Free Agent SP

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

 

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Brewers have multiple low-ball offers sitting out there, and are waiting to hear back from players and/or their representatives. That is likely what happened with Chacin and Gallardo, and probably what is currently happening with Boone Logan. It just happens that the Logan info leaked somehow, while the other offers are being kept close to the vest. That is a stark difference from the way the Cardinals and Cubs seem to do business. Both teams have been linked to nearly every free agent or big-name potential trade acquisition out there. I have no doubt that info is being leaked deliberately in order to keep those fan bases interested and engaged.

 

Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

 

If the players can't do better from another team, is it really a low ball offer?

 

Good point. I'll further add, is it really a low ball offer when free agents are asking for almost double what previous comparable contracts dictate they deserve?

 

Ha! Perhaps "low-ball" should be changed to "market-appropriate"?

[TooLiveBrew]

I'm starting to get the feeling that the Brewers have multiple low-ball offers sitting out there, and are waiting to hear back from players and/or their representatives.

It's also possible the Brewers are just being used a a smokescreen for leverage. Everyone knows they're looking for another SP, & that they'd be able to spend. Though I do hope you're right about how the Gallardo & Chacin deals played out. I'd love for that to be Stearns's strategy. Just wait out the games of chicken, & sign the guys who settle for lesser deals.

 

Overall, I'm just reminded day in & day out of Stearns's quote from December 9th:

 

Regarding the team’s rotation needs, Stearns says that the organization’s “market and history” under his stewardship are “a better indicator of the types of moves we’re seeking than some of the external speculation.” That seemingly hints that the organization won’t be chasing high-end free agents, though perhaps some of the top pitchers could still be considered in the right circumstances

7 days after that, he signed Gallardo, & 12 days after the quote he signed Chacin.

 

I get that his quote could've just been posturing & trying to stay off the radar in terms of bigger-ticket players as well. I just think we're not seriously in on any of the high dollar value FAs. I think the big impact move will be a trade.

[wallus]

Bradford Doolittle from ESPN:

 

Which teams do you think will be most active in free agency over the next month?

 

Answer: Twins, Brewers and Rangers.

[KeithStone53151]

Bradford Doolittle from ESPN:

 

Which teams do you think will be most active in free agency over the next month?

 

Answer: Twins, Brewers and Rangers.

 

Wow, a guy from ESPN knows Milwaukee and Minnesota have baseball teams? Maybe they are turning a corner...

[jerichoholicninja]

Bradford Doolittle from ESPN:

 

Which teams do you think will be most active in free agency over the next month?

 

Answer: Twins, Brewers and Rangers.

 

Wow, a guy from ESPN knows Milwaukee and Minnesota have baseball teams? Maybe they are turning a corner...

 

Just threw darts at a map for teams to make up a story to fill space.

[DR28]

Darvish has trimmed his teams and also mentioned a mystery team.

 

Stearns has said to kicking the tires on all SPs this offseason but I highly doubt we're the mystery team.

 

Darvish

Anderson

Davies

Chacin

Woodruff

 

Would be fricken nice!!

[Lathund]

Darvish for 5/80-90??!?

 

Essentially that article is making two points. One is that the comparatively small return for Cole, which the Yankees, who were very much in the running for Cole, could easily have matched, would suggest they have someone else in mind, who makes sense financially. Which I agree with; and that could very well be Darvish. But then goes on to claim they seem to think he's available for 5 years and 80-90 million, which I really can't see happening. Surely at that point several other teams would come in with 5/95 or w/e, there's room to outbid that. I'm very much against the big FA deals for players 30+, but at that price even I would't mind. Admittedly that would be as much due to how much I like to watch Darvish pitch as it would due to it being the best move, but still.

[Eye Black]

If Darvish’s market fell anywhere near those numbers (which I can’t see happening), then I would be surprised if the Brewers weren’t involved. While Stearns downplayed going after a large contract starting pitcher, he also said: “We’re always looking to get better. We remain interested if the right opportunities are presented to us." Getting Darvish for below $20 million AAV for less than 5 years would seem to be a steal.

 

Darvish is the one starting pitcher I would be ecstatic to see the Brewers break the bank for. I am weary of both Arrieta and Lynn, especially on 4-5 year deals. Darvish on the other hand seems like best bet to perform at a high level for the next several years. While I don’t think those numbers cited are going to come to fruition, even if the market came down towards something like 5 years at $120 million I would hope the Brewers joined the mix of potential suitors.

 

Another thing to consider I suppose, it seems the Brewers are currently planning with the long view in mind rather than viewing themselves at the doorstep of a short competitive window. Because of the volatility involved with projecting pitchers as they age, maybe elite starting pitching should be the last thing the Brewers look to add? If they pass on adding a SP on this year’s FA or trade market it may increase their chances of adding the best possible fit when the position players are more solidified and nearing their peak. I know that isn’t necessarily what we all want to consider coming off an 86 win season, but this upcoming year’s collection of position players is not likely to be as strong offensively as what we hope for by the early 2020’s. Also, while the number of competitive teams in the NL is low this year, the top NL teams still project to be very good.

[JohnBriggs12]

I would assume Matt Arnold will have a major say in if he throw big money at Cobb. (Rays connection)

 

Hickey (the new Cub pitching coack) came from the Rays and so did Maddon of course, so they have connection as well.

[JohnBriggs12]

Bradford Doolittle from ESPN:

 

Which teams do you think will be most active in free agency over the next month?

 

Answer: Twins, Brewers and Rangers.

 

Wow, a guy from ESPN knows Milwaukee and Minnesota have baseball teams? Maybe they are turning a corner...

 

Just threw darts at a map for teams to make up a story to fill space.

 

All the big market teams want to avoid luxury tax and save space for next year's FA crop. Twins and Brewers have salary room and could contend. The rest are still rebuilding. Teams like Cards and Phillies could still do something too.

[MrTPlush]

My oh my why does everyone have to be so negative? I understand some posts are a week old or so, but why must any connection we have be nothing? Why are our offers low ball offers? Why? Any reasoning behind that?

 

Maybe Stearns actually wants to improve our rotation and with a huge amount of payroll will put in an aggressive offer. Especially if someone can be had for less years than they wanted(3 years for example).

[adambr2]

My oh my why does everyone have to be so negative? I understand some posts are a week old or so, but why must any connection we have be nothing? Why are our offers low ball offers? Why? Any reasoning behind that?

 

Maybe Stearns actually wants to improve our rotation and with a huge amount of payroll will put in an aggressive offer. Especially if someone can be had for less years than they wanted(3 years for example).

 

Lowball offers aren't necessarily a negative thing. For various reasons sometimes just making sure your rivals have to make competitive offers, it's important to at least maintain perception of being involved.

 

And an aggressive offer isn't necessarily a positive thing, especially if it's a 4 or 5 year offer to someone like Arrieta who is a virtual guarantee to be an albatross contract at the end.

[pacopete4]

My oh my why does everyone have to be so negative? I understand some posts are a week old or so, but why must any connection we have be nothing? Why are our offers low ball offers? Why? Any reasoning behind that?

 

Maybe Stearns actually wants to improve our rotation and with a huge amount of payroll will put in an aggressive offer. Especially if someone can be had for less years than they wanted(3 years for example).

 

[sarcasm]I’m not sure how to put videos in blue lol just having some fun with your rant.[/sarcasm]

[ThisIsMyCrew]

Reports have it that Yu Darvish could be had at “reasonable” price of 5 yr 80-90 mil. He will be 31. Short term memory only reminds me of his World Series performance.

[Warning Track Power]

I called into MLB Network Radio this morning and spoke to Jim Duquette and Jim Bowden...summarizing what they said:

 

-Archer trade has zero momentum. TB wants to keep him.

-Brewers are in on Darvish and Arrieta despite denials from their FO. Bowden said his sources are saying they are definitely in there. Both believe they have a strong shot at getting one of Darvish, Arrieta, Cobb or Lynn.

-Brewers will have to add SP via FA and not via trade. Sounds like Brewers want to keep their prospects.

-Brewers still in on Neil Walker although they are competing with the Mets.

 

Nothing groundbreaking but both believe that a SP and 2B will be added. Darvish/Arrieta and Walker would be fun late offseason adds for the Brewers especially if they keep the farm intact.

 

(Side note...the Mets trying to bring the band back together with Bruce and Walker. Why? I don't get their moves.)

[MrTPlush]

It would be fun to have a Darvish/Arrieta...if of course they give us some TOR production for a few years. I think the prices are in the Brewers grasps(at least on Darvish). Think I would skip Arrieta at 5 years though.

[pacopete4]

Bruce, Walker and Gonzo. Sounds like the Yankees strategy a few years back.

[DR28]

I called into MLB Network Radio this morning and spoke to Jim Duquette and Jim Bowden...summarizing what they said:

 

-Archer trade has zero momentum. TB wants to keep him.

-Brewers are in on Darvish and Arrieta despite denials from their FO. Bowden said his sources are saying they are definitely in there. Both believe they have a strong shot at getting one of Darvish, Arrieta, Cobb or Lynn.

-Brewers will have to add SP via FA and not via trade. Sounds like Brewers want to keep their prospects.

-Brewers still in on Neil Walker although they are competing with the Mets.

 

Nothing groundbreaking but both believe that a SP and 2B will be added. Darvish/Arrieta and Walker would be fun late offseason adds for the Brewers especially if they keep the farm intact.

 

(Side note...the Mets trying to bring the band back together with Bruce and Walker. Why? I don't get their moves.)

 

Good, I hope we add Darvish or Arrieta.

[superfly]

My oh my why does everyone have to be so negative? I understand some posts are a week old or so, but why must any connection we have be nothing? Why are our offers low ball offers? Why? Any reasoning behind that?

 

Maybe Stearns actually wants to improve our rotation and with a huge amount of payroll will put in an aggressive offer. Especially if someone can be had for less years than they wanted(3 years for example).

 

Sign somebody - WE SPENT TOO MUCH or THIS GUY STINKS

 

Don't sign somebody - WHY ISN'T STEARNS DOING ANYTHING

[NOMAAM]

Lance Lynn of the big 4 pitchers is the guy I'd be concerned with signing to a multi-year deal even if it is just 3 yrs.

[jerichoholicninja]

Darvish and hard pass on everyone else.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Darvish - Sure, if he'd come to Milwaukee. Seems like he has his heart set on a big market, though.

 

Cobb - Eh, he's OK, but I don't see what he's going to give you that Chacin isn't going to give you at a much, much lower salary.

 

Lynn - Hard NO! I am jaded because every former Cardinal pitcher the Brewers pick up Seems to turn to crap. Thanks Suppan, Lohse and Looper!

 

Arrieta - His signing would make me nervous due to the money involved, but he doesn't seem like the type that would go in the tank after signing a big deal. Very competitive dude. Keeps himself in top physical shape. Has been very durable. If they are intent on signing someone, and Darvish doesn't want to go to Milwaukee, I wouldn't mind Arrieta.

[MrTPlush]

Kyle Lohse gave us two pretty stellar seasons on a 3 year deal. From a production standpoint that deal worked out lovely for us.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Kyle Lohse gave us two pretty stellar seasons on a 3 year deal. From a production standpoint that deal worked out lovely for us.

 

After two decent to good seasons in 2013 and 2014, Lohse fell off a cliff in 2015, seemingly out of nowhere. Suppan was decent to poor in 2007 and 2008 before falling off a cliff in 2009. Somehow Looper magically won 14 games for that same 2009 club, but did it with some of the best run support in the league.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is if they sign Lynn, try to get him to sign a 2-year deal LOL. Or don't expect much out of him in the 2020 season.

[billymac]

My prediction is that noon on January 28th at OnDeck, they will announce their FA SP signing.