colbyjack

Taylor Green goes 1-4 today with a pair of Ks. That is all.

MiLB.com interview with Brett Lawrie: http://www.minorleaguebas...&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

We haven't seen Mike Ramlow for a few games, so I'm not sure if they're giving him some rest to prepare for a start either tonight or tomorrow or if something else (injury) is going on. Hopefully we'll see his name in the box score again by the end of the weekend. Another quiet night for the Brewers farmhands. Logan Schafer and Caleb Gindl both made their way back into the lineup, although Schafer got bumped down the order and played in LF. He went 0-4, but did pick up an RBI. Gindl was 1-4, maintaining that .250 batting average, scored once and struck out once. http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...008_10_09_wocwin_nshwin_1

Jeremy Jeffress got the start in yesterday's game for the Javelinas, and pitched very well over three innings, allowing only 2 hits, 1 ER and 1 BB while striking out 4. He threw 39 strikes out of 58 pitches, and had a 4:1 groundout to flyout ratio (hey, it's the offseason, and these splits are all we have http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif). He did commit an error. Alexandre Periard tossed the 5th and 6th innings and didn't allow a run despite allowing a hit and a pair of walks while striking out a pair. Taylor Green got the start at 3b and went 2-4 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base. http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...008_10_09_pddwin_perwin_1 Game Log: The only run Jeffress gave up came in the 1st inning with 2 outs. He struck out the side (all swinging) in the 2nd (amidst his fielding error), striking out two very promising young players in Josh Donaldson and Adrian Cardenas. http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...008_10_09_pddwin_perwin_1

Schafer and Gindl had the night off last night, and no Brewers pitchers made it into the game (fortunately) as the West Oahu CaneFires got beat 13-6 by North Shore.

West Oahu rallied late to beat North Shore last night, 7-6. Logan Schafer led off for the CaneFires and went 1-4 (a triple), 2 runs scored, a walk and a strikeout. Caleb Gindl also went 1-4 with a walk and a strikeout. Schafer is now hitting .261 and Gindl is hitting .250. Chris Cody got the start for West Oahu, and got roughed up a little over 3.1 innings of work giving up 8 hits, a walk and 4 ER. He did strike out 7 batters. 3 of the 4 runs he allowed came in the bottom of the 1st, and his ERA spiked to 6.48. http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...008_10_07_wocwin_nshwin_1

The AFL kicked off yesterday, and only one Brewers farmhand made it into the game for the Peoria Javelinas, Omar Aguilar, who pitched a scoreless 9th inning allowing one hit. It took him 14 pitches and 3 flyball outs, otherwise, there isn't much else to report after the first day. http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/s...008_10_07_surwin_perwin_1 The Javelinas take on the Surprise Rafters again today at 1:35 CST.

I think Aguilar is the biggest no-brainer on that list. How many times do you see teams take a chance on a raw arm in the Rule 5 draft? I would guess that is the type of player that is taken most of the time, and since Aguilar made it to AA, there is no way he wouldn't end up on someone else's 40-man roster. There's a chance he's pitching in Milwaukee by the end of next year.

Thanks for providing that endaround. If that list doesn't make people think twice before they sign just about anyone to a long-term deal, I don't know what would. Kevin Millwood interests me on that list given the reasons you offered to think he could be better if his career numbers drop back down, not to mention it wouldn't hurt getting out of that stadium and into the NL. I've got to imagine though that the Rangers would be scared to death at how bad Jeff Suppan could be pitching in their stadium, and at least the team can void out of Millwood's contract after next year if he doesn't toss 180 innings. I'm guessing we're going to hear Washburn's names quite a bit this offseason given the local connection, even if the Brewers and Mariners never discuss a possible trade.

I think having him on the postseason roster showed how much the Brewers like him. He adds the one thing the Brewers are short on, a left-handed bat, which increases the likelihood IMO that he'll be on the opening day roster next year, if he doesn't move onto another organization. He has played on the OF corners in the past with mixed reviews, as he's best suited at 1B, but he's a solid option to have off of the bench for his bat alone.

I am amazed so few of you seem to have any plan for Gamel. He's probably our top prospect. I realize the concerns on his defense at third, but it is pretty shocking that many want Hardy moved to third or for us to throw a bunch of money at a third baseman. Trust me, I'm not forgeting Gamel, I just want to see this team put players where their skills fit the best, as I want this team to put a greater emphasis on defense, or at least continue to do so. Dealing with Braun at 3B last year, a problem that could have corrected the year before with a little better forsight, I think is the best example of this. I know many believe Gamel could stick at 3B long term, but if his bat plays in a corner OF spot, and would allow him to make a better all-around impact more quickly, I think that move should be made sooner rather than later. I'm guessing a few others feel the same way as I do. Moving Hardy to 3B, maybe not next year, but possibly the year after that, and inserting Escobar at SS would make the left side of the infield incredibly strong defensively.

I like the idea of Villanueva as the closer, even if his pure stuff doesn't make him a prototypical stopper. Before the Brewers signed Gagne last offseason, he was my choice to fill the role internally last offseason. I'm not sure who will be available this offseason, as the market for KRod and Fuentes is likely to get pretty crazy, and from what I've read, there's still a chance those two end up with the Angels and Rockies respectively. Although part of me would also like to see Villanueva return to the starting rotation. I also agree that Stetter needs to be on next year's team to give the club two LHPs out of the bullpen. I do prefer McClung as a swing-man that can go either long or short, as he seemed to excel in an expanded, more versatile role. For the lineup, I think more and more people are growing on the idea of trying to acquire Adrian Beltre. I would really love to get a more consistent, high-OBP bat in the lineup, and to me the best way to do so is to target someone like Bobby Abreu for RF, even if his defense has declined (reportedly), as I'm guessing Ibanez is going to get way too much money for his age (not that Abreu is a spring chicken, but it would seem as though his market value will be less). That of course makes Corey Hart expendable, unless you decline Cameron's option and move Hart to CF, which isn't ideal since I really liked the addition of Cameron, especially defensively.

The PCL is up today, and I don't think it is a big surprise that no Brewers farmhands made the list.

If 2009 is a rebuilding year, then make the move now. I don't mean to keep beating this drum, and I'm not saying that you (FVBrewerFan) think 2009 will be a rebuilding year so I'm definitely not trying to pick on you, but I want to bring up again that this Brewers team was not built for 2008 or bust. This is probably more of a response to the local sports talk in which many people seem to think the Brewers will have a hard time making the playoffs next year since Sheets and Sabathia will no long be with the team. Getting to the playoffs no doubt will be tough, but there's no reason to believe that the Brewers right now have enough talent to make the same run next year, and beyond, especially if the offense performs closer to what is expected from them. A few changes need to be made, without a doubt, but the pieces are there for lasting success. Going back on topic, because of that I do think Gamel and Escobar should spend some time in AAA next year, and only be brought up if they absolutely need them (due to injury most likely) or if either one is tearing it up. I would prefer to see the 2009 built expecting both of them to receive more time for seasoning, which is why I prefer the idea of finding a stopgap at third base (such as Beltre) and keeping most everything else the same. Unless the market value for Hardy goes the roof, which it could, as Hardy clearly is one of the best shortstops in the game now. However, since this is 2008 and not 2002, that's all the more reason to keep Hardy and not trade him.

Hey Colby, do you have any inside info on who the Brewers hoped the Indians would choose or who the Brewers would have sent if it was their call? No, unfortunatley I don't. There were so many reports flying around the past few months it was hard to keep track, and most of the people inside the organization make sure not to talk about this kind of stuff. I do know that it was more than a hunch that Taylor Green was expected to be the player named at one point in time, as it seemed to be between those two players. I also know that the Brewers mentioned right before they traded for Sabathia that they had five prospects they didn't want to trade more than one of, and Brantley was mentioned as one of those five (LaPorta obviously was one, with Jeffress, Gamel and Escobar being the other three).

Cody Hawn has transferred to the University of Tennessee. Chase Reid is going to be draft eligible as a sophomore since he turns 21 next May. He could go in the early rounds as a RHP out of Vanderbilt.

I had the chance to watch Eric Decker on Saturday play WR for the Golden Gophers, and I picked a good game to tune in. He caught 13 balls for 190 yards. As some of his interviews indicate above, he's a very tough WR, ideally made for a slot position similar to Anthony Gonzalez of the Colts. I didn't see him ranked on a couple of NFL draft sites I checked, although that doesn't mean much this time of year, but I am curious about his future as a professional football player. I was pretty excited when the Brewers drafted him because he is a true sleeper in baseball, and displayed pretty good skills for Minnesota despite taking a year off, and still showed that he clearly is dedicated to the sport by playing this summer. The Brewers drafting him was more of a gesture of goodwill, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them draft him again next June, I'm guessing a lot higher than the 39th round.

Caleb Gindl might be heating up, with 3 hits today, including a double, and a pair of RBI. Logan Shafer goes 1-3 with a walk and Michael Ramlow gives up 2 hits and an earned in 2 innings of work. http://www.minorleaguebas...008_10_05_wocwin_honwin_1

I mentioned in the thread that has the league-by-league reports from BA that I felt their assessment of Lucroy was inaccurate since we've never heard anything but good things about his defense. He isn't flashy, but he's solid across the board, and he threw out 51% of baserunners in the FSL. And difference with the report trwi7 shared is that from what we've heard Lucroy's arm is average at best, but his accuracy, transfer and footwork are so solid it allows him to throw out runners at a high clip.

Definitely. Just making the playoffs was huge, and it made me think today how many times I got upset at games during the year only to get to the playoffs and realize those games didn't matter once you start playing in the postseason. While I was disappointed the team's season didn't continue, I wasn't angry, and there still was a great sense of accomplishment. Congrats to everyone involved, including the fans the pushed the attendance over 3 million, and to everyone here that devotes so much of their time to the Milwaukee Brewers. I'm guessing season ticket sales are going to do well this offseason, and given the young talent on the team here's to that success continuing.

Friend of Brewerfan Dave Cameron of USS Mariner has an interesting 2009 projection/suggestion that proposes Jose Lopez, Wladimir Balentien and Jarrod Washburn for Corey Hart and Brad Nelson: http://ussmariner.com/200...ason-plan-to-win-in-2008/ I've never been a huge fan of Washburn, despite the local connections, as he seems to be the LH version of Jeff Suppan, but I wouldn't be opposed to this deal. Lopez I think is pretty highly regarded at 2B defensively and is still mighty young, although his OBP isn't the greatest, while Balentien has a ton of talent and is very young with plenty of time spent at AAA (over 230 ABs this year, over 475 last year). I don't like dealing Hart while his value is low, but Mr. Cameron seems to be pretty high on him given the package of talent he's proposing in return.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of a straight up Weeks for Robinson Cano deal? Cano had a bad year, but it wasn't awful and he'd definitely improve the infield defense. A change of scenery might be good for both of them. Cano hitting left handed might help balance the lineup too. I was under the impression that Cano, like Weeks, wasn't the greatest 2B defensively. That is an interesting change of scenery swap though. I believe next year would be the last year of a contract for Adrian Beltre and the Mariners are likely shopping him around. His road splits are very good and getting out of Safeco should help him. Any interest? There has been some interest in Beltre in random threads in the trade forum. While he isn't the ideal acquisition (hits LHPs better, doesn't carry the highest OBP), he would be a very nice stopgap at 3B, and is definitely one of my favorite options that should be available that I hope the Brewers target.

Thanks for providing that Ennder, that's very interesting and helpful. I know a similar discussion is being tossed around in the thread about whether or not the offense needs an overhaul this upcoming offseason, but those numbers do offer some optismism since for the most part the entire lineup outside of Hardy has underachieved (which I think we knew even without the numbers). If the Brewers hit more like they're capable of, or even how they should hit, the offense could be significantly better in 2009 even if no signficant personnel changes are made. However, it is difficult to count on that, although given the relative youth of the lineup I am more optimistic of them being able to turn things around. No, being an average offense isn't necessarily a bad thing, but playoff teams usually aren't average on either side of the ball.

I would prefer to do this in 2010 than 2009 though. Give Escobar more time to develop. We really need a stop gap 3b next year IMO that is a high OBP guy. Agreed, and ideally such a player would be a LH hitter, but the problem is who would that be? Hank Blalock is probably the closest to such a player that might be available, even if the Rangers pick up his option (which they reportedly will do) since they could always trade him (and they might). Adrian Beltre is one of the most appealing 3B out there that is rumored to be available, but he clearly isn't an ideal fit. He just had surgery (on his hand I believe), hits LHPs better than RHPs and isn't stellar in the OBP dep't. On the flip side he has been consistently healthy for quite some time, has good power and plays very good defense at 3B. He would definitely be a one-year stopgap, but it is also important to remember that his best season so far came during a contract year, which he is entering again in 2009, something hyper money-motivated Boras clients have been known to do. I'm also hesitant to trade Hardy since as I've mentioned before he is one of the few hitters the Brewers has that is relatively good across the board. Every other player in the Brewers lineup has a significant concern about their game (Prince's defense, the low OBPs of Braun and Hart relative to their batting averages, the inability of Cameron and Weeks to hit for a respectable batting average, etc.). Hardy also would seem to have the highest trade value given the need for shortstops as piccione8 mentioned. So, do you move Hardy to 3B and bring up Escobar? Do you trade Hardy for a young starting pitcher, bring up Escobar and still try to find a 3B? Or do you keep Hardy where he's at and try to find a 3B? The first option obviously would be the easiest since it could be done in-house, but then you would have to deal with the growing pains of Escobar learning how to hit MLB pitching without any AAA seasoning.

I've grown on Brantley more as the year as gone on, but more because the Brewers offense obviously needs a boost in the OBP dep't. I agree that it is a great skill to have, it's impossible to argue against that point, but his complete lack of power and concerns on defense cannot be overlooked. It is tough to see any talented young prospect go, although we all knew it would happen sooner or later (in this case later), but I am happy Green is sticking around give the organizations overall lack of potential impact left-handed bats. It is important to remember that Green finished 10th in the offensively challenged FSL in batting, 3rd in OBP, 9th in slugging and 7th in OPS. He clearly has some pretty good on-base skills of his own (61:59 BB:K ratio to go along with his .382 OBP), and while he doesn't receive unanimous praise for his defense, it isn't a lingering concern like it is with Brantley. And this is of course as an infielder. I recognize that Brantley has displayed these skills at a younger age at a higher level, but it's not like Green is too old to be considered a legitimate prospect. I originally was hoping it would be Brantley, but got to the point where I was split on who I wanted to see the Brewers keep more. I think arguing between the two could easily go either way.