Matt Breen

Herb Washington rules for this sort of thing. 105 games. 33 runs scored. 31 stolen bases. Caught stealing 17 times. No at bats, nothing. Only ever pinch ran. I was fascinated by his baseball card as a kid because there was no one else I had ever seen that just said 'pinch runner'. He was a world class sprinter or something like that. Charlie Finley thought it was a great idea to add him. Funny thing is that he wasn't that good at stealing bases. http://z.lee28.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/washington-herb.jpg

It's Quinten Berry Part II

In the article, Jim Bowden listed his top 10 outfield prospects primed to break into the top 50 (hence those URL). Frelick was #1 while Mitchell was #5.

As we have said many times, it only takes on team to really like Avi to blow away the market. That said, corner outfielders who are 30+ usually don't get huge contracts. Let's look at last year. - Marcell Ozuna - coming off a monster age 29 season, got 4-years and $68M. - Michael Brantley - an excellent hitter - albeit with health concerns - got 2/$32M coming into his age 34 season. - Jackie Bradley is probably a better comp for Avi - even if their skill sets aren't that similar. He got 2/$24M. Also, let's look at players available this upcoming off season: - Nick Castellanos - Michael Conforto - Eddie Rosario - Starling Marte - A.J. Pollock - J.D. Martinez - Kris Bryant There are also some other players who are aging and coming off lesser seasons - such as Tommy Pham and Lawrence McCutchen. Now, some of those guys can play CF or other positions - so it's not just corner guys. But it shows there are some okay players available - meaning teams have options. Of course, I'm not sure who will be in the market for a corner OF next year. We shall have to see how that plays out. Another issue facing Avi is that - even 2021 Avi - is just a 'good' player. Not a great one. Teams are often reluctant to put a lot of money it solid players - so I don't see an overspend (but again - it just takes one team). Add in some inconsistent play - from season to season - and there are question marks. I very much doubt we give him a QO. He'd probably take $19M in a heartbeat as the offer would only depress his market. But as PeaveyFury points out, I think a 3/$40M is not unrealistic. For most teams, that kind of money/years is not an albatross. And at age 30 - he should be able to keep up his production for a couple of more years. I'm guessing teams try and get Avi for 2/$26 or something like that. And he tries to extract that one more year. Which could happen. 3/$36M might happen as well. Those are just my guesses. I just see Avi as a bit of an inconsistent player. And a guy who is good - but not great. Kudos to him getting in good shape - it has paid off.

This is where you miss Taylor. He pounds lefties like Albers.

What do you think he gets in free agency (assuming he can keep up his production)?

We may have an option on Garcia for 2022. We have a 2022 Club Option with a $2M buyout. However, that becomes a mutual option with 1,050 plate appearances across 2020-2021, or 550 plate appearances in 2021. Avi has averaged 3.4 PA this year - which will put him right around 550 PA for the year. However, last season he had 207 PAs - which translates to 3.45 PA per game (over 60 games). That translates into 560 or so PAs for 2020. I'm assuming that's how they'll figure out things for 2020. And if correct, his option becomes a mutual one. Questions become 1) do the Brewers take on Avi's $12M option? I'd say that's pretty easy - yes - they do. And if they do, does Avi opt in and take the year - or opt out and become a FA? I'd say he opts out as he could get a 2-3 year deal at a similar price ($10-12M). But that's just a guess. I'd love to hear other opinions. The final question is if Avi comes to the Brewers and says he wants a longer extension - what do we offer (if anything) for years and price. Just wondering what people thought.

To clarify, Olson has two years of Arby remaining after this season. But even two years of Olson is - as you point out - not going to be cheap. He's an excellent player. You would likely have to build something around Mitchell - is my guess. I guess waiting to see how Rowdy does the rest of the season is probably the next step before making a trade like this.

Thanks to everyone for participating in the latest version of our Top 25 Prospect Poll. It’s been a year and a half since we’ve had some real minor league numbers, so there were a lot of changes. 
Here are some numbers: Exited Top 25: Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Medina, Micah Bello, Max Lazar, Corey Ray, Jesus Parra, Clayton Andrews (all dropped by #25), and Payton Henry (traded) Newcomers: Frelick, Black, Howell, Valerio, Cousins, Binelas, Bullock, Smith, Uribe Number of ballots: 27 Number of players on ballots: 61 Mr. Irrelevant (1 vote, 1 point): Israel Puello and Evan Reifert Likeliest to graduate by end of the year: Cousins Observations: - We had one player get a 1st place vote (Ernesto Martinez) that did not make the Top 25. - Huge drops from some long time top 10 type players, including Lutz and Ray. - A lot of the people leaving the Top 25 dropped out - only one graduated or was traded. Many of these players have struggled in 2021 - with injuries a big role for some of the players. - Many of the short season ball players are being judged on very small sample sizes - less than 30 games. Please know that all write ups are my own observations and opinions. Also, this process involves a lot of cutting and pasting, so if you see any mistakes, please drop me a PM and I'll correct. Thanks.

#1 ( - ) Garrett Mitchell, OF, age 22, AA Biloxi 644 points (24 1st place votes) - 27 of 27 ballots The Brewers top pick in 2020 was a near unanimous #1 in this year’s poll. Mitchell crushed high A pitching, but came down to earth at AA. Still, he has impressed with a blend of speed, power, discipline and average. #2 (+1) Ethan Small, LHSP, age 24, AAA Nashville 578 points (1 1st place votes) - 27 of 27 ballots Was on the fast track to Milwaukee with a sub-2.00 ERA until he was shut down with a strained tendon in his pitching hand. Walks a few too many batters, but has all the tools to be in Milwaukee’s rotation - perhaps as early as 2022. #3 (+2) Aaron Ashby, LHSP, age 22, AAA Nashville 552 points - 27 of 27 ballots Ashby’s electric fastball/slider combo has gotten him a couple of stints in Milwaukee this summer (with mixed results). He has struggled with his control at times - leading some to believe his future is in the bullpen - but the Brewers say they will continue to develop him as a starter. #4 (-2) Brice Turang, SS, age 21, AAA Nashville 550 points - 27 of 27 ballots While Turang has shown a little more pop, his walk rate has suffered and his K rate has increased as he’s moved into the upper minors. This has lead to solid, but unspectacular stats. It should be noted that Turang has been young compared to his competition for much of his pro career. With Willy Adames entrenched at SS in Milwaukee, some speculate that Turang could be a trade chip in the future. #5 (+2) Hedbert Perez, OF, Age 18, ACL 519 points (1 1st place votes) - 27 of 27 ballots While the sample size is small (less than 30 games), the toolsy Perez has come out big - producing lots of power and excitement. If he finishes the season strong, expect him to be one of the organization’s most watched prospects next year. #6 ( new ) Sal Frelick, OF, Age 21, A- Carolina 507 points - 26 of 27 ballots Milwaukee’s top pick in the 2021 draft, Frelick comes into the organization with a reputation as an outstanding hitter and defender. The only thing missing from his arsenal is power - which the club hopes will develops over time. While he’s only played a dozen or so games as a pro, Frelick has not disappointed with a .300+ BA. #7 ( Re-entry ) Joe Gray, Jr., OF, age 21, A+ Wisconsin 436 points - 27 of 27 ballots Gray broke out big early this year by pounding Low A pitching. He’s cooled off since his promotion to High A ball, but combined, he’s produced an OPS of .940 as well as 18 stolen bases. Gray still has a lot of swing-and-miss in his profile, but the speed/power combination he possesses could be formidable if he adapts to more advanced pitching. #8 (-4) Mario Feliciano, C, age 22, AAA Nashville 426 points - 26 of 27 ballots Feliciano’s ranking took a dive due to injuries that have limited him to less than 30 games this season (including a one game stop with the big league club). Still only 22, look for the sweet swinging backstop to re-position himself as the team’s catcher of the future in 2022. #9 (-3) Antoine Kelly, LHSP, age 21, A- Carolina 404 points - 25 of 27 ballots The buzz around Kelly faded a bit in 2021 due to injuries - limiting him to a handful of innings. Look for a reboot in 2022 for the man who has some of the best raw stuff in the Brewers’ system. #10 (+2) Jefferson Quero, C, age 18, ACL 392 points - 25 of 27 ballots Quero’s professional debut has gone well (albeit in just a couple of dozen games). He’s hit for average and shown a good eye at the plate (.400+ OBP). Quero’s reputation as an excellent receiver only enhances his potential. #11 (new) Tyler Black, 2B, Age 21 377 points - 26 of 27 ballots One of the best college hitters in 2021, Black, who is Canadien, has not yet made him professional debut due to visa issues. He should hit for average and take his share of walks once he gets his chance to take the field. #12 (+1) Zavier Warren, UTL, age 22, A+ Wisconsin 304 points - 26 of 27 ballots Warren has played C, 3B and 1B in 2021 - making him an intriguing utility option. In his pro debut this year, he has shown some solid power and a good walk rate. While his batting average has hovered around .250, the Brewers believe that will improve as he adapts to better pitching. #13 (-3) Eduardo Garcia, SS, age 19, ACL 272 points - 25 of 27 ballots Garcia is getting his first action in almost two years, and the rust has shown with mediocre numbers thus far (although with less than 100 ABs). Still, Garcia has a great glove and a projectable frame - making him a player who could be special as he matures. #14 ( new ) Korry Howell, OF, age 22, AA Biloxi 271 points - 26 of 27 ballots Howell got noticed in 2021 by slugging a dozen HRs at Wisconsin - earning him a promotion to AA ball. Howell has good size, speed, and has shown the ability to take walks. However, he does have some swing and miss issues that may limit his ceiling. #15 (-7 ) Freddy Zamora, SS, age 22, A- Carolina 233 points - 23 of 27 ballots Zamora barely played organized ball in 2019-20 due to injuries and last year’s pandemic. His bat has been solid - showing promise, including a good batting average and walk rate. An athletic shortstop, he has also demonstrated a plus arm, glove and range. #16 ( new ) Felix Valerio, 2B, age 20, A+ Wisconsin 224 points - 23 of 27 ballots The diminutive second baseman has leapt into the Top 25 with an impressive 2021. Valerio has hit for average (.300+), shown speed (20+ SBs), strong on base skills (.420+ OPS), and good bat skills (more walks than strikeouts). It all earned him a recent promotion to Wisconsin. At only 5’6”, Valerio’s upside may be limited, but no one will care about his height if he keeps producing. #17 (+7) David Hamilton, INF, age 23, AA Biloxi 179 points - 19 of 27 ballots I have speed. 40+ stolen bases of speed! I have a questionable hit tool - but I have speed. That makes me an interesting prospect - enough to reach AA in my first professional season. #18 ( new ) Jake Cousins, RHRP, age 26, Milwaukee 153 points - 16 of 27 ballots The Brewers signed Cousins out of the independent leagues in 2019 and he developed a wicked slider and seized the opportunity presented to him - becoming a key member of the big league bullpen this year. It’s been a pretty amazing ride for the former 20th draft pick. This is likely going to be the last time Cousins is eligible for this list - so it was nice having you, Jake. #19 ( new ) Alex Binelas, 3B, age 21, A- Carolina 123 points - 16 of 27 ballots The Brewers 3rd round pick in this year’s draft is a local kid - from Oak Creek, WI. The left handed hitting Binelas - who has only played a half dozen games thus far in 2021 - likely won’t hit for a high average - but he has power to spare. #20 (-3) Dylan File, RHSP, age 25, AAA Nashville 102 points - 15 of 27 ballots File missed most of 2021 with a fractured elbow, so anything he does in 2021 is a bonus. When healthy, File showed the ability to command his pitches - plus a recent uptick in velocity - making him a viable arm for Milwaukee’s staff. #21 (+2) Jackson Chourio, SS, age 17, DSL 100 points - 14 of 27 ballots Chourio has held his own in his professional debut. One of the top international players in 2020, he is a tall, lean kid who has the potential to grow into a 5-tool player. #22 (new) Justin Bullock, RHP, age 22, AA Biloxi 90 points - 10 of 27 ballots After some uninspiring numbers his first few years as a pro, Bullock improved his velocity and has broken out in 2021 - putting up solid numbers across three levels. The key for Bullock will be if he can continue his success against advanced hitting. #23 (new) Russell Smith, LHP, age 22 70 points - 10 of 27 ballots The Brewers #2 pick in this year’s draft out of TCU, Smith is a towering guy - 6’9” - and has a reputation for a good fastball and excellent command (something taller players often struggle with). He has not played yet in 2021. #24 (new) Abner Uribe, RHP, age 21, A- Carolina 69 points - 11 of 27 ballots Uribe’s fastball has been clocked at 103 mph. Can he control it? Well, not yet. But 103 mph is hard to teach - so that makes the guy intriguing. #25 (-16) Tristen Lutz, OF, age 22. AA Biloxi 64 points - 15 of 27 ballots A former Top 10 prospect in our community poll, many predicted 2021 was the year Lutz would breakout as one of the system’s top power bats. Instead, he struggled and then got hurt - and has not played since early July. It’s basically a lost year for young man. He’s still young enough to make good on his promise - but the clock is ticking. The Rest Alec Bettinger - 63 points Justin Topa - 62 points Hendry Mendez - 57 points Enersto Martinez - 51 points Jheremy Vargas - 50 points Luis Medina - 45 points Max Lazar - 37 points Carlos Rodriguez - 36 points Weston Wilson - 35 points Victor Castaneda - 34 points Miguel Sanchez - 32 points Ashton McGee - 29 points Joey Wiemer - 29 points Luke Barker - 25 points David Fry - 23 points Nick Bennett - 22 points Jesus Parra - 21 points Hayden Cantrelle - 20 points Corey Ray - 20 points Thomas Dillard - 18 points Carlos Luna - 17 points Micah Bello - 15 points Angel Perdoma - 11 points Noah Campbell - 11 points Zach Brown - 11 points Joey Matulovich - 8 points Noah Zavolas - 6 points Darren Miller - 5 points Quintin Torres-Costa - 4 points Je’Von Ward - 4 points Carlos Roa - 4 points Alex Hall - 2 points Logan Henderson - 2 points Evan Reifert - 1 points Israel Puello - 1 point Ages are as of 8/17/2021. Original voting thread: viewtopic.php?f=64&t=40796

But if that happens, Taylor won't be eligible for the post-season roster - correct? That used to be the rule - but not sure if there are exceptions now.

With his speed, I was worried it was going to be 'hamilton breaks up no hitter with bunt single' or something like that.

Black is Canadian - in case anyone didn't remember. Hence the visa issue.

No surprise. Pretty happy with the offseason.

Luckily for us, Joey Votto can only bat once every nine batters. Guy has been a machine.

How 'bout them apples.

nice.

Mercy rule!

Losing it? Botched grounder, catcher missed a pitch and a chopper in front of the plate. Bad luck, questionable defense, still pitching great. Yeah, the ball hasn't left the infield. That's some bad luck.

He missed over 1/2 of 2014. Strained left quadriceps. But other than that, he's been pretty healthy. Also, he missed about month or so with knee surgery in 2012. Thanks! Yelich being a string bean worries me. The back also worries me. Those can just really screw up a person. Even a little weirdness can change a player's swing and so forth.

Has Votto ever had any major injuries? He missed over 1/2 of 2014. Strained left quadriceps. But other than that, he's been pretty healthy. Also, he missed about month or so with knee surgery in 2012.

Has Votto ever had any major injuries? He missed over 1/2 of 2014. Strained left quadriceps. But other than that, he's been pretty healthy.

I'm good with our off season. Would I liked to have had Tucker back? Yes. But I understand the finances of things. So be it. Tucker's age and limited offensive output was a bit concerning as well. No matter, I would have liked him back - but it is not to be. I think we are better team that last year. Allen and Hill are better than Augustine/Forbes/Teague. Bringing back Portis is awesome. We are essentially nine deep with Giannis, Lopez, Middleton, Holiday, DDV, Portis, Hill and Allen. And we'll see how Hood and Semi fit in. And it will be good to give Nwora a chance to play more often. He's an interesting player. I think we are deeper than last year - which is good. I want to see our rotation deeper in the regular season. Last year was a lot of adjustments - and while I think that will continue - it won't be some dramatic. The core guys have played together for a year and know their jobs. Let's see how the bench comes along and keep experimenting with things. Should be fun.

Thanks to everyone who voted on our mid-season prospect poll. Watch for results in the next week or so.

Yeah, Green would be a solid add at this point. Whoops. Guess not. Green back to the Sixers. https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/08/sixers-to-re-sign-danny-green.html