First Base 2014

[JohnBriggs12]

Morris isn't close to the kind of prospect that a team gives any consideration to burning service time. At best he becomes a serviceable bat that might occupy the position for a few years until a better prospect or opportunity for an upgrade comes along.

[monty57]

I agree Briggs. If Morris is the best option, he should start from day one. But to the question at large, I believe for most players it is around two months in the minors to save a year's service time. It varies for different players. I remember seeing a chart last year and if they had kept Peralta down for just under two months they would have saved a year's service time on him.

[logan82]

I think it was 2 months to avoid super 2. That is just a rough estimate because Super 2 is based on a certain number of players not actual time. I think it is something like 160 days on a MLB roster to receive one year of service time.

 

Edit: Looks like they would have to spend at least 20 days in the minors for a team to gain a year

Service Time

A player earns Major League service time for each day he spends on the active (25-man) roster or on the Major League 15-day or 60-day disabled lists. A player also continues to earn service time while serving any disciplinary suspension or serving in the military.

 

Under the CBA, 1 year of service is defined as 172 days. A player may earn up to 172 days of Major League service during a championship season (regular season), which generally lasts 183 calendar days. If a player is sent to the minor leagues on optional assignment for a total of less than 20 days during a season, he receives service time for the entire season.

[MNBrew]

I think it was 2 months to avoid super 2. That is just a rough estimate because Super 2 is based on a certain number of players not actual time. I think it is something like 160 days on a MLB roster to receive one year of service time.

 

Edit: Looks like they would have to spend at least 20 days in the minors for a team to gain a year

Service Time

A player earns Major League service time for each day he spends on the active (25-man) roster or on the Major League 15-day or 60-day disabled lists. A player also continues to earn service time while serving any disciplinary suspension or serving in the military.

 

Under the CBA, 1 year of service is defined as 172 days. A player may earn up to 172 days of Major League service during a championship season (regular season), which generally lasts 183 calendar days. If a player is sent to the minor leagues on optional assignment for a total of less than 20 days during a season, he receives service time for the entire season.

That's what I was getting at above. It's the lesson we all learned when they brought Alcides Escobar up to play SS & timed sending Hardy down to AAA (even thought they should've before b/c he was lousy that year!) so he'd spend enough time to not get a full year of service time.

[yoshii8]

If we go in to this season, with our current options at 1b, I'm very confident that we will all be disappointed. I hope DM can still find a legit 1b option, and I'm not talking about Michael Young or Lyle Overbay. I believe there are guys out there.

[fondybrewfan]

I am excited about the raw ability of David Denson; however he only was at Rookie ball in 2013. My ultimate hope is that Denson turns into a stud prospect and Morris/Halton can hold down the fort for the next 2 years.

 

Denson has more raw power than anyone in the system and has shown an ability to take a walk early in his career. Obviously a long way to go for him but if there is a guy in MILB that gives me hope for a long term solution; its him. For that reason I wouldn't want to commit to anyone for more than 2 years; so Morris and Halton for now suits me just fine. If they turn into good players thats great.

[Kelbysdaddy]

I'm calling it right now- denson hits 40 home runs for the t-rats next year (but will also only bat .215).

[monty57]

I am excited about the raw ability of David Denson; however he only was at Rookie ball in 2013. My ultimate hope is that Denson turns into a stud prospect and Morris/Halton can hold down the fort for the next 2 years.

 

Denson has more raw power than anyone in the system and has shown an ability to take a walk early in his career. Obviously a long way to go for him but if there is a guy in MILB that gives me hope for a long term solution; its him. For that reason I wouldn't want to commit to anyone for more than 2 years; so Morris and Halton for now suits me just fine. If they turn into good players thats great.

 

While I certainly hope you're right, I wouldn't let a guy at rookie ball stop me from making a good baseball decision at the MLB level. Note that I don't think signing an expensive free agent would be a good baseball decision, but if we could somehow find a good, young MLB ready 1B for a good price, I'd jump at the deal. When/if Denson becomes the stud prospect knocking at the door, the Brewers could flip the MLB 1B for another player.

 

If we go in to this season, with our current options at 1b, I'm very confident that we will all be disappointed. I hope DM can still find a legit 1b option, and I'm not talking about Michael Young or Lyle Overbay. I believe there are guys out there.

 

But at what cost? I'm sure we could find someone if we were willing to overpay, but that wouldn't necessarily make us better, and could hurt the franchise overall. Other than Weeks, who has no trade value, I don't see us trading anyone from our current MLB roster, and we have a weak enough farm system that I don't want to see any of the top guys traded from there. So I guess I don't see how we'll get a guy who will really be a big upgrade. I think Ike Davis is at the upper end of what we could hope for, but not unless the price tag drops from Thornburg.

[SoupTown]

Every time I look at the next 'maybe' (some other teams castoff), I see that our Francisco is actually a better choice. Juan is coming to his age 27 season. He has history of .800 OPS. So I am now of the opinion that it is Ike or Juan/Halton. That will do me just fine. And if you have Ike, you still keep Franciso, I think.

 

We need to be prepared for no moves at first base.

[Mass Haas]

South Carolina Radio DJ and Orioles / Ravens blogger Joe Polek seems pretty sure of himself with these tweets, he's reached out through Twitter to the likes of MLB Trade Rumors, Jon Heyman, Haudricourt, and McCalvy --

 

Tweet: Source: Mark Reynolds had discussions with #Orioles and #Nationals. But in last 24 hours, talks with #Brewers have really heated up.

 

Tweet: My source says #Brewers are offering Mark Reynolds a firm starting first baseman job, where the #Nationals and #Orioles were not.

 

Hey, this is the rumors forum, so just tossing this out there. The pro beat guys would have to try to use their own contacts to determine the validity before commenting. We just have to link to Joe's tweets .

 

Kudos to Joe should this come together soon.

[MVP2110]

What exactly is the difference between Juan and Reynolds?

 

and does anyone know if this guy is reliable at all or not? I went through some of his tweets and couldn't find much

[monty57]

What exactly is the difference between Juan and Reynolds?

 

One played poorly here last year, so the Brewer fans have soured on him. One played poorly elsewhere, so the Brewer fans will not have soured on him, and will think that he must be an upgrade, so it will look like the Brewers are "doing something." The PR department will focus on his 40 HR power, Melvin will comment that at 5/6 in the order, batting average isn't that important as the job is to drive guys in, and they will hope that will cause a few more tickets to sell/renew.

 

I wouldn't be mad if Reynolds was signed, but I don't think it'd do much to help the team. Basically, if it's down to Reynolds everyday with Francisco as a LHB off the bench, or a Halton/Francisco platoon, I'd probably just stick with what we've got. While I don't expect a lot, Halton and Francisco are at an age that they should put up "peak" numbers for little cost. They may bomb, but so may Reynolds, and Halton/Francisco cost little and could easily be dumped for nothing if Morris does step things up.

 

I guess if Reynolds was the everyday guy, they could send Halton back to AAA and drop Francisco, opening up a roster spot if they have someone who they really want on the 25-man, but I'd guess Francisco would be retained if Reynolds was signed. Not sure who the fifth OF would be though unless Weeks or Gennett is off the roster.

[JohnBriggs12]

Reynolds has the major league strikeout record. If Francisco had a full season he would challenge it. They both make Branyan look like a contact hitter. Only other guy in the team picture of professional whiff artists is Adam Dunn. Both were butchers at 3B. Reynolds might have the edge defensively at 1B.

 

Personally I don't understand Melvin's interest in these guys. Halton/Morris together would likely be able to surpass Reynold's last couple seasons and keep their combined K total under 200 at least.

[logan82]

The likely platoon at 2B is really limiting our roster options. You can't platoon to many positions.

[TURBO]

I do not see Reynolds as an upgrade at all. Slightly defensively, but his constant assault on the strikeout record will do nothing but kill a ton of rallies. If he starts a full season, he will more than likely break his own record.

 

I want no part of him in Milwaukee, and will be severely disappointed if we sign him. What we have now would equal or surpass anything Reynolds has to offer. Why waste a dime on this guy, WHY?

 

The thought of watching this guy strikeout 2 times per game makes me sick.

[Warning Track Power]

Isn't Mark Reynolds basically a RH version of Juan Francisco? Or a 1B version of Rickie Weeks, high strikeouts + high walks + high power?

 

I guess if he can hit his 162 game average of .233/.329/.464 33 HR,93 RBI it wouldn't be a total loss, but man...Ike is a much better option, even at the loss of an arm not named Thornburg or Nelson.

[Outlander]

If the Mets insist on Thornburg and Melvin won't budge then I guess I am okay with Reynolds on a one year deal as he doesn't have huge splits so wouldn't have to platoon and could play some third if/when Ramirez get hurt or needs time off. Also, similar to how some want to sign veteran bullpen arms to trade at the deadline, I think Reynolds could be a guy they flip at the deadline. Gives Morris one more year or at least a half a year to prove something in AAA as well.

[JohnBriggs12]

Isn't Mark Reynolds basically a RH version of Juan Francisco? Or a 1B version of Rickie Weeks, high strikeouts + high walks + high power?

 

I guess if he can hit his 162 game average of .233/.329/.464 33 HR,93 RBI it wouldn't be a total loss, but man...Ike is a much better option, even at the loss of an arm not named Thornburg or Nelson.

 

 

Reynolds at this stage probably is worth 10 more HR than Weeks, and when you consider how bad Weeks struggles in the middle of the order, the difference might be more significant. Reynolds walk totals are enhanced because he swings and misses a lot.

 

I can't see keeping Francisco if Reynolds is signed though. I'd rather have a better contact lefty backing up the corner IF spots than that. Who that would be is anyone's guess. Taylor Green??

[brewtank34]

How is Mark Reynolds abilities in the field? Can he okay a good 1B?

[fondybrewfan]

Reynolds had a .700 OPS last year and an OPS+ of 96. While that would be a tremendous improvement over the crap MIL put out at 1st last year; a .700 OPS is hardly something to look forward to at 1st. I would think some combination of Francisco, Halton, and Morris could do the same thing. But if Reynolds is cheap then I would be OK giving him a shot. Maybe we could get lucky and he can duplicate his years from 2009 or 2011 and put up an 800 OPS with 30 + HRs. Getting out of the AL East and getting to play a bunch of games in MIL, CIN, and CHI shouldn't hurt him either

[Mass Haas]

South Carolina Radio DJ and Orioles / Ravens blogger Joe Polek seems pretty sure of himself with these tweets, he's reached out through Twitter to the likes of MLB Trade Rumors, Jon Heyman, Haudricourt, and McCalvy --

 

Tweet: Source: Mark Reynolds had discussions with #Orioles and #Nationals. But in last 24 hours, talks with #Brewers have really heated up.

 

Tweet: My source says #Brewers are offering Mark Reynolds a firm starting first baseman job, where the #Nationals and #Orioles were not.

 

Hey, this is the rumors forum, so just tossing this out there. The pro beat guys would have to try to use their own contacts to determine the validity before commenting. We just have to link to Joe's tweets .

 

Kudos to Joe should this come together soon.

 

Here's his blog post.

[bill hAll Star]

Reynolds had a .700 OPS last year and an OPS+ of 96. While that would be a tremendous improvement over the crap MIL put out at 1st last year; a .700 OPS is hardly something to look forward to at 1st. I would think some combination of Francisco, Halton, and Morris could do the same thing. But if Reynolds is cheap then I would be OK giving him a shot. Maybe we could get lucky and he can duplicate his years from 2009 or 2011 and put up an 800 OPS with 30 + HRs. Getting out of the AL East and getting to play a bunch of games in MIL, CIN, and CHI shouldn't hurt him either

 

My thoughts exactly. I think Halton is given a bit too much credit, even in a platoon situation. He seems like a poor man's Brett Pill where a "career year" facing 80% LHP would result in a .700 OPS.

 

Reynolds could surpass that if he finds whatever magic (or juice) he had 3-4 years ago.

 

I don't mind high strikeout guys much but there is a collection of 10-20 mainstays in the league that go beyond that barrier, and Reynolds is one of them. That said, I'd still take him on the cheap. When Aramis inevitably gets hurt, even though he's a bit of a mess on defense, he'll still be better at 3B than bringing back Yuni yet again or playing Francisco there every day, especially against LHP.

[MVP2110]

South Carolina Radio DJ and Orioles / Ravens blogger Joe Polek seems pretty sure of himself with these tweets, he's reached out through Twitter to the likes of MLB Trade Rumors, Jon Heyman, Haudricourt, and McCalvy --

 

Tweet: Source: Mark Reynolds had discussions with #Orioles and #Nationals. But in last 24 hours, talks with #Brewers have really heated up.

 

Tweet: My source says #Brewers are offering Mark Reynolds a firm starting first baseman job, where the #Nationals and #Orioles were not.

 

Hey, this is the rumors forum, so just tossing this out there. The pro beat guys would have to try to use their own contacts to determine the validity before commenting. We just have to link to Joe's tweets .

 

Kudos to Joe should this come together soon.

 

Here's his blog post.

You're right in the fact he seems super confident in his source. Still want to see someone else credible verify this though

[Warning Track Power]

I can just envision the days when the lineup reads:

7. Reynolds

8. Weeks

9. Pitcher

Defensively, the pitchers and catchers of the Cubs, Pirates, Reds & Cardinals may be all that is required.

[DR28]

I could get behind Reynolds as our 1B this year... Could be a really nice lineup.

 

Segura

Gennett

Braun

Ramirez

Lucroy

Gomez

Reynolds

Davis

 

OR

 

Segura

Gomez

Braun

Ramirez

Lucroy

Reynolds

Davis

Gennett