Fixing 2B/C

[wallus]

I think we are far enough along in the season to see that these two positions are a problem offensively. I do not think the team is good enough to make the playoffs as it is now but it is not far away. Even getting average offensive production out of these positions would really help the team.

 

I do not think it would be wise to spend a lot of prospects to try and do it. So what do we have that could help us get a couple of useful players? Payroll Flexibility. We take on less than desirable contracts to improve the team without giving up a lot of assets. So below are a couple of trades that might be an option.

 

Catcher Salvador Perez, KC Royals. Contract: 2018 ($7,500,000) 2019 ($10,000,000) 2020 ($13,000,000) 2021 ($13,000,000) This would be a pretty big contract to take on but I assume the Royals would pick up a little bit of it if we added a decent prospect. We could also offset a little money by sending them Sogard which would really not increase payroll a lot for this season.

 

2nd Baseman Starlin Castro, Miami Marlins. Contract: 2018 ($10,000,000) 2019 ($11,000,000) 2020 ($16,000,000 with a $1,000,000 buyout) Miami stinks and does not have a need for Castro. Castro's contract should lineup pretty well with the develop of Hiura. He would be a steady, veteran player where you have a good idea what you are going to get. I would also send them Villar as he needs a change of scenery and could be productive for Miami. I won't guess on what prospects it would take get Castro but I would assume not a whole lot. He would not get near that kind of money on the free agent market.

 

New Lineup

 

Cain

Yelich

Braun

Shaw

Santana

Perez

Castro

Arcia

Pitcher

 

This new lineup should be quite a bit more consistent than what we have now. I think this team would have a very good/likely shot of making the playoffs. I did not guess on the prospects needed to make these trades because they wouldn't be top quality ones.

[pacopete4]

I like it. If Realmuto is too expensive, Perez would be a fine get for this team. Pushing Pina into a backup role would be a a great thing for us.

[Fear The Chorizo]

I'd much rather go shopping for veteran rentals at these positions not tied into longterm deals as the deadline approaches - they can probably be had for similar to less prospect value and won't hamper long term payroll flexibility.

 

Kinda hoping the A's crater over the next 1-2 months, making Lowrie and Lucroy available...

[JosephC]

The highest opening day payroll the Brewers have ever had is 104 million. They opened this year at 90 million. After subtracting some money out for players lost (Vogt, Sogard, etc), adding some money back in for players that will get a raise (Yelich, etc), then subtracting some money out for players that will get less money in 2019 (Chacin) and most significantly adding in all the money that will be spent on arbitration raises (especially first year arbitration eligibles) and it's likely the Brewers will sit at something like 95-100 million without making any other moves.

 

I really doubt Attanasio boosts the payroll above 110 million next year, so adding a player like Castro would likely put the club somewhere around 107-108 million and basically leave them no room to make other moves asssuming my 110 million guess is correct. Would the front office really want to do that for a player like Castro? Personally I wouldn't.

 

And I highly doubt the Royals would deal Perez unless absolutely blown away by an offer. They lost a ton of payroll last year and are really not under any stress where they have to lose more. Perez is loved and is a true team leader. They may be bad now, but Perez is only 27 and is the type to rebuild around. He has significant OBP problems, but the other parts of the equation (defense, slugging) make up for that. They'd ask for a huge return...IMO the ask would be much higher than what he value should be when looking at WAR/surplus value type estimates.

[bill hAll Star]

I don't think either of these teams are just going to give these guys away to shed payroll anymore. Both teams have pretty clear books going forward. They'll hold these guys until they rot or until they get a bit of value in return.

[reillymcshane]

Salvador Perez is a good player, and his contract - while not small - isn't out of line for his talent.

 

Concerns: He turns 28 this month, but has a lot of miles on his body. He had a minor ligament tear in spring training - and missed 3-4 weeks. And most importantly, his defense - while once stellar - isn't what it used to be. Part of this is just getting older. He's a big guy - 6'3"/240lbs - and he's likely lost some of the quickness and agility he had when he was younger.

 

Another thing - he doesn't walk - so his OBP is right around .300 for his career.

 

While not a great player, Perez would be a welcome addition. His bat is okay - but wouldn't be a game changer. Still, it would be a nice upgrade from our current receiving corps.

 

Personally, I wouldn't give a ton for the guy - considering his contract. But I doubt KC is going to deal him for cheap. They really value him, and probably see him as a great resource while rebuilding their roster.

 

In the end, it can't hurt to ask.

[MadThinker88]

Salvador Perez is a good player, and his contract - while not small - isn't out of line for his talent.

 

Concerns: He turns 28 this month, but has a lot of miles on his body. He had a minor ligament tear in spring training - and missed 3-4 weeks. And most importantly, his defense - while once stellar - isn't what it used to be. Part of this is just getting older. He's a big guy - 6'3"/240lbs - and he's likely lost some of the quickness and agility he had when he was younger.

 

Another thing - he doesn't walk - so his OBP is right around .300 for his career.

 

While not a great player, Perez would be a welcome addition. His bat is okay - but wouldn't be a game changer. Still, it would be a nice upgrade from our current receiving corps.

 

Personally, I wouldn't give a ton for the guy - considering his contract. But I doubt KC is going to deal him for cheap. They really value him, and probably see him as a great resource while rebuilding their roster.

 

In the end, it can't hurt to ask.

 

I agree it would not hurt to ask the Royals. That said I expect their asking price to be much higher then many anticipate as they have started their rebuild.

 

While the Royals have a number of picks in this coming draft (considered 1 of the deepest in years) and arguably on of the worst (or the worst farm system) in the game, they expected/ were planning on 1 more comp pick from Moose signing elsewhere. That didn't happen & he signed a 1 yr deal to come back to KC. KC can't tag him with a QO again & it is doubtful they will get much for him if he is dealt around the deadline. As such, they will look to get as much value as they can with a Sal Perez deal. On the flip side, holding onto Sal for the Royals should help out a patch work pitching staff during the early stages of the rebuild, perhaps accelerating it.

[JohnBriggs12]

Wellington Castillo is a target worth considering. Good arm. Has always been a solid hitter. He's not cheap as he's just into a 2 year $15 million deal with a $500K buyout but he's performed to his contract (.790 OPS) to this point.

[adambr2]

I’m obviously dreaming pretty big here, but if we’re at or near 1st at the deadline, what do you think a Realmuto/Castro package would cost?

 

We can live with being patient with Arcia if we can get something from the other two spots. This would solve that. Castro is probably just average production for 2nd, but better than what we’ve got, and JT is obviously well above average.

 

I’m guessing the Castro part of the trade wouldn’t cost much more than taking his salary. The Realmuto part of the trade, that will be pricey.

[wallus]

I’m obviously dreaming pretty big here, but if we’re at or near 1st at the deadline, what do you think a Realmuto/Castro package would cost?

 

We can live with being patient with Arcia if we can get something from the other two spots. This would solve that. Castro is probably just average production for 2nd, but better than what we’ve got, and JT is obviously well above average.

 

I’m guessing the Castro part of the trade wouldn’t cost much more than taking his salary. The Realmuto part of the trade, that will be pricey.

 

It would probably start with Burnes and Peralta. We would be lucky if we could get him without giving up Hiura.

[pacopete4]

At this point, I might be okay with giving up Hiura in the right deal. Not sure that'd be for Realmuto but if that guy really cannot play 2B, we might as well get something in return.

[adambr2]

I’m torn on Hiura. One because he’s really the only elite bat in our system. The other hand is that yeah, unless the Brewers have some sort of inkling that the DH is coming to the NL in the next year or two, if he can’t play the field anywhere he’s just not going to be a fit for an NL team.

[coolhandluke121]

Happy Birthday Salvador Perez! Turns 28 today and is owed $40m over the next 3 seasons after this one. To be honest I'd be a little worried about it working out about like the Lucroy trade for the Rangers. All depends on the price obviously, but like BHAS said they will not be doing it just to shed salary.

 

Castro, eh. Never liked him at all but he's better than what we've got. I wouldn't give up much for him though. He's got some infuriating habits like Villar and isn't any more talented or anything.

[Fear The Chorizo]

At this point, I might be okay with giving up Hiura in the right deal. Not sure that'd be for Realmuto but if that guy really cannot play 2B, we might as well get something in return.

 

No way - he's played 2B the last two games...he's been pulled after 6 and 7 innings after what appears to be a plan to phase him back onto the field. The 2B solution for 2018 needs to be getting rid of the pile of MIF roster fodder currently on the 40-man roster and replacing at least one of them with a quality veteran rental at the trade deadline (Lowrie, Dozier could be attractive options should either the A's or Twins be out of it in 2 months)

 

Hiura's the 2B solution to the MLB roster longterm - with all the angst about his arm to me it was a positive that he basically made it through an entire MLB spring training without missing time throwing during drills/practice/games. Even if Hiura needs surgery later this year and 2019 winds up being mostly rehab for him, the Brewers have gotta give him every opportunity to play 2B everyday in Milwaukee sometime between now and 2021.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

None of the team's prospects are untradable. That said, I'd like to see a good 2B controllable for several seasons come back in the return in any Hiura deal. May be possible on a deal with a rebuilding team looking to shed salary.

[JohnBriggs12]

At this point, I might be okay with giving up Hiura in the right deal. Not sure that'd be for Realmuto but if that guy really cannot play 2B, we might as well get something in return.

 

No way - he's played 2B the last two games...he's been pulled after 6 and 7 innings after what appears to be a plan to phase him back onto the field. The 2B solution for 2018 needs to be getting rid of the pile of MIF roster fodder currently on the 40-man roster and replacing at least one of them with a quality veteran rental at the trade deadline (Lowrie, Dozier could be attractive options should either the A's or Twins be out of it in 2 months)

 

Hiura's the 2B solution to the MLB roster longterm - with all the angst about his arm to me it was a positive that he basically made it through an entire MLB spring training without missing time throwing during drills/practice/games. Even if Hiura needs surgery later this year and 2019 winds up being mostly rehab for him, the Brewers have gotta give him every opportunity to play 2B everyday in Milwaukee sometime between now and 2021.

 

I still think Hiura is on target to be brought up to play 2B in Milwaukee around Memorial Day next year and stay there. He's on the same fast track Braun was back in the day. They knew about the shoulder when they drafted him. It hasn't prevented him from hitting and the latest issue was just a minor setback. He's not only the only premium bat in the system, he's the first one they've had since Braun. No way he gets traded.

[pacopete4]

I'll just make it clear that I don't want Hiura traded if he can play 2B. I just mentioned it if the organization sees the future as him not working out there.

[adambr2]

Jed Lowrie has to be the most obvious “go get him” candidate out there right now. He doesn’t play for a team that expects to contend, he is a switch hitter and versatile in a pinch, he’s a rental who shouldn’t be overly expensive, and is a good defender. He pretty much checks every box.

 

He’s also playing out of his mind this year. I really have no idea what it would take to get him. It’s definitely going to take more than the nothing burger we send the Mets for Walker last year, but beyond that I really don’t know. Like I said he’s a rental so you wouldn’t think much but he’s been so good and other teams will want him too.

 

Plus Oakland is hovering around .500 so you might have to wait for a bit for them to drop out of it, but you never know with Beane. He kind of plays by his own set of rules.

[ZBTMP]

The Rays playoff odds are at 12.7% according to baseball prospectus and Wilson Ramos would represent a nice upgrade.

[LouisEly]

Jed Lowrie has to be the most obvious “go get him” candidate out there right now. He doesn’t play for a team that expects to contend, he is a switch hitter and versatile in a pinch, he’s a rental who shouldn’t be overly expensive, and is a good defender. He pretty much checks every box.

This, this, and this. Who would the Brewers have to include with Villar to get him? Ponce? Stokes plus Derby?

[adambr2]

Jed Lowrie has to be the most obvious “go get him” candidate out there right now. He doesn’t play for a team that expects to contend, he is a switch hitter and versatile in a pinch, he’s a rental who shouldn’t be overly expensive, and is a good defender. He pretty much checks every box.

This, this, and this. Who would the Brewers have to include with Villar to get him? Ponce? Stokes plus Derby?

 

Villar and Ponce was exactly one of the deals I was throwing around in my mind today. I just have no idea if it's close either way, I have a hard time pegging Lowrie's value as a rental.

 

Ponce makes sense to me as a trade chip this year because he's a guy who would need to be protected before next season. Unfortunately he's off to a disastrous start.

[jerichoholicninja]

Does Villar have any trade value? If we prefer to give Nick Franklin starts over him, what does that say about him?

[Outlander]

Villar probably has less trade value now than when the Brewers acquired him for Cy Sneed because he is actually making decent money now and is in the process of having two consecutive bad years.

[adambr2]

Does Villar have any trade value? If we prefer to give Nick Franklin starts over him, what does that say about him?

 

He doesn’t. He’s the throw-in to Oakland, the “well you need someone to play 2nd and maybe you get lucky and catch lightning in a bottle like we had hoped to” guy in the Villar/Ponce deal.

[reillymcshane]

Jed Lowrie has to be the most obvious “go get him” candidate out there right now. He doesn’t play for a team that expects to contend, he is a switch hitter and versatile in a pinch, he’s a rental who shouldn’t be overly expensive, and is a good defender. He pretty much checks every box.

This, this, and this. Who would the Brewers have to include with Villar to get him? Ponce? Stokes plus Derby?

Yeah, Lowrie would be ideal. We just have to wait until Oakland gets to the point where they are out of the race and willing to deal him. If that happens - and Milwaukee is still in it - a Lowrie/Lucroy package would be interesting.