Other moves??

[BrewBalls]

I would much, much rather have Bonifacio over Ramon Santiago...and I believe that Bonifacio is overrated.

 

Bonifacio is a hitter lacking power that can hit LHP, so that is a limitation on the offensive side. All of that said, he can still actually hit LHP, which is more than Ramon Santiago can say.

I agree but don't think the Brewers have the payroll to sign Bonifacio who will likely cost $5M AAV over 2 years. I think DM will be looking in the bargain bin for a platoon mate for Scooter since we are almost maxed out financially. For the few times we will need to sit Gennett (40 games) I would prefer we spend our remaining resources on a solid bullpen arm like Duke. Heck, Herrera would even be serviceable for 40 games at 2B (Career vs. LHP: .255/.309/.363). Personally I think resigning Duke is much more valuable than a light hitting platoon mate at 2B.

[SoupTown]

I really think our 2015 will depend on our bullpen. Since money is an issue, I am trading one of our starters (Lohse or Gallardo) for a good, good bullpen guy with 2+ years control and some prospect or the backup infielder we need. I dont know the names as good as you all. But for sure we learn that bullpens are a key AND we need to have more than two good guys (aside from the closer). Else you end up with (like 2014) with the good guys burned out by July.

[JohnBriggs12]

Here's a two pronged idea. Deal Davis and Ramirez (along with about $4 million to even out the dollars) to the A's for Jeff Samardzija and then deal Gallardo to the Yankees for Martin Prado.

[BrewBalls]

I really think our 2015 will depend on our bullpen. Since money is an issue, I am trading one of our starters (Lohse or Gallardo) for a good, good bullpen guy with 2+ years control and some prospect or the backup infielder we need. I don't know the names as good as you all. But for sure we learn that bullpens are a key AND we need to have more than two good guys (aside from the closer). Else you end up with (like 2014) with the good guys burned out by July.

Gallardo or Lohse should net us more than a good bullpen arm and back up infielder. I would prefer we flip one of them for a top 50-100 pitching prospect and use the saved payroll to sign a super utility guy like Bonifacio and a couple solid bullpen arms like Duke/Neshak and Crain/Cotts. This would strengthen our team in 2015 and add another starter into the mix when either Gallardo or Lohse leave next offseason.

[BrewBalls]

Here's a two pronged idea. Deal Davis and Ramirez (along with about $4 million to even out the dollars) to the A's for Jeff Samardzija and then deal Gallardo to the Yankees for Martin Prado.

Not sure why the A's would want Ramirez when they already have Donaldson. If the A's trade Samardzija they want cost controlled players in return not an aging 3B making $14M.

[djoctagone]

Will Schafer have any options left in 2015?

yes. in 2015, he'd have one option remaining.

[Roderick]

I think they flip Broxton for a salary dump. Saves us like 9 mil and use it for a couple of bench players and a reliever

 

Melvin likes to have the closer figured out. So unless he dumps Broxton to re-sign KRod (save a couple of million?), I don't see this happening. I hope they don't do this as I think Broxton outpitches KRod next year and I suppose KRod would get a 2 year contract.

 

I don't see Melvin trusting any of the other bullpen returnees to be the closer coming out of the gate.

[fondybrewfan]

I wouldn't trust them either to be honest. There will be some decent arms coming back; but hardly anyone I would want in the 9th (Other than Krod or Broxton). I don't like going closer by committee either. I think bullpen guys really do like having defined roles.

[BrewBalls]

I wouldn't trust them either to be honest. There will be some decent arms coming back; but hardly anyone I would want in the 9th (Other than Krod or Broxton). I don't like going closer by committee either. I think bullpen guys really do like having defined roles.

I could see Thornburg taking over the closing duties but not right away since he's coming back from an injury. His stuff would project well in the closing role. Otherwise, I'm not sold on any of our other relievers being our closer in 2015 although Jeffress could emerge in 2016 if he can show consistent control.

[JohnBriggs12]

Just scoured the Angels list of arbitration eligibles on MLB traderumors site. One name who's an almost certain non-tender is Gordon Beckham. Beckham's been a major disappointment over his career, but he did manage to hit .293 vs. lefties in 2014, is an excellent defender (he can also play SS and 3B). Might be worth a minor league deal to bring in the platoon with Gennett and be nice utility guy.

[3and2Fastball]

Just scoured the Angels list of arbitration eligibles on MLB traderumors site. One name who's an almost certain non-tender is Gordon Beckham. Beckham's been a major disappointment over his career, but he did manage to hit .293 vs. lefties in 2014, is an excellent defender (he can also play SS and 3B). Might be worth a minor league deal to bring in the platoon with Gennett and be nice utility guy.

 

Good call on Beckham.... he really isn't much of a SS but he can play solid 2B or 3B

 

He did, however have a very weird split in 2013: .287 vs RHP, .195 vs LHP

[nate82]

Just scoured the Angels list of arbitration eligibles on MLB traderumors site. One name who's an almost certain non-tender is Gordon Beckham. Beckham's been a major disappointment over his career, but he did manage to hit .293 vs. lefties in 2014, is an excellent defender (he can also play SS and 3B). Might be worth a minor league deal to bring in the platoon with Gennett and be nice utility guy.

 

The Angels will either trade Freese or Beckham. Freese's name has been talked about more from what I have heard. If the Angels are not able to trade Freese or Beckham one of them maybe non tendered but I have also heard that the Angels may just keep both of them to play 3B and backup at 2B.

[brewcrewdue80]

 

I mentioned this somewhere else, but rather than get a retread Emilio Bonifacio to platoon with Scooter, the move to make is to get the Cubs super utility Arismendy Alcantara for that role. Switch Hitter easy platoon mate for both 2b/SS if he's swinging a hot bat. Heck, even 3b or OF he's played at. Just go and get the guy. He'd really solve any kind of Backup problems on the team if needed. Easily worth a Lohse or Gallardo....and I'd imagine it being Gallardo due to age, a Bosio refining turnaround could spell QO after the season thus replacing the loss of Alcantara. Based on his numbers in the Minors he looks a lot like Segura's 2013. Some power, a speed demon disruptor on the basepaths. He's 23 young with lots of team control i.e cheap and likely far more serviceable than Bonifacio will be.

Accomplish this trade you fill out your utility player needed/platoon partner and free up the money to go spend on any single RP you want to go after. Done for this offseason bring on 2015 Opening Day!

 

What are you willing to give up for Alcantara? Being its within the division, he will likely cost us a little bit more than another team. I don't feel comfortable giving up a solid prospect, especially since our farm system is already running low on top tier talent, for a super utility player who projects best at 2B (which we already have covered). Ramon Santiago would provide similar value and likely cost the Brewers $3M or 2 years.

 

I thought I stated Gallardo.

 

Yeah, I don't see why the Cubs, who are building around young talent would give up one of their young, talented players when they can just go out and buy better pitchers than Gallardo in the free agent market. Lohse and Gallardo really make little sense to the Cubs, who shouldn't be looking at a guy on a one-year deal. If they really like either of the pitchers, they can simply wait until he's a free agent after next season and pick him up then.

 

To me the Cubs need 4 SPs and maybe even stash a 5th if they are serious about making a run for Playoffs. Scherzer, Lester are what? 5year deals costing north of 100million?

Alcantara is a 2b/SS by trade. The Cubs have Baez,Castro and then Addison Russell to find a place for likely behind either.

OF they have Soler and Almora to cover Alcantara's next useful position of CF. Essentially Alcantara is the 3rd Backup all over the field and not the every day starter.

 

Take all the payroll they are about to add on 5year deals and guess what? Those 5years deals will run in to the time the team extends these young prospects. There is no reason to add 2@100mil+ for 5years and then 3year deals in the 45-80mil range only to sit back and wonder where the money is supposed to come from to extend Bryant/Soler/Almora/Russell?

 

Also, Gallardo has that 185+IP every season health going for him. So the Cubs can expect him to make it through the season and again like the Yankees just did with Robertson extending a QO. Gallardo would also be extended a QO netting them either a draft pick or a 16mil. pitcher in 2016 that they can afford to pay for the chance of being rewarded a draft pick.

[BrewBalls]

To me the Cubs need 4 SPs and maybe even stash a 5th if they are serious about making a run for Playoffs. Scherzer, Lester are what? 5year deals costing north of 100million?

Alcantara is a 2b/SS by trade. The Cubs have Baez,Castro and then Addison Russell to find a place for likely behind either.

OF they have Soler and Almora to cover Alcantara's next useful position of CF. Essentially Alcantara is the 3rd Backup all over the field and not the every day starter.

 

Take all the payroll they are about to add on 5year deals and guess what? Those 5years deals will run in to the time the team extends these young prospects. There is no reason to add 2@100mil+ for 5years and then 3year deals in the 45-80mil range only to sit back and wonder where the money is supposed to come from to extend Bryant/Soler/Almora/Russell?

 

Also, Gallardo has that 185+IP every season health going for him. So the Cubs can expect him to make it through the season and again like the Yankees just did with Robertson extending a QO. Gallardo would also be extended a QO netting them either a draft pick or a 16mil. pitcher in 2016 that they can afford to pay for the chance of being rewarded a draft pick.

I'm pretty sure i heard they are only looking to add two starters, an ace and mid-rotation guy (i.e. Lester and Peavy). They already have Arrieta, Wood and Hendricks slotted in their rotation for next season and just resigned Wada to go along with Turner and Doubront for depth. Based on this, i beleive four starters would be overkill especially when they still have Jackson signed for another 2 years, albeit he might be traded this offseason.

[brewcrewdue80]

I missed the Wada signing but that would be 1 SP piece. Wood isn't a SP that I'd really want to rely on. Arrieta and Hendriks pitched over their heads. Arrieta's numbers at least appear he could sustain a reasonable SP ERA. But Hendriks? Not a K guy, doesn't walk many so he's pitching to contact. I expect him to gradually decline as hitters see him more and figure him out which would not make him all that promising to rely on for your team.

So let's go with the Lester/Peavy signings. That make Arrieta #3 Hendricks/Wada fill out the #4/5 spots. Wood and Jackson the odd men out of the rotation. Now the team has to look for 31 starts from those final 3. Do you trust them to get you through to September?

 

I think of it as the Cubs should strike to find that "Other #3 like Gallardo" now for an Alcantara vs. getting to the July deadline and having to part with Russell or Almora or even CJ Edwards three more Prolific long term Prospects to add whatever #3 SP is available at the trade deadline(Gallardo/Lohse possibly) if they are serious about making a push next season for the playoffs.

Gallardo to me costs less today in prospects than if he's pitching well in 2015 and on the trade market at the July deadline. Simply because Milw will have the QO tag to use as a bargaining chip. A 3.4ERA Gallardo and less with the 7ks+/9 certainly would be grounds for a Milw QO.

It's not known whether he's worth a QO today or not but at the July deadline it certainly would be apparent. So at the winter meetings I could see Gallardo being worth Alcantara+Bullpen guy. At the Deadline the Brewers may be asking for Russell/Almora/Edwards+ say Vogelbach for less starts of Gallardo and loss of being in control of a QO tag.

 

The part for me that adds the intrigue is how many times have the Cubs used these 1/2year SPs and gotten back decent prospects for them in the last 3 years? Gallardo today either works as the 4th SP with Arrieta/Peavy/Lester to get them over the top or he becomes the obvious sell off SP at the deadline. If he's the guy that helps them get over the top they QO him. If I'm right about Arrieta/Hendricks and lets say Peavy/Gallardo struggle they just trade him away for something similar in return. Cubs don't stand to lose in acquiring Gallardo.

[monty57]

The part for me that adds the intrigue is how many times have the Cubs used these 1/2year SPs and gotten back decent prospects for them in the last 3 years?

 

None, but not every team is run like the Brewers. I think the Cubs are a bad target largely because I don't accept the notion that if they are serious about making a push next season for the playoffs they need to trade away some of their future for a one-year player. While I'm sure the Cubs and their fans are starting to see the end of the rebuild tunnel, there really isn't a push to "win now." There's no reason for them to veer from this long-term rebuild strategy and sell off part of their future in an attempt to increase their small chance of making the playoffs in 2015, and if they did determine that Alcantara is an "odd man out," he is still a good young player with years of cheap control left, so they would be much better off trading him for someone with more than one year of team control.

 

I think the whole thing is moot anyway. Since Ramirez is returning and they made the Lind trade, I can't imagine Attanasio would allow Melvin to make any trade that on the surface could look to decrease the Brewers' chance of winning in 2015. Maybe I'm overvaluing the Cub management, but I don't see them making moves of selling off the future for today, and I don't see the Brewer management making moves of selling off today for the future. It's why I think we will, in the relatively near future, get sick of all the talk of how the Cubs are looking at "breaking the curse," while the only national press the Brewers will get is in a few years when the folks in New York realize the Brewers are celebrating their 50th year of existence without one championship title.

[fondybrewfan]

Does Lind qualify as the annual "Melvin pulls off transaction no one sees coming"? If not then Melvin will probably still surprise us with something this offseason, My guess would be a significant bullpen addition; perhaps someone that is making too much money somewhere else. Papelbon anyone? The lineup and rotation don't have a ton of holes right now; but if there is a way to upgrade any position I hope DM is looking into it. I am guessing 2 or 3 new bullpen faces as well as 1 or 2 super utility guys. I would guess at least one of the bullpen additions will be considered significant and will probably have some closing experience. If he can do that and also get Thornburg and Henderson healthy next year you could have a pretty deep pen.

[3and2Fastball]

Does Lind qualify as the annual "Melvin pulls off transaction no one sees coming"?

 

Yes

 

If not then Melvin will probably still surprise us with something this offseason,

 

I'm doubting it

 

The lineup and rotation don't have a ton of holes right now.

 

Other than a much needed upgrade in LF, platoon mates needed at 1B & 2B, and 3B depth for the inevitable Aramis injury?

[BrewBalls]

The lineup and rotation don't have a ton of holes right now.

 

Other than a much needed upgrade in LF, platoon mates needed at 1B & 2B, and 3B depth for the inevitable Aramis injury?

My guess is they will use either Rogers or Jimenez to be the platoon mate for 1B and back up 3B while Parra will get some starts in LF against tough right handed starters. This leaves finding a platoon partner for Gennett as the only major need besides some pitching depth for both the rotation and bullpen.

[SoupTown]

Jimenez seems to be a great pickup, since his D is rated so highly. I would assume he will be our third baseman in 2016 at league min. Which means he will be the 25th man on the roster this year. And the backup IF for SS and Scooter is the highest need. And another top bullpen guy.

[MNBrew]

It'd be nice if it worked out that way, Soup, but keep in mind this guy's at best only proven to be a fringe 40-man guy with only a little MLB time. Starting 3B in a year-plus? Possible but it seems like a long shot even with an optimistic outlook as evidenced by the Angels -- currently with little depth there -- thinking little enough of him that they waived him, letting him go for nothing. The Casey McGehee scenario (which would be repeating itself in your scenario) is the exception most of the time, not the rule.

[monty57]

Which means he will be the 25th man on the roster this year.

 

The backup 3B/1B is going to be more than the typical "25th man" this season. Ramirez needs time off, and probably shouldn't be counted on for more than 120 games or so. Lind cannot hit LHP, opening up around 40 starts at 1B. That would mean the backup 1B/3B will likely start around 80 games unless the Brewers once again decide that Lucroy cannot get a day's rest and start him at 1B against LHP, which probably means Lucroy should not be considered for extension, because his body will wear out by the time his contract is up.

[brewcrewdue80]

The part for me that adds the intrigue is how many times have the Cubs used these 1/2year SPs and gotten back decent prospects for them in the last 3 years?

 

None, but not every team is run like the Brewers. I think the Cubs are a bad target largely because I don't accept the notion that if they are serious about making a push next season for the playoffs they need to trade away some of their future for a one-year player. While I'm sure the Cubs and their fans are starting to see the end of the rebuild tunnel, there really isn't a push to "win now." There's no reason for them to veer from this long-term rebuild strategy and sell off part of their future in an attempt to increase their small chance of making the playoffs in 2015, and if they did determine that Alcantara is an "odd man out," he is still a good young player with years of cheap control left, so they would be much better off trading him for someone with more than one year of team control.

 

I think the whole thing is moot anyway. Since Ramirez is returning and they made the Lind trade, I can't imagine Attanasio would allow Melvin to make any trade that on the surface could look to decrease the Brewers' chance of winning in 2015. Maybe I'm overvaluing the Cub management, but I don't see them making moves of selling off the future for today, and I don't see the Brewer management making moves of selling off today for the future. It's why I think we will, in the relatively near future, get sick of all the talk of how the Cubs are looking at "breaking the curse," while the only national press the Brewers will get is in a few years when the folks in New York realize the Brewers are celebrating their 50th year of existence without one championship title.

 

I was referring to the Cubs. Jason Hammel/Scott Feldman/Paul Maholm in the last 3 seasons. 1year deal pitchers they traded at the deadline. And my idea was towards Gallardo being that kind of Pitcher.

 

But in digging up that transaction history I see(having forgot) the Cubs traded for Felix Doubront and Jacob Turner who both would qualify as projects who can go either way. Do good and be available in trade. Do bad and likely just be dropped if the team is serious about contending this year or continue playing for depth to get through another Losing season. Guess the Cubs have a Rotation to at least put out there needing just the Ace signing this year and maybe another next year.

[SRB]

Does Lind qualify as the annual "Melvin pulls off transaction no one sees coming"? If not then Melvin will probably still surprise us with something this offseason,

 

[sarcasm]Scherzer, 15/$375M[/sarcasm]

[DHonks]

What free agent--likely a Boras client--will settle for a 1 or 2 year deal with us around Groundhogs Day?