When Will Keston Hiura Arrive In Milwaukee?

[Fear The Chorizo]

Man I would give Shaw till June. Dude was pretty good for 2,000 ABs prior to this year. Guy has to turn it around sooner rather than later. I guess if it is still this bad in two weeks maybe you try something, but he isn't Arcia who has been pretty dreadful most of his career....Shaw has been real solid.

 

Yep, this. Shaw has always been a streaky hitter. That's just who he is. It just so happens that this extended cold streak to begin the year coincides with two of the team's top prospects, Hiura and Erceg, hitting very well at AAA. At 29 years old, Shaw is squarely in his athletic prime. There is no reason that he won't eventually come out of this. And a hot-hitting Shaw has proven that he can carry this team for stretches.

 

Yes, but even when he's been in a groove Shaw hasn't hit lefthanded pitching well - particularly for power. With how the roster is currently constructed, being forced to sit Shaw against a lefty starter (unless you want to watch him make 4 outs) sends Moose over to 3rd and then inserts Perez at 2nd - not terrible, but definitely not ideal. If Shaw doesn't start hitting against righty pitching, he's a waste of roster space with how the current roster is built (no room for him at 1st with Thames/Jesus, not a great pH option off the bench when he's scuffling). I think they've got to seriously consider optioning Shaw to get himself sorted out and roll with Moose everyday at 3rd and Hiura at 2nd once the Super 2 cutoff has presumably passed.

[MrTPlush]

I agree with you on Shaw. He is a quality .800+ OPS hitter. Its more Aguilar/Perez/ and even Braun a little until recently. The right handed hitters haven't produced against left handed starters this year to expectations. I was being somewhat sarcastic, but I think a quality right handed bat against those three starters would help. You could always option him down after for super 2 reasons.

 

Problem is the bottom of the roster is a serious crunch.

 

Shaw - Not going anywhere

Perez - Versatile, not going anywhere

Aguilar - No options, mashing lately

Thames - Hitting well, pricey to just flat out drop

 

There isn't anyone to drop to make room for Hiura. Hiura has zero versatility so it isn't like he could replace Perez. You can't dump Perez or there is no one else to play SS outside of Arcia. I really don't see Hiura up any time soon unless Shaw just continues to bomb it at the plate bad enough to get optioned. And given his track record of success that is not any time close.

 

There just is nowhere to stick him on this roster. I would bet on Hiura never making an appearance before September over him getting the starting gig at 2B this season. He needs someone to get injured to get playing time on this team in my opinion. People may not like it, but Moustakas getting signed pretty much signaled Hiura was not going to be some major contributor on the 2019 Brewers as it really logjammed his spot.

[Jopal78]

In 2015, Shaw hit .270/.327/.487 in 250 at bats. One reason he was available in a trade in the first place is he followed up his promising rookie season with a .242/.306/.421 line in 2016.

 

So far in 2019, his BaBiP is a career low of .222, when that number creeps up closer to his career mark of .283 his overall numbers will get better. However, like he showed in 2016 sometimes solid baseball players just have an off year.

 

Also, with Moustakas on the team, the front office more likely than not does not want to make the mental aspect for Shaw even worse by benching him. Secondly, Hiura didn't really play the field in 2017 and has only 120 or so games under his belt as a defender since turning pro. The way the front office values versatility and defense, his relatively light experience as a defender will play against him. As has been previously pointed out, having to make a spot on the 40 man roster right now would be difficult unless the pitching staff stabilizes.

 

For the foregoing reasons, I don't think we'll see Hiura until September.

[rcc]

I hate to think that CC and Stearns might be contemplating optioning Travis. He is a streaky hitter with power but this year something is definitely off. Two homers in a game a while back isn't enough. He needs to find his groove now and be more consistent.

[Fear The Chorizo]

In 2015, Shaw hit .270/.327/.487 in 250 at bats. One reason he was available in a trade in the first place is he followed up his promising rookie season with a .242/.306/.421 line in 2016.

 

So far in 2019, his BaBiP is a career low of .222, when that number creeps up closer to his career mark of .283 his overall numbers will get better. However, like she showed in 2016 sometimes solid baseball players just have an off year.

 

Also, with Moustakas on the team, the front office more likely than not does not want to make the mental aspect for Shaw even worse by benching him. Secondly, Hiura didn't really play the field in 2017 and has only 120 or so games under his belt as a defender since turning pro. The way the front office values versatility and defense, his relatively light experience as a defender will play against him. As has been previously pointed out, having to make a spot on the 40 man roster right now would be difficult unless the pitching staff stabilizes.

 

For the foregoing reasons, I don't think we'll see Hiura until September.

 

All that being said, if Hiura continues putting up offensive #'s in San Antonio at a Christian Yelich-like pace, it would be incredibly difficult to keep that righthanded bat off the MLB roster. I don't see his defensive limitations as a 2B only being an issue at all - the Brewers are currently playing a third baseman at that position.

 

And I don't buy into that mental stuff - Shaw moved to a 2B platoon role once Moose was acquired last trade deadline...he was returned back to his role as close to the everyday 3B over the offseason despite resigning Moose, and unfortunately to this point in 2019 Shaw has been awful. He'd be the first to say the same thing, and probably doesn't need to learn that if he doesn't start hitting he might see a demotion - he already knows that. I still think Shaw fits the roster for the next few years, particularly if Moose isn't back in 2020 and/or Thames is gone.

 

If Hiura isn't up until September it's because he cools off and doesn't deserve to be called up 1-2 months from now or he misses time due to injury - his bat isn't something contending teams hold back in the minors while waiting on a guy's BABIP to climb up so he gets back to being a 0.800 OPS player. Another option to consider when clearing 40 man roster space for Hiura is making a trade - one way or the other when Brewers' brass thinks he's ready, they'll make plenty of room.

[Oxy]

Nobody who is suggesting optioning Shaw (me) thinks the guy is as bad as he currently is hitting. That's ridiculous. That doesn't mean you can't send him down for 2 weeks and try to hit the reset button for him while also taking advantage of players you have who are obviously ready to actually contribute at the MLB level right now. Everybody wins. Shaw seems like a pretty tough dude. He'll come back and rake.

[jjfanec]

Honestly it is hard for me to see the downside in sending Shaw down for a bit. The Cubs series would be perfect with all the lefties they have. Calling up Hiura is incredibly tempting. He fits what this team needs super well

[Brew crew 92]

I hate to think that CC and Stearns might be contemplating optioning Travis. He is a streaky hitter with power but this year something is definitely off. Two homers in a game a while back isn't enough. He needs to find his groove now and be more consistent.

 

No way do the crew option Shaw!!! Not to a player that gave up his position to accommodate another, and has been a key player in the success of this team the last couple years. You keep playing him till he hits again no matter how long it takes.

 

Call up Hiura for the cubs series, can always send him back down. We can get by just fine with the seven man pen.

[RollieTime]

Nobody who is suggesting optioning Shaw (me) thinks the guy is as bad as he currently is hitting. That's ridiculous. That doesn't mean you can't send him down for 2 weeks and try to hit the reset button for him while also taking advantage of players you have who are obviously ready to actually contribute at the MLB level right now. Everybody wins. Shaw seems like a pretty tough dude. He'll come back and rake.

 

Huge fan of Shaw, but this is exactly right. Some players take offense to being demoted and I think Shaw will be disappointed, but he’s a guy who will understand that he’s not producing and has to be better if he wants to start on a contending team. Once he finds his stroke in the minors, you bring him back up.

 

I think Shaw will have a couple more weeks of at bats to see if he can get it going, but if he is still struggling at that point and Hiura is crushing the ball all over the diamond, a move has to be made.

[homer]

Yeah no one should be suggesting sending him down right now. But it's nice to know that's in your back pocket should you need it.

[FVBrewerFan]

If Hiura comes up soon, they go to a 7 man pen. They can shuttle guys as much as needed and have a 15 man pen anyhow. Doubt they do that all year, but it's a long season. Maybe Shaw, Aguilar, whomever gets a 10 day DL stint or two. Legit or otherwise. There's ways to buy time, but eventually they may have to decide what to do with one of Shaw/Thames/Aguilar. I think we all agree, Hiura needs to play every day when they bring him up. That leaves 4 guys to play 1B/3B and that just makes no sense long term for the rest of the season.

[benji]

You could option Freddy or Smith depending on how tomorrow goes. Bring up Hiura for the weekend. Send Keston down Monday and activate Wilkerson. I think a 40 man move would be needed? Cant remember if he is on the 40 man yet?

 

 

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[brewcrewdue80]

You guys are geniuses. Shaw optioned before the Cubs series. Moose to 3rd, Hiura at 2b. Give Keston his taste up and see how long it lasts. Shaw currently is listed as -.5WAR on the season. Just waiting for him to produce back up to norm. So where's Alex Wilson? DFA'd at -.6WAR value. Cubs are on a 7game win streak likely going to be 10 of 11 game winners when the series begins. Hiura is White Hot right now. Hasn't K'd in 5 games with 5BBs. 6HRs in 11games. Slugging .780 on the season. You can't just bow down to the Cubs with Shaw while having Hiura. A weapon to play vs them and keep them from getting a 6 game leg up on us in the division. In no term, can you suggest Shaw will break out of his funk while playing vs the Cubs pitchers. The Crew may just find out they have their Cub killer lineup to throw against in need of the Playoffs. Let's find out.

[MrTPlush]

So Hiura is going to come up and be some stud for one series?

 

The holy grail of prospects (Vlad) is currently hitting below the Mendoza line after 30 ABs. The team isn’t desperate for some spark. Bringing up Hiura for some random series seems like a circus that just isn’t needed.

 

Patience on both Hiura and Shaw. It’s like a double overreaction going on in here. Look, I’m not happy with what Shaw is doing either...but Hiura coming up right now doesn’t seem like a logical move to me. The clock is starting to tick on Shaw though. Repping terrible stats in 150+ ABs will be getting a bit extensive.

[Montezuma]

I am sure this post will not be popular. Hiura will be trade bait for a quality pitcher and before you jump all over me, consider the popular Lewis Brinson just got sent down and is sitting in AAA.... The key word is Prospect verses proven talent.

[benji]

Personally wouldn’t expect Keston to be Babe Ruth, but the right hitting lineup is struggling against lefty starters. Cubs have 3 in a row. I am just suggesting its a prime opportunity. I understand the reasons arguing against it.

 

 

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[Brew crew 92]

I am sure this post will not be popular. Hiura will be trade bait for a quality pitcher and before you jump all over me, consider the popular Lewis Brinson just got sent down and is sitting in AAA.... The key word is Prospect verses proven talent.

 

We need the best hitting prospect since Braun more than another quality pitcher. Our pitching is emerging as a strength of this team, when Anderson back and jimmy back, look out.

[TigerUppercut]

I am sure this post will not be popular. Hiura will be trade bait for a quality pitcher and before you jump all over me, consider the popular Lewis Brinson just got sent down and is sitting in AAA.... The key word is Prospect verses proven talent.

 

We need the best hitting prospect since Braun more than another quality pitcher. Our pitching is emerging as a strength of this team, when Anderson back and jimmy back, look out.

 

The best hitting prospect since Ryan Braun was probably Mat Gamel. Baseball Prospectus had him as one of the top 40 busts since they've been ranking prospects a few years ago and that alone shows you prospects are no sure thing.

[Brew crew 92]

I am sure this post will not be popular. Hiura will be trade bait for a quality pitcher and before you jump all over me, consider the popular Lewis Brinson just got sent down and is sitting in AAA.... The key word is Prospect verses proven talent.

 

We need the best hitting prospect since Braun more than another quality pitcher. Our pitching is emerging as a strength of this team, when Anderson back and jimmy back, look out.

 

The best hitting prospect since Ryan Braun was probably Mat Gamel. Baseball Prospectus had him as one of the top 40 busts since they've been ranking prospects a few years ago and that alone shows you prospects are no sure thing.

 

I’ll take my chances with this guy.

[True Blue Brew Crew]

Lol, Brinson isn't even close to the hitter Hiura is.

[brewcrewdue80]

So Hiura is going to come up and be some stud for one series?

 

The holy grail of prospects (Vlad) is currently hitting below the Mendoza line after 30 ABs. The team isn’t desperate for some spark. Bringing up Hiura for some random series seems like a circus that just isn’t needed.

 

Patience on both Hiura and Shaw. It’s like a double overreaction going on in here. Look, I’m not happy with what Shaw is doing either...but Hiura coming up right now doesn’t seem like a logical move to me. The clock is starting to tick on Shaw though. Repping terrible stats in 150+ ABs will be getting a bit extensive.

 

 

I don't really mean for 1 series, just the idea of calling him up while sending down Shaw is genius. Hiura has 10HRs a near .350 BA. Rewarding him with some ML games and seeing how he fares vs a Cubs pitching staff that is very Anti-Shaw. Just a great time to make the move. We all always remember the flops from the minors, and have been given a lot of it lacking in performance to higher expectations in Arcia/Burnes/Peralta/Woodruff. At the same time there's Hader who's been nothing but spectacular from the get go. I called the idea on bringing up Hiura earlier in the season too soon. Right around that 24ks to 1st walk of the season. He's clearly battled through that and is in a dominating period. Give him a grace period 2-4 weeks and allow Shaw to have earned his way back in the lineup while seeing if Hiura should stick at 2b. You need an offensive push if you're going to beat the Cubs currently and Shaw is not going to provide that vs. that pitching staff.

[rickh150]

Lol, Brinson isn't even close to the hitter Hiura is.

 

Nooooo way can you write lol.... Hiura has no MLB at bats. How can you compare until that happens. If you want to compare minor league stats, those are comparable and half way similar.

[Montezuma]

Lol, Brinson isn't even close to the hitter Hiura is.

 

My contention is this, baseball fans have a love affair with prospects. Brewers fans on this site lamented over the Brinson trade for Yellich ...Yellie was a proven talent. Huira is a hitting machine. A fantastic hitter in the minor leagues. Honestly, I want to be proven wrong and Keston comes up and hits the stuffing out of the ball.

[Brew crew 92]

Lol, Brinson isn't even close to the hitter Hiura is.

 

My contention is this, baseball fans have a love affair with prospects. Brewers fans on this site lamented over the Brinson trade for Yellich ...Yellie was a proven talent. Huira is a hitting machine. A fantastic hitter in the minor leagues. Honestly, I want to be proven wrong and Keston comes up and hits the stuffing out of the ball.

 

Sorry, but Hiura coming out of the draft universally regarded as the best hitter in the draft and is now exceeding those lofty projections. Brinson has power but nowhere close to the hitter Hiura is. NO COMPARISON.

[Fear The Chorizo]

I am sure this post will not be popular. Hiura will be trade bait for a quality pitcher and before you jump all over me, consider the popular Lewis Brinson just got sent down and is sitting in AAA.... The key word is Prospect verses proven talent.

 

We need the best hitting prospect since Braun more than another quality pitcher. Our pitching is emerging as a strength of this team, when Anderson back and jimmy back, look out.

 

The best hitting prospect since Ryan Braun was probably Mat Gamel. Baseball Prospectus had him as one of the top 40 busts since they've been ranking prospects a few years ago and that alone shows you prospects are no sure thing.

 

Mat Gamel flamed out after he tore his knee up - twice - he never got a chance at extended MLB playing time to make that final adjustment before he got hurt. That's not a prospect busting out of MLB because he wasn't good enough. And Gamel was never considered half the hitter Braun was as a prospect. Gamel put up good minor league numbers after taking awhile to develop as a HS draftee picked in the 4th round. However, generational hitting talents don't ever last until the 4th round. Saying Gamel was the best offensive prospect through their system since Braun came up doesn't make them comparable - it just means the Brewers have been bad at drafting/developing offense. Hiura is compared to Braun as a hitter because both were largely considered having the best hit tool in their respective drafts - and Hiura has done nothing but reinforce that projection since.

 

I remember some of your earlier posts poo-pooing Hiura due to a below exceptional two month stretch in AA last season immediately following a thumb/wrist injury, so I know where your head's at.