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

[pacopete4]

Too sensitive. Sorry, you feel that way but it sure as heck isn't condescending and it never was written to be that way. It's just a realization of where we are right now on our roster. We have an influx of players at certain positions. We haven't traded away those players because the trades aren't right. You may not like it, but that is where we are.

 

You are right about me not liking it, but expecting me to just accept it as "the way it is" is off base, in my opinion. As fans we have every right to question and even criticize the decisions the front office makes, or in this case, doesn't make.

 

But to call out speculation with more speculation is planting you firmly on the living room couch of a glass house.

 

I didn't say you had to accept it just that it is where the organization is at. If there were deals, they'd be made. There isn't a reason not to make the deals if there were some that Stearns liked. I don't know really think that is speculation but more so adding 2 +2. We've had many posters just say trade (insert player) for rotation pieces, or prospects or whatever else but if the trade isn't there, it isn't there. Like I mentioned to adambr2, it is beginning to be a staple of how Stearns operates. He won't just give away talent because he has a lot of it in a certain area and he shouldn't. I would love to see us make a deal that gets us a starting pitcher for Santana or Broxton but it just doesn't look like there really is a deal right now.

[82brewcrew82]

It is possible that DS is committed to seeing what this rotation has to offer before making a trade. There very well may be a trade out there that DS likes that he is just biding his time on. That is a far cry from us dimwitted folk not being able to wrap our heads around things, or maybe we aren't the dimwitted folks. The point is that this rotation did, and still does, need an upgrade. I can speculate on that one way or the other but at the end of the day it isn't my job to make that happen.

 

I don't buy there wasn't a trade to be made. Thy admitted they just about traded Santana twice so apparently there were opportunities to upgrade that DS did like. No, no we do not need to accept anything simply because that is the way it turned out. No one is asking DS to trade surplus talent just to trade it. We are asking him to trade surplus talent in an effective manner so that a weaker part of the team can be improved in a meaningful way.

[pacopete4]

When was Domingo Santana almost traded? Please link us to that. I do recall reports that GM's weren't as high on him as people thought and another report that Broxton might have more trade value than he does. That's twice during the offseason that reports were not good on a possible Santana trade.

[liveforoctober]

When was Domingo Santana almost traded? Please link us to that. I do recall reports that GM's weren't as high on him as people thought and another report that Broxton might have more trade value than he does. That's twice during the offseason that reports were not good on a possible Santana trade.

 

Being more tradeable and having more trade value are two entirely different things. In no world does Keon Broxton have more trade value than Domingo Santana, with all due respect.

[pacopete4]

When was Domingo Santana almost traded? Please link us to that. I do recall reports that GM's weren't as high on him as people thought and another report that Broxton might have more trade value than he does. That's twice during the offseason that reports were not good on a possible Santana trade.

 

Being more tradeable and having more trade value are two entirely different things. In no world does Keon Broxton have more trade value than Domingo Santana, with all due respect.

 

Yes good correction. Poor phrasing on my part there.

[FVBrewerFan]

So, adding Miller, Thames coming back, and Saladino ready soon there will be big decisions to make. What would you do?

 

First, they need to decide if they're going to carry 13 position players as long as possible. They could keep playing the options game with the pitching staff, and effectively use 13-15 pitchers, with only 12 on the 25 man at any one time. Seems like they could do this indefinitely all season, it seems to be working and opens up a roster spot for a bat.

 

So then you have a 5 man bench. Backup catcher is one, so there are four spots left. I think it starts with what you want to do with Arcia and Santana. They need regular ABs, whether it be in Milwaukee or CS. If they both stay, bench looks like this:

 

Santana

Miller

Saladino

Perez

Sogard- OUT

 

I'm struggling trying to figure out a line-up vs RHP and LHP. And it all comes back to whether Arcia and/or Santana are around again. If Villar starts at 2B vs RHP, where does Miller play? Do we really want him playing SS that many games? Struggling to figure out where/when Miller is going to play. Saladino is fine, at least for now, as the UT. You don't need to force any platoon splits with him.

 

The other thing that bother me is after all the shuffling Perez is still around. I honestly don't feel much better having him on the roster than Sogard. There must be a better option for the 25th guy on the roster?

 

Anyhow, just my random thoughts, interested in other opinions.

[pacopete4]

If Saladino comes back and hits, he stays. If he doesn’t, you hold onto Perez for the defensive part of playing multiple positions.

[NYChez]

When Saladino returns, Arcia likely gets sent back down. When Cain returns and if Broxton continues to play near his current level, then does that mean the end of the Sogard era? With Villar's recent struggles and Brad Miller a perhaps better option, is there a chance the Brewers do something with Villar?

[adambr2]

When Saladino returns, Arcia likely gets sent back down. When Cain returns and if Broxton continues to play near his current level, then does that mean the end of the Sogard era? With Villar's recent struggles and Brad Miller a perhaps better option, is there a chance the Brewers do something with Villar?

 

The Brewers would probably trade Villar, but if they can't get an offer I doubt they move on before Sogard. I honestly don't know if Villar has an option left, I am thinking no. If he does, he could very well see time in AAA. But they're on the hook for him this year so they won't just dump him. It's a problem for him if they don't like him anywhere but 2nd and he can't get PT at 2nd, though.

 

Sogard they can move on anytime for all I care, but I expect him to survive at least til the AS break. Arcia, barring a significant offensive improvement, probably goes down when Saladino returns, I agree.

 

With Broxton, I think some perspective is probably needed -- it's just one game, and he wasn't exactly destroying AAA pitching where it is likely that anything big is sustainable.

 

That said, I don't hate the idea of keeping him around as a 5th OFer. He can offer a lot off the bench -- some pop, some speed, and as a late defensive replacement. With the defensive sacrifices we are making in the OF Broxton might fit well as a bench guy.

[MrTPlush]

When Saladino returns, Arcia likely gets sent back down. When Cain returns and if Broxton continues to play near his current level, then does that mean the end of the Sogard era? With Villar's recent struggles and Brad Miller a perhaps better option, is there a chance the Brewers do something with Villar?

 

No, I don’t think they do anything with Villar. I think they would easily opt to dump Sogard. No one is picking up Eric Sogard, he would find his way back to AAA...someone probably takes a chance on Villar. As we know Stearns likes keeping depth.

 

Also that would leave no infielder on the bench that can hit right handed outside of Perez. They like to start Perez when they face lefties to give Travis Shaw rest. If you dump Villar that leaves you with Miller being forced to hit against lefties. Seems unlikely.

[Lathund]

Assuming a short DL stint for Cain and Saladino coming back soon:

 

C: Pina, Kratz (I wouldn't mind Nottingham there. But w/e)

1B: Aguilar

2B: Villar/Miller

SS: Saladino/Miller

3B: Shaw

 

OF: Braun, Cain, Yelich

 

1B/OF: Thames

Util: Perez

 

There's of course the option for a 5-man bench and rotating the last bullpen spot, but I prefer it this way tbh. Give Houser an extended look. Can get an extra bench bat for stretches where a 5th starter isn't needed. I'd also very much be in favor of trading Hernan Perez is there's a market for him, and seeing what Dylan Moore or even Nate Orf could do in that role. That extreme versatility is handy, but with 3 other SS-capable (Villar only when mid-game needs call for it, but still) players on the roster you only really need someone who can play 3B, 2B and corner OF. That .272 OBP and 70 wRC+ can be improved on. I don't believe in Orf/Moore as savours, but there's a good chance they beat that. And save $1.5m while doing it.

[LouisEly]

When Saladino returns, Arcia likely gets sent back down. When Cain returns and if Broxton continues to play near his current level, then does that mean the end of the Sogard era? With Villar's recent struggles and Brad Miller a perhaps better option, is there a chance the Brewers do something with Villar?

With Yelich and Braun iffy with bad backs I could see Sogard jettisoned for the time being at least and Phillips brought up.

[DuWayne Steurer]

Like others, starting to get puzzled and a little bit frustrated with the 25-man roster management. The Brewers are always playing two or three or even four men down lately. Stearns's habit of rotating that 7/8 spot in the bullpen bit us today. Theres no way there werent better organizational options than a 35 year old journeyman with a career 7+ era. When your option in a 1 run game is a 35 year old making his season debut after 5 years away, youre doing something wrong with roster management.

[rickh150]

Like others, starting to get puzzled and a little bit frustrated with the 25-man roster management. The Brewers are always playing two or three or even four men down lately. Stearns's habit of rotating that 7/8 spot in the bullpen bit us today. Theres no way there werent better organizational options than a 35 year old journeyman with a career 7+ era. When your option in a 1 run game is a 35 year old making his season debut after 5 years away, youre doing something wrong with roster management.

 

Or that DS finds those diamonds in the rough? Would you spin it the other way if Votto K's (should have according to K-zone) and Thames catches a fly ball? Just saying, it's easy to pile on....

[pacopete4]

Come Wednesday... do it!

 

C: Nottingham, Pina

1B: Thames, Aguilar

2B: Villar, Miller

SS: Miller, Saladino

3B: Shaw

LF: Braun

CF: Cain

RF: Santana, Phillips

[ThisIsMyCrew]

Where is Yelich?

[pacopete4]

Where is Yelich?

 

They said strong chance at DL so I did include him.

[ThisIsMyCrew]

Makes sense! I’m shocked Nottingham isn’t up. Nottingham is batting 311 with a 940 ops...granted some is Co Springs affect. But you can’t tell me he isn’t a possible upgrade.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Come Wednesday... do it!

 

C: Nottingham, Pina

1B: Thames, Aguilar

2B: Villar, Miller

SS: Miller, Saladino

3B: Shaw

LF: Braun

CF: Cain

RF: Santana, Phillips

 

You want Santana and his electric .273 average in AAA, along with no power, back up? Leave him there until he discovers his power stroke again. He's utterly worthless without it.

[pacopete4]

Come Wednesday... do it!

 

C: Nottingham, Pina

1B: Thames, Aguilar

2B: Villar, Miller

SS: Miller, Saladino

3B: Shaw

LF: Braun

CF: Cain

RF: Santana, Phillips

 

You want Santana and his electric .273 average in AAA, along with no power, back up? Leave him there until he discovers his power stroke again. He's utterly worthless without it.

 

I do. He’s already got a double and triple in a 22 at bats so it’s not like there’s no power display. He will be fine. We need offense and I’d be calling on him to help.

[Mr Southpaw]

Come Wednesday... do it!

 

C: Nottingham, Pina

1B: Thames, Aguilar

2B: Villar, Miller

SS: Miller, Saladino

3B: Shaw

LF: Braun

CF: Cain

RF: Santana, Phillips

 

You want Santana and his electric .273 average in AAA, along with no power, back up? Leave him there until he discovers his power stroke again. He's utterly worthless without it.

 

I do. He’s already got a double and triple in a 22 at bats so it’s not like there’s no power display. He will be fine. We need offense and I’d be calling on him to help.

 

I would call on Santana before Philllips and his electric and his .248 average with similar power. He does have a great arm, but if he can't hit at CS, can he hit at the mlb level?

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

 

I would call on Santana before Philllips and his electric and his .248 average with similar power. He does have a great arm, but if he can't hit at CS, can he hit at the mlb level?

 

I was really hoping either Santana or Phillips would establish themselves as the RF of the future this season, but alas ...

 

I love Phillips's defensive acumen and energy, but if he can't make contact, it's going to be tough for him to make an impact at the MLB level. He's only 24 though, so there is hope. Santana is much the same story, although he has a very good MLB season already on his resume. I think he profiles for more power than Phillips, albeit with similar swing-and-miss tendencies. The performances of both of those guys have been two of the team's biggest disappointments (along with Arcia) this season. Who would have thought at this point last year that Houser would end up looking like the second more valuable piece from that deal? Baseball is a funny game.