gem either. He's owed $39 million over the next three seasons - ages 34-36. His speed, power and OBP has declined to the point where he's barely a .700 OPS guy. At least he's still a very good fielder, so he'll probably always at least be a contributor.

Health is the biggest issue because this team lacks depth at just about every position. Unless someone comes out of nowhere and surprises, the drop off we have is pretty stark at most positions. The one trump card we had was Nelson, and that's been played (and that's no sure thing. At AA and AAA, Nelson has taken a half season or so to adjust to the better competition. So 2014 in Milwaukee may be include a lot of growing pains). Our depth is Bianchi, Gindl, Hermida, Schafer and Herrera. If there are significant injuries, the offense will struggle. I'm better off with the rotation, as you can plug in Fiers or Estrada. Not great, but serviceable in the 5th spot. The bullpen can swap out the back end guys, but a major injury to the top guys will be hard to fill. We are already struggling since the injury to Thornburg. No one has stepped up to take his spot.

This is it.

I think you could get Coghlan for a fringe ML prospect. Blazek, Pena, Gindl - guys that might become serviceable role players in the future, but nothing great. Coghlan's not a bad guy, but nothing special either. His defense is pretty mediocre. I wouldn't want him in CF regularly, but he could suffice for a game or two. Obviously he's hitting well this year. If he could continue hitting the ball well, he'd be worth adding.

Maas, first a huge thanks to you and everyone who works on this. It's awesome. I look at the Link Report just about every day. I scan over game reports, reading in-depth if something catches my eye. My interest is in the players that are going to potentially make a difference in Milwaukee some day. So I'll read more if there's info about someone like Arcia or Coultier. But I'm not real excited by info about Pete Orr. Box scores: love them. I probably click on them at least every other day. Sortable stats: love the quick links to them. I don't use them all the time, but I bet at least once or twice a week I click on them so I can do a quick review of how guys are doing. I hardly ever click on the weather or standing links. I don't click on the video very often - maybe once every couple of weeks. I almost never click on audio links. I also like when links are added to articles about players. Thanks again for doing so much. I appreciate it.

John Sickels does his Top 75 prospect mid-season update: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/7/14/5898649/minor-league-ball-top-75-prospects-mid-season-update-2014-sickels Jimmy Nelson comes in at #36. He's the only Brewer. Here's the division prospects: 1) Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs (Previously ranked 12th): I think he’s done enough to rank number one. 4) Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (4): No change in status for me and expected to graduate off the list soon. 5) Addison Russell, SS, Chicago Cubs (5): No change in status. 13) Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (8): Command slippage moves him down just a hair but I’m not worried overall. 15) Javier Baez, SS, Chicago Cubs (10): Weaknesses are obvious, as are his strengths. I have some concerns but not enough to knock him down further than this, yet. 24) Jorge Soler, OF, Chicago Cubs (62): Small sample due to injury but murdering the ball. 26) Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (54): Like Meyer, outstanding stuff with some command issues but stock is up overall. 32) Jesse Winker, OF, Cincinnati Reds (43): I’m confident that he’ll get the bat going in Double-A soon. 34) Arismendy Alcantara, INF, Chicago Cubs (87): Reports out of the PCL were very positive, the numbers were excellent, and he looks great in the majors so far. 36) Jimmy Nelson, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers (89): Pitching version of Alcantara, has always had the tools, ready for extended big league trial, and PCL sources speak glowingly. 37) Josh Bell, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (107): Showing why the Pirates gave him $5,000,000. 51) Austin Meadows, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (50): Just getting to play now after being injured all spring. 57) Albert Almora, OF, Chicago Cubs (32): Needs to show more in the second half or list slippage will continue. 58) Nick Kingham, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (100): Steady improvement for this potential number three starter. 59) Stephen Piscotty, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (70): I’d like to see more homers but I think they will come eventually. 65) Rob Kaminsky, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (NR): Was a B- pre-season as we waited to see how things looked in pro ball. They look great, reports from Midwest League very positive. 66) Marco Gonzales, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (116): Reached the majors one year out of college. Ceiling not as high as Kaminsky but he’s closer.

John Sickels' Prospect of the Day: Jimmy Nelson http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/7/11/5890555/prospect-of-the-day-jimmy-nelson-rhp-milwaukee-brewers

I was under the impression that once we passed our slot allowance, we couldn't add any more. That's why I was expecting another trade - to free up some money for a few modest signings. Otherwise, it's Lara and bunch of non prospects for 10k a piece.

Rickie always reminded me of Mr. Kotter as well. Oh wait...never mind.

Says that the Lara signing by the Brewers will not have any affect on future signings: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/brewers-call-up-jimmy-nelson-to-start-for-marco-estrada-b99308616z1-266698581.html I assume that means the team didn't go more than 5% over their allotment. Sweet.