More rumors are out about rightfielder Corey Hart. While there was a quick pop yesterday siting interest from the Rockies, there wasn't much there, including who the Rox would send back. A new one now comes out of New York, talking about a flip for Hart and right hander John Maine. Maine has been injured a lot in his past, including missing time last year with shoulder problems. I don't get this, maybe the Brewers think that Hart is going to start making more money than he is worth, but it seems so early to give up on him after only 1 poor season. Both players have a few years until free agency. A point to note is that the Brewers' new pitching coach Rick Henderson worked with Maine while filling that same role with the Mets, and likely was able to give a report. I still don't know who is going to be the Brewers' right fielder then...
The word out of the Wolf camp is that there are still 6 or so teams in the mix, including the Mets. Word is that the Brewers surpassed the 3 year 28 million dollar deal the Braves just signed Tim Hudson to. Now this is starting to get a bit too pricey, I would've been happy for under 28, pushing 30 is kinda scary. Apparently the Mets still don't want to go past 2 years.
Just a quick idea, outfielder Coco Crisp is available and on the cheap as he is coming off an injury plagued year and surgery. For something in the neighborhood of 3 or 4 million is he somebody that may be signed to plug a Corey Hart sized hole? I don't see him in right, but I do think Braun has proved himself enough to move over there. Also, if a move for Gamel to the outfield is in the books left field would likely be his spot. Crisp is a switch hitter with some speed who hits to a .277/.331/.407 line. He has mostly played center but spent plenty of time in left as well.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wolf Soon?
It might be time to start howling... or not. Shortly after the report came out that a Wolf signing (somewhere) was imminent another report came out shooting that down. However, a new report out of AOL says the Brewers are making a big push, and the JSOnline says things may be happening over the phone, with agent Arn Tellum just arriving to finish things off. Word is that three years is what it is going to take, and also that the Brewers are ok with that. Wolf made 5 million last season, so will definitely get a raise after a fine season. Something along the line of 3 years $8 million per year. Haurdicourt says he could see something being finished as soon as Tuesday night (minus the physical of course).
Exciting stuff. Brew Up.
Exciting stuff. Brew Up.
Counsell, Wolf, etc.
The Brewers have said that they want a decision from veteran utility infielder Craig Counsell before the Winter Meetings are over. They don't need to sign him, but they want to know whether he will be back or not, for sure. Says Melvin, "Craig's a good player and a veteran guy. We'd like to have him back." In case he isn't the Brewers have already made some moves, including minor league journeyman infielder Adam Heether to the 40 man roster and claim infielder Luis Cruz off waivers from the Pirates.
Reliever Mark DeFelice who is expected to miss all of 2010 after under going shoulder surgery may be back on a minor league deal. As I expected this will intensify the Brewers' search for bullpen help. Melvin has said that they have had contact with some agents, but nothing real solid as of yet.
It was well known that Melvin had told Jason Kendall's agent Arn Tellum that $5 million was too much for a catcher and given him a number, and that number is finally out. As you could've guessed by Zaun's 1.9 million dollar deal $2 million was the cap. Arn said no thanks, and the two parted ways. Zaun's contract does include up to 600k in incentives based on games played though...
The USA today claims that a Randy Wolf signing is imminent, but interestingly enough Wolf's agent (also Arn Tellum) has yet to arrive at the meetings... Things could have been ironed out before hand though. It is typically policy to not announce signing until a physical has been made as well...
Also, there again claims to be interest in Brewers right fielder Corey Hart. One team that came up specifically was the Rockies. I'm not sure why they Brewers would do this, as in the minors Matt Gamel is all there is, and as he is not an outfielder, it would just create another hole.
Also, the idea of swapping out Jeff Suppan in a trade of bad contracts was put out there, not really a rumor just an interesting idea. The name that was brought up was Juan Pierre, the speedy Dodgers outfielder who is owed 18.5 million over the next two years. Suppan will make $12.5 this season with a $2 million buyout for his 2011 option. Interesting idea, as Pierre has a nice career OBP, is a base stealer and bats from the left side. Also, the Dodgers are very short on pitching, and maybe Suppan would fair better in the cavernous Dodger Field. Soup also lives in LA... Just an interesting thought.
Reliever Mark DeFelice who is expected to miss all of 2010 after under going shoulder surgery may be back on a minor league deal. As I expected this will intensify the Brewers' search for bullpen help. Melvin has said that they have had contact with some agents, but nothing real solid as of yet.
It was well known that Melvin had told Jason Kendall's agent Arn Tellum that $5 million was too much for a catcher and given him a number, and that number is finally out. As you could've guessed by Zaun's 1.9 million dollar deal $2 million was the cap. Arn said no thanks, and the two parted ways. Zaun's contract does include up to 600k in incentives based on games played though...
The USA today claims that a Randy Wolf signing is imminent, but interestingly enough Wolf's agent (also Arn Tellum) has yet to arrive at the meetings... Things could have been ironed out before hand though. It is typically policy to not announce signing until a physical has been made as well...
Also, there again claims to be interest in Brewers right fielder Corey Hart. One team that came up specifically was the Rockies. I'm not sure why they Brewers would do this, as in the minors Matt Gamel is all there is, and as he is not an outfielder, it would just create another hole.
Also, the idea of swapping out Jeff Suppan in a trade of bad contracts was put out there, not really a rumor just an interesting idea. The name that was brought up was Juan Pierre, the speedy Dodgers outfielder who is owed 18.5 million over the next two years. Suppan will make $12.5 this season with a $2 million buyout for his 2011 option. Interesting idea, as Pierre has a nice career OBP, is a base stealer and bats from the left side. Also, the Dodgers are very short on pitching, and maybe Suppan would fair better in the cavernous Dodger Field. Soup also lives in LA... Just an interesting thought.
Happy Winter Meetings
Hey Everyone,
A couple of updates on this the first day of the Winter Meetings. For those of you who don't know the WMs are the event of the off season, attended by all the staffs and agents, it includes trades, signings, and the Rule 5 Draft.
DeFelice has had shoulder surgery to repair his rotater cuff and is now doubtful for the 2010 season. The Brewers mentioned they were in the market for a reliever before, but this may increase the urgency of that search.
The Brewers claimed utility man Luiz Cruz off of waivers from the Pirates. Cruz is a 25 year old righty that has played 2b and SS the last two season and hit .219 in his brief time in the bigs.
According to some reports Tigers' pitcher Edwin Jackson is likely to be dealt soon, however the Brewers are not amongst the teams in the mix. Asking price must have been too high, this seems like exactly the thing the Crew would be looking for.
I'm sure I'll be posting a bunch over the next couple days as things get going in Indianapolis. Brew Up.
A couple of updates on this the first day of the Winter Meetings. For those of you who don't know the WMs are the event of the off season, attended by all the staffs and agents, it includes trades, signings, and the Rule 5 Draft.
DeFelice has had shoulder surgery to repair his rotater cuff and is now doubtful for the 2010 season. The Brewers mentioned they were in the market for a reliever before, but this may increase the urgency of that search.
The Brewers claimed utility man Luiz Cruz off of waivers from the Pirates. Cruz is a 25 year old righty that has played 2b and SS the last two season and hit .219 in his brief time in the bigs.
According to some reports Tigers' pitcher Edwin Jackson is likely to be dealt soon, however the Brewers are not amongst the teams in the mix. Asking price must have been too high, this seems like exactly the thing the Crew would be looking for.
I'm sure I'll be posting a bunch over the next couple days as things get going in Indianapolis. Brew Up.
Friday, December 4, 2009
More Zaun, Counsell, Oeltjen
It's been reported that the Brewers have submitted an offer now to Craig Counsell. It doesn't seem likely anything will happen before next week's Winter Meetings when GM Doug Melvin can meet with Craig's agent, Barry Meister, face to face. While Melvin won't say whether he is willing to go over one year for Craig, it seems likely that is what the market will demand, or at least some form of a mutual option.
In other news Brewers signed lefty outfielder Trent Oeltjen to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Trent made his big league debut with the D'backs last season and hit .243 with 3 hr and 3 sb in 24 games. Seems like he may compete for a back up outfielder position, or at least provide some AAA depth.
Some other notes on the Zaun signing. Like I said before it is a 1 year deal paying 1.9 million with a 2.25 million dollar club option and 250k buyout. There are 600k in incentives based on games played (no idea how many, but I would guess that at least the first few are very reasonable). Also, Gregg said that during talks with Melvin he was asked about mentoring, which Zaun seemed more than pleased to do. This may be related to bringing up Lucroy to back Gregg up. Also, Zaun said that he is ready to go out there and catch 4 of 5 starters, not an uncommon thing, which would equate to around 130 starts. I think 110 might be more realistic, but that may be more related to how well guys are playing.
It for now. Winter meetings start next week, should be fun. Just in case anyone was wonder, Melvin said the Brewers won't be in on any Roy Halliday trades... how surprising... Brew Up.
In other news Brewers signed lefty outfielder Trent Oeltjen to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Trent made his big league debut with the D'backs last season and hit .243 with 3 hr and 3 sb in 24 games. Seems like he may compete for a back up outfielder position, or at least provide some AAA depth.
Some other notes on the Zaun signing. Like I said before it is a 1 year deal paying 1.9 million with a 2.25 million dollar club option and 250k buyout. There are 600k in incentives based on games played (no idea how many, but I would guess that at least the first few are very reasonable). Also, Gregg said that during talks with Melvin he was asked about mentoring, which Zaun seemed more than pleased to do. This may be related to bringing up Lucroy to back Gregg up. Also, Zaun said that he is ready to go out there and catch 4 of 5 starters, not an uncommon thing, which would equate to around 130 starts. I think 110 might be more realistic, but that may be more related to how well guys are playing.
It for now. Winter meetings start next week, should be fun. Just in case anyone was wonder, Melvin said the Brewers won't be in on any Roy Halliday trades... how surprising... Brew Up.
Zaun Signed
I couldn't feel more smug right now. Gregg Zaun signed a one year $1.9 million dollar contract with the Brewers with a $2.25 million dollar club option and a $250k buyout. I through out the idea back on Nov. 7 that maybe the crew would go after a decent hitting cather, and I think I may have mentioned another time maybe a stop gap for our prospects.
I still kinda see and hope that Lucroy is used to split time with Zaun. Gregg has never started more than 110 games, so maybe a number like that with Lucroy getting around 50 starts. This of course would mean the non tendering of Mike Rivera.
Congrats and welcome to the newest Brewer.
Brew Up.
I still kinda see and hope that Lucroy is used to split time with Zaun. Gregg has never started more than 110 games, so maybe a number like that with Lucroy getting around 50 starts. This of course would mean the non tendering of Mike Rivera.
Congrats and welcome to the newest Brewer.
Brew Up.
New Wolf, Counsell, Zaun
Couple quick things.
Supposedly the Brewers are one of several teams to be "aggressive" towards signing free agent lefty Randy Wolf. Weak rumors that the Crew has already submitted an offer (it seems unlikely Wolf would sign until after John Lackey, the #1 free agent starter). Wolf became a more viable option after the Dodgers decided to not offer him arbitration, as Randy is a type A free agent, but will no longer require a draft pick to sign. He made $5 million last year and put up a 3.23 era and a 1.10 whip. This was his best season since 2002, but will likely see 3+ years at perhaps $10 million+ a season.
Gregg Zaun has said that he will sign today. Zaun said the teams were either the Brewers, Rockies, Rays, or Mariners. I personally don't see the Rays after they declined his option though...
Brewers GM Doug Melvin has said that he hopes to submit an offer to infielder Craig Counsell at the Winter Meetings. A while back it was said that 12 teams were interested in Counsell, who is seeking (and probably deserving) a multi-year deal. A comparison made was Alex Cora's recent signing for $2 million as a starting point.
I'm sure I'll have another one by the end of the day. Patience, Brew Up.
Supposedly the Brewers are one of several teams to be "aggressive" towards signing free agent lefty Randy Wolf. Weak rumors that the Crew has already submitted an offer (it seems unlikely Wolf would sign until after John Lackey, the #1 free agent starter). Wolf became a more viable option after the Dodgers decided to not offer him arbitration, as Randy is a type A free agent, but will no longer require a draft pick to sign. He made $5 million last year and put up a 3.23 era and a 1.10 whip. This was his best season since 2002, but will likely see 3+ years at perhaps $10 million+ a season.
Gregg Zaun has said that he will sign today. Zaun said the teams were either the Brewers, Rockies, Rays, or Mariners. I personally don't see the Rays after they declined his option though...
Brewers GM Doug Melvin has said that he hopes to submit an offer to infielder Craig Counsell at the Winter Meetings. A while back it was said that 12 teams were interested in Counsell, who is seeking (and probably deserving) a multi-year deal. A comparison made was Alex Cora's recent signing for $2 million as a starting point.
I'm sure I'll have another one by the end of the day. Patience, Brew Up.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Gregg Zaun Rumors
Kuh-Chow. Finally something I guessed has gained some ground. If you remember a while back, I speculated that perhaps the Brewers could look to sign a catcher to a one year deal, filling in until Lucroy or Salome is ready. I also figured he would hope to be a more offensive minded than Kendall given the lack of offense, especially power, in the Hardy-Escobar and the Cameron-Gomez switches.
So here is the rumor: Gregg Zaun. Zaun is a switch hitter who most recently played with the Rays where he hit .260 with 8 HR is 90 games. He is a .251 career hitter but has a .344 OBP and should slug near .400. Also a big point is that Zaun still puts up these numbers, Kendall has a .290 career avg and a .380 obp, but as a Brewers has put up a line of .244/.330/.316 (he never was much for slugging). Rumors say that the Brewers would be attractive to Zaun as the team offering the most playing time. Back-up Mike Rivera and waiver claim George Kottaras have big league experience, but won't start. In reality, a signing like this may open up the non-tendering of Mike Rivera who is arbitratoin eligible. Zaun made 1.5 million last year and expects to decline arbitration (he is a type B free agent), so I would expect any deal to be in the low 2 million dollar range, as the Rays did decline his $2 million option. This would be a savings of say 2.5 million over Kendall, and saying bye to Rivera and using either Kottaras or Lucroy/Salome as the back up could save around $250k (depending on Mike's arbitration numbers).
Been super busy, look for articles to start coming up again in the next few weeks. Brew Up.
So here is the rumor: Gregg Zaun. Zaun is a switch hitter who most recently played with the Rays where he hit .260 with 8 HR is 90 games. He is a .251 career hitter but has a .344 OBP and should slug near .400. Also a big point is that Zaun still puts up these numbers, Kendall has a .290 career avg and a .380 obp, but as a Brewers has put up a line of .244/.330/.316 (he never was much for slugging). Rumors say that the Brewers would be attractive to Zaun as the team offering the most playing time. Back-up Mike Rivera and waiver claim George Kottaras have big league experience, but won't start. In reality, a signing like this may open up the non-tendering of Mike Rivera who is arbitratoin eligible. Zaun made 1.5 million last year and expects to decline arbitration (he is a type B free agent), so I would expect any deal to be in the low 2 million dollar range, as the Rays did decline his $2 million option. This would be a savings of say 2.5 million over Kendall, and saying bye to Rivera and using either Kottaras or Lucroy/Salome as the back up could save around $250k (depending on Mike's arbitration numbers).
Been super busy, look for articles to start coming up again in the next few weeks. Brew Up.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
No Arbitration Offers, Halama Official
Well, the Brewers did not offer arbitration to any of their free agents. The Crew had five type B players who would have netted them a draft pick if the player had declined and signed else where. Type B players were: RHP David Weathers, RHP Braden Looper, CF Mike Cameron, 2B Felipe Lopez, and C Jason Kendall. Pretty much saw this coming, still thought they would offer to Lopez, but GM Doug Melvin hinted yesterday hinted they wouldn't risk him accepting.
Also, the John Halama deal I've mentioned before has officially been completed. The former big league lefty signed a minor league contract with an invitation to big league camp. If John wins a spot on the 25 man roster he will draw a $450,000 dollar salary, otherwise he'll head to AAA.
Also, the John Halama deal I've mentioned before has officially been completed. The former big league lefty signed a minor league contract with an invitation to big league camp. If John wins a spot on the 25 man roster he will draw a $450,000 dollar salary, otherwise he'll head to AAA.
Arbitration Talk
I have to give a shout to Tim Dierkes over at MLB Trade Rumors for his very good explanation of the arbitration process, so I'm going to pass on that link (though I think mine is fairly good too).
Also, now talk is coming out of the Brewers camp that Lopez may not be offered arbitration. GM Doug Melvin asks the question, "Where would he play?". He talks about the depth but the issues of good players wanting playing time, and also the trade off of money spent on an extra infielder versus pitching. Regardless, I still think the Brewers offer Lopez arbitration, I have no idea why he would except, and even if he did he would have some nice trade value.
It for now. The deadline is tonight at 11pm CT, so I'm sure I'll have another post with reactions to what the Crew does. Brew Up.
Also, now talk is coming out of the Brewers camp that Lopez may not be offered arbitration. GM Doug Melvin asks the question, "Where would he play?". He talks about the depth but the issues of good players wanting playing time, and also the trade off of money spent on an extra infielder versus pitching. Regardless, I still think the Brewers offer Lopez arbitration, I have no idea why he would except, and even if he did he would have some nice trade value.
It for now. The deadline is tonight at 11pm CT, so I'm sure I'll have another post with reactions to what the Crew does. Brew Up.
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