Matt Breen

Brewers lose their #17 and #19 prospects (David Hamilton and Alex Binelas) in the Hunter Renfroe deal. Binelas - with his power potential and nice late season debut - was bound to go higher this off season in our polls.

The big thing we should add is: - Full seasons from Adamas, Wong, Tellez, Cain. - Rebound from Yelich.

Last year, Renfroe has a .777 OPS vs right-handers, and an .885 OPS vs lefties. The big difference was that he walks way more against lefties - 25BB in 208 PA vs lefties. While 19BB in 364 PA against righties. Huge difference there - and it really drives down Renfroe's OBP a lot. In the end, his .777 OPS against righties isn't bad - but not great. But if he can do that - we'll probably trot him out there most days. The key is can he replicate last year's numbers. His career numbers aren't as pretty.

Well, I didn't think they'd be able to get rid of JBJ. Does it sting to lose the prospects? Absolutely. But Renfroe fills a big hole for us: power hitting rightfielder. If I remember right, he's not the good of a fielder - but not awful. I'm hoping to see .250 and 30 HR from the guy.

Brewers have two years of control of Renfroe. MLB projects him to make $7.6M this year in his second year of arbitration.

I'm going to guess we won't be signing Kris Bryant or any big name FA. So here are my options to fill our RF spot if we want to do it via FA. I don't doubt the club will just give the job to Taylor - but here are some guys who we could consider if the club wants something different from the FA market that could fit in our budget. Big Risk/Big Reward Signings OF Seiya Suzuki - Japanese slugger would play RF and provide right handed, middle of the order power. At least - that's what you hope he provides. Coming from the Japanese league is never simple. Guy has shown power, average and plate discipline. He's walked more than he has struck out. Suzuki would still cost a lot. MLB Trade Rumors estimates 5 years/$55M + another $10M posting fee. That's a big risk for us - but the payoff is really big as well. You get a potential middle of the order bat who is only 27 years old. OF Jorge Solar - MLB Trade Rumors have him at 3 years/$36M. Wildly inconsistent player, but when good, he's got seriously huge power (48 HR in 2019). He would provide some right handed power and slot into RF. Mediocre defense, spotty track record, coupled with a low batting average (.250 would be solid) and a lot of strikeouts make him not my favorite signing. But with his power, I would understand it. Low Risk Signings Tommy Pham - Injuries (broken hamate, stabbed in the back) and COVID have tanked Pham the last two years. At 34, he is a risk of going off the age cliff - always an issue. However, from 2017-19 he was a really good player, hitting .275ish, 20+ HR and a lot of walks. He is also a plus baserunner. Pham bats right-handed, but he has never played RF on a regular basis (he's either played CF or LF). So he may not have the tools to play RF. The team would have to make sure he's 100% healthy. Pham probably could be had pretty cheap. Maybe $5M or so with incentives. While he isn't going to hit 40 HR, he could be a really solid player if he gets back to his earlier form. He should be motivated to do well in hopes of getting one last decent contract.

Glorious moment

The Beloit Crappers would be good if we want to use the Goose as a mascot.

I don't know enough about Pham's defense to comment on it. But is there a specific reason you think he'd be a poor defensive RF?

I don't think Pham (.229/.340 15 HRs - 49 RBIs - 475 ABs) offers any more than Taylor (.247/.321 - 12 HRs- 43 RBIs - 243 ABs). Pham made somewhere near $9M last year and would be looking at about the same or more this year. IMO money better spent towards a real upgrade in RF. Pham is interesting. He was a very good (and underrated) player in 2017-19. He was good for 20+ HR, .280ish BA, lots of walks, 3.5-4 WAR. 2020 was ruined after he got COVID, and then broke his hamate bone. 2021 was marred by a knife attack that left a footlong scar on his back. Really scary. They said Pham lost a speed, strength and stamina due the attack - and he never really recovered (hence the poor performance last year). The big question - who is the real Tommy Pham? He's going to be 34 - and has he simply lost a bit of speed/power/strength/whatever? It happens to everyone. Or is he a guy who had some bad luck and health issues? I'd definitely check out the guy. If the club thinks he can rebound - he could be a steal. He'd be highly motivated to do well in 2022 - and try and score one last big contract (and crush Cardinal pitching). Of course, you have to do your due diligence. The medical staff would have to believe he was fully healthy. My only other question is about him playing RF. He has mostly played CF and LF. I'm guessing he could play RF - but perhaps there's a reason he's not a good fit for it (weak arm? - don't know). No matter - give him a year - move on. It gives us time to develop Mitchell and Frelick and others. If he bombs - oh well, you tried.

Robbie Ray heading to the Mariners. 5 years, $115M. Opt out after season 3. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/11/mariners-sign-robbie-ray.html

I believe the expiration is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1. So we probably have three days of craziness.

I have always been tantalized by Myers' talent. I thought he was going to be an all-star level player. Things just never clicked. In the end, I don't see him hitting any better than Rowdy. And Bradley has a chance rebound. Plus he at least has some value as a defensive player (something Myers doesn't have). So I'd just pass - unless the club has some secret sauce they think we help Myers rebound.

I am happy for Avi, but as some have said, at this price and these years - it's a pass for me. I very much appreciated what he did for us last year, but I think we can put our money in other places at this point.

Britbox and Acorn have a lot of good mysteries. The longer form than most US procedurals really adds something. My wife have really liked Britbox. She loves 'cozy' mysteries. Poirot, Father Brown, Death in Paradise, etc. - perfect 'fun' murder stories.

Super 2 has been set at 2 years, 116 days. Urias has 2 year, 120 days of service. Thus, he qualifies.

I hadn't heard about that. No matter what happens, you just hope he can get his health back. Thanks.

I've always been intrigued by Frazier's bat. His glove - not so much. Last year was just a train wreck for him. But in 2019-20, he hit .267 and hit 20 HR on 350 ABs. That was pretty good for a 24-25 year old. I don't know what happened last year, but if the team likes him, I think he'd be very interesting to add. He is arby eligible this year. My main thing is Frazier's defense. I've not seen him much, so I can only go by reports - but it's been pretty brutal. I'm not sure we want another hack in the field. Adding the DH might mitigate some of that.

As a note, Frazier is 27. Still young.

I watched Jungle Cruise this past weekend with my wife. It was fun. Sort of a cross between Pirates of the Caribbean, the Mummy, and Indiana Jones. Yes, it was silly. So many historical inaccuracies. But whatever. The leads were really likable (the Rock and Emily Blount), and things kept moving along.

Nice. That's super cool.

It all comes down to what the team can get for one of their arms. There is nothing wrong with hanging onto Houser or Lauer or whomever - but if a good offer is made - you have to consider it. I just don't want them to make a trade for the simple sake of making a trade.

I like Taylor a lot. I love his versatility. His bat is good - but not great. If we make a FA signing, he doesn't boost the offense that much. He's good - but it's not like he's a middle of the order game changer. Still, he'd be really nice to have. Personally, I doubt we go for a long term deal like he'll get - but you never know.

Berrios has not been a great pitcher, but he's been incredibly consistent. And at 27, still time for him to get better.

I'd agree with this as well. I like Canha. Nothing great, but a solid player - and versatile. He does turn 33 this February, so you have to hope his age doesn't catch up to him. All depends on price and years. Fangraphs and MLB Traderumors have him at 2-years/$20-30M.