2018 Brewers 25 Man Roster [Latest: Starting rotation set, post #445]

[BrewCrewBlueDevil]

SP: Anderson, Woodruff, Davies, Hader

RP: Hughes, Barnes, Guerra, Suter, Williams, Swarzak, Knebel

C: Piña, Vogt

1B: Thamed, Aguilar platoon (I am not 100% sold on Aguilar)

2B: Walker

3B: Shaw

SS: Arcia

UT: Sogard, Perez

OF: Braun, Santana, Phillips, (sign/trade for an OF)

 

Package Villar and Broxton for your SP or OF? Two premium players or salary could easily be added.

[FVBrewerFan]

I would rather see Arcia start at SS than be the back-up at 3B.

[bork]

Swarzak, Sogard and Walker are free agents. I can't see Walker back at his salary and I imagine Swarzak's price has gone up with how he's pitched with the Brewers. Sogard could be back, but do you go with him and Villar again or look elsewhere?

[Devinep]

SP-Anderson, FA (I'll predict Lance Lynn), Davies, woodruff, Hader

RP: knebel, re-sign Swarzak, Jeffress, Barnes, Suter, Hughes, acquire a 7th RP in Keon Broxton trade.

 

C-Alex Avila/pina platoon

1B-Thames/Aguilar platoon

2B-Howie Kendrick - many options in FA/trade

Ss-Arica

3B-Shaw

LF-Braun

Cf-Brinson

RF-Santana

 

Bench - other halves of platoons, Phillips, and 1 of Villar/Perez (trade the other since they're redundant )

[Lathund]

My view is to not deviate from the long-term player development plan already in place, so my 2018 roster would look mainly to evaluate what's already in the system. Not commit to long-term big contracts when we don't know where they'll be needed etc.

 

Some areas of interest:

- Villar: Can he get back to anywhere near 2016 form? If the Brewers believe the answer is yes, then make him your starter. If not, trade him. Sadly he probably has close to 0 trade value right now, so I lean towards sticking with him. But with a relatively short leash. If you move on, is it in favour of a veteran (Resigning Walker, trading for Kinsler, or some other move) or trying out Orf/Dubon or other internal option?

- Hader, Suter: Bullpen or starters? If starters, is there a need to piggyback them or make other arrangements? Will having two starters who might not go deep into games have too big an impact on the bullpen?

- Rotation: Top of the rotation is going to be light without Jimmy. Make the corresponding big move there now, or wait and see how the current options (In majors and minors) pan out, and if/when/how Jimmy comes back? I'm in the latter camp, but with signing some rotation depth. But it all depends on the market; if a #2 starter can be had at good value, go for it. But don't force it.

- Outfield: Honestly not much of an issue right now IMO. Broxton (I think, since he wasn't down for more than 20 days), Brinson and Phillips will still have options so don't really need to get rid of anyone. I'd explore the market mainly for Broxton though, as his bat doesn't play in the corner spots and Brinson/Phillips are there to play CF. But if the demand for Santana is high I'm open for that as well.

- 1B: Stick with the current platoon for 2018/19 until (Or if...) Gatewood/Erceg (Erceg to play 3B, which would allow Shaw to play 1B) arrive? Do we want to carry two 1B only players? What options are even out there for a reasonable cost and reasonable contract length? Explore playing Braun there, at least part time?

- Utility spot(s): Perez? Sogard? Dubon? Orf? I really like Sogard's approach, something very different to most of our lineup. And I like his defense. But does he offer enough? Hernán has great versatility which is valuable, especially if we run with a short bench again. I don't want him as the primary backup anywhere (Other than maybe SS/2B) though; and with a 4-man bench he would need to be. Another thing to factor in are remaining minor league options.

- Bullpen: For the most part fine tbh. Resign Swarzak or look for another good Setup/Closer type of reliever. Upgrade the spots Drake and Torres occupied; especially important if Hader goes to the rotation. Other than that mainly rely on the returning players.

 

So, keeping in mind all of the above, and going with a 5-man bench and 7-man bullpen.

SP: Davies, Anderson, Woodruff. 2 from new signing/Hader/Suter. (Guerra to start in AAA as depth)

RP: Suter/Hader, Hughes, Barnes, Jeffress, new signing/internal option, Swarzak/new signing, Knebel.

 

C: Piña, new signing (Or Vogt if we can't find an upgrade)

1B: Thames/Aguilar platoon

2B: Villar

3B: Shaw

SS: Arcia

LF: Braun

CF: Phillips/Brinson platoon. Also regular playing time at RF/LF due to rest days, injuries, defensive substitutions etc.

RF: Santana

 

Util: Perez, one of Sogard/Orf/Dubon

 

If 4-man bench and 8-man pen then only Perez as infield backup, and add a LH specialist to the pen.

[patrickgpe]

isn't it way too early for this. 2017 is not even over and they are still in the wild card. nobody knows what DS will do. I think they will add a decent SP and try to fix the pen and keep everyday player roster as close to the same as possible but who knows?

[djoctagone]

SP: Davies, Anderson, Woodruff. 2 from new signing/Hader/Suter. (Guerra to start in AAA as depth)

guerra will be out of options in 2018. he'd have to clear waivers to be outrighted to aaa.

[KeithStone53151]

SP: Davies, Anderson, Woodruff. 2 from new signing/Hader/Suter. (Guerra to start in AAA as depth)

guerra will be out of options in 2018. he'd have to clear waivers to be outrighted to aaa.

 

I think you either use Guerra in the bullpen or take that risk that he won't clear waivers. There's a very real chance he loses he 40 man spot(or is traded) before rule 5 anyways.

[JohnBriggs12]

isn't it way too early for this. 2017 is not even over and they are still in the wild card. nobody knows what DS will do. I think they will add a decent SP and try to fix the pen and keep everyday player roster as close to the same as possible but who knows?

 

Completely agree but here's some thoughts. I don't think Villar will be back. Brewers have too many contact challenged hitters and the fact that he's not starting down the stretch is telling. Either he gets traded or is non-tendered. Either Sogard or Walker will be signed and return though likely not both. Walker's cost at age 32 will not be prohibitive and will be nowhere near his current salary. Sogard has proven to be a handy piece as well and will be a value FA. Broxton will go in a trade (most likely a fairly minor one). They'll start next year with Phillips in CF and bring Brinson up early in the season. Until Brinson arrives, look for Perez to platoon with Phillips.

 

Guerra will be in the mix to fill a rotation spot in Arizona, but could very well wind up in the pen taking up Torres' spot. Either way, I think he makes to opening day roster. When healthy, he still misses bats.

 

I think they'll try and keep Swarzak too. They might have to pay a little more than they'd like, but they aren't bringing back Torres and won't have Feliz' salary either so they'll invest in some bullpen veterans so why not Swarzak? He's not going to command more than 2 years, and he's not going to get closer money.

 

Other trade candidates: Aguilar, Perez, Barnes, Hughes, Braun

[wildcat2237]

I like almost everything that has been said so far. I have two comments to add.

 

1. I believe Brent Suter deserves a shot at the 5th starter spot. He continues to give a good 4-6 innings every time he gets a start. Keeps hitters of balance and knows how to pitch. I believe Suter is more than a LOOGY.

 

2. I would not even consider Hader in the rotation. Hader has been electric as a reliever. I would groom him to be the closer of the future like the Brewers have done with Knebel.

 

So, with that I suggest:

 

1. Anderson

2. Davies

3. Woodruff

4. FA Signing/Trade Acquisition/Scrap Heap Pickup

5. Suter

[OnaBadger58]

2. I would not even consider Hader in the rotation. Hader has been electric as a reliever. I would groom him to be the closer of the future like the Brewers have done with Knebel.

 

I think Hader will spend most of next year in the pen, but you have to try him out in the rotation. Right now, the Brewers don't have the SP to not give Hader a legit look for the rotation. And if Hader is in the bullpen full time, I feel like he would be much more valuable in his role right now than in the closer's role. Put him in during hi-leverage situations, for 1 batter, for 6 batters, or whatever the game situation asks for. That has more value than strictly the 9th inning.

[KeithStone53151]

2. I would not even consider Hader in the rotation. Hader has been electric as a reliever. I would groom him to be the closer of the future like the Brewers have done with Knebel.

 

I think Hader will spend most of next year in the pen, but you have to try him out in the rotation. Right now, the Brewers don't have the SP to not give Hader a legit look for the rotation. And if Hader is in the bullpen full time, I feel like he would be much more valuable in his role right now than in the closer's role. Put him in during hi-leverage situations, for 1 batter, for 6 batters, or whatever the game situation asks for. That has more value than strictly the 9th inning.

 

I don't understand why so many are unwilling to give Hader a look in the rotation. Sure he's been a phenomenal reliever, but he would have so much more value if he remained effective as a starter. He's been so much better with his off speed and control over the last month or so, those argument against him in the rotation are growing less and less valid. If it doesn't work out for whatever reason, the bullpen is the fallback option.

[OnaBadger58]

2. I would not even consider Hader in the rotation. Hader has been electric as a reliever. I would groom him to be the closer of the future like the Brewers have done with Knebel.

 

I think Hader will spend most of next year in the pen, but you have to try him out in the rotation. Right now, the Brewers don't have the SP to not give Hader a legit look for the rotation. And if Hader is in the bullpen full time, I feel like he would be much more valuable in his role right now than in the closer's role. Put him in during hi-leverage situations, for 1 batter, for 6 batters, or whatever the game situation asks for. That has more value than strictly the 9th inning.

 

I don't understand why so many are unwilling to give Hader a look in the rotation. Sure he's been a phenomenal reliever, but he would have so much more value if he remained effective as a starter. He's been so much better with his off speed and control over the last month or so, those argument against him in the rotation are growing less and less valid. If it doesn't work out for whatever reason, the bullpen is the fallback option.

I agree he deserves a shot at becoming a SP (and he could be a very good SP), but it's not that black and white. His 95-98mph fastball as a reliever will be more like 92-95mph as a starter. His fastball percentage is in the Bartolo Colon and Lance Lynn area, which I'm not sure is attainable for him as a SP. He may need to throw 5-10% more offspead pitches which are still a work in progress from a command standpoint. Hitters haven't seen him 2-3 times a game.

 

There are still a ton of unknowns about Hader becoming a SP. It all comes down to his command of his offspead pitches. If he can consistently throw his slider for stirkes and toss in a change up every now and then, he will be in the rotation.

[clancyphile]

c: Pina

1b: Thames/Aguilar

2b: Walker

ss: Arcia

3b: Shaw

lf: Braun

cf: Phillips/Brinson

rf: Santana

 

bench: Vogt, Aguilar/Thames, Phillips/Brinson, Perez, Villar, Sogard

rotation: Anderson, Davies, Suter, Woodruff, Jungmann

bullpen: Knebel, Hader, Jeffress, T. Williams, Barnes, Wang, Guerra

 

Trade: OF Keon Broxton and RHP Aaron Wilkerson to Chicago White Sox for 1B Casey Gillaspie, LHP Ian Clarkan, and LHP Bernardo Flores

[3and2Fastball]

I think it'd be a mistake to give up on Villar. Unless he has an injury or issue that the public isn't aware of, it seems clear that Counsell has given up on him at least for this season, but what remains unclear is how Stearns values him moving forwards.

 

I doubt they'll keep both Perez & Villar longterm, especially considering that Dubon can likely provide similar production that either of them provided in 2017, except with better defense.

 

I'd like to see us deal from a position of strength at the winter meetings and trade Brinson for pitching. Phillips can play CF.

 

I'd prefer that we do not resign Walker, Sogard, Vogt and instead use that money on the bullpen.

[KeithStone53151]

I think it'd be a mistake to give up on Villar. Unless he has an injury or issue that the public isn't aware of, it seems clear that Counsell has given up on him at least for this season, but what remains unclear is how Stearns values him moving forwards.

 

I doubt they'll keep both Perez & Villar longterm, especially considering that Dubon can likely provide similar production that either of them provided in 2017, except with better defense.

 

I'd like to see us deal from a position of strength at the winter meetings and trade Brinson for pitching. Phillips can play CF.

 

I'd prefer that we do not resign Walker, Sogard, Vogt and instead use that money on the bullpen.

 

The beauty of this off season will be the options available. Considering how many different directions he could go, I actually suspect Stearns will make some decisions that some of us will strongly disagree with. But Stearns has done wonders with this roster in 2 years, have faith and hope for the best.

[bork]

I'd prefer that we do not resign Walker, Sogard, Vogt and instead use that money on the bullpen.

 

I'm pretty sure Vogt is arby eligible and not a FA. I don't see Walker being back. Of all the free agents, I hope they resign Swarzak. I know bullpen guys are unpredictable, but he's the only guy in the bullpen who doesn't walk anyone.

[OnaBadger58]

I'd like to see us deal from a position of strength at the winter meetings and trade Brinson for pitching.

I would at least look into this as well. Do you look for established talent (Archer, Fulmer, Stroman, Rodon) or do you try to trade for a prospect knocking on the door (Buehler, Honeywell, McKenzie)?

[pacopete4]

After looking at the free agent catchers to be, I'll take Pina and Vogt back in a heartbeat. Unless Lucroy wants to crawl back on a huge discount looking to rebound.

 

Is CC Sabathia a free agent? Let's sign him to replace Nelson.

[clancyphile]

I think it'd be a mistake to give up on Villar. Unless he has an injury or issue that the public isn't aware of, it seems clear that Counsell has given up on him at least for this season, but what remains unclear is how Stearns values him moving forwards.

 

I doubt they'll keep both Perez & Villar longterm, especially considering that Dubon can likely provide similar production that either of them provided in 2017, except with better defense.

 

I'd like to see us deal from a position of strength at the winter meetings and trade Brinson for pitching. Phillips can play CF.

 

I'd prefer that we do not resign Walker, Sogard, Vogt and instead use that money on the bullpen.

 

The beauty of this off season will be the options available. Considering how many different directions he could go, I actually suspect Stearns will make some decisions that some of us will strongly disagree with. But Stearns has done wonders with this roster in 2 years, have faith and hope for the best.

 

Right now, the Brewers have the money to sign Walker as a stop-gap until Hiura comes up. There are lots of arm options in-house for the bullpen. And a "bench mob" of Sogard, Villar, and Perez provides outstanding depth in case someone gets hurt.

 

Now, if Stearns gets an outstanding offer for one of the bench mob, he should go for it, but otherwise, stand pat, and leverage that depth.

[KeithStone53151]

I'm very torn on the Walker/Villar debate. On one hand, I'd like to see Villar head into the offseason, work his tail off, and get back to 2016 form. I'm sure everyone on this board would be happy to have 2016 villar back. On the other, a player like walker is incredibly valuable to this team and the price might be right. It may end up moot if Walker commands big bucks in FA. I'll be curious the route we go.

[FVBrewerFan]

I'd prefer that we do not resign Walker, Sogard, Vogt and instead use that money on the bullpen.

 

They could sign all those guys for the price of Garza's contract coming off, more or less. That would still put them at the lowest salary in MLB, so enough money to spend on the bullpen, SP, and bats.

 

Not saying they should ramp up payroll drastically this year, but they certainly could.

[MadThinker88]

I'd like to see us deal from a position of strength at the winter meetings and trade Brinson for pitching.

I would at least look into this as well. Do you look for established talent (Archer, Fulmer, Stroman, Rodon) or do you try to trade for a prospect knocking on the door (Buehler, Honeywell, McKenzie)?

 

Allow me to update the prospect target list & add another 'established' name for consideration.

I have struck thru the name of Triston McKenzie and here is why.

a) McKenzie isn't knocking on the door yet. He hasn't even pitched in AA yet so he is not even a thought for a 2018 roster. At least the others have pitched in the majors or AAA post-season this month.

b) McKenzie is conversation stopper for Cleveland. He isn't going anywhere. Triston was untouchable in talks for Lucroy and for Andrew Miller in 2015. Nothing has changed in that regard. In fact the Tribe is likely looking at him as an successor to one of Kluber/ Carrasco in a few seasons..

 

As for an established name, I submit Danny Salazar.

In his favor Salazar still has three years of club control (per Baseball Reference, FA after 2020 season) and when 'right' he is absolutely filthy and dominating as a pitcher.

To be honest, I don't know how 'right' he is anymore. In the past medical tests would show something & it would be addressed. Now those tests come back clean/ acceptable and he will do well for a stretch. Then he will get touched up & not be as effective. He will suggest arm/ elbow issue & get tested again. Medical reports come back ok so is it an issue between his ears? Possible. Just as possible he needs a fresh perspective. At this point there is no guarantee Salazar makes the 2017 post season roster for Cleveland, let alone as a starter. There is even a chance he is out of the Cleveland rotation in 2018 (Kluber/ Carrasco/ Bauer/ Clevinger/ Tomlin) so Salazar might be available in a trade.. Its worth a phone call/ conversation..

[adambr2]

I'd prefer that we do not resign Walker, Sogard, Vogt and instead use that money on the bullpen.

 

They could sign all those guys for the price of Garza's contract coming off, more or less. That would still put them at the lowest salary in MLB, so enough money to spend on the bullpen, SP, and bats.

 

Not saying they should ramp up payroll drastically this year, but they certainly could.

 

Walker alone should get more than what Garza makes this year. I think people are underestimating his market for years and dollars.

 

If he's willing to stick around for 2/25, great. Otherwise, I'd pass. I'm more hopeful on bringing back Swarzek, but no idea really on his market. 2/12?

 

This isn't going to be a real popular opinion, but I think 2018 may be a bit of a transitional season. There's just too many factors working against us, particularly with the Nelson injury. Most of our top arms in the minors look more like 2019 or later help than 2018, and I don't expect Brinson to be a huge factor next year.

 

So all in all, I don't expect them to go back into rebuilding mode, but I could see a bit of a step back to the 75-80 win range. Then with some top arms emerging and Nelson (hopefully) returning to full strength, 2019 may really be when our window starts to open.

 

They may choose to be rather aggressive in the off-season with signs and trades to try to keep that from happening, and that's fine, but I hope they don't get too aggressive with trading away farm pieces to do it.

[KeithStone53151]

They could sign all those guys for the price of Garza's contract coming off, more or less. That would still put them at the lowest salary in MLB, so enough money to spend on the bullpen, SP, and bats.

 

Not saying they should ramp up payroll drastically this year, but they certainly could.

 

Walker alone should get more than what Garza makes this year. I think people are underestimating his market for years and dollars.

 

If he's willing to stick around for 2/25, great. Otherwise, I'd pass. I'm more hopeful on bringing back Swarzek, but no idea really on his market. 2/12?

 

This isn't going to be a real popular opinion, but I think 2018 may be a bit of a transitional season. There's just too many factors working against us, particularly with the Nelson injury. Most of our top arms in the minors look more like 2019 or later help than 2018, and I don't expect Brinson to be a huge factor next year.

 

So all in all, I don't expect them to go back into rebuilding mode, but I could see a bit of a step back to the 75-80 win range. Then with some top arms emerging and Nelson (hopefully) returning to full strength, 2019 may really be when our window starts to open.

 

They may choose to be rather aggressive in the off-season with signs and trades to try to keep that from happening, and that's fine, but I hope they don't get too aggressive with trading away farm pieces to do it.

 

I agree that's a route we COULD go. We could retool a couple pieces and give more young guys opportunities. I think it's more likely that we spend some money on 2-3 year deals for significant bullpen pieces, make a play for a high-end SP, make the obvious move with our OF situation(trade broxton, phillips starting with brinson at AAA briefly), and possibly try and re-sign walker depending on his price tag. If we sign walker, I would think we also trade one of Villar/Thames. Those moves along with improvement from our young players would likely net us more wins in 2018 than this year.