So it's finally time for a rundown of which Brewers are eligible for arbitration, and where I see these numbers going. This is something that we here at Brewing will be keeping an eye on an updating as the off season rolls along.
Player-2009 Salary, time eligible
J.J. Hardy-4.65, 3rd (will be again for forth due to time in minors this season.)
Corey Hart-3.25, 2nd
Dave Bush-4, 3rd
Rickie Weeks-2.45, 2nd
Seth McClung-1.6625, 4th
Todd Coffey-.8, 2nd
Jody Gerut-1.775, 3rd
Carlos Villanueva-.477, 1st
Mike Rivera-.415, 1st
There is some good news, which is related to bad news, about the arbitration class this season. Firstly, most of these guys had down seasons, which will mean small raises; with that is the fact that they had down seasons... and the 'Crew didn't make the postseason.
J.J. Hardy faced what was truly his worst season in the big leagues. This eventually lead to a demotion to AAA for long enough to forestall free agency for another year. In 2007 and 2008 Hardy was probably one of the 5 best SS in the NL. While this was a down year, Hardy does have a good track record, and regardless of his hitting he is still a plus fielder. Had he kept up his hitting it would not have been surprising to see Hardy push the 7 million mark. However after this season I doubt he will make 6. That being said, Hardy is almost sure to be traded this off season, and while it's likely he will sign a contract before hand, it should be remembered that he does not have to.
Prediction-1 year, 5.85m
Corey Hart will be up for the second time. Last year Hart and the Brewers had one of the largest gaps in all baseball for contract demands. In the end he signed for the near middle point at 3.25. During last off season the Brewers attempted to lock down Hart long term, and Hart may have made a mistake at that one, as he also settled for his worst season in the Bigs. Unlike Hardy, Hart is a sub par fielder, with speed being his only real plus. That being said Hart had only a 65% success rate swiping 11 bags this year opposed to 77% swiping 23 in the previous two seasons. The Brewers may come back with a something multi-seasonal again, but it seems unlikely Hart would accept at this time with his stock so low. If he had kept pace I would have guessed nearer to 5.5m.
Prediction-1 year, 4m
Dave Bush is entering his third and final season of arbitration. Yep, you guessed it, this guy too is showing up with his worst professional season. Bush, even when not at the top of his game, was a dependable guy. He had give the Brewers 185+ innings in each of the last 3 seasons, and always had a great WHIP, and a wonderful BB/K ratio. While that ratio wasn't bad this year everything else was, including a trip to the DL. After making 2.55 in his first arbitration, and then 4 in his second, if he had kept on pace 5.5-6m would probably have been in order. In all honesty now, I'm not sure what is going to happen. I actually see Bush being traded, mostly for the reason of just not having a spot for him, and I doubt the Brewers will give up on Parra. To non-tender a guy with such a good history seems implausible, regardless of a trade, I see Bush only getting a marginal raise, with maybe some incentives thrown in.
Prediction-1 year, 4.25m
Rickie Weeks is another interesting case. Weeks didn't have a bad season by any means, he just didn't really have one at all. After getting off to one of the best starts in his career, including what appeared to be marked improvements in the field, Weeks was once again (third time) sidelined for the entire season with injury. His .272 avg was 25 points higher than his career average, and he slugged a whopping 100 points over average. All this is really moot though as he played only 37 games. Now Weeks signed a Major League contract when he was drafted which changes dynamics of pay drastically, and in ways that I don't entirely understand. I don't think it should affect his pay next year though... a season where Weeks will probably not see much of a raise either (incentives anyone? Weeks has never played in 130 or more games). GM Doug Melvin reiterated that Weeks is the Brewers 2B, and will not be moving to center, given the quality of play from newcomer Felipe Lopez and the free agency of Mike Cameron, both of those questions have been raised.
Prediction-1 year, 2.75m
Todd Coffey is one man coming off of his best season, and is eligible for the second time. After taking a pay cut in '09 after a very poor '08 campaign, Coffey should be seeing a nice increase. Throwing 80 innings with a 2.90 ERA out of the 'pen, he ranked second in the league with 27 holds and is likely to be a late inning fixture for the Crew again next year. Big raise this year for the big righty. Don't see a multiple year happening because, you know, it's the bullpen... and he's still under team control for another year.
Prediction-1 year, 1.6m
Carlos Villanueva is the first of two Brewers coming into arbitration for the first time. After making 477k this season, Villa is likely in store for a decent raise. One interesting aspect in his case is his bouncing from the rotation to the bullpen and back over his entire career. His 5.34 ERA was his worst ever, building off his previous worst from '08 at 4.07. I would have to imagine Carlos is in the pen for good now, with a 6.52 starting compared to 4.54 ERA relieving ERA. The best comparable player to look at may be teammate McClung. I put together better numbers for Carlos early in his career together with a couple years gone buy to give my guess here. Again, a down season probably saved the Crew some bucks.
Prediction-1 year, 1m.
The aforementioned Seth McClung will be our next topic, entering his final arbitration year. Some people have called McClung a non-tender candidate, but I'm not real sure if I see it. He put up his worst Brewers season, but I think with a move full time to the 'pen (where his ERA was just 3.95 this year) will really help him again. This is where a new pitching coach could make a big deal, as McClung's long time enemy, the walk, came back hard this year. I say bring him back, slot him into that middle innings role and I foresee a sub 4 ERA for a decent price.
Prediction-1 year, 1.85m
Jody Gerut is in the same boat as McClung, third time up and people predicting his release. This one I can see much more easily. After being traded from San Diego for Tony Gwynn Jr. Gerut ended up playing in 85 games for the Brewers, mostly after Hart was injured. He's a decent outfielder who can play all 3 spots, and he has had some very nice offensive seasons in the past. If this were to go to arbitration a raise would be in order, so you'd have a 4th outfielder making 2m? And I sincerely hope he is not our starting CF next year. I would be interested in having him back for about half the price.
Prediction-Released, if resigned-1 year, 750k
Mike Rivera is last but certainly not least. The journeyman catcher has backed up a couple seasons in Milwaukee now, and done a pretty good job of it. With starter Jason Kendall's contract up Rivera claims he is ready to trot out there everyday. '09 was a bit of a down year offensively, but generally what you'll see. Not the best average, but decent, hitting with some pop and not afraid to take a walk. I'm not sure who to compare him to, but seeing that most of his Big League roster time has been spent on the bench, I don't see this one getting crazy. Maybe incentives based on games played.
Prediction-1 year, 650k
It for now. Maybe I'll get around to Minor league awards soon. Think I'll do a projected 2010 payroll next, hopefully tomorrow.
Go Packers? Brew Up.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
2010 Options
Hello everyone,
So the Brewers have two options to decide on for 2010. A $3.7 million club option for reliever David Weathers ($400k buyout), and a $6.5 million mutual option with starter Braden Looper ($1m buyout).
Weathers-Weathers owns a 4.25 career ERA in approximately 59 seasons in the big leagues. Over the last 5 years or so Weathers has be good for a 3.2-3.9 ERA with 62-77 IP. After a trade from the Reds last year Weathers did not impress in Milwaukee, with a 4.88 in 24ip, with 11bb and only 10k. These aren't very Weathers like numbers, and we should see those settle back near 4. I think the Brewers should pick this one up. I guess GM Doug Melvin will have a better read on the free agent market, but I like having another experience arm in the 'pen, and other than Hoffman, Brewers are a bit thin on experience. Barring some sort of trade or FA signing, I think that this would be the right choice. I will admit this is a bit controversial, and I really have no idea what Melvin will do.
Looper-I have seen so many differing opinions on this one. The first thing I read about it stated that "of course" the Brewers would pick up this option... I was like "Really? Of Course?" The real funny part is the second thing I read said there was "no way" the Brewers should grab this. At first I supported this one, like I supported the original Looper deal, but the front office has said that it wants to go after 2 arms this off season, that means two arms have to go, and Looper is at the top of that list (let's be serious Suppan isn't going anywhere). Maybe after his knee surgery he wouldn't give up the most homers in the MLB again, but still, he's probably going to run near a ERA of 5, and for the raise to 6.5m I'm against it. Hopefully we can get somebody like Washburn for less, or a Sheets like guy on an incentive laden deal. I wouldn't be shocked if this was picked up, we were sorely lacking on pitchers this year, but I think it'd be a waste of money, and we may as well roll our dice on somebody else than on another year of 30+ HR allowed. If the Crew does pick this up, I don't see Looper turning down his half of the deal. Even with a thin SP free agent market, after a poor season I just don't see Braden getting more than 4-5 again. We'll be on the hook for a $1 million buy out.
It for now, Arb talk still pending.
Have fun with the start of the ALCS. Brew Up.
So the Brewers have two options to decide on for 2010. A $3.7 million club option for reliever David Weathers ($400k buyout), and a $6.5 million mutual option with starter Braden Looper ($1m buyout).
Weathers-Weathers owns a 4.25 career ERA in approximately 59 seasons in the big leagues. Over the last 5 years or so Weathers has be good for a 3.2-3.9 ERA with 62-77 IP. After a trade from the Reds last year Weathers did not impress in Milwaukee, with a 4.88 in 24ip, with 11bb and only 10k. These aren't very Weathers like numbers, and we should see those settle back near 4. I think the Brewers should pick this one up. I guess GM Doug Melvin will have a better read on the free agent market, but I like having another experience arm in the 'pen, and other than Hoffman, Brewers are a bit thin on experience. Barring some sort of trade or FA signing, I think that this would be the right choice. I will admit this is a bit controversial, and I really have no idea what Melvin will do.
Looper-I have seen so many differing opinions on this one. The first thing I read about it stated that "of course" the Brewers would pick up this option... I was like "Really? Of Course?" The real funny part is the second thing I read said there was "no way" the Brewers should grab this. At first I supported this one, like I supported the original Looper deal, but the front office has said that it wants to go after 2 arms this off season, that means two arms have to go, and Looper is at the top of that list (let's be serious Suppan isn't going anywhere). Maybe after his knee surgery he wouldn't give up the most homers in the MLB again, but still, he's probably going to run near a ERA of 5, and for the raise to 6.5m I'm against it. Hopefully we can get somebody like Washburn for less, or a Sheets like guy on an incentive laden deal. I wouldn't be shocked if this was picked up, we were sorely lacking on pitchers this year, but I think it'd be a waste of money, and we may as well roll our dice on somebody else than on another year of 30+ HR allowed. If the Crew does pick this up, I don't see Looper turning down his half of the deal. Even with a thin SP free agent market, after a poor season I just don't see Braden getting more than 4-5 again. We'll be on the hook for a $1 million buy out.
It for now, Arb talk still pending.
Have fun with the start of the ALCS. Brew Up.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Yost an Astro?
Former Brewers manager Ned Yost is interviewing with the Houston Astros about their managerial opening. He was the Brewers manager for almost six seasons, being fired with just a few games to go leading up to the Brewers' 2008 playoff appearance. Yost is one of ten being considered in an interview process that is being held publicly. Candidates meet with team officials, and then immedialtey speak with the press. Yost has been entirely silent since his dismissal except for one brief interview shortly following the firing. He made a few comments about his time with the Brewers, and I'll say it, he sounded kind of angsty. What did he learn in Milwaukee? "Don't lose 10 out of 13 games is the best thing I can figure," Yost told reporters in Houston, "and hope your offense stays on track so you don't struggle to score runs." Unfortunately for Houston he apparently didn't learn how to manage a bullpen. Other former big league managers up for the post include Bob Melvin (D'Backs) and Manny Acta (Nationals). From the list I'd personally take Melvin, he had some nice years with the Snakes.
Arbitration next, maybe tonight or tomorrow.
Have fun with the start of the NLCS. Brew Up.
Arbitration next, maybe tonight or tomorrow.
Have fun with the start of the NLCS. Brew Up.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
2009 Salaries, 2010 Projected
Hey everyone,
Quick rundown of what everybody made in 2009, and what is owed in 2010. This isn't exact obviously with trades and what not, but is generally pretty close.
(Salary in millions of dollars)
Position Name '09 Salary 2010 Salary
SP Suppan 12.75 12.75
CF Cameron 10 FA
3B Hall 6.925 7.15 (Seattle is paying 1.375)
CP Hoffman 6 7.5
C Kendall 5 FA
SP Looper 4.75 6.5 option 1 buyout
SS Hardy 4.65 ARB
RP Riske 4.25 4.5
RF Hart 3.25 ARB
SP Bush 4 ARB
2B Weeks 2.45 ARB
RP McClung 1.6625 ARB
LF Braun .745 1
INF Counsell 1 FA
RP Julio .95 (Released)
RP Coffey .8 ARB
RP Villanueva .477 ARB
SP Parra .426 .426+
C Rivera .415 ARB
SP Gallardo .414 .414+
RP Stetter .4075 .4075+
RP DiFelice .403 .403+
3B McGehee .400 .400+
Midseason Acquisitions
2B Lopez 3.5 FA
RP Weathers 3.5 3.7 option .4 buyout
OF Gerut 1.775 ARB
With assorted other rookies and whatnot on the books, along with portions of signing bonuses being doled out, opening day payroll 2009 was $80m+.
--Here is an explanation of contracts for those of you who don't know--
Players with less than 4 years of service time have contracts decided on by the club. The players listed with a "+" in there '10 column have two or less years of service, and assuming they do not sign a long term deal, will make only marginally more money.
Now players with 4-6 years of service time are eligible for arbitration. This means that unless a salary can be agreed upon my player and team figures will be exchanged and a court will choose one of those two figures. Since Melvin has been GM no arbitration cases have gone to court. There are some players in this service range who have salaries listed, this is because they have signed long term (i.e. Braun, Fielder). Players entering their first arbitration year are typically due large raises (Fielder got about $6.5m more) because they are going from team control to market fairness levels. During these years players may be non-tendered, or simply not offered a contract. If this is done they are free agents and may sign with any team for any amount of money. Players who were making lots of money and then had some down seasons may be non tendered as arbitration allows only a 20% pay cut at most.
Players past 6 years of service time are no longer under team control if they do not have a contract. However, the team they are leaving still has the right to offer the player arbitration. If the player declines they become free agents, if they accept the process is the same as other arbitration eligible players. The tricky part that comes in is that depending on the quality of the player, then can be designated as a type A or B player (most are nothing at all). These designations give draft picks to the team the player leaves; but, the former team only gets the draft picks if they offer the player arbitration. Type A gives the new signing teams 1st or 2nd (depending on standings) round pick to the former team, plus an extra supplemental round pick (between round 1 and 2); a type B is just rewarded the supplemental round pick, with no penalty to the new team. It can be risky to offer players arbitration, as you may end up with paying more salary than you want, or too many players, however it is risked because teams want the extra draft picks.
--End way too long contract system explanation--
Oh man that was long.
The only Brewers free agents who are worthy of a ranking is Mike Cameron and Felipe Lopez, who both look to be type B.
-Cameron will not be offered arbitration, he is currently making $10m, and would get at least a small raise. Way too much money. He has said he would like to come back, and implied that he would take a discount. Maybe not a bad idea as #1 CF prospect for the Brewers in Lorenzo Cain, who is looking like he'll need at least one more season in AAA. If we can resign Cam to maybe something in the 4-5 million range I would be accepting. He still plays plus defense, and can be counted on for .250 avg and 20+hrs.
-Lopez is more interesting. GM Doug Melvin recently reiterated that Rickie Weeks is the Brewers second basemen. However Lopez was signed last year for a reasonable 3.5m, and is coming off of a career season (.310 avg). Seems like the Brewers will take this one up, as I really doubt Lopez would except the offer, and the Crew would come away with an extra pick. But, as always when offering arbitration you need to think of both possibilities. If accepted you get a .300 switch hitter for probably under 5m who can play 2B and SS (though not real well). Picks this deal up.
Because this post is so super long I will come back with a discussion of arbitration eligible players later. I will try to repost some important things, like total salary numbers in every discussion.
That's all for now. I'm spoiling everyone with how much I'm writing. Don't get to used to it, I may actually have something important to do in the future (though probably not).
Brew Up.
Quick rundown of what everybody made in 2009, and what is owed in 2010. This isn't exact obviously with trades and what not, but is generally pretty close.
(Salary in millions of dollars)
Position Name '09 Salary 2010 Salary
SP Suppan 12.75 12.75
CF Cameron 10 FA
3B Hall 6.925 7.15 (Seattle is paying 1.375)
CP Hoffman 6 7.5
C Kendall 5 FA
SP Looper 4.75 6.5 option 1 buyout
SS Hardy 4.65 ARB
RP Riske 4.25 4.5
RF Hart 3.25 ARB
SP Bush 4 ARB
2B Weeks 2.45 ARB
RP McClung 1.6625 ARB
LF Braun .745 1
INF Counsell 1 FA
RP Julio .95 (Released)
RP Coffey .8 ARB
RP Villanueva .477 ARB
SP Parra .426 .426+
C Rivera .415 ARB
SP Gallardo .414 .414+
RP Stetter .4075 .4075+
RP DiFelice .403 .403+
3B McGehee .400 .400+
Midseason Acquisitions
2B Lopez 3.5 FA
RP Weathers 3.5 3.7 option .4 buyout
OF Gerut 1.775 ARB
With assorted other rookies and whatnot on the books, along with portions of signing bonuses being doled out, opening day payroll 2009 was $80m+.
--Here is an explanation of contracts for those of you who don't know--
Players with less than 4 years of service time have contracts decided on by the club. The players listed with a "+" in there '10 column have two or less years of service, and assuming they do not sign a long term deal, will make only marginally more money.
Now players with 4-6 years of service time are eligible for arbitration. This means that unless a salary can be agreed upon my player and team figures will be exchanged and a court will choose one of those two figures. Since Melvin has been GM no arbitration cases have gone to court. There are some players in this service range who have salaries listed, this is because they have signed long term (i.e. Braun, Fielder). Players entering their first arbitration year are typically due large raises (Fielder got about $6.5m more) because they are going from team control to market fairness levels. During these years players may be non-tendered, or simply not offered a contract. If this is done they are free agents and may sign with any team for any amount of money. Players who were making lots of money and then had some down seasons may be non tendered as arbitration allows only a 20% pay cut at most.
Players past 6 years of service time are no longer under team control if they do not have a contract. However, the team they are leaving still has the right to offer the player arbitration. If the player declines they become free agents, if they accept the process is the same as other arbitration eligible players. The tricky part that comes in is that depending on the quality of the player, then can be designated as a type A or B player (most are nothing at all). These designations give draft picks to the team the player leaves; but, the former team only gets the draft picks if they offer the player arbitration. Type A gives the new signing teams 1st or 2nd (depending on standings) round pick to the former team, plus an extra supplemental round pick (between round 1 and 2); a type B is just rewarded the supplemental round pick, with no penalty to the new team. It can be risky to offer players arbitration, as you may end up with paying more salary than you want, or too many players, however it is risked because teams want the extra draft picks.
--End way too long contract system explanation--
Oh man that was long.
The only Brewers free agents who are worthy of a ranking is Mike Cameron and Felipe Lopez, who both look to be type B.
-Cameron will not be offered arbitration, he is currently making $10m, and would get at least a small raise. Way too much money. He has said he would like to come back, and implied that he would take a discount. Maybe not a bad idea as #1 CF prospect for the Brewers in Lorenzo Cain, who is looking like he'll need at least one more season in AAA. If we can resign Cam to maybe something in the 4-5 million range I would be accepting. He still plays plus defense, and can be counted on for .250 avg and 20+hrs.
-Lopez is more interesting. GM Doug Melvin recently reiterated that Rickie Weeks is the Brewers second basemen. However Lopez was signed last year for a reasonable 3.5m, and is coming off of a career season (.310 avg). Seems like the Brewers will take this one up, as I really doubt Lopez would except the offer, and the Crew would come away with an extra pick. But, as always when offering arbitration you need to think of both possibilities. If accepted you get a .300 switch hitter for probably under 5m who can play 2B and SS (though not real well). Picks this deal up.
Because this post is so super long I will come back with a discussion of arbitration eligible players later. I will try to repost some important things, like total salary numbers in every discussion.
That's all for now. I'm spoiling everyone with how much I'm writing. Don't get to used to it, I may actually have something important to do in the future (though probably not).
Brew Up.
Upcoming Free Agents, Arbitration Cases
Hey everyone,
Lets just start out with a look at some Brewers contract issues.
Players that are now entering free agency are:
CF Mike Cameron
OF Frank Catalanotto
INF Craig Counsell
C Jason Kendall
OF Corey Patterson
2B Felipe Lopez
Options:
SP Braden Looper-$6.5m mutual (both sides must exercise) $1m buyout
RP David Weathers-$3.7m club option $400k buyout
Arbitration Eligible Players:
SP Dave Bush
RP Todd Coffey
OF Jody Gerut
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Corey Hart
RHP Seth McClung
C Mike Rivera (first time)*
RHP Carlos Villanueva (first time)*
2B Rickie Weeks
* first time arbitration eligible players are most likely to see a large salary increase.
I want to go through and list salaries, then give some ideas about what kind of numbers we might see for the arbitration guys, and some ideas for the free agents/options we have. Hopefully I can get to that later today.
Chilly outside, baseball warms my heart. Brew up.
Lets just start out with a look at some Brewers contract issues.
Players that are now entering free agency are:
CF Mike Cameron
OF Frank Catalanotto
INF Craig Counsell
C Jason Kendall
OF Corey Patterson
2B Felipe Lopez
Options:
SP Braden Looper-$6.5m mutual (both sides must exercise) $1m buyout
RP David Weathers-$3.7m club option $400k buyout
Arbitration Eligible Players:
SP Dave Bush
RP Todd Coffey
OF Jody Gerut
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Corey Hart
RHP Seth McClung
C Mike Rivera (first time)*
RHP Carlos Villanueva (first time)*
2B Rickie Weeks
* first time arbitration eligible players are most likely to see a large salary increase.
I want to go through and list salaries, then give some ideas about what kind of numbers we might see for the arbitration guys, and some ideas for the free agents/options we have. Hopefully I can get to that later today.
Chilly outside, baseball warms my heart. Brew up.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
We're Back! Trevor too!
Hey Everybody!
After some time away from the game, we are back (and with a schnazy new name)!
First off, we are very excited and pleased to announce the resigning of Trevor Hoffman.
The contract is a one year, $7.5 million deal, with a mutual option for 2011 (which means that the Brewers will have the choice to pick up the deal or pay a buyout, but if the option is exercised the player can void it, but then would not receive the buyout). The buyout is for $500k, which can increase to $1m depending on games finished in 2010. The salary for 2011 also will increase depending on games finished, up to $8.5 million. There is $8m in guaranteed money, so some sources call this a "one year, eight million dollar deal with a mutual option." The maximum value of the deal is $16m.
Up next will be a list of Brewers free agents and arbitration eligible players, hopefully closely followed by a total salary update and likely contract outcomes. Then I hope to sift through the minors and assign some of my own awards to the guys working hard down on the farm.
That's it for now.
We had a couple weeks off, and now we're ready for the Brew-season! I mean off season!
(Or as I like to call it, the true season. Someone once told me, "The season itself isn't about winning, it's about collecting the awards you earned during the off season.) Brew up!
After some time away from the game, we are back (and with a schnazy new name)!
First off, we are very excited and pleased to announce the resigning of Trevor Hoffman.
The contract is a one year, $7.5 million deal, with a mutual option for 2011 (which means that the Brewers will have the choice to pick up the deal or pay a buyout, but if the option is exercised the player can void it, but then would not receive the buyout). The buyout is for $500k, which can increase to $1m depending on games finished in 2010. The salary for 2011 also will increase depending on games finished, up to $8.5 million. There is $8m in guaranteed money, so some sources call this a "one year, eight million dollar deal with a mutual option." The maximum value of the deal is $16m.
Up next will be a list of Brewers free agents and arbitration eligible players, hopefully closely followed by a total salary update and likely contract outcomes. Then I hope to sift through the minors and assign some of my own awards to the guys working hard down on the farm.
That's it for now.
We had a couple weeks off, and now we're ready for the Brew-season! I mean off season!
(Or as I like to call it, the true season. Someone once told me, "The season itself isn't about winning, it's about collecting the awards you earned during the off season.) Brew up!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The Return of Vargas... in hindsight this post became so much more...
So, I actually forgot that I made that post yesterday, I was up way too late and was kinda crazy, funny. But anyway, the Brewers acquired Claudio Vargas from the Dodgers for minor league infielder/catcher Vinny Rottino. Rottino was a bit of a fan favorite, being the last cut in Spring Training in '07, and being a home town boy. He actually set a record with 124 RBIs for A ball a few years back, but slipped down the depth chart steadily. He actually cleared through waivers not too long ago. This seems like the kind of deal that was done that actually had very little to do with the players involved. The Dodgers needed a spot on the 25/4o man rosters so basically just let Vargas go. Vargas is making the league minimum, and has pitched well, allowing 2 runs in 11 innings so far this season. The Brewers gave up Rottino as a way to let him get to the big leagues again, it just really wasn't going to happen here... the Dodgers took him because he can play 5 positions with some degree of success... Word is that due to Vargas' sore elbow he will only be pitching out of the 'pen.
The Deals That Weren't.
So apparently some things really did fall through at the last second. Discussions for for Halliday were never really going to go down, and talks for Washburn went south a couple of days ago, but GM Doug Melvin says that 2 separate deals fell through within the last 30 minutes prior to the deadline. One was a three team swap for a fine pitcher, and the last one was a 2 teamer that didn't happen 10 minutes before the end of trade season. People speculate, and maybe some more info will come out in coming days, but Melvin is usually fairly tight lipped on such issues. Word was the the Crew was looking at Brian Bannister from the Royals, but I kinda think that that was old news too. One hint that was let out is that it was somebody who wouldn't be available to pitch Saturday, so you just kinda have to weasel your nose through who threw recently to come up with a list, one name being Javier Vasquez from the Braves. I'm curious to find out, but it doesn't really matter because it never actually happen.
At least we got Felipe Lopez. Sometimes deals that took place a week early get lost in the Trade Deadline hooplah, but really getting a good 2B has really stabilized the infield.
Coupled with that Suppan is on the DL, so Burns with return to the rotation. Bush is still about 2 weeks away, supposedly... Of course, on a note more related to the infield, is the sending of Bill Hall to AAA Nashville. Hall went 2-4 in his first true minor league game in about seven years. If anything, I hope this just gives him some sort of trade value. If Hall is sent away, which I kinda see as inevitable (even if it's just a release) it would be nice to at least get some B level prospect, and maybe not have to eat his entire salary (which is 8.4 million next year).
Some kinda good news musings related to that is the fact that following the 2010 season, Hall's 8.4, Suppan's 10+, and Prince's 10+ (although he is still under team control for one more season, I see him being traded after '10 though) that is a crazy lot of money to be made available (note: Hardy will be a FA too). Hell, even after this year Kendall's 4+, Looper's 4.75, Cameron's 10, Hoffman's 6.5 (although I would like him back) all come off. We are actually getting to the point where our players coming of age isn't really that scary. Most of our "young" guys are into arbitration, and the salary jumps are no longer that intimidating. Next year I wouldn't be suprised to see the crew go with some young talent again. Doing this will mix in the two large crops of home grown talent we have. I think fairly realistically we could see Lorenzo Cain in center field, Angel Salome behind the plate, and pending some sort of moves you could have people like Escobar at short, Gamel at third, and McGehee and second. Now, not all of those are going to happen at once. I could be a bit of a gamble, and a bit of a building move for the '11 season, but you could move people like Weeks (maybe) and Hardy and Hall and still have a rocking team. Also, this would give all of them a season t0 get acclimated to the big leagues. Then realistically for the '12 season we have guys like Lucroy, Dykstra, and Lawrie waiting in the wings.
All in all I see some good things in the future. Except for pitching, as we really can't expect any of the good A ball guys to get to the Show before '12 or so, our farm system is still really deep. And now we can see that the money is available to sign the pieces that we don't have. My prediction now: depending on how things are done, but I can see next season being a rough one. But if we trade some of our older young players for a pitcher or two, and then sign some rotation help, with the core we will still have and the new young talent waiting for there chance, I see '11 as being a real successful year.
The Deals That Weren't.
So apparently some things really did fall through at the last second. Discussions for for Halliday were never really going to go down, and talks for Washburn went south a couple of days ago, but GM Doug Melvin says that 2 separate deals fell through within the last 30 minutes prior to the deadline. One was a three team swap for a fine pitcher, and the last one was a 2 teamer that didn't happen 10 minutes before the end of trade season. People speculate, and maybe some more info will come out in coming days, but Melvin is usually fairly tight lipped on such issues. Word was the the Crew was looking at Brian Bannister from the Royals, but I kinda think that that was old news too. One hint that was let out is that it was somebody who wouldn't be available to pitch Saturday, so you just kinda have to weasel your nose through who threw recently to come up with a list, one name being Javier Vasquez from the Braves. I'm curious to find out, but it doesn't really matter because it never actually happen.
At least we got Felipe Lopez. Sometimes deals that took place a week early get lost in the Trade Deadline hooplah, but really getting a good 2B has really stabilized the infield.
Coupled with that Suppan is on the DL, so Burns with return to the rotation. Bush is still about 2 weeks away, supposedly... Of course, on a note more related to the infield, is the sending of Bill Hall to AAA Nashville. Hall went 2-4 in his first true minor league game in about seven years. If anything, I hope this just gives him some sort of trade value. If Hall is sent away, which I kinda see as inevitable (even if it's just a release) it would be nice to at least get some B level prospect, and maybe not have to eat his entire salary (which is 8.4 million next year).
Some kinda good news musings related to that is the fact that following the 2010 season, Hall's 8.4, Suppan's 10+, and Prince's 10+ (although he is still under team control for one more season, I see him being traded after '10 though) that is a crazy lot of money to be made available (note: Hardy will be a FA too). Hell, even after this year Kendall's 4+, Looper's 4.75, Cameron's 10, Hoffman's 6.5 (although I would like him back) all come off. We are actually getting to the point where our players coming of age isn't really that scary. Most of our "young" guys are into arbitration, and the salary jumps are no longer that intimidating. Next year I wouldn't be suprised to see the crew go with some young talent again. Doing this will mix in the two large crops of home grown talent we have. I think fairly realistically we could see Lorenzo Cain in center field, Angel Salome behind the plate, and pending some sort of moves you could have people like Escobar at short, Gamel at third, and McGehee and second. Now, not all of those are going to happen at once. I could be a bit of a gamble, and a bit of a building move for the '11 season, but you could move people like Weeks (maybe) and Hardy and Hall and still have a rocking team. Also, this would give all of them a season t0 get acclimated to the big leagues. Then realistically for the '12 season we have guys like Lucroy, Dykstra, and Lawrie waiting in the wings.
All in all I see some good things in the future. Except for pitching, as we really can't expect any of the good A ball guys to get to the Show before '12 or so, our farm system is still really deep. And now we can see that the money is available to sign the pieces that we don't have. My prediction now: depending on how things are done, but I can see next season being a rough one. But if we trade some of our older young players for a pitcher or two, and then sign some rotation help, with the core we will still have and the new young talent waiting for there chance, I see '11 as being a real successful year.
Friday, July 31, 2009
End of the trade deadline fidgeting
Hey all,
So the trade deadline is officially Friday, what's the deal? Some have said, and Brewers' GM Doug Melvin seems to agree with the idea, that the Brewers have somewhat cast themselves out of the area of outside help by both playing poorly, and by the recent trips to the DL. A pending move to shore up the starting pitching no longer seems imininat, as it did just a few short days ago. Melvin has said the he expects Seattle to hold onto Washburn and for the D'backs to hold onto Garland and Davis. There basically goes all of our SP help down the shoots. Doug admtted to talking to the Padres about Correia, but for whatever good he would do, with his 4.75 era...
I still continue to believe that the Brewers can play well enough to make the playoffs... but now I am truely doubting that they will, even perhaps. The mounting injuries and the increasingly common downfall of the bullpen seem to put us away for the year.
Oh goodness. I am hoping to see some turn around in play, and hopefully a move to help something, somewhere, somehow....
I can't do it, but I hope you can Brew Up...
So the trade deadline is officially Friday, what's the deal? Some have said, and Brewers' GM Doug Melvin seems to agree with the idea, that the Brewers have somewhat cast themselves out of the area of outside help by both playing poorly, and by the recent trips to the DL. A pending move to shore up the starting pitching no longer seems imininat, as it did just a few short days ago. Melvin has said the he expects Seattle to hold onto Washburn and for the D'backs to hold onto Garland and Davis. There basically goes all of our SP help down the shoots. Doug admtted to talking to the Padres about Correia, but for whatever good he would do, with his 4.75 era...
I still continue to believe that the Brewers can play well enough to make the playoffs... but now I am truely doubting that they will, even perhaps. The mounting injuries and the increasingly common downfall of the bullpen seem to put us away for the year.
Oh goodness. I am hoping to see some turn around in play, and hopefully a move to help something, somewhere, somehow....
I can't do it, but I hope you can Brew Up...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Old post, sorry, Felipe Lopez
So, I wrote this up right before the All-Star brake, but my computer became stupid and I couldn't put it up. Sorry for the delay. Congrats to Fielder for winning the HR derby, very fun. It got pretty annoying though how much the announcers talked about Pujols... who didn't win the derby... We get it, he's one of the best hitters ever... but Fielder won the derby, talk about him for a while... Anyway, here you go.
On second thought, it won't let me copy/paste things into the browser. Boo.
Just got the news through the wire that the Brew Crew has acquired utility man/2nd baseman Felipe Lopez from the Diamondbacks. Lopez is a switch hitter that does well from both sides of the plate. Only a .265 career hitter, Lopez is currently hitting .301 with 6 hr. His average has been lower and lower each month this season, but we should still expect a good .280ish from him. Not a lot of power, but does have decent speed, stealing 44 bases in one season a couple of years ago. Should be interesting to see where he slots into the lineup, I'm going to guess at lead off with his speed, decent OBP, and the fact that he should be in the line up everyday.
What did we give up for him? Single A pitcher Rogue Mercedes, who if you recall and have been a good reader I discussed in my section about A ball bullpen. In around 29 games this year Mercedes owns an ERA in the low 1's. Also, AAA outfield Cole Gillepsie. I'm a little surprised to see Gillepsie get moved, as at one time he was a decent prospect. However, upon looking at his numbers this year they are very much mediocre. Not a good average, 7hr... maybe one of those AAAA players who a change of scenery may benefit. Also, outfielders are one of the Brewers' organizational depths, with Hart and Braun entrenched in the corners, and guys like Lorenzo Cain and Cutter Dykstra looking pretty sharp in center for AAA and A ball respectively.
Thats it for now. I've found myself in a bit of a funk lately and either very busy or very lazy. I'll try to get going on more things, especially with the trade deadline approaching (July 31).
Brew Up!
On second thought, it won't let me copy/paste things into the browser. Boo.
Just got the news through the wire that the Brew Crew has acquired utility man/2nd baseman Felipe Lopez from the Diamondbacks. Lopez is a switch hitter that does well from both sides of the plate. Only a .265 career hitter, Lopez is currently hitting .301 with 6 hr. His average has been lower and lower each month this season, but we should still expect a good .280ish from him. Not a lot of power, but does have decent speed, stealing 44 bases in one season a couple of years ago. Should be interesting to see where he slots into the lineup, I'm going to guess at lead off with his speed, decent OBP, and the fact that he should be in the line up everyday.
What did we give up for him? Single A pitcher Rogue Mercedes, who if you recall and have been a good reader I discussed in my section about A ball bullpen. In around 29 games this year Mercedes owns an ERA in the low 1's. Also, AAA outfield Cole Gillepsie. I'm a little surprised to see Gillepsie get moved, as at one time he was a decent prospect. However, upon looking at his numbers this year they are very much mediocre. Not a good average, 7hr... maybe one of those AAAA players who a change of scenery may benefit. Also, outfielders are one of the Brewers' organizational depths, with Hart and Braun entrenched in the corners, and guys like Lorenzo Cain and Cutter Dykstra looking pretty sharp in center for AAA and A ball respectively.
Thats it for now. I've found myself in a bit of a funk lately and either very busy or very lazy. I'll try to get going on more things, especially with the trade deadline approaching (July 31).
Brew Up!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
International Signings, Trade Rumors Starting
For those of you who don't know, during a time frame following the June amateur draft international free agents are allowed to be signed. That time has now commenced. Typically these players are Latin American/South American, although the Pirates did just sign a trio of Taiwanese prospects. International players are not eligible for the draft under current rules.
Many of these nations allow players to be signed at the age of 16 (I'm not sure how those rules works, like who makes that decision and what not). Not all players sign that young, and they may continue to hone their skills (and monetary value) with continued work. Some of the bonuses these players receive are very high. The Yankees to date have already signed at least 3 players who are getting 3.2, .75, and .4 million dollar bonuses.
Well, the Brewers aren't the Yankees, if the Sabathia signing didn't already inform you of that. But today the Brew Crew did sign two nice prospects.
The first and foremost is Jose Pena. Pena is an outfield who just turned 16. He's already 6'2" and 190lbs and is still considered to be projectable. He's supposed to be a plus player all around and should develop into a good power hitter. Scouting Director Bruce Seid just flew back from the Dominican after the signing and liked what he saw. GM Doug Melvin has also been out to see Pena play. $400,000 is rumored to be the signing bonus, over 300k short of the franchise record they doled out for a pitcher in '05. Seid commented that Pena will be the highest profile player signed by the Crew internationally.
The second is a hard throwing 17 year old righty named Jean Capellan. Capellan sits around 92mph with his fastball and has a hard breaking ball. Not considered a highly touted prospect, the Brewers think he will have upside. Signing bonus here is expected to be around $50,000.
Both players are expected to start their careers at the Brewers' new training facility in the Dominican.
Trade Rumors:
So, a couple of things have gone down in the trade rumor world involving the Brewers. First off, I hope we're all aware that former Indian Mark DeRosa is now a Cardinal. Which is bad for us because the Cards have had a bit of a whole at 3rd with Glaus being on the DL. It was confirmed by Doug Melvin that the Brewers had talked to Shapiro and the Indians about landing DeRosa, but the Brewers lacked the Major League ready pitching that they wanted in return. Oh well, McGehee is hitting so well right now, I'm not too worried about 3rd.
Secondly is the everlasting search for starting pitching, now especially with Parra down at AAA and Bush on the DL. I really see the Brewers as having to make a move. Hopefully some things get sorted out, but even with Yovani hovering around a 3.0, it's entirely possible for everybody else in our rotation to be up over a 4.50...bad. The name that's getting tossed around is former Brewer Doug Davis, who is currently with the Diamondbacks (Brewers traded him there for Johnny Estrada). Davis is throwing the ball well, he's a control lefty, who kinda reminds you of a Jeff Soupan, cuts the fastball, slow curve, high WHIP. Don't let this worry you too much though, Davis is actually good. Despite his 3-8 record right now Doug's ERA is actually 3.15. The only real issue now is that there are so many teams still in a hypothetical contention that there is way more demand then there is a supply, so prices are inflated. Seems like we're going to have to wait until closer to the July 31 trade deadline to see any move happen.
That's that for now. It sure was a shame to see Gallardo's 12k gem wasted in that loss yesterday... I kinda really want Yo' to be a 20 game winner. It'd be super cool to see a Cy Young in Milwaukee, although that would probably make him unaffordable to us. (The Brewers had talks with his agent about an extension last year but they didn't go anywhere. When Yo' hurt his knee it seemed like that may have worked out well for the Brewers, but now he's pitching so awesome that waiting is definitely going to pay off for Gallardo and his agent.)
So nice little tangent there.
Brew Up! Brew Outta Here! Gone!
Many of these nations allow players to be signed at the age of 16 (I'm not sure how those rules works, like who makes that decision and what not). Not all players sign that young, and they may continue to hone their skills (and monetary value) with continued work. Some of the bonuses these players receive are very high. The Yankees to date have already signed at least 3 players who are getting 3.2, .75, and .4 million dollar bonuses.
Well, the Brewers aren't the Yankees, if the Sabathia signing didn't already inform you of that. But today the Brew Crew did sign two nice prospects.
The first and foremost is Jose Pena. Pena is an outfield who just turned 16. He's already 6'2" and 190lbs and is still considered to be projectable. He's supposed to be a plus player all around and should develop into a good power hitter. Scouting Director Bruce Seid just flew back from the Dominican after the signing and liked what he saw. GM Doug Melvin has also been out to see Pena play. $400,000 is rumored to be the signing bonus, over 300k short of the franchise record they doled out for a pitcher in '05. Seid commented that Pena will be the highest profile player signed by the Crew internationally.
The second is a hard throwing 17 year old righty named Jean Capellan. Capellan sits around 92mph with his fastball and has a hard breaking ball. Not considered a highly touted prospect, the Brewers think he will have upside. Signing bonus here is expected to be around $50,000.
Both players are expected to start their careers at the Brewers' new training facility in the Dominican.
Trade Rumors:
So, a couple of things have gone down in the trade rumor world involving the Brewers. First off, I hope we're all aware that former Indian Mark DeRosa is now a Cardinal. Which is bad for us because the Cards have had a bit of a whole at 3rd with Glaus being on the DL. It was confirmed by Doug Melvin that the Brewers had talked to Shapiro and the Indians about landing DeRosa, but the Brewers lacked the Major League ready pitching that they wanted in return. Oh well, McGehee is hitting so well right now, I'm not too worried about 3rd.
Secondly is the everlasting search for starting pitching, now especially with Parra down at AAA and Bush on the DL. I really see the Brewers as having to make a move. Hopefully some things get sorted out, but even with Yovani hovering around a 3.0, it's entirely possible for everybody else in our rotation to be up over a 4.50...bad. The name that's getting tossed around is former Brewer Doug Davis, who is currently with the Diamondbacks (Brewers traded him there for Johnny Estrada). Davis is throwing the ball well, he's a control lefty, who kinda reminds you of a Jeff Soupan, cuts the fastball, slow curve, high WHIP. Don't let this worry you too much though, Davis is actually good. Despite his 3-8 record right now Doug's ERA is actually 3.15. The only real issue now is that there are so many teams still in a hypothetical contention that there is way more demand then there is a supply, so prices are inflated. Seems like we're going to have to wait until closer to the July 31 trade deadline to see any move happen.
That's that for now. It sure was a shame to see Gallardo's 12k gem wasted in that loss yesterday... I kinda really want Yo' to be a 20 game winner. It'd be super cool to see a Cy Young in Milwaukee, although that would probably make him unaffordable to us. (The Brewers had talks with his agent about an extension last year but they didn't go anywhere. When Yo' hurt his knee it seemed like that may have worked out well for the Brewers, but now he's pitching so awesome that waiting is definitely going to pay off for Gallardo and his agent.)
So nice little tangent there.
Brew Up! Brew Outta Here! Gone!
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