Hey there everyone. Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors has just released his top 50 free agents list, with predictions of which team will sign who. Of the top fifty the only two he has signing with the Brewers are Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn, numbers 34 and 35 respectively.
Dierkes sites the fact that the Brewers claimed Davis off of waivers from the D'backs this season. Apparently Davis is looking for 3 years, however Dierkes does not see that happening.
Tim makes less of a case for Washburn, going with the idea that the Wisconsin native may take a hometown discount.
Dierkes then gives the idea that the Brewers may not acquire both of these players, but should be looking for two pitchers, the other which may be obtained by trading Matt Gamel.
I thought this was interesting. To me I see both of those as next to impossible, and one fairly likely. Washburn seems more likely to be available on a one year deal, which is preferable. I also feel like the Brewers signing Mark Mulder is rather likely, to take a chance on a rebuild, so signing two guys who would have guaranteed spots seems very unlikely. Looper is pretty much gone, and I see Bush saying bye-bye too (maybe as a non-tender, I'm not sure what kind of return there would be), so that leaves only two open places behind Yo, Soup, and Parra with Burns and Narveson held as back ups. I think the money is available to get some good players, lets see what happens.
Brew Up.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Roster Updates, More tidbits.
First and foremost I suppose is the addition of utility man Adam Heether to the 40 man roster. A 2003 11th round draft pick, Heether would have become a free agent if he hadn't been added. Adam can play 2nd, 3rd, and short, as has spent some time in the OF. The righty put up a good season in '09, hitting .296 with 16 HR and an OBP of .400. Looks like he will be competing for a bench position. 40 man roster currently stands at 37, can be down to 34 if/when Craig Counsell, Claudio Vargas, and David Weathers apply for free agency.
Some more tidbits for you now-
Tom Hardicourt sees Counsell back again next season, saying that the Brewers paid for Craig's knee surgery, suggesting a return.
Related to above, Hardicourt sees the 'Crew offering arbitration to Vargas as well.
Buster Olney describes the Brewers as one of the teams ready and willing to go after John Lackey... interesting to see a few days after Lackey's name came up in a call with GM Doug Melvin.
The team has until Saturday to make a decision regarding Braden Looper's 6.5 million dollar option. More and more signs point towards no, I agree.
It for now. Hopefully this week I can put another feature up, maybe finish up minor league awards. Brew Up.
Some more tidbits for you now-
Tom Hardicourt sees Counsell back again next season, saying that the Brewers paid for Craig's knee surgery, suggesting a return.
Related to above, Hardicourt sees the 'Crew offering arbitration to Vargas as well.
Buster Olney describes the Brewers as one of the teams ready and willing to go after John Lackey... interesting to see a few days after Lackey's name came up in a call with GM Doug Melvin.
The team has until Saturday to make a decision regarding Braden Looper's 6.5 million dollar option. More and more signs point towards no, I agree.
It for now. Hopefully this week I can put another feature up, maybe finish up minor league awards. Brew Up.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Power to Speed Shift?
Hey everyone, just a quick topic to think about.
A few years ago it was thought that among the Brewers there were 7 players who could hit 20+ home runs, and two years ago the Brewers were the only team in baseball to have 8 different players hit 10 or more (Fielder, Braun, Cameron, Hart, Weeks, Hardy Hall, Branyan). The odd man out being Kendall of course.
This has changed now. While we will still get some power, and have plenty of guys who can hit them far, the Brewers are now repping 5 guys who could steal 20+ bases. Braun did it this year, Hart has done it twice, Escobar stole over 30 in AA and 40 in AAA, Gomez has already had a 30+ year, and of course Rickie Weeks (who has stole 25 in just 118 games)
So seeing that Manager Ken Macha isn't much of a runner, how will this team adapt? Maybe really trying to stack the power up front so people can run at the bottom of the line up?
Real quick, and without knowing who our catcher will be, my speedy version of a lineup:
1. Weeks
2. McGehee
3. Braun
4. Fielder
5. Hart
6. C?
7. Escobar
8. Gomez
That is kind of assuming a catcher who can hit. Looking at it like that, Brewers catching prospects may need another year, or maybe a season as a backup. If the money is there maybe the Crew should try and grab a decent hitting catcher on a one year deal. Like a Ramon Hernandez or Miguel Olivo.
Just some musings, I'll keep my ear to the rumor mill. Brew Up.
A few years ago it was thought that among the Brewers there were 7 players who could hit 20+ home runs, and two years ago the Brewers were the only team in baseball to have 8 different players hit 10 or more (Fielder, Braun, Cameron, Hart, Weeks, Hardy Hall, Branyan). The odd man out being Kendall of course.
This has changed now. While we will still get some power, and have plenty of guys who can hit them far, the Brewers are now repping 5 guys who could steal 20+ bases. Braun did it this year, Hart has done it twice, Escobar stole over 30 in AA and 40 in AAA, Gomez has already had a 30+ year, and of course Rickie Weeks (who has stole 25 in just 118 games)
So seeing that Manager Ken Macha isn't much of a runner, how will this team adapt? Maybe really trying to stack the power up front so people can run at the bottom of the line up?
Real quick, and without knowing who our catcher will be, my speedy version of a lineup:
1. Weeks
2. McGehee
3. Braun
4. Fielder
5. Hart
6. C?
7. Escobar
8. Gomez
That is kind of assuming a catcher who can hit. Looking at it like that, Brewers catching prospects may need another year, or maybe a season as a backup. If the money is there maybe the Crew should try and grab a decent hitting catcher on a one year deal. Like a Ramon Hernandez or Miguel Olivo.
Just some musings, I'll keep my ear to the rumor mill. Brew Up.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Some tidbits
Thanks to Adam McCalvy for some of these notes.
Carlos Gomez believes he is a starter, saying, "I'm too young to be a backup. If Milwaukee wanted me they know I can play everyday."
GM Doug Melvin has stated that Rickie Weeks remains the Brewers' lead off hitter. This would make me believe that Gomez would hit 8th, as he lacks the pop to be in a run producing spot like 7. This can lead to further conjecture that Kendall will not be back, as it would be awful to have two .245, sub 5 hr hitters at 7 and 8 spots... not to mention the power drop going from Hardy to Escobar.
Melvin also admitted that Gomez means Cameron will not be pursued.
It appears as people have speculated before that the Brewers will be players for lefty Mark Mulder as a reclamation project. Melvin mentioned he has been in contact with Mulder's agent.
Side note, when asked about free agent pitching Melvin mentioned the name John Lackey, the off seasons biggest name free agent pitcher. He didn't say he was pursuing Lackey, but why bring him up at all then?
Carlos Gomez believes he is a starter, saying, "I'm too young to be a backup. If Milwaukee wanted me they know I can play everyday."
GM Doug Melvin has stated that Rickie Weeks remains the Brewers' lead off hitter. This would make me believe that Gomez would hit 8th, as he lacks the pop to be in a run producing spot like 7. This can lead to further conjecture that Kendall will not be back, as it would be awful to have two .245, sub 5 hr hitters at 7 and 8 spots... not to mention the power drop going from Hardy to Escobar.
Melvin also admitted that Gomez means Cameron will not be pursued.
It appears as people have speculated before that the Brewers will be players for lefty Mark Mulder as a reclamation project. Melvin mentioned he has been in contact with Mulder's agent.
Side note, when asked about free agent pitching Melvin mentioned the name John Lackey, the off seasons biggest name free agent pitcher. He didn't say he was pursuing Lackey, but why bring him up at all then?
Option on Weathers Declined
Brewers declined the 3.7 million dollar option on right handed reliever David Weathers. The Brewers acquired Weathers from the Reds in exchange for cash. Dave made 3.4 million in 2009, on his way to 3.92 ERA. Projected to be a Type B free agent, it seems unlikely that the Brewers would offer arbitration
This would seemingly open up a hole in the Brewers bullpen, perhaps strengthening the likelihood that Claudio Vargas is resigned. Vargas was acquired from the Dodgers and put up a 1.74 ERA in 41.1 innings last season with a WHIP under 1.
This would seemingly open up a hole in the Brewers bullpen, perhaps strengthening the likelihood that Claudio Vargas is resigned. Vargas was acquired from the Dodgers and put up a 1.74 ERA in 41.1 innings last season with a WHIP under 1.
Hardy to Twins for CF Gomez
J.J. Hardy has been traded to the Twins. However, it was not for the starting pitching that many thought it would be for (Glen Perkins' name was mentioned). Instead, it came for the speedy center fielder Carlos Gomez.
Apparently this move does two things: Shows that Mike Cameron will not be back in center, and will allow Rickie Weeks to hit lower in the order.
Gomez is great in the outfield, and has stolen 59 of 80 bases in two seasons. He is arbitration eligible this year after qualifying with Super Two status, thus he will be under team control for another 4 years. Offense production has been another story. Gomez is a .246 career hitter with a .292 obp and a slugging of around .350. In Gomez's only full season ('08) he stuck out 147 times while walking only 25.
Hitting coach Dale Sveum apparently helped hitters to higher averages this past season, with marked increases from guys like Fielder, Braun, and Craig Counsell. Hopefully he can pump Carlos at least into the .260-.270 range.
So that's that. Escobar takes over at short. A young speedy center fielder (I wonder what this will do to the rise of CF prospect Lorenzo Cain). About 14 million dollars off the books (10 for Cam, Hardy was making over 4 with a raise coming) with which to spend on pitching. Interesting to see now who will be traded for pitching help (Gamel, Cain, Parra?) or if Melvin feels like he can free up the payroll enough to sign the needed help. Also on a side note it seems more and more likely that Looper will not be a Brewer next year after strong speculation that he would return. Brewers have 10 days to decide on his and Weathers' options.
Apparently this move does two things: Shows that Mike Cameron will not be back in center, and will allow Rickie Weeks to hit lower in the order.
Gomez is great in the outfield, and has stolen 59 of 80 bases in two seasons. He is arbitration eligible this year after qualifying with Super Two status, thus he will be under team control for another 4 years. Offense production has been another story. Gomez is a .246 career hitter with a .292 obp and a slugging of around .350. In Gomez's only full season ('08) he stuck out 147 times while walking only 25.
Hitting coach Dale Sveum apparently helped hitters to higher averages this past season, with marked increases from guys like Fielder, Braun, and Craig Counsell. Hopefully he can pump Carlos at least into the .260-.270 range.
So that's that. Escobar takes over at short. A young speedy center fielder (I wonder what this will do to the rise of CF prospect Lorenzo Cain). About 14 million dollars off the books (10 for Cam, Hardy was making over 4 with a raise coming) with which to spend on pitching. Interesting to see now who will be traded for pitching help (Gamel, Cain, Parra?) or if Melvin feels like he can free up the payroll enough to sign the needed help. Also on a side note it seems more and more likely that Looper will not be a Brewer next year after strong speculation that he would return. Brewers have 10 days to decide on his and Weathers' options.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Off Season Begins!
Unfortunately the Yankees had to go and win another World Series, but oh well, it's finally over. The off season has begun. Now players may file for free agency and teams now have 15 days and counting of exclusive negotiating rights with free agents to be. The GM meetings start on Monday, they aren't quite the hotbed of rumors like the Winter Meetings but something should come out of it.
Six Months Until Opening Day.
Brew Up.
Six Months Until Opening Day.
Brew Up.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Mark Rodgers on TV tonight
My bad, it's actually on Nov. 7. Sorry about that.
Boy I bet you're glad you constantly check my blog... Former 1st rounder Mark Rodgers will play tonight in the Rising Stars game in the Arizona Fall League which will be broadcast on the MLB network tonight. Rodgers is pretty much sucking in the AFL after a nice season in A ball (after missing the previous two years to shoulder problems), ERA way north of 9. Catcher Lucroy is raking, hitting .385 with 2HR in a part time gig. Lefty Zack Braddock is doing well with 7 games out of the 'pen.
It for now. Looking like another Yankees year. Have fun watching some awesome Minor Leaguers tonight. Brew Up.
Boy I bet you're glad you constantly check my blog... Former 1st rounder Mark Rodgers will play tonight in the Rising Stars game in the Arizona Fall League which will be broadcast on the MLB network tonight. Rodgers is pretty much sucking in the AFL after a nice season in A ball (after missing the previous two years to shoulder problems), ERA way north of 9. Catcher Lucroy is raking, hitting .385 with 2HR in a part time gig. Lefty Zack Braddock is doing well with 7 games out of the 'pen.
It for now. Looking like another Yankees year. Have fun watching some awesome Minor Leaguers tonight. Brew Up.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My Halloween Birthday Brewers Blog
So it's my B-day, and yes, it's Halloween. In celebration I'm going to randomly talk about some stuff that I would be interested in seeing, trade ideas I may have, and talk about some players that I like.
Mike Cameron-
I like Mike. I hope to see him back in Center next year, but hopefully at a reduced rate (5 mil?) Here is something to think about for Mike. This season he became I believe just the 20th player in the history of the game to hit 250HR and steal 250 bases. Cam only needs 6 more SB, and if he hits just 35 more bombs, he could become just the seventh player ever to do that. To me that is a Hall of Fame career.
Jonathan Lucroy-
This kid can hit, and has seemingly passed Angel Salome on the depth charts to be the Brewers' number one catching prospect. In a story recently on Brewers.com Lucroy said, "I'm not going to settle for being in the Minor Leagues next year..." I'm apposed to bringing back Kendall, and would like to see Angel and Jonathan slug it out in Spring Training, with Rivera backing up once again.
David Bush-
Not a bad guy to throw into a trade somewhere. He has done a nice job of giving the Brewers some innings the last few seasons, but I think his time is over. Gallardo and Suppan are for all intensive purposes locks for the rotation, and it's too early to give up on Parra, there is Narveson and Burns for depth, and GM Doug Melvin is looking to pick up 2 arms this off season. Bye Bye Bushy. He's coming off a poor season but has been durable in the past, trade him for whatever, somebody has to want him...
Craig Counsell-
I'm ready for one more season of Craig. He can't take too much to bring back, and I kind of doubt he wants to play anywhere else. He still picks it at 3 defensive positions, and with his new found hitting ability can contribute at the dish.
This season could actually be pretty damn good. This off season could hypothetically get pretty crazy, and I don't know if Melvin is up for it, but it could kinda get nuts. We have all sorts of people available for trade. J.J. Hardy is one of the more prized SS available and should net something decent. Matt Gamel is a top notch prospect that could now be expendable. Bush is somebody that could go. Hypothetically one of our catching prospects could go. We need two starters and a center fielder... get crazy, have some fun with it. Giants need a 1B and a SS... maybe we could pry away one of those fine starters they have...
That's it for now. Happy Birthday to me. Brew Up.
Mike Cameron-
I like Mike. I hope to see him back in Center next year, but hopefully at a reduced rate (5 mil?) Here is something to think about for Mike. This season he became I believe just the 20th player in the history of the game to hit 250HR and steal 250 bases. Cam only needs 6 more SB, and if he hits just 35 more bombs, he could become just the seventh player ever to do that. To me that is a Hall of Fame career.
Jonathan Lucroy-
This kid can hit, and has seemingly passed Angel Salome on the depth charts to be the Brewers' number one catching prospect. In a story recently on Brewers.com Lucroy said, "I'm not going to settle for being in the Minor Leagues next year..." I'm apposed to bringing back Kendall, and would like to see Angel and Jonathan slug it out in Spring Training, with Rivera backing up once again.
David Bush-
Not a bad guy to throw into a trade somewhere. He has done a nice job of giving the Brewers some innings the last few seasons, but I think his time is over. Gallardo and Suppan are for all intensive purposes locks for the rotation, and it's too early to give up on Parra, there is Narveson and Burns for depth, and GM Doug Melvin is looking to pick up 2 arms this off season. Bye Bye Bushy. He's coming off a poor season but has been durable in the past, trade him for whatever, somebody has to want him...
Craig Counsell-
I'm ready for one more season of Craig. He can't take too much to bring back, and I kind of doubt he wants to play anywhere else. He still picks it at 3 defensive positions, and with his new found hitting ability can contribute at the dish.
This season could actually be pretty damn good. This off season could hypothetically get pretty crazy, and I don't know if Melvin is up for it, but it could kinda get nuts. We have all sorts of people available for trade. J.J. Hardy is one of the more prized SS available and should net something decent. Matt Gamel is a top notch prospect that could now be expendable. Bush is somebody that could go. Hypothetically one of our catching prospects could go. We need two starters and a center fielder... get crazy, have some fun with it. Giants need a 1B and a SS... maybe we could pry away one of those fine starters they have...
That's it for now. Happy Birthday to me. Brew Up.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Brewers and Washburn?
Sorry about the lack of articles, been far too busy lately... Here is another idea floating around.
The Brewers will be players for Jarrod Washburn.
Tom Hardicourt over at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel had some interesting points on this one.
Washburn is a Wisconsin native, maybe interested in returning home. The Brewers apparently made a large effort to acquire him this year at the trade deadline. Brewers want two arms, likely one from free agency and one via a trade.
There are of course plenty of issues. Washburn is a Scott Boras client. So is Fielder and GM Doug Melvin has worked with him before, but still, Boras is known to be an elite, money grabbing agent. Jarrod had a nice season this year. An ERA under 3 in 20 starts for the Mariners. Not so much after his trade to Detroit though... He's a ground ball pitcher, meaning the defense needs to be (and ours hasn't been) good. He is getting old. Some people will say this looks like a left-handed Jeff Suppan.
What will it take to get him? This off season isn't exactly teaming with awesome free agent starters, so Washburn might be up there. Even though he's old you have to imagine looking for something like a 3 year deal. Maybe pushing 7-8 million a year... Unless he is willing to sign in the 4-6 range/year for two years I hope this one doesn't happen. Hopefully Melvin has learned from the Suppan nightmare and won't go so long (and much) on an aged pitching coming off a good season.
I personally don't see it happening. Though I typically say that for just about every trade or signing involving the Brewers... I'm also going to guess he signs for something like 3 years 19 million.
It for now. Have fun watching Pedro throw game 2 tonight. Brew Up.
The Brewers will be players for Jarrod Washburn.
Tom Hardicourt over at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel had some interesting points on this one.
Washburn is a Wisconsin native, maybe interested in returning home. The Brewers apparently made a large effort to acquire him this year at the trade deadline. Brewers want two arms, likely one from free agency and one via a trade.
There are of course plenty of issues. Washburn is a Scott Boras client. So is Fielder and GM Doug Melvin has worked with him before, but still, Boras is known to be an elite, money grabbing agent. Jarrod had a nice season this year. An ERA under 3 in 20 starts for the Mariners. Not so much after his trade to Detroit though... He's a ground ball pitcher, meaning the defense needs to be (and ours hasn't been) good. He is getting old. Some people will say this looks like a left-handed Jeff Suppan.
What will it take to get him? This off season isn't exactly teaming with awesome free agent starters, so Washburn might be up there. Even though he's old you have to imagine looking for something like a 3 year deal. Maybe pushing 7-8 million a year... Unless he is willing to sign in the 4-6 range/year for two years I hope this one doesn't happen. Hopefully Melvin has learned from the Suppan nightmare and won't go so long (and much) on an aged pitching coming off a good season.
I personally don't see it happening. Though I typically say that for just about every trade or signing involving the Brewers... I'm also going to guess he signs for something like 3 years 19 million.
It for now. Have fun watching Pedro throw game 2 tonight. Brew Up.
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