What is your 2019-2020 offseason plan for the Brewers?

[wntrtxn21]

Here's my attempt:

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Shaw (4.7), Davies (5.0), Gamel (1.6), Hader (4.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Free agents: Grandal (17 mil), Moose (10 mil), Gregorious (14 mil), Wood (8 mil), Lyles (5 mil)

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Grandal ©

Moose (3B)

Cain (CF)

Shaw/Braun (1B)

Gregorious (SS)

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Braun/Shaw

Min Guy

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Davies

Wood

Lyles

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Hader

Knebel

Suter

Peralta

Faria

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

 

I think our defense would be dramatically improved with Grisham in right, Yelich in left, and Shaw playing first over Thames. I have always thought Wood was underrated and we are betting on him being healthy. Our offense finally would not have an automatic out. (assuming Shaw remembers how to hit) The payroll would be higher but you can always backload the contracts a little bit.

 

Shaw was already making $4.7 so he'll get an increase even though he doesn't deserve it. Stearns may look to trade him just to dump the money and use it on a better fit at 1B. I'm still not convinced Grisham is an everyday player. Imo Faria was so horrible last year he gets let go and they keep Black. I think with the new 3 batter rule, Claudio is iffy at best too. I would rather have Iglesias than Gregorius and for a lot less money. They need Pomeranz back incase Knebel isn't what he was before the injury. Probably $4-6M per to get him back. It about equals (Iglesias + Pomeranz) what you would pay Gregorius. I too like Wood especially if they could get him for the $8M. Dump Gio and Shaw, get Wood and Walker ($1.5-2m).

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

To me, this would be like the Patriots looking at the tape when they went 18-0 and then lost in the Super Bowl and saying, "our right guard played like crap (after playing pretty well all season). Let's trade 3 first round picks for the best right guard in the league."

 

Nope. They continued the smart process and kept giving themselves more chances to win in the playoffs.

 

The Dodgers are at an advantage because they almost never have to send away massive hauls of prospects to get an elite player. If they want one, they can just buy one with money.

 

I understand that right now it is possible that there is no Josh Hader out there unless Chapman hits the market. But you also have to remember how volatile relievers are. Remember how dominant Andrew Miller was? That's over. Betances may be shot due to injury. I personally hope and expect Hader to be dominant for the rest of his Brewers tenure but it's also possible that they trade away key pieces of their future for Josh Hader and Josh Hader blows out his arm or stays with his July/August struggles next year.

 

Except the Dodgers haven't won 3 of the last 6 World Series, so comparing them to the 2007 Pats doesn't really work. If Brady was still looking for his first ring, I would bet the Pats would have taken a few more drastic personnel choices following their loss to the Giants to ruin their perfect year.

 

There's always risk when dealing assets for a high value player. Hell, the Cubs gave up a boatload for Chapman, but I'd be willing to bet they'd do the same thing again. Again, you make a terrific argument, but I think it is a mistake to dismiss the idea that the Dodgers make a move like that as impossible.

[bill hAll Star]

 

Counterpoint, as long as we are talking hypotheticals - Dealing Lux or Seager isn't going to cost that team future division titles. They are stacked offensively with young talent. But those 8 playoff innings from Josh Hader may very well be the difference between a World Series title, and blowing the NLCS.

 

But perhaps they are completely happy cakewalking to an NL West title every year, and that's it?

 

As noted in the other thread, the Dodgers' entire veteran infield will be gone soon. Seager may or could be part of the next wave, but Lux is necessary. Seager is still very young and therefore very valuable.

 

Anyone can be "the difference." It is just a basic fan thing to say, "well they lost because of a bullpen malfunction, better trade everything for a perceived good reliever." Like I said, if the Dodgers are really that concerned about their bullpen (it was great in the regular season), go out and sign the best guy on the market this year and trade some bags of baseballs for 4 Daniel Hudsons at the deadline.

 

The Dodgers will continue to churn out a deep, dominant system that they can supplement with loads of cash. If they win the division 5 more times, odds are, they'll finally break through (see: Nats). This is counter intuitive to that process.

 

And how many World Series titles has their process won them so far?

 

I'm not saying you aren't on to something. Heck, the Dodgers may continue to operate business as usual. They will continue to make billions whether they win a title or not. But they may just have to reach into that deep farm system and use some of those guys as currency at some point to improve a weakness. Because the "sign and expensive reliever and deal for "ehh" guys at the deadline" approach just hasn't worked.

 

Do I think they will trade for Hader this offseason. No, not really. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't make a lot of sense for them.

 

The baseball playoffs are incredibly fluky as we all know.

 

I'd rather get to 10 more playoffs with home field advantage than to sell off 2 of those chances for Josh Hader.

 

Imagine the Dodgers flip just one of those games in the World Series. Now the Astros may go down in history as the ultimate chokers.

 

Obviously the end game and goal is rings. When judging how well a team's process is, it sounds weird to say, but I would argue removing championships from the discussion in baseball. The Nats have not mortgaged any major assets in trades over the past few years and their number magically came up this year because they kept at it. For a smaller market I would say that maybe you do have to put all of your eggs in a basket.

 

The Dodgers are one of the smartest organizations in the league and just because some weird stuff has happened in the playoffs does not mean they should stray from that process.

[bill hAll Star]

To me, this would be like the Patriots looking at the tape when they went 18-0 and then lost in the Super Bowl and saying, "our right guard played like crap (after playing pretty well all season). Let's trade 3 first round picks for the best right guard in the league."

 

Nope. They continued the smart process and kept giving themselves more chances to win in the playoffs.

 

The Dodgers are at an advantage because they almost never have to send away massive hauls of prospects to get an elite player. If they want one, they can just buy one with money.

 

I understand that right now it is possible that there is no Josh Hader out there unless Chapman hits the market. But you also have to remember how volatile relievers are. Remember how dominant Andrew Miller was? That's over. Betances may be shot due to injury. I personally hope and expect Hader to be dominant for the rest of his Brewers tenure but it's also possible that they trade away key pieces of their future for Josh Hader and Josh Hader blows out his arm or stays with his July/August struggles next year.

 

Except the Dodgers haven't won 3 of the last 6 World Series, so comparing them to the 2007 Pats doesn't really work. If Brady was still looking for his first ring, I would bet the Pats would have taken a few more drastic personnel choices following their loss to the Giants to ruin their perfect year.

 

There's always risk when dealing assets for a high value player. Hell, the Cubs gave up a boatload for Chapman, but I'd be willing to bet they'd do the same thing again. Again, you make a terrific argument, but I think it is a mistake to dismiss the idea that the Dodgers make a move like that as impossible.

 

Sure, the Dodgers could get antsy. I'd argue they'd do it closer to the deadline, though. If I'm the Dodgers front office and I'm in this situation you speak of, I'm so much better than the division that I would just wait until late July to make the move. Maybe that means Hader isn't on the table but there are probably extra salary dump guys or just 3 month rentals I could get.

[brewmann04]

I think the Crew needs to solidfy the rotation is the first move.

[long ball]

Non-tenders: Saladino, Claudio

 

Free agent signings: Grandal (3x$18.5), Pomeranz (3x$8), Lyles (1x$4.5), Gio (1x$4.5), Moustakas (1x$11), Jose Iglesias (1x$3), Wilmer Flores (1x$4.25)

 

Rotation: Woodruff, Davies, Lyles, Gio, Houser

Pen: Hader, Pomeranz, Knebel, Suter, Guerra, Nelson, 2 of Faria/Black/T. Williams (keep all 3 if knebel needs to start on the IL or another pitcher)

Shuttle squad: Wahl, Burnes, Peralta, D. Williams

 

C: Grandal

OF: Braun, Yelich, Cain

Inf: Shaw, Hiura, Iglesias, Moustakas

Bench: Pina, Grisham, Gamel, Arcia, Flores

 

Opening day payroll: ~$141mm

(I used MLB-TR arb projections, $565k for pre-arb, included deferrals and buyouts in this total)

 

General thoughts:

Brewers probably won't stretch the payroll this much and the most logical spots to trim the spending would be on Pomeranz, he might be a bit of a luxury. I think the general pitching strategy will be the same. I don't envision them signing any of the expensive free agent starters.

 

I just can't quite quit Shaw or Nelson who are both borderline tender decisions. I think the upside play for both is worth the risk for both and both arb figures are likely lower than they'd get as free agents.

 

I generally tried to stick close to the free agent contracts predictions on MLB-TR/Fangraphs, but honestly I think recent off seasons for Moustakas, Lyles, Gio, and Iglesias are bigger indicators of the type of contract they'll get than some of the ones predicted so I deviated where I disagreed with those sites.

 

The Brewers will probably make another trade or two this off season, but it's so difficult to speculate this early in the off season which players may be on the move so I just skipped doing that.

 

Offseason priorities ranked:

1) Grandal

2) 2 veteran starters (they don't need to be Gio/Lyles, but guys in that class make sense)

3) Big relief arm like Pomeranz. I like McHugh and Cishek too, but Pomeranz is preferred

4) Moustakas

5) Right handed hitting corner infielder. Flores fits the budget better, but I like Todd Frazier too.

[mlloyd10]

Free agent signings: Wheeler (4x$18.5), Betances($2x6), Pomeranz (3x$6), Travis d’Arnaud (2x$7.5), Jose Iglesias (1x$3), Wilmer Flores (1x$4.25)

 

Trades: Hader for Lux

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Davies (5.0), Shaw (4.7) Gamel (1.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Cain (CF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Braun (1B)

Lux(SS)

d’Arnaud ©

Shaw (3B)

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Flores

Iglesias

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Wheeler

Davies

Peralta

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Knebel

Betances

Pomeranz

Suter

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

[bill hAll Star]

Alright, I know I'm jumping into this topic too much, but would you guys do Hiura for Taylor Rogers? I'm going to assume the answer is 90-95% "no."

 

That is roughly equivalent to Lux for Hader and therefore I really doubt the Dodgers do it. You can spin it the same way. "Well, yeah, the Brewers lost in the playoffs 2 years in a row because of their bullpen. Brewers need to get antsy and try to fix that problem now."

 

The Dodgers may not "need" Lux this year but they will soon...and either way, he's an upgrade over the current 2B and may be the future SS and they'd slide Seager over to 3B.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Alright, I know I'm jumping into this topic too much, but would you guys do Hiura for Taylor Rogers? I'm going to assume the answer is 90-95% "no."

 

That is roughly equivalent to Lux for Hader and therefore I really doubt the Dodgers do it. You can spin it the same way. "Well, yeah, the Brewers lost in the playoffs 2 years in a row because of their bullpen. Brewers need to get antsy and try to fix that problem now."

 

The Dodgers may not "need" Lux this year but they will soon...and either way, he's an upgrade over the current 2B and may be the future SS and they'd slide Seager over to 3B.

 

Rogers is a very good reliever, but that guy is much closer to Brent Suter stuff-wise than he is Hader. Picking out a reliever with similar stats doesn't mean they are similar relievers with similar upsides. I'd love to have Rogers, though, and would give up a lot of value for him if the Twins were selling.

 

Honestly, I don't see why you're so hellbent on poo-pooing every trade scenario that involves Hader to the Dodgers. It's the middle of November, and we're in the dead point of the offseason when it comes to player movement. It's fun to talk about what an elite talent like Hader would bring back in a deal, and the Rumors/Proposals area is the perfect place to do that. I don't think anyone is saying that Hader is going to be dealt ... I personally say it has less than a 5% chance of happening. But you never know.

[bill hAll Star]

Alright, I know I'm jumping into this topic too much, but would you guys do Hiura for Taylor Rogers? I'm going to assume the answer is 90-95% "no."

 

That is roughly equivalent to Lux for Hader and therefore I really doubt the Dodgers do it. You can spin it the same way. "Well, yeah, the Brewers lost in the playoffs 2 years in a row because of their bullpen. Brewers need to get antsy and try to fix that problem now."

 

The Dodgers may not "need" Lux this year but they will soon...and either way, he's an upgrade over the current 2B and may be the future SS and they'd slide Seager over to 3B.

 

Rogers is a very good reliever, but that guy is much closer to Brent Suter stuff-wise than he is Hader. Picking out a reliever with similar stats doesn't mean they are similar relievers with similar upsides. I'd love to have Rogers, though, and would give up a lot of value for him if the Twins were selling.

 

Honestly, I don't see why you're so hellbent on poo-pooing every trade scenario that involves Hader to the Dodgers. It's the middle of November, and we're in the dead point of the offseason when it comes to player movement. It's fun to talk about what an elite talent like Hader would bring back in a deal, and the Rumors/Proposals area is the perfect place to do that. I don't think anyone is saying that Hader is going to be dealt ... I personally say it has less than a 5% chance of happening. But you never know.

 

I don't know, it's just a cheat code to these situations.

 

Also, yes, Hader is more talented than Rogers...but with his home run issues some might say that Taylor Rogers could be argued as a safer pitcher. Maybe he can't put up a season close to Hader's 2018 season but I would bet on Rogers being a top 10 type reliever.

 

Yes I know it's a fun offseason discussion discussion but it's kinda unrealistic if I can say that I'll start the offseason off by dealing Brent Suter for Trevor Story and then follow it up with Grisham and a prospect for Shane Bieber. That makes the offseason look pretty easy.

[trwi7]

Rogers is a very good reliever, but that guy is much closer to Brent Suter stuff-wise than he is Hader.

 

Hader averaged 95.6 on his fastball, Rogers averaged 94.8.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Rogers is a very good reliever, but that guy is much closer to Brent Suter stuff-wise than he is Hader.

 

Hader averaged 95.6 on his fastball, Rogers averaged 94.8.

 

I was looking at his Baseball America Scouting report:

 

“At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Rogers is more skinny than projectable, so his stuff isn’t likely to get much better. He’ll touch 90-91 mph with his fastball early in games but usually settles in at 87-88 mph. His curveball and changeup are effective, and he compensates for his lack of a plus pitch with outstanding command of his offerings. He has sound mechanics and repeats them well, though at times he’s around the strike zone too much.”

 

Obviously that must be very outdated. My bad.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Alright, I know I'm jumping into this topic too much, but would you guys do Hiura for Taylor Rogers? I'm going to assume the answer is 90-95% "no."

 

That is roughly equivalent to Lux for Hader and therefore I really doubt the Dodgers do it. You can spin it the same way. "Well, yeah, the Brewers lost in the playoffs 2 years in a row because of their bullpen. Brewers need to get antsy and try to fix that problem now."

 

The Dodgers may not "need" Lux this year but they will soon...and either way, he's an upgrade over the current 2B and may be the future SS and they'd slide Seager over to 3B.

 

Rogers is a very good reliever, but that guy is much closer to Brent Suter stuff-wise than he is Hader. Picking out a reliever with similar stats doesn't mean they are similar relievers with similar upsides. I'd love to have Rogers, though, and would give up a lot of value for him if the Twins were selling.

 

Honestly, I don't see why you're so hellbent on poo-pooing every trade scenario that involves Hader to the Dodgers. It's the middle of November, and we're in the dead point of the offseason when it comes to player movement. It's fun to talk about what an elite talent like Hader would bring back in a deal, and the Rumors/Proposals area is the perfect place to do that. I don't think anyone is saying that Hader is going to be dealt ... I personally say it has less than a 5% chance of happening. But you never know.

 

I don't know, it's just a cheat code to these situations.

 

Also, yes, Hader is more talented than Rogers...but with his home run issues some might say that Taylor Rogers could be argued as a safer pitcher. Maybe he can't put up a season close to Hader's 2018 season but I would bet on Rogers being a top 10 type reliever.

 

Yes I know it's a fun offseason discussion discussion but it's kinda unrealistic if I can say that I'll start the offseason off by dealing Brent Suter for Trevor Story and then follow it up with Grisham and a prospect for Shane Bieber. That makes the offseason look pretty easy.

 

People throw those types of proposals out in this area all the time. It's like a kid window shopping 3 weeks before Christmas. It is very likely that none of this is going to happen, but the speculation is a blast. The term "realistic" is always subjective as well.

[wntrtxn21]

Free agent signings: Wheeler (4x$18.5), Betances($2x6), Pomeranz (3x$6), Travis d’Arnaud (2x$7.5), Jose Iglesias (1x$3), Wilmer Flores (1x$4.25)

 

Trades: Hader for Lux

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Davies (5.0), Shaw (4.7) Gamel (1.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Cain (CF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Braun (1B)

Lux(SS)

d’Arnaud ©

Shaw (3B)

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Flores

Iglesias

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Wheeler

Davies

Peralta

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Knebel

Betances

Pomeranz

Suter

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

 

Why not just sign Iglesias and not trade Hader, especially for an unproven prospect. Iglesias will cost more than $3M, but you then still have Hader. If Stearns is going to trade Hader make it for Smith © and Gonsolin (SP). Then there is no need to waste money on d'Arnaud and they get an upgrade at starting pitcher who is cost controlable. Imo spending $4.25M for a bench player like Flores is not worth it. Much cheaper options are available for the bench. Stearns could re-sign Arcia and sign Cabrera & Walker for the money you'd pay Flores. I don't think Stearns is going to roll the dice on Shaw being a starter. There is too much of a chance that Shaw continues to stink. Re-signing Moose (3/$30-33M) is imperative for next year.

[bill hAll Star]

 

Rogers is a very good reliever, but that guy is much closer to Brent Suter stuff-wise than he is Hader. Picking out a reliever with similar stats doesn't mean they are similar relievers with similar upsides. I'd love to have Rogers, though, and would give up a lot of value for him if the Twins were selling.

 

Honestly, I don't see why you're so hellbent on poo-pooing every trade scenario that involves Hader to the Dodgers. It's the middle of November, and we're in the dead point of the offseason when it comes to player movement. It's fun to talk about what an elite talent like Hader would bring back in a deal, and the Rumors/Proposals area is the perfect place to do that. I don't think anyone is saying that Hader is going to be dealt ... I personally say it has less than a 5% chance of happening. But you never know.

 

I don't know, it's just a cheat code to these situations.

 

Also, yes, Hader is more talented than Rogers...but with his home run issues some might say that Taylor Rogers could be argued as a safer pitcher. Maybe he can't put up a season close to Hader's 2018 season but I would bet on Rogers being a top 10 type reliever.

 

Yes I know it's a fun offseason discussion discussion but it's kinda unrealistic if I can say that I'll start the offseason off by dealing Brent Suter for Trevor Story and then follow it up with Grisham and a prospect for Shane Bieber. That makes the offseason look pretty easy.

 

People throw those types of proposals out in this area all the time. It's like a kid window shopping 3 weeks before Christmas. It is very likely that none of this is going to happen, but the speculation is a blast. The term "realistic" is always subjective as well.

 

Yes, that's fine. But enough people have peddled the idea, "the Dodgers should get a reliever for the playoffs" that every trade proposal on here is lopsided. The one where someone suggested that the Dodgers may offer us 3 of their B-level prospects for Hader was the only realistic one.

 

There are always some lopsided trades proposed on here, this Dodger one has just spread like wildfire due to some weird groupthink on the matter.

 

Anyways, fire away, I'll let people continue with the speculation even if unrealistic. The Brewers will probably have an offseason similar to what most are proposing other than not having a prime, all-star SS like Seager or Lux gift-wrapped to us.

 

The perfect example of why the Dodgers would not do this:

 

The Dodgers can simply sign Drew Pomeranz and Betances. They have the cash.

 

So they could get Pomeranz, Betances, and Gavin Lux for 6 seasons.

 

If they make the trade they'd have Josh Hader and a hole in their system behind Seager/Turner/Hernandez/Taylor which is breaking up soon. They could go out and sign Gregorious but I'd take Lux + Pomeranz/Betances (or name your top-end relievers they should sign).

[mlloyd10]

Free agent signings: Wheeler (4x$18.5), Betances($2x6), Pomeranz (3x$6), Travis d’Arnaud (2x$7.5), Jose Iglesias (1x$3), Wilmer Flores (1x$4.25)

 

Trades: Hader for Lux

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Davies (5.0), Shaw (4.7) Gamel (1.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Cain (CF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Braun (1B)

Lux(SS)

d’Arnaud ©

Shaw (3B)

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Flores

Iglesias

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Wheeler

Davies

Peralta

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Knebel

Betances

Pomeranz

Suter

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

 

Why not just sign Iglesias and not trade Hader, especially for an unproven prospect. Iglesias will cost more than $3M, but you then still have Hader. If Stearns is going to trade Hader make it for Smith © and Gonsolin (SP). Then there is no need to waste money on d'Arnaud and they get an upgrade at starting pitcher who is cost controlable. Imo spending $4.25M for a bench player like Flores is not worth it. Much cheaper options are available for the bench. Stearns could re-sign Arcia and sign Cabrera & Walker for the money you'd pay Flores. I don't think Stearns is going to roll the dice on Shaw being a starter. There is too much of a chance that Shaw continues to stink. Re-signing Moose (3/$30-33M) is imperative for next year.

 

So you think Smith is proven and Lux isn't? Makes no sense. I like Tony Gonsolin, but he isn't proven and how do you know he is an upgrade?..Lux is a bat that we need if we dont resign Moose or Grandal.

 

Flores is going to be the swiss army knife - Can sub for Braun, Huira or Lux.

[RollieTime]

Free agent signings: Wheeler (4x$18.5), Betances($2x6), Pomeranz (3x$6), Travis d’Arnaud (2x$7.5), Jose Iglesias (1x$3), Wilmer Flores (1x$4.25)

 

Trades: Hader for Lux

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Davies (5.0), Shaw (4.7) Gamel (1.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Cain (CF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Braun (1B)

Lux(SS)

d’Arnaud ©

Shaw (3B)

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Flores

Iglesias

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Wheeler

Davies

Peralta

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Knebel

Betances

Pomeranz

Suter

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

 

Why not just sign Iglesias and not trade Hader, especially for an unproven prospect. Iglesias will cost more than $3M, but you then still have Hader. If Stearns is going to trade Hader make it for Smith © and Gonsolin (SP). Then there is no need to waste money on d'Arnaud and they get an upgrade at starting pitcher who is cost controlable. Imo spending $4.25M for a bench player like Flores is not worth it. Much cheaper options are available for the bench. Stearns could re-sign Arcia and sign Cabrera & Walker for the money you'd pay Flores. I don't think Stearns is going to roll the dice on Shaw being a starter. There is too much of a chance that Shaw continues to stink. Re-signing Moose (3/$30-33M) is imperative for next year.

 

Not sure if you are referring to Asdrubal Cabrera, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets $4 or $5 million himself. I don’t think there’s any way they get Cabrera, retain Arcia, and sign Walker for cheaper than $4.25 for Flores. Arcia himself will be pushing $3 million.

[mlloyd10]

Slight Change to my plan

 

Free agent signings: Moose (2x$12), Betances(2x$8), Pomeranz (3x$6), Jose Iglesias (1x$5), Flores (1x$4)

 

Trades: Lemet/Mejía for Hader

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Davies (5.0), Shaw (4.7) Gamel (1.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Cain (CF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Moose(3B)

Braun (1B)

Iglesias (SS)

Mejia©

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Flores

Min Guy

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Lemet

Davies

Peralta

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Knebel

Betances

Pomeranz

Suter

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

[JosephC]

Top priority for me is to get Grandal re-signed. Priority number two was to find a "third-tier" free agent starter to add to the rotation. Top tier is Cole and Strasburg and they will go for more the Brewers can afford. Tier #2 is Wheeler and Bumgarner but I don't think they fit money-wise after committing 17+ million per season to Grandal.

 

But when looking at tier 3...there just isn't much there I like. I still wouldn't rule out trying to make a trade for Robbie Ray, but apparently the Diamondbacks asking price for him at last year's deadline was sky-high, and now they are thinner in the rotation after having moved Grienke. And now there isn't much left in the Brewers minor league system to make deals either.

 

So when looking at free agent pitchers, I just had to look back at Moustakas and figure who would be the most likely to provide the best value to the Brewers? Mike Moustakas, Jake Odorizzi, Kyle Gibson? For me the answer was easily Moustakas. I always worry that his OBP will fall off a cliff, but he's been so solid for Milwaukee that he just doesn't seem to be near the gamble that all those pitchers would be.

 

So here is where I am at:

 

Would go ahead and make that Chase Anderson trade. It would be different if I felt that Counsell had some confidence in him, but Counsell always pulls him so fast that I would rather go in the different direction...even with the shortage of pitching.

 

I would have kept Eric Thames. Just don't see replacing his production for any less money. And with the pitching as it will be under this plan, this offense is going to have to out-bomb the other offenses. Not my preferred style, but rather what the situation dictates.

 

I would not offer arbitration to Travis Shaw and Jimmy Nelson.

 

Yasmani Grandal = 4 year, 70 million offer (4 years at 17 million each with a 5th year for 17 million or a 2 million buyout, so a guaranteed 70 million)

Mike Moustakas = 2 year, 25 million offer

 

Would also be planning on pursuing Jung Ho Kang as a split-contract candidate.

 

If the payroll cap is at 130 million to start the year, then I still have about 14.5 million to make moves (assuming Grandal and Moustakas accept those contract offers). I think a few of those starting pitchers will end up having to settle for 1 year, 5-6 million type deals and I'd like to pick up two of them if possible. I just didn't feel comfortable projecting those guys now because I have no clue as to who those guys would be.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I find it a little frustrating how slowly MLB free agency seems to move compared to the other professional sports leagues. It seems like 90% of the top NFL free agents are signed less than a week after the league year begins, and the NBA isn't far behind that. With MLB, though, small signings like Adam Wainwright trickle in as you approach December, but things don't ever seem to pick up until after the new year. I would think that these players would like to know what their futures look like as early as possible in the process, instead of waiting until the eve of Spring Training, or even after it begins, to get their next contract. I wonder if this delay can be blamed more on the teams or on the players and their representation?

[KeithStone53151]

I find this to be a fun offseason, in that there are so many things we can do...with quite a bit of payroll/roster flexibility to get them done. There are obvious areas to address and potential rule changes that will factor into roster building...having the flexibility is nice. We are in a much better position than quite a few teams this offseason in our ability to make moves.

[wntrtxn21]

Slight Change to my plan

 

Free agent signings: Moose (2x$12), Betances(2x$8), Pomeranz (3x$6), Jose Iglesias (1x$5), Flores (1x$4)

 

Trades: Lemet/Mejía for Hader

 

Tenders: Knebel (5.125), Claudio (2.2), Davies (5.0), Shaw (4.7) Gamel (1.6) and Suter (.9)

 

Non Tenders: Nelson, Guerra, Saladino, and Arcia

 

Lineup:

 

Grisham (RF)

Cain (CF)

Yelich (LF)

Hiura (2B)

Moose(3B)

Braun (1B)

Iglesias (SS)

Mejia©

P

 

Bench:

Pina

Gamel

Flores

Min Guy

Min Guy

 

Rotation:

Woodruff

Lemet

Davies

Peralta

Houser

 

Bullpen:

Knebel

Betances

Pomeranz

Suter

Claudio

Wahl

D. Williams

 

IMO Mejia and Lamet is a far too low of a pkg. for Hader. Mejia has an absolute cannon for an arm, but his other skills are lacking making him a below avg. defensive catcher. Cleveland was going to move him to another position before they traded him. San Diego also has plans to try him in the OF. He is a switch hitter with a .300 OBP and strikes out 1/4 of his ABs. Hard to know about his power playing in San Diego. Lamet strikes out a lot of guys, but also allows a lot of walks (almost 4 per 9) and HRs. I think Stearns could do better than that for Hader.

[bill hAll Star]

Mejia had an .866 OPS in the 2nd half of the season and an .831 OPS away from Petco and he's only 24.

 

Lamet was becoming dominant as he progressed from his recovery from TJ surgery in the final months of last year.

 

I am one that realizes how important Hader and certain relievers are in today's game and are vital to how Stearns/Counsell manage a game...but I'd take that package and run. I'm not sure the Padres would offer it.

 

If those concerns about Mejia's other catching skills are worse than I think, then maybe I'd have some second thoughts...but otherwise you could have a top of the rotation piece and a stud, young catcher for about 5 years each. I'd do it.

[reillymcshane]

I'm going to give this a shot:

 

POSITION PLAYERS:

Resign Grandal - 3 years, $57M

Resign Moose - 3 years, $33M

Sign CJ Cron - I'm betting Cron gets non tendered. Maybe something 2 years/$10M. But we could go with someone of similar status (such as re-signing Thames).

Sign José Iglesias - 2 years, $7 - can start at SS if Arcia falters, or provides outstanding depth in middle IF, and late inning defensive replacement for Hiura if Arcia does well.

Returning Position players: Braun, Hiura, Gamel (could be replaced), Grisham, Cain, Yeliich, Pina

Needs: a 1B/3B player. Either a veteran (Todd Frazier is an example, but he is probably too price and wants a full time gig) or perhaps a AAAA guy who just hasn't gotten a chance.

Move on from Shaw to save money.

 

PITCHING:

Resign Lyles and Gio Gonzalez to 1 or 2 year deals, let's say at $5M a year or so. Not really sure what their market is, but if it gets too expensive, find similar arms.

Resign Pomeranz - not sure of price. I was thinking $5M for a couple of years, but people seem to think it will be more. That's fine. Let's say $7M. If the club thinks he's going to be exceptional, go head and do it.

 

Returning starters: Woodruff, Davies, Houser. Burnes and/or Peralta could start if needed.

Returning relievers: Knebel, Hader, Claudio, Suter, Guerra, mix of Peralta, Burnes, D. Williams, Black, other young guys.

Regarding Nelson - let him go now - or offer arby, and if he doesn't look like he's going to be good, let him go in Spring Training - costing the team about $600,000 or so.

 

This roster has a salary of about $130M - and still needs to get a backup 1B/3B. Perhaps we won't go that high, but it's an idea.

 

The idea is to make the offense a little more consistent. It would be good, but probably not great.

 

As for pitching, the 26th man gives us even more flexibility with pitchers. While I'd love Wheeler or another front line starter, it's just a lot of money (upwards of $20M annually). Instead, get okay starters who aren't expected to go 6-7 innings. They just need to okay, get us through five innings or so, and then move on to a killer bullpen.

 

If the team elects to spend a lot more money, I'm all for adding other quality players. But I'm trying to build this at a number closer (but still higher) than last year.

[MrTPlush]

I’m kinda surprised that roster is only $130mil to be honest. It’s not a bad plan, but the obvious concern would be a pretty bad starting rotation. Woodruff is good (maybe even really good) and Davies is a fine piece, but past that you have a whole lot of question marks. Lyles was great for us to end last year, but he was shaky overall last year. Gio is okay, but the Brewers always seemed to view him as a very short leash starter. Houser/Burnes/Peralta are all very questionable as starters. Any one of them in the rotation to start the year is probably not a great sign, especially when you consider it only gets shakier from there with injuries.

 

I think, ideally, Houser is also in the pen. That gives you Hader, Peralta, Houser, Pomeranz, Suter, and Knebel as a real strong group leading the pen.

 

I am okay with Gio and Lyles...but I don’t think I want Burnes/Peralta/Houser touching the last spot. I would probably go Suter over all those guys unless they showed something to give one more confidence in them. That is of course assuming the above happened and affording another FA starter is pretty much out of the question.