Filling Out the Roster

[DR28]

I would bring back Jedd Gyorko, to me he may be better and will definitely be cheaper than LaStella.

 

I'd also like to see Jake Lamb brought in at a reasonable price, he played well for Oakland down the stretch and could end up being a steal. Between Gyorko, Lamb, Vogelbach and Urias, I'd be content with our 1b/3b/DH spots. We have 46 utility infielders to fill in if they struggle.

 

I would also be open to bringing Braun back, if he's interested in being a 4th OF and DH vs. LHP.

 

I'd also like to add another starting pitcher. Some of the names that jump out to me are Trevor Williams, Foltynewicz, Archer and Paxton. Obviously Paxton and Archer would cost more, but would be nice to get one of those guys at a lower cost.

 

Other than that, I like the roster a lot.

 

I definitely agree on Lamb, I would like to add him.

 

And I would be totally fine to put Jedd at 3B, see what he can do during a full season... Stick Jedd at 3B and Jake at 1B.

[DR28]

Would like Cron as well.... But then our lineup is too right handed.

[wntrtxn21]

I would bring back Jedd Gyorko, to me he may be better and will definitely be cheaper than LaStella.

 

I'd also like to see Jake Lamb brought in at a reasonable price, he played well for Oakland down the stretch and could end up being a steal. Between Gyorko, Lamb, Vogelbach and Urias, I'd be content with our 1b/3b/DH spots. We have 46 utility infielders to fill in if they struggle.

 

I would also be open to bringing Braun back, if he's interested in being a 4th OF and DH vs. LHP.

 

I'd also like to add another starting pitcher. Some of the names that jump out to me are Trevor Williams, Foltynewicz, Archer and Paxton. Obviously Paxton and Archer would cost more, but would be nice to get one of those guys at a lower cost.

 

Other than that, I like the roster a lot.

 

I definitely agree on Lamb, I would like to add him.

 

And I would be totally fine to put Jedd at 3B, see what he can do during a full season... Stick Jedd at 3B and Jake at 1B.

 

If the Crew is keeping Vogelbach, IMO Lamb is not for them. Both are lefties and Lamb can't face lefties (career .169/.276). I'm not a Gyorko fan either, but he'd be better than starting Urias at 3B. I'd like to see the Crew go after the Rays Brosseau or Wendle. Both are payroll friendly and both play 3B. Both should come relatively cheap too. Barring that, I'm hoping they can trade Hader for a competent 3B and then use Vogelbach and maybe Cabrera at 1B.

[DR28]

I would bring back Jedd Gyorko, to me he may be better and will definitely be cheaper than LaStella.

 

I'd also like to see Jake Lamb brought in at a reasonable price, he played well for Oakland down the stretch and could end up being a steal. Between Gyorko, Lamb, Vogelbach and Urias, I'd be content with our 1b/3b/DH spots. We have 46 utility infielders to fill in if they struggle.

 

I would also be open to bringing Braun back, if he's interested in being a 4th OF and DH vs. LHP.

 

I'd also like to add another starting pitcher. Some of the names that jump out to me are Trevor Williams, Foltynewicz, Archer and Paxton. Obviously Paxton and Archer would cost more, but would be nice to get one of those guys at a lower cost.

 

Other than that, I like the roster a lot.

 

I definitely agree on Lamb, I would like to add him.

 

And I would be totally fine to put Jedd at 3B, see what he can do during a full season... Stick Jedd at 3B and Jake at 1B.

 

If the Crew is keeping Vogelbach, IMO Lamb is not for them. Both are lefties and Lamb can't face lefties (career .169/.276). I'm not a Gyorko fan either, but he'd be better than starting Urias at 3B. I'd like to see the Crew go after the Rays Brosseau or Wendle. Both are payroll friendly and both play 3B. Both should come relatively cheap too. Barring that, I'm hoping they can trade Hader for a competent 3B and then use Vogelbach and maybe Cabrera at 1B.

 

But then what happens when Vogelbach sucks and we DFA him... Lamb is the starter at 1B, Vogelbach is a bench bat.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

But then what happens when Vogelbach sucks and we DFA him... Lamb is the starter at 1B, Vogelbach is a bench bat.

 

But what happens when Lamb reverts to the player who put up a .676 OPS in 2019, or a .655 in 2018? Or the atrocious .380 he put up last season in Arizona before the Athletics picked him up? I mean, how can you determine that the 45 solid ABs Lamb had with the A's last year are the real deal, while the 58 Vogelbach had with the Brewers are a mirage?

 

Lamb does have some solid play pretty distantly in his past, so I wouldn't mind grabbing him on a minor league deal as a flyer, but there's no way I'd feel comfortable handing that guy the starting job at 3B or 1B.

[DR28]

But then what happens when Vogelbach sucks and we DFA him... Lamb is the starter at 1B, Vogelbach is a bench bat.

 

But what happens when Lamb reverts to the player who put up a .676 OPS in 2019, or a .655 in 2018? Or the atrocious .380 he put up last season in Arizona before the Athletics picked him up? I mean, how can you determine that the 45 solid ABs Lamb had with the A's last year are the real deal, while the 58 Vogelbach had with the Brewers are a mirage?

 

Lamb does have some solid play pretty distantly in his past, so I wouldn't mind grabbing him on a minor league deal as a flyer, but there's no way I'd feel comfortable handing that guy the starting job at 3B or 1B.

 

I'll be honest, I dont care for or believe in Vogelbach... Lamb has at least put up a couple of good seasons and I think he was hurt in those other seasons... And Lamb at least can play good D.

 

Just want Stearns to DO something about 1B and 3B.

[brewerfan82]

2017-2020 vs. RHP (made sure to go back to 2017 to make sure it at least included the last time Lamb had a season with an OPS over .676...):

 

2017-2020 vs. LHP:

 

As noted, I did Lamb a favor by including 2017, otherwise Vogelbach crushes him in the past 3 seasons against righties (not to mention he's 2 years younger as well). That said, I wouldn't mind throwing him in the mix if he can be had on the cheap and we also pick up someone like Gyorko to handle the lefties. Of course, ideally, we obtain a couple better everyday players for 1B and 3B, but my expectations are pretty low and we need *some* bodies to throw against the wall this Spring.

[DR28]

Anybody got a particular starting pitcher they like as a bounce back candidate that can be had on a vet minimum type of deal? Lyles, Miley and even Anderson worked well last few years. Although Anderson wasn’t a minimum he was certainly an under the radar move.

 

These may not all be minimum salaries, but all of these players should be relatively cheap and intrigue me one way or another in order on how much I like them:

 

Mike Foltynewicz

Brad Peacock

Matt Moore

Tyler Anderson

Dario Agrazal

Erasmo Ramírez

Nick Tropeano

 

I'm really coming around to the idea of Trevor Williams, I would love to add him to our rotation.

 

Woodruff

Burnes

Williams

Lindblom

Lauer

 

I still like Houser but I also want a lefty in our rotation... Move Houser to bullpen, I bet he would do well.

[brewmann04]

I was hoping for T Walker for the rotation spot.

[brewcrewdue80]

Anybody got a particular starting pitcher they like as a bounce back candidate that can be had on a vet minimum type of deal? Lyles, Miley and even Anderson worked well last few years. Although Anderson wasn’t a minimum he was certainly an under the radar move.

 

These may not all be minimum salaries, but all of these players should be relatively cheap and intrigue me one way or another in order on how much I like them:

 

Mike Foltynewicz

Brad Peacock

Matt Moore

Tyler Anderson

Dario Agrazal

Erasmo Ramírez

Nick Tropeano

 

Brad Peacock would seem to possibly best fit as a duo RP/SP. Between what the team does with Lauer, Peralta, and Lindblom. Fallback #5 to full time bullpen duty.

 

Still wondering on Asdrubal Cabrera. High floor no ceiling. But switch hits and has played all 4 infield positions as a Starter. Hes made a total of 6mil the last two 1 year contracts he signed. Veteran to help Urias even Arcia maybe. 1 year 3mil up to 4 if that's what it takes to convince him to play in Milwaukee.

 

Im surprised LaStella is still out there but maybe with Kike and Profar signings he takes a high priority and at what price range. Considering what Profar got I'd have to think LaStella is a 3-24 to 3-33 coming. Gotta be too rich for Stearns without removing someone.

[titletownking]

Also, action is definitely picking up this week. I like the Brewers to complete a few transactions within next 7 days.

 

 

 

Couldn’t have been more wrong. Zero activity. Wow, rather shocked following arbitration settlements being completed we haven’t seen any action. The guys report in less than a month.

[Eye Black]

These may not all be minimum salaries, but all of these players should be relatively cheap and intrigue me one way or another in order on how much I like them:

 

Mike Foltynewicz

Brad Peacock

Matt Moore

Tyler Anderson

Dario Agrazal

Erasmo Ramírez

Nick Tropeano

 

I like Collin McHugh as a cheap #4-5 type. Maybe swing man.

McHugh makes a lot of sense. Coming off injury and approaching his mid-30s he should be fairly cheap, and has a decent upside if healthy. He is excellent at limiting hard contact and continues to strikeout batters at a decent rate. Stearns was the Astros Assistant GM when they picked up McHugh off of waivers prior to the 2014 season.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Also, action is definitely picking up this week. I like the Brewers to complete a few transactions within next 7 days.

 

 

 

Couldn’t have been more wrong. Zero activity. Wow, rather shocked following arbitration settlements being completed we haven’t seen any action. The guys report in less than a month.

 

Yeah, it is getting pretty annoying now. I keep wholeheartedly carrying the water for this team and its front office, but I have to admit, the faith is beginning to wain.

 

Not that big moves aren't still there to be had. Yesterday was the 3-year anniversary Yeli-Mas. I've never been more excited to be a Brewer fan than I was that night. It's time for Stearns and Arnold to man up and create some excitement for this team again.

[wibadgers23]

You can still have an interesting/exciting offseason without spending big money (trades). There’s still time but I’m starting to get an uneasy feeling.

[PeaveyFury]

I am a little encouraged about the note that Mark A. was apparently asked to sell a FA this offseason, which means that there IS stuff going on behind the scenes, but I agree that you're kind of getting up against spring training if something doesn't give soon.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I am a little encouraged about the note that Mark A. was apparently asked to sell a FA this offseason, which means that there IS stuff going on behind the scenes, but I agree that you're kind of getting up against spring training if something doesn't give soon.

 

Agreed ... I would think that Attanasio wouldn't be brought in to recruit unless something was getting close. I also would think that he wouldn't be brought in unless the target was at least a relatively big name. Perhaps that is me grasping at straws at this point, but I still have some hope that they are working on something that isn't the "bargain bin" type move many complain about around here.

[PeaveyFury]

You don't bring in the owner to talk to Daniel Robertson, or equivalent. So, likely something much bigger....

[baumer16]

Where does it say Mark A was being brought in?

[Madhawk23]

I am a little encouraged about the note that Mark A. was apparently asked to sell a FA this offseason, which means that there IS stuff going on behind the scenes, but I agree that you're kind of getting up against spring training if something doesn't give soon.

 

Agreed ... I would think that Attanasio wouldn't be brought in to recruit unless something was getting close. I also would think that he wouldn't be brought in unless the target was at least a relatively big name. Perhaps that is me grasping at straws at this point, but I still have some hope that they are working on something that isn't the "bargain bin" type move many complain about around here.

 

Yeah, I caught that comment too. I can't imagine that Mark would have been brought in to sell a guy like Daniel Robertson, so yeah - seems like we are at least talking to a bigger FA or two. What we don't know though is if the guy he talked to is still unsigned, or if it was someone that already picked another team. Either way though, it's at least encouraging to hear that we are swimming in the FA pool this winter, because I had serious doubts until I heard that comment on Friday. Maybe the Brewers beat reporters just need to do more winter interviews with Mark A instead of Stearns - as I think Mark is less polished in keeping things under wraps.

[PeaveyFury]

Where does it say Mark A was being brought in?

 

[TURBO]

Just who exactly are the "bigger FA" players still left that we would be interested in?

 

Seriously, are there any big name 1B or 3B just hanging around in free agency?

[brewers888]

I think its pretty obvious by now that we will be filling the rest of the roster with filler. We cut payroll last winter with the full expectations of big crowds and without that we are stuck with the scraps. I would be surprised to see any signings for more than 5 million or so.

 

The lineup is probably going to look pretty similar to last years. We have to hope that Yelich is his MVP self and that Cain plays well. Third base will probably be filled by Urias and first base with either Vogalbach or a Smoak level free agent.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Just who exactly are the "bigger FA" players still left that we would be interested in?

 

Seriously, are there any big name 1B or 3B just hanging around in free agency?

 

Still quite a few of the top guys out there:

 

1. SP Trevor Bauer - Gonna be WAY too expensive, but could you imagine throwing Bauer in a rotation with Woodruff and Burnes?

2. C J.T. Realmuto - Doesn't make a ton of sense, both financially and roster construction-wise, unless they are giving up on Narvaez.

3. OF/DH Marcell Ozuna - Brewers have been linked to him, so this is a possibility.

4. SS/INF Didi Gregorius - I think this is actually a pretty good bet for the type of FA Attansaio would be recruiting. He's be a major get, and would likely be the team's full time 3B.

5. 3B Justin Turner - Obvious position need, and if he were willing to signing a short-term deal, this one makes sense. I don't trust signing a 36-year-old whatsoever, though.

6. SS/INF Marcus Semien - This would make sense too from a positional need standpoint. Other teams have supposedly been talking to Semien about playing 3B.

7. SS Andrelton Simmons - He's the best defensive SS in baseball, so this only makes sense if they are going to move on from Arcia.

8. OF/1B Joc Pederson - Also a potential target that makes some sense. Good power and a LH bat.

9. SP Jake Odorizzi - Solid #3 starter. Shouldn't be super expensive.

10. 3B Tommy La Stella - Solid player, would fill an obvious hole.

 

Obviously there is much more on the market, but these are 10 guys off the bat who I could see Mark A. getting involved in their recruitment.

[PeaveyFury]

Semien is a difference maker for sure, and guys like Pederson make a lot of logical sense.

[brewerfan82]

Just who exactly are the "bigger FA" players still left that we would be interested in?

 

Seriously, are there any big name 1B or 3B just hanging around in free agency?

This is a nice resource: https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/free-agent-tracker

 

If you sort by projected WAR, you'll find:

 

- 13 of the top 23 players are still unsigned (two players took the QO) - This includes Marcus Semien, Justin Turner, Joc Pederson, and Tommy La Stella who could be considered for 1B/3B positions

- 14 of the 25 players ranked 26-50 are still unsigned - This include Maikel Franco who could be considered for a 1B/3B position

- 17 of the 25 players ranked 51-75 are still unsigned - This include Travis Shaw, Jake Lamb, Marwin Gonzalez, and Todd Frazier who could be considered for 1B/3B positions

- 19 of the 25 players ranked 76-100 are still unsigned - This include CJ Cron, Asdrubel Cabrera, Brad Miller, and Jedd Gyorko who could be considered for 1B/3B positions

 

So 63 of the top 98 free agents are still unsigned, and that includes 13 1B/3B types that are still available.