Is it possible that we could be buyers at the deadline?

[trwi7]

The bottom 10% of our 25 man is crappy relievers. If we wanted to improve them, we could just call guys up from the minors instead of wasting assets.

[Mudville9]

I think trading guys who won't make the 40 man next year could be a good compromise. Maybe some prospects that the shine has worn off or someone that DS isn't as high on. Try and get someone that is blocked in minors or a reliever with lots of control left. We may lose those players anyway next year. Trade two or three of them for someone who will definitely be on the 40 man next year. I think that is just smart use of assets.

[mlloyd10]

If we are still in 1st place come trade deadline, I'm trading for a SP. Ray/Clark, Diaz, Woodruff for archer

[A Swing and A Drive]

I actually think the Rays would look to get at least one established MLB player in a return for Archer. Don't think that package even gets it done.

[ebmackenzie]

The Cubs are nowhere near a borderline dynasty. Come on man. Lots of work left to do for them.

 

I wouldn't say they have a lot of work to do, although they obviously will need to continually re-build their pitching staff. Their position player group is set up extremely well for the next 5 years.

 

 

I would. People throw around the word dynasty way too much. They've won a single World Series. While they have a lot of young talent on their roster it guarantees them absolutely nothing. They have a lot of work to do.

 

 

They don't have a dynasty; they have a window...a big one and resources and money to keep it open for a while...but not a dynasty.

[adamds22]

I think for the Brewers to be a buyer at the deadline this year is pretty short sighted. Don't get me wrong I love watching the Brewers win games just like the rest of you do and this season is a great surprise but in order to add something that will make us a better team (pitching) we'll need to give up a lot and for what? Are we only a relief pitcher or starter away from a World Series team? As much as I would like to think we have the talent to be a WS contender this year, I don't see it. So what is the point in trading away controllable players to get a shot at making the playoffs? Why not enjoy the success of this year and build on that for the following year, if we make the playoffs, GREAT but no need to rush the rebuilding process.

[MrTPlush]

Because the postseason will draw in fan interest greatly for next year+. I don't see what is wrong with making some minor moves to bring in a little help if the situation arises. I agree we shouldn't go selling the farm or even trying to trade for semi controllable players, but trading away meh prospects or prospects who are a long ways away from the MLB level wouldn't be a bad idea. A postseason birth would bring a lot of money in so even if you don't win the world series you can come out ahead. Get that revenue going, payroll can be higher, and you can help future teams even if this team doesn't go all the way.

[pacopete4]

Yeah I agree Plush. If there a deal(s) to be had that don't strip the farm, go get it if you think it can help this team make the playoffs. Always amazing to me that we've made the playoffs what, 4 times in 50 years and we even have to have a conversation about trying to make them.

[A Swing and A Drive]

I don't think anyone is against making a run at a potential playoff berth. However, the Brewers are also only 4.5 games out of last place in the NL Central right now. There's about a month until the All-Star break. I wouldn't be surprised if the Brewers front office waits until about then to assess the Brewers position before making any type of meaningful moves, one way or the other.

[SandyTolan]

I don't think anyone is against making a run at a potential playoff berth. However, the Brewers are also only 4.5 games out of last place in the NL Central right now. There's about a month until the All-Star break. I wouldn't be surprised if the Brewers front office waits until about then to assess the Brewers position before making any type of meaningful moves, one way or the other.

 

Yes and in the meantime they can make some bold internal moves that could lead to significant improvement. Hader and Taylor Williams, who is smoking in AA, with a 1.16 ERA and 11.6 K/9 (and received huge praise http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/294570031.html from Ryan Braun) could replace Feliz and Hughes right now. Next in line, Blazek and Wang, or even Cravy, all doing very well in CS especially under those circumstances, could take over for Torres and Drake, if they continue to struggle. That could result in a remarkably better bullpen by late July, and no need to pay for an upgrade with prospects.

[SandyTolan]

I don't think anyone is against making a run at a potential playoff berth. However, the Brewers are also only 4.5 games out of last place in the NL Central right now. There's about a month until the All-Star break. I wouldn't be surprised if the Brewers front office waits until about then to assess the Brewers position before making any type of meaningful moves, one way or the other.

 

Yes and in the meantime they can make some bold internal moves that could lead to significant improvement. Hader and Taylor Williams, who is smoking in AA, with a 1.16 ERA and 11.6 K/9 (and received huge praise http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/294570031.html from Ryan Braun) could replace Feliz and Hughes right now. Next in line, Blazek and Wang, or even Cravy, all doing very well in CS especially under those circumstances, could take over for Torres and Drake, if they continue to struggle. That could result in a remarkably better bullpen by late July, and no need to pay for an upgrade with prospects.

[A Swing and A Drive]

Great ideas. I agree that the Brewers should be motivated right now to improve internally to see if they can stay in contention.

 

That arbitrary Super Two date can't come soon enough! (June 22?)

[SandyTolan]

Actually swing+, the Super Two cutoff has come and gone. Brewers are in the clear on that...

[A Swing and A Drive]

I thought I read that the Brewers control Brinson another season if he stays in minor until around June 22nd? Is that a different reason or was that wrong?

[adambr2]

I thought I read that the Brewers control Brinson another season if he stays in minor until around June 22nd? Is that a different reason or was that wrong?

 

Not sure where the June 22nd thing was mentioned but there's nothing significant about that date as far as I know. Brewers are safe on that additional control. They could bring Brinson up today and still control him for 6 seasons after this one (2018-2023).

[A Swing and A Drive]

Good. Time to see what the kid can do.

[adamds22]

I agree I would love to see them make the playoffs this year and yes that would do all the things you mentioned and more likely but in order to greatly improve our rotation or our pen I would imagine we'd be targeting someone that would cost a lot to get with the price of impact bullpen arms, it doesn't seem worth it. I do 100% agree that we should be making moves internally now that super 2 status has passed and to be honest I think we have some internal options that have the potential to greatly improve our club today.

[MrTPlush]

I agree I would love to see them make the playoffs this year and yes that would do all the things you mentioned and more likely but in order to greatly improve our rotation or our pen I would imagine we'd be targeting someone that would cost a lot to get with the price of impact bullpen arms, it doesn't seem worth it.

 

Who says we will need major moves? This team actually looks really really solid. The rotation has looked really well of late and I don't think it would be crazy to have them produce like the 2011 squad did. Sure we don't have an ace, but we don't have cruddy #4 and/or #5 guys like some other teams do. I also think the bullpen would be quite easy to improve internally to have a strong unit there aswell. Add that to a productive offense and I think you could make minor moves to make a legit postseason run. I think the cost of relievers is a bit overblown as people just look at certain guys. Rental types and guys without long track records aren't that expensive. Not to mention some guys are expensive contract wise and you don't have to pay that much with prospects if you take on the money.

 

I don't know if the rotation actually turned a corner or not, but if they did the offense is good enough and I strongly believe we could make the bullpen good enough. All you need after that is health and the right dominos to fall.

[MadThinker88]

Something to consider:

 

What is Super Two?

Players who qualify for “Super Two” designation — that is, the top 22 percent of MLB players with between two and three years of service time — will be eligible for arbitration four times as opposed to the standard three that the rest of the league will qualify.

Basically, teams can hold back a player beyond the super two deadline to retain 1 additional year of control before arbitration (saves tons of money).

Here are the last service times for previous super two deadlines:

Format: 2.130 = 2 years + 130 days

2016: 2.131

2015: 2.130

2014: 2.133

2013: 2.122

2012: 2.140

2011: 2.146

2010: 2.122

2009: 2.139

Each MLB season counts as around 183~ days of service. So basically, a prospect needs to be called up after 183 - , so for 2016: 183 - 131 = 52

It's pretty safe to assume the 2017 super two date will be between 2.120 and 2.140, or 63 and 43 days respectively.

Since the season started on April 2, 2017, this puts the super two date to be between: May 13 and June 4

Most teams will want to be positive they miss the deadline, so they will probably call prospects in mid to late June to be safe.

[adambr2]

Corey Knebel will be a Super 2 player next year if I am interpreting his service time correctly. Probably a rather expensive one if he's a 'closer'.

 

Pretty much every aspect of baseball has moved on to the 21st century while the arbitration process is still stuck in 1985, it's kind of funny.

[logan82]

I thought I read that the Brewers control Brinson another season if he stays in minor until around June 22nd? Is that a different reason or was that wrong?

 

Not sure where the June 22nd thing was mentioned but there's nothing significant about that date as far as I know. Brewers are safe on that additional control. They could bring Brinson up today and still control him for 6 seasons after this one (2018-2023).

You can bring a guy up about 2 weeks into the season and gain a year of control. A season is 183 days and you need 172 to earn a year of service time.

[pogokat]

I think the Brewers should buy low on a former MVP corner outfielder around the all star break. No prospects, just pay his salary.

 

After Braun, I think the brewers should empty the rubbish on Feliz, and maybe 2-3 other guys in the pen. I don't really care who replaces them, but I'm ready to see different faces in the pen.

 

I still kind've like Nick Franklin. But, when the next Eric Sogard or Jesus Aguilar shows up on waivers, I hope that dude gets Franklin's spot.

 

After that, I kinda want to see what this group of guys can do without any outside assistance. This is still kind've a hold harmless year, and even though it would be cool to win the division, I don't think most fans will be angry at the Brewers if they don't win the division. Sort've the exact opposite of the epic collapse a couple years ago.

[brewmann04]

I am 52 and really like to see us back in the playoffs but don't want to see them ruin their rebuild. But yes the need to make some internal moves for the pen

[HighHeat19]

Yes. Hader, Williams, and Woodruff in the pen.

 

Trade Broxton for an additional reliever and Hernan Perez can cover center.

[AKCheesehead]

"Buy" from the minors. Fill the bullpen needs from within. The best way to win this year also happens to be the cheapest, smartest and most convenient. I'd be fine with the right "salary acquisition" type of trade, but I see no reason to trade prospect of any anticipated future value.

 

I want: Hader in the bullpen first, potentially Williams or Ortiz later. If outfield becomes a more pressing need, I think Brinson's time has come. Once September callups happen I want Cooper's bat at the ready on the big league bench.