Kimbrel?

[82brewcrew82]

I think I like it better when these things come out of the blue. This is a total setup for a crushing signing elsewhere. Especially if it is in Chicago or St. Louis.

 

My thoughts exactly. I mean, when was the last time any sort of legit Brewer free agent or trade news leaked before it actually happened. I mean there's been speculation on players that they eventually acquired, but nothing real concrete even down to zero hour. I still have the sneaking suspicion that this is an attempt by Kimbrel's agent to get the Cubs ownership to put down the PBR and unzip that fanny pack.

Quit hedging, live a little.

[82brewcrew82]

Though I would love for this to happen, I think the manner in which it has transpired means there is about a .5% of Kimbrel actually signing with us.

[sarcasm]But a 45% chance he may or may not sign with the Cubs?[/sarcasm]

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I think I like it better when these things come out of the blue. This is a total setup for a crushing signing elsewhere. Especially if it is in Chicago or St. Louis.

 

My thoughts exactly. I mean, when was the last time any sort of legit Brewer free agent or trade news leaked before it actually happened. I mean there's been speculation on players that they eventually acquired, but nothing real concrete even down to zero hour. I still have the sneaking suspicion that this is an attempt by Kimbrel's agent to get the Cubs ownership to put down the PBR and unzip that fanny pack.

Quit hedging, live a little.

 

If I've learned anything from the roughly 45 times we've "been on the verge" of acquiring Chris Archer over the last 4 seasons ... it's tread cautiously.

[MrTPlush]

One year deal only. $20 million with a bunch of incentives.

 

If we get something done with him I would have to guess it would be somewhere in the 2/$30mil range. For us to be in on him his market had to of just fell through the floor. I don't see us spending $20mil a year or giving a deal 3+ years to improve something that is probably already the strength of the team. Maybe 3/$45mil, but jeez...I just don't us spending that kind of money on a bullpen arm.

I think it really is a "move the needle" transaction though, no? Even if the pen is the strength of the team this still is a difference maker.

 

Move the needle? No, probably not...at least not by the popular definition. I would probably say signing an uber good starter would be a move the needle type acquisition for us.

 

I think the Brewers like their chances this year...a lot. It would not surprise me if they signed Kimbrel and still made big moves in July. There financial resources and depth in the minors will lead to a lot of opportunities to make the team better (as we have seen already). It isn't common small market wins 96 games, gets one win from the WS, and has major resources to improve the next year.

 

I just can't see them throwing another $20mil at this payroll...especially considering that won't be the end and more would be added in July.

[Brew crew 92]

One year deal only. $20 million with a bunch of incentives.

 

If we get something done with him I would have to guess it would be somewhere in the 2/$30mil range. For us to be in on him his market had to of just fell through the floor. I don't see us spending $20mil a year or giving a deal 3+ years to improve something that is probably already the strength of the team. Maybe 3/$45mil, but jeez...I just don't us spending that kind of money on a bullpen arm.

 

Some people dont think our pen is a strength at least compared to last year. And it’s becoming apparent stearn’s might think so too. We’re not the small market team of the past. We can support a 150 mil payroll for a few years while contending for title IF Mark forgo’s A certain profit. We’ll see what happens

[And That]

Move the needle? No, probably not...at least not by the popular definition. I would probably say signing an uber good starter would be a move the needle type acquisition for us.

Given how tightly packed the NL is likely to be this year, I'd argue that even the smallest marginal improvements "move the needle" for the club. One or two wins are likely going to matter, a lot. And I'd say replacing Petricka (or whomever you consider the 12th/13th member of the staff to be) with Kimbrel is at least a small marginal improvement.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

One year deal only. $20 million with a bunch of incentives.

 

If we get something done with him I would have to guess it would be somewhere in the 2/$30mil range. For us to be in on him his market had to of just fell through the floor. I don't see us spending $20mil a year or giving a deal 3+ years to improve something that is probably already the strength of the team. Maybe 3/$45mil, but jeez...I just don't us spending that kind of money on a bullpen arm.

 

Some people dont think our pen is a strength at least compared to last year. And it’s becoming apparent stearn’s might think so too. We’re not the small market team of the past. We can support a 150 mil payroll for a few years while contending for title IF Mark forgo’s A certain profit. We’ll see what happens

 

I have no doubt that the Brewers brass sees the pen as a strength of this team. But just because something can be perceived as a strength doesn't mean it can't be strengthened more. Especially if there is value in that added strength.

[Brew crew 92]

I see Kimbrel absolutely dominating national league hitters, maybe Stearns does too. Goodness gracious the guy is arguably the greatest relief pitcher of all time, I can’t think of a single pitcher that we could get WITHOUT gutting the farm that would help us this year more than this guy. Geez I hope we can get him!

[Brew crew 92]

Move the needle? No, probably not...at least not by the popular definition. I would probably say signing an uber good starter would be a move the needle type acquisition for us.

Given how tightly packed the NL is likely to be this year, I'd argue that even the smallest marginal improvements "move the needle" for the club. One or two wins are likely going to matter, a lot. And I'd say replacing Petricka (or whomever you consider the 12th/13th member of the staff to be) with Kimbrel is at least a small marginal improvement.

[BuckyBrewer61]

I have no doubt that the Brewers brass sees the pen as a strength of this team. But just because something can be perceived as a strength doesn't mean it can't be strengthened more. Especially if there is value in that added strength.

 

I also have no doubt that the Brewers brass, including Counsell, do not look at their team as starters, relievers, closer, etc. So it’s not like they figure that the bullpen is good, let’s focus elsewhere.

 

They think - we have about 1500 innings that need to be pitched this season, how do we fill those innings. A certain percentage of those will be high leverage, win or lose you a game type innings. Being able to add Craig Kimbrel to fill 60-70 of those innings, regardless of who else is on the team, is a huge deal.

[502 to Right]

Here's why I don't want Kimbrel: his pre-pitch routine is annoying as hell.

[KCBrewerfan34]

Here's why I don't want Kimbrel: his pre-pitch routine is annoying as hell.

 

 

You serious bro?

[82brewcrew82]

I have no doubt that the Brewers brass sees the pen as a strength of this team. But just because something can be perceived as a strength doesn't mean it can't be strengthened more. Especially if there is value in that added strength.

A rising tide raises all ships. It's a pretty common philosophy that improving your strengths will take you further than improving your weaknesses.

[82brewcrew82]

Move the needle? No, probably not...at least not by the popular definition. I would probably say signing an uber good starter would be a move the needle type acquisition for us.

Given how tightly packed the NL is likely to be this year, I'd argue that even the smallest marginal improvements "move the needle" for the club. One or two wins are likely going to matter, a lot. And I'd say replacing Petricka (or whomever you consider the 12th/13th member of the staff to be) with Kimbrel is at least a small marginal improvement.

Agreed. I don't see how going from a very good pen to an unquestionably elite pen is not a needle mover.

[MoreTrife]

Here's why I don't want Kimbrel: his pre-pitch routine is annoying as hell.

 

 

You serious bro?

 

Doubt he's serious, but it is annoying.

[MrTPlush]

One year deal only. $20 million with a bunch of incentives.

 

If we get something done with him I would have to guess it would be somewhere in the 2/$30mil range. For us to be in on him his market had to of just fell through the floor. I don't see us spending $20mil a year or giving a deal 3+ years to improve something that is probably already the strength of the team. Maybe 3/$45mil, but jeez...I just don't us spending that kind of money on a bullpen arm.

 

Some people dont think our pen is a strength at least compared to last year. And it’s becoming apparent stearn’s might think so too. We’re not the small market team of the past. We can support a 150 mil payroll for a few years while contending for title IF Mark forgo’s A certain profit. We’ll see what happens

 

No, all Stearns sees is an improvement with a plummeting cost to acquire. It’s essentially another version Grandal.

 

On another note I see everyone is going to nitpick the heck out of what a “needle mover” is. Not sure about anyone else, but needle movers are usually major additions. Like a big impact positional player or an ace. A reliever is almost. Obviously any improvement is a needle mover, but adding a reliever is usually not a “needle mover”.

 

Once again I am always fascinated by an elite bulllpen and welcome any addition to make it better. However, I have my doubts the Brewers would shell out a yearly salary to rival the biggest given out in franchise history. And while not impossible and while I don’t doubt the Stearns lead Brewers would do it the odds we shell out $20mil on a bullpen arm to make a strength stronger seems low. Small markets don’t do it and usually for good reason, especially on a fickle position.

 

That being said if any team were to break such a trend it would definitely be this team. I will believe it when I see it, but I would predict if we end up with him his salary will be under $20mil and at most three years...likely 2.

 

THAT being said I don’t read Attanasio’ mind and with the most promising Brewers team in franchise history he is the owner to literally make money no object if there was one.

[Boomer5]

Mark A has come through for Milwaukee. Thank goodness we have him as an owner.

[TURBO]

Here's why I don't want Kimbrel: his pre-pitch routine is annoying as hell.

 

 

You serious bro?

 

Doubt he's serious, but it is annoying.

 

so very true...

 

I cringe and get agitated watching him, but that would all change quickly if he wears the Milwaukee uniform!

[OldSchoolSnapper]

My guess is that TH has had no inside info when it comes to Kimbrel

 

Haudricourt and other beat writers in Milwaukee are worthless. They are worth nothing when it comes to rumors. They are so far up the Brewers rear end you would think the team employs them. They won't do anything that may anger the Brewers front office. Never have never will.

 

I think you're exaggerating here a little bit, but it is quite different being a beat guy that has to follow a team every day than it is for a national guy who can work rumors through various sources without really dealing with any fallout from the team. TH reported Yovani Gallardo's DUI, just off the top of my head. I think almost all beat guys lack farm system knowledge, but it is not as easy a job as fans think.

 

He doesn't have free reign to be a hard ass. He has to go talk to these people the next hour or day and if they choose not to speak with him he doesn't have a job very long.

[Brew crew 92]

IMHO the jeffress “shoulder weakness” is troublesome. Am I the only one that finds a drop of 13 mph with the FB scary concerning, especially with the way Jeffress pitched to end last year? I think the brewers are way more concerned than there letting on. What if jeffress doesn’t come back or is not effective when he does? Is our pen still strong without arguably our best high leverage reliever from last year, not to mention no Burnes, no woodruff, no Soria. That’s potentially 4 of our top 6 pen arms missing from last year, at least missing the 4 games against cards in March and all of April which arguably is our toughest month schedule wise. Aren’t some of us overrating our early season pen?

[BuckyBrewer61]

Small tangent - it was interesting to me to see so many players comment on the record about Kimbrel in McCalvy’s story today. I don’t know what, if anything, to make of that. Just dont recall seeing many MLB.com stories with players commenting on a rumored acquisition before.

[Brew crew 92]

Small tangent - it was interesting to me to see so many players comment on the record about Kimbrel in McCalvy’s story today. I don’t know what, if anything, to make of that. Just dont recall seeing many MLB.com stories with players commenting on a rumored acquisition before.

 

Yes, thought it odd too. My favorite was stearns “no comment “. I’m sure he’s boiling over all the talk. With all the players comments, I think it puts extra pressure to get a deal done, for fear of disappointment and letdown.

[MrTPlush]

Interesting fact no one has really mentioned...atleast as far as I have read this thread:

 

Kimbrel costs a draft pick and since we already burned one on Grandal it would cost us notably less than a different team in that aspect. That coupled with our apparent carelessness to short term payroll bodes well for us as a suitor. Would not shock me if he demanded $18mil, breaks the salary record for a relief pitcher, and Boras exclaims it a success.

 

Wouldn’t be surprised if the Brewers are simply mulling if they have the money to do it or if they are getting over their heads. The Brewers are acting like me when I play MLB: The Show. Before the year starts I blow ridiculous money on 1 year deals until I can’t afford to sign someone for $25,000 to the A-ball roster. Attanasio is treating the payroll like a video game payroll and profits are irrelevant. It is pretty great.

[MrTPlush]

Small tangent - it was interesting to me to see so many players comment on the record about Kimbrel in McCalvy’s story today. I don’t know what, if anything, to make of that. Just dont recall seeing many MLB.com stories with players commenting on a rumored acquisition before.

 

Yes, thought it odd too. My favorite was stearns “no comment “. I’m sure he’s boiling over all the talk. With all the players comments, I think it puts extra pressure to get a deal done, for fear of disappointment and letdown.

 

Talk about getting thrown under the bus when the fanbase and team starts penciling him onto the team and looking for an available jersey number.

[Brew crew 92]

Expect the signing very soon. With knebel now “not throwing” better be imminent or the price going way up.