Results tagged ‘ Milwaukee Brewers ’
MLB Free Agency Breaking News: Milwaukee Brewers to Sign SS Alex Gonzalez
After three brutal days at the 2011 MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas, Texas, the Milwaukee Brewers have finally found their shortstop for the future — or at least for next season, that is.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweeted just minutes ago on how the club has reached an agreement with the veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez on a one-year deal with a vesting option for 2013. The monetary figure is unclear, but we will continue to update you as information becomes available.
According to Rosenthal himself via Twitter:
“Alex Gonzalez deal with #Brewers is one year with a vesting option. #MLB“
Last season, Gonzalez, 34, batted .241 with 15 home runs and 56 RBI in 149 games played with the Atlanta Braves. The veteran infielder was considered to be a potential target for Milwaukee at the beginning of the offseason, when GM Doug Melvin began to contemplate the many options that could upgrade his infield from a season ago.
Alec Dopp covers the Milwaukee Brewers as a featured columnist on Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, and read his blog, Brewers Rumors.
MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Players Milwaukee Brewers Will Target at Winter Meetings
Jimmy Rollins could be a potential signing for the Brewers at this year's Winter Meetings
Next week (Dec. 5-8), the baseball cosmos will shift it’s collective focus to the 2011 MLB Winter Meetings, where many of the top available free-agents from the 2012 class are likely to ink brand new deals.
Between the apparent need for a veteran shortstop and eighth-inning setup man, GM Doug Melvin and the Milwaukee Brewers aren’t likely to be big players at this winter’s meetings (unlike last winter). However, there are needs that will be addressed and noteworthy names that could be acquired.
Here are five names Melvin and the Brewers will target at next week’s crucial meetings.
Rafael Furcal
Furcal, 34, is clearly on the downswing of professional career, but that doesn’t mean the Brewers aren’t interested in signing him. The speedster was a centerpiece to the Cardinals’ late regular season push toward the postseason, batting .255 with 7 HR and 16 RBI, drawing 17 walks and only striking out 18 individual times. While he’s in no way the threat he once was on the bases, many believe he can still hold his own in the field. His durability may become a cause for concern, as he’s played just 174 games over his last two seasons. Melvin has been in brief discussions with Furcal’s agent, Paul Kinzer.
Frank Francisco
Outside of finding an upgrade at shortstop, there’s no doubting that Melvin’s No. 2 priority is to find a power reliever that can adequately replace Francisco Rodriguez next season.
Former Texas Rangers closer Frank Francisco could catch Melvin’s eye, as he’s proven to be one of the best strikeout relievers in all of MLB over the past few seasons. With the Blue Jays, Francisco garnered a 3.55 ERA while striking out 53 in 50.1 IP. He also notched 17 saves to go with a 9.41 K/9 ratio in 2011.
The market shouldn’t be too demanding for his services, so if the Brewers aren’t able to lock him up next week, they should be able to compete for him shortly thereafter.
Jerry Hairston
If not for the acquisition of Jerry Hairston at the trade deadline last season, who knows how the Brewers’ season would’ve ended.
Acquired from the Nationals, the 35-year-old veteran utility-man extraordinaire batted .385 with 4 RBI and a .961 OPS in 11 postseason games as the full-time starting third baseman with Milwaukee. Reports suggest Melvin has already offered Hairston a one-year deal to return as a Brewer next season, however the price and duration have not yet been disclosed.
Obviously, Hairston will look to explore his options with such a high demand for quality infielding gloves this winter. His time for beating around the bush won’t last too much longer. Expect the Brewers to offer him a new-and-improved deal at next week’s meetings.
Aramis Ramirez
With the uncertain future of Casey McGehee at third base and Prince Fielder likely on his way out, now could be the time for the Brewers to act and sign a prominent name to bolster their lineup. Aramis Ramirez might be that chief addition.
Ramirez’s agent, Paul Kinzer, has said that at least four or five teams are seriously interested in signing the former Cub this winter. Could the Brewers be one of them? According to sources, Milwaukee could very much be a potential destination for Ramirez.
Last season, the long-time Cub batted .306 with 26 HR, 93 RBI and a .510 OPS. He’s reportedly seeking a four-year deal or three-year deal with an option. While the Brewers may or may not be willing to bestow such a contract, Ramirez remains a top target for Milwaukee at next week’s meetings.
Jimmy Rollins
I’m not sure if there’s any one player more qualified to fill Milwaukee’s shortstop void than Rollins.
Even at 33 years of age, the long-time Phillie can still swing the bat with great efficiency (.268 BA, 16 HR, 68 RBI last season). He’s also relatively volatile on the basepaths, notching 33 stolen bases last season with Philadelphia, which would work wonders in Ron Roenicke’s aggressive-style of running on the basepaths. More importantly, though, his seasoned glove would be a sumptuous add-on to Milwaukee’s infield. Yielding a .988 FPCT and 2.9 UZR last season, Rollins was still one of the top defensive shortstops in all of baseball.
Reports have shown Rollins is looking for a five-year deal this offseason, which is probably out of Milwaukee’s price range. However, Melvin has said he intends on touching base with Dan Lozano, Rollins’ agent, on a possible short-term deal.
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter @alecdopp
MLB Arizona Fall League Results 2011: Grading Each Milwaukee Brewers Prospect
Scooter Gennett slugged his way to a fantastic 2011 AFL showing
The 2011 MLB Arizona Fall League saw many of the league’s top prospects flourish and develop into much more well-rounded players in just a few weeks’ time. Milwaukee Brewers prospects Scooter Gennett, Jed Bradley, Zealous Wheeler and many other youngsters also bettered their games sumptuously, leading the Peoria Javelinas to a 16-19 overall record in the meantime.
Now that the AFL has come and gone, how did each Brewers prospect grade out and how will their performance better or worsen their future with the club? Let’s find out.
2B Scooter Gennett (.411 BA, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 20 R, 1.026 OPS)
Acknowledged by many to be one of the few “untouchable” prospects remaining in Milwaukee’s barren system, Gennett, 21, thoroughly backed up his claim as Milwaukee’s second-baseman of the future this fall. The 5’9″ 164-pound Florida State product finished second among all AFL batters in BA, and ranked just behind Bryce Harper — yes, that Bryce Harper — for the league’s ninth best OPS. His .470 OBP also ranked fourth-best. Gennett is expected to make an appearance in double-A sometime next season, and is well-aware of the difficulties awaiting him at the next level. Overall, though, the speedy infielder was nothing short of sensational in his stay in Arizona this fall. Great player, bright future with the Brewers.
Grade: A
3B Zelous Wheeler (.276 BA, 8 RBI, 15 R, .755 OPS)
It’s amazing to hear how few people are aware of Wheeler’s presence in Milwaukee’s system. At 24 years of age, the youngster has already has five surprisingly productive seasons under his belt. This fall, the 19th-round selection out from 2007 virtually duplicated his BA from last season (.272) but was mediocre at best even in a batter-friendly league. Many compare his versatility to Jerry Hairston in that he can play just about anywhere when asked. Regardless, his performance this fall neither bolstered nor diminished his potential future with the Brewers.
Grade: C
OF Kentrail Davis (.325 BA, HR, 12 RBI, 16 R, 4 SB, .429 OBP)
While there’s simply no denying Davis’ physical attributes — his 8.2 SPD rating last season in class-A advanced is comparable to Jose Reyes’ 8.4 — many point to his inconsistencies at the plate as a serious cause for concern moving forward. Last season, the Tennessee product batted a lousy .245 along with an abhorrent .287 BABIP in the Florida State League. However, his .325 BA this fall comes as a refreshing statistic, without question. If he’s able to maintain this momentum into next season, he could be suiting up for triple-A Nashville as soon as 2013.
Grade: B
OF Logan Schafer (.302 BA, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 5 SB, .364 OBP)
Now 25 years old, Schafer spent time in class-A advanced, double-A and triple-A last season on his road to recovery from a broken foot suffered back in 2010. Needless to say, the youngster bounced back impressively, batting a combined .315 with 5 HR, 43 RBI and 16 stolen bases, and was able to earn a September call-up. This fall, Schafer ranked among the top hitters in terms of BA and OPS (.812). He’s a steadfast batter and great fielder who could may very well end up on Ron Roenicke’s depth-chart this spring with Milwaukee’s uncertainties in the outfield. Granted, he could’ve done more this fall, but it was nonetheless a stately AFL debut for the budding star.
Grade: B-
RHP Cody Scarpetta (0-3, 19.64 ERA, 7 SO, 7.1 IP)
While I’d love to sit here and brag about Scarpetta’s great stuff and tremendous upside, it’s only appropriate for me to dwell on his command issues and subsequently despicable AFL campaign. Once a top-caliber prospect in Milwaukee’s system, Scarpetta, 23, has since seen his stock falter tremendously over the past few seasons. Accruing such an unattractive ERA this fall probably isn’t what scouts were expecting.
Grade: F
Others
LHP Jed Bradley (1-0, 6.48 ERA , 8 SO, 8.1 IP)
Youngster flashed instances of a bright future in his first go-around against the competition. Don’t let the 6.48 ERA fool you — too small of a sample size. Grade: N/A
LHP Daniel Meadows (6.57 ERA, 5 SO, 12.1 IP)
You can interpret the obscene ERA to your liking. Terrible campaign for the tall left-hander. Grade: D-
RHP Brandon Kintzler (7.38 ERA, 5 SO, 3.2 IP)
A veteran prospect with a dwindling future, Kintzler certainly didn’t turn things around after his fall outing. Grade: D-
RHP Casey Medlen (5.84 ERA, 12 SO, 12.1 IP)
Again, yet another unfruitful ERA for a Brewer reliever. However, his above-average strikeout abilities are something to take note of heading into next season.
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter: @alecdopp.
MLB Free Agents 2012: Re-Ranking Milwaukee Brewers Biggest FA Targets
The temperature may be dropping, but the rumors keep heating up for the Milwaukee Brewers.
With a number of question marks concerning Ron Roenicke’s crew moving forward, GM Doug Melvin must resolve to fix the most prominent holes concerning his club through free-agency. There have been a number of whispers and inquiries as to who Melvin may be targeting, but nothing is for certain at this stage.
Who are the Brewers’ most admired targets this offseason?
7. Prince Fielder
Speculation aside, the Brewers fully intend on bringing back Prince Fielder in 2012. Melvin and owner Mark Attanasio both remain confident that their club will be contenders with or without slugger. That said, they do remain optimistic about a potential re-signing. Last Tuesday, Attanasio had this to say to reporters:
There are potential free agents but for right now, we want to leave that spot open for Prince.
Last season, the 27-year-old garnered 38 HR and a team-high 120 RBI. He also maintained a .299 BA and drew a league-leading 32 intentional walks. Although clubs have yet to contact him personally, it is expected that Fielder’s high demand will be too much for the Brewers to contend for his services next season.
6. Aramis Ramirez
The Brewers were able to contend last year in large part due to their upgraded pitching, but make no mistake about it — a dynamic lineup propelled Ron Roenicke’s crew to the NLCS.
With December just around the corner, Prince Fielder will only begin to receive hefty offers from desperate teams. Without his presence in Milwaukee’s lineup in 2012, their offensive output would take a serious blow.
To ease the pain, Melvin could be interested in inking Aramis Ramirez to a lucrative deal. Last season, Ramirez, 33, batted .306 with 26 HR and 93 RBI on his way to a .510 SLG. GM Theo Epstein turned down Ramirez’s $16 Million option last month.
5. Jose Reyes
Brewers fans have been raving about the prospect of Reyes potentially joining forces with Ryan Braun and company for quite some time now, but only recently has it become notably prominent.
Last week, ESPN’s own Adam Rubin reported that Melvin acknowledged he had “one phone call” with Reyes’ agent. Melvin also said he has not decided whether or not the two sides would continue discussions.
Regardless, it is expected that Milwaukee will be in on the Reyes sweepstakes this winter. Upgrading at shortstop prior to 2012 is a genuine need for the Brewers — no matter how unlikely a signing will transpire.
4. Frank Francisco
With the declining of Francisco Rodriguez’s hefty 2012 option, expect the Brewers to be lobbying for a power-type setup man to take his place next season.
Truth be told, this winter’s free-agent class isn’t what one would deem extraordinarily talented. There are a number of names worth mentioning, though.
Francisco, 32, is one such reliever that should catch Melvin’s eye. He made 54 appearances with Toronto last season, notching 53 punch-outs in just 50.2 IP.
3. Jimmy Rollins
Veteran shortstops are among the hottest free-agent commodities this winter, and the Brewers are well immersed in nabbing one for 2012. Rollins, a long-time Phillie who is currently at the ripe age of 32, is reportedly looking for somewhere near a five-year deal this winter.
While the Brewers have no business offering that type of contract to an aging glove like that of Rollins, Melvin said he would be willing to offer a hefty one-year deal and then test the market next winter once more.
In 2010, Rollins managed a .268 BA, 16 HR, 63 RBI and notched 30 stolen bases in 38 attempts. His great defensive range would be ideal for Milwaukee in 2012.
2. Yuniesky Betancourt
As haphazard as his 2011 campaign may have been, the Brewers still hold Yuniesky Betancourt in high regard. Could that mutual adoration turn into a new contract?
Melvin turned down the 29-year-old’s $6 Million 2012 option last month, but says he is very open to the idea of bringing him back at the right price.
Betancourt amassed 13 HR and 68 RBI — second most among all NL shortstops last season. His free-swinging mentality led to a .252 BA and .271 OBP, additionally. He certainly isn’t the ideal shortstop for Milwaukee moving forward, but he still remains a candidate this winter.
1. Rafael Furcal
As we’ve already alluded to, the Brewers are in hot pursuit of quality gloves that would solidify a horrendous infield from a season ago.
Veteran shortstop Rafael Furcal is currently among the vast number of players Melvin intends on targeting.
As a trade-deadline upgrade for Tony La Russa last July, Furcal, 34, batted .255 with 7 HR and 29 runs scored in 50 games. His production in the batter’s box wasn’t why St. Louis brought the former speedster in, however. Holding true to a .958 FPCT and a 4.86 RF while turning 36 double plays, Furcal was absolutely critical in the Cardinals’ World Series run. His disciplined experience makes him a sublime free-agency candidate for the Brewers.
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter: @alecdopp.
Top 5 Candidates to Replace Dale Sveum as Hitting Coach
After weeks worth of speculation, the Chicago Cubs finally found their manager of the future with the hiring of now former Milwaukee Brewers bench and hitting coach Dale Sveum (via Washington Post).
While the move will prove to be brilliant for the north-siders, the same cannot be said for the team relinquishing their former assistant-skipper of the last six seasons.
Aiding in Milwaukee’s first postseason series victory since 1982 and first NLCS appearance, the 47-year-old California native was a valued piece in one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history. He has served as a helping hand to Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and every hitter on Ron Roenicke’s depth chart.
Now that Sveum has moved on to pursue his own managerial career, who will replace him in Milwaukee’s dugout? Here are five candidates worth mentioning.
John Shelby
During his playing days, the switch-hitting center fielder was a member of two World Series-winning clubs, and maintained a .239 career batting average over 11 career MLB seasons. Shelby is currently an outfield instructor for the Brewers, but has also served as a coach for the Dodgers, Pirates and Orioles over the past few seasons. Promoting him to such a prominent position wouldn’t be ideal for the Brewers, but there’s a possibility it could happen.
Paul Molitor
Oh the possibilities.
Arguably the greatest player in Brewers history, Molitor would be an exemplary replacement for Sveum as Milwaukee’s bench and hitting coach in 2012 and beyond.
During his illustrious 21-year career, Molitor batted .306, including a remarkable 1987 campaign where he managed a .353 BA. I’m not quite sure if anyone is more qualified for this job than Molitor. Outside of serving as a hitting coach for the Mariners a few years back, Molitor doesn’t have much coaching experience to his name.
Jim Gantner
Another member of the 1982 World Series team, Gantner played 17 career MLB seasons, all coming in a Brewer uniform. Batting .274 in 1,801 games played, Gantner was the quintessential hitter for the Brewers, particularly in the 1980s.
Now, at 58 years old, Gantner has never been a part of a major league coaching staff. One of the most beloved players in the organization’s history, hiring Gantner to replace Sveum isn’t likely. Don’t rule it out just yet, though.
Robin Yount
Considered by many to be one of the greatest pure hitters in MLB history, Yount was rumored to be a possible replacement for Ken Macha before Ron Roenicke was hired last fall.
A career .285 hitter, the now 56-year-old obviously knows the ins and outs of the game of baseball. His experience and familiarity to hitting would work wonders for the likes of Casey McGehee, Jonathon Lucroy and, most importantly, incoming 26-year-old first baseman Mat Gamel.
Yount served as a bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2002 to 2004, and briefly served as a bench coach in Milwaukee in 2005 and later in 2008.
Sandy Guerrero
Guerrero, who served as hitting coach of Milwaukee’s triple-A minor league affiliate Nashville Sounds last season, is believed to be the most-likely replacement for Sveum.
As told by Brewers GM Doug Melvin earlier this week via the Milwaukee Brewer’s official website:
Sandy is a very qualified guy. He’s had a big role in our organization with our Minor League guys, too. He’s very familiar with our players.
Most of the Brewers’ top minor-league prospects are very accustomed to Guerrero’s style. Promoting him to hitting coach seems like the most ideal situation for Milwaukee moving forward.
Alec Dopp covers the Milwaukee Brewers as a featured columnist on Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.
MLB Free Agent Rumors 2012: Jimmy Rollins Added to Milwaukee Brewers’ Wish List
The rumor mill is in full swing for the Milwaukee Brewers and GM Doug Melvin.
As we learned yestereday, the Brewers have been weighing their options heavily on a number of free-agent shortstops and third basemen.
Aramis Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Rafael Furcal, Clint Barmes and even Yuniesky Betancourt are all considered the most “likely” add-ons at this juncture, but nothing is set in stone and we’re guaranteed to see a few more names pop up with the GM meetings just under two weeks away.
Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman tweeted earlier today on how the Brewers have added free-agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins to their offseason wish-list.
Brewers add rollins to their ss list. Also eyeing reyes, furcal, yuni, barmes. hear they like reyes, good call if prince a no-go.
Rollins, 32, is coming off his 11th season with the Phillies, where he batted .268 with 16 HR and 63 RBI in 142 games played. He also stole 30 bases in 38 attempts.
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter.
MLB Free Agent Rumors: Milwaukee Brewers Targeting Aramis Ramirez, Rafael Furcal
I don’t have much time so I’ll try to keep this as simple as possible.
The Milwaukee Brewers, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, are in very interested in bringing in either former Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez or former Cardinal shortstop Rafael Furcal to bolster the team’s defensive woes, and to possibly fill in for the lack of Prince Fielder’s bat.
Here is the tweet sent by Nightengale from earlier today:
No much more interested in Furcal“
@a_constant2:@BNightengale are the brewers targeting both Furcal and Ramierez?”
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter.
MLB Free Agent Rumors 2012: Milwaukee Brewers Not Sweating over Prince Fielder
Major League Baseball’s annual winter meetings are a mere three weeks away, and to the overwhelming surprise of many, the Milwaukee Brewers aren’t planning on meeting with former first-baseman Prince Fielder and his agent, Scott Boras, to discuss the possibility of a brand new contract offer.
After an advantageous 2011 campaign filled with speculation as to where the slugging first baseman might end up, Brewers GM Doug Melvin has said that the club has no imminent plans to make an offer to the now 27-year-old Fielder, saying:
“At this point, it’s important that we let Scott and Prince test the market.”
Last spring, Milwaukee attempted to sign Fielder to a contract extension worth approximately $100 Million, but management had never received a counter offer from Boras and company. They then proceed to sign Ryan Braun, among others, to a five-year, $105 Million deal that would make him a Brewers through 2020.
Fielder, who unlike fellow free-agents Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes, has yet to meet with any clubs to talk about a new deal. Many point to the Cubs, Rangers, Mariners, Nationals and even Giants as the most likely destinations for the big bopper this winter.
Does this mean the Brewers are officially out of the running for Fielder’s services next season? Certainly not. Owner Mark Attanasio has voiced his admiration for the youngster over the past few months, and claims that Milwaukee is “planning on participating in the sweepstakes.”
Nevertheless, one can’t expect there to be a surplus of dough available toward bringing Fielder back next season. Only time will tell whether Milwaukee has a practical shot at the slugger.
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter.
8 Biggest Questions Facing Milwaukee Brewers This Offseason
**Read this article on Bleacher Report**
After being shunned by the St. Louis Cardinals in last month’s NLCS, Ron Roenicke and the Milwaukee Brewers enter the 2011-2012 offseason on a somber note. However, that shouldn’t deter them from rectifying their past woes as next season comes into focus.
With last winter’s acquisitions Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum set to return to Milwaukee for at least one more season, the Brewers know well and full that they are still one of the top clubs heading into 2012, despite Prince Fielder’s potential departure. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of other question marks concerning the Brewers moving forward.
How will GM Doug Melvin retool his defending NL Central champions this offseason? Is there still a possibility that Fielder will be back in 2012? How about Tony Plush?
Let’s take a look at the eight biggest question marks facing the Brewers this offseason.
Will Dale Sveum Be Back with the Club in 2012 and Beyond?
While the entire coaching staff will be welcomed back with open arms next season, bench coach Dale Sveum could be on the move much sooner than later. According to sources, Milwaukee’s bench-coach of the past six seasons has already interviewed with the Red Sox and Cubs in regards for the two clubs’ coaching vacancies.
Sveum knows the insides and outs of the game of baseball and has proven it thoroughly during his tenure in Milwaukee. Will he leave or will he return for 2012 and beyond?
How About Nyjer Morgan?
For a last-minute roster addition prior to the regular season, Nyjer Morgan proved to be a sumptuous left-handed bat in Ron Roenicke’s lineup. Still, is he worth bringing back in 2012?
Last season, the candid center-fielder produced at an alarming rate. In a mere 378 at-bats, Morgan registered 115 hits (enough for a .304 BA), notched four home runs and 37 RBI. He also garnered 13 stolen bases on his way to a 4.0 WAR.
This winter, Morgan is arbitration eligible after making $450,000 last season. Will Melvin decide to bring Tony Plush back next year?
What Does Casey McGehee’s Future Hold in Store?
It’s difficult to put into words how awful Casey McGehee was in 2011.
Coming off a sensational 2010 campaign in which he beat out Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder for the team-lead in RBI (104), McGehee won over the hearts of Brewers fans to no end, and seemingly won over the starting role at the hot-corner for the prospective future. Nowadays, there’s speculation over whether or not Milwaukee should even retain the 29-year-old journeyman.
Last season, McGehee collectively batted .223 and maintained a gruesome .280 OBP on his way to just 67 RBI and 13 HR. Consequently, his poor execution resulted in just a .249 BABIP and a lousy .346 SLG. McGehee is arbitration eligible this offseason for the first time. Will he return to the Brewers in 2012 or be dealt away? You’re guess is as good as mine.
Who Will Take Yuniesky Betancourt’s Place in the Field?
The Brewers kicked off their offseason by declining Yuniesky Betancourt’s mutual 2012 option late last month, marking the end of the shortstop’s forgettable one-year tenure with the club. Unfortunately, there isn’t much prominent free-agent talent to be had this winter, making Melvin’s job of replacing Betancourt only that much more hard.
Rumors have surfaced about Milwaukee’s strong interest in pursuing former Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, however it seems less than probably that they actually sign the superstar. This leaves room for more practical additions such as Clint Barmes, Alex Gonzalez and Rafael Furcal. Lord knows replacing Betancourt shouldn’t prove to be too problematic.
Who Will Become Milwaukee’s New Set-Up Man?
Finding their setup-man in Francisco Rodriguez following the All-Star break proved beneficial in Milwaukee’s regular season and postseason achievements.
In 29.0 IP with the Brewers, the veteran hoarded 17 HLD and 33 SO, walked just 10 and maintained a 1.86 ERA. Melvin wisely declined Francisco’s monstrous $17.5 Million vesting option late last month.
The question Milwaukee must now ask itself is who will fill K-Rod’s shoes next season. There are several noteworthy names available for signing this winter, of which include Frank Francisco, David Aardsma, Matt Capps and Octavio Dotel. None are nor have strikingly brilliant repertoires, however, the Brewers cannot afford to be too picky with such a arid free-agent market.
Is Mat Gamel Ready for the Big Stage?
With Prince Fielder likely to have played his last game in a Brewer uniform, big changes are imminent.
Incumbent 26-year-old prospect Mat Gamel now appears to be the most-likely replacement for Fielder next season. But is he ready for the big stage?
Experts and pundits have been skeptical about his future in the big leagues for a while now. Many point to his feeble .222 BA in 171 career at-bats with Milwaukee as a cause for concern, along with his 36.5 K% in 2009. Even so, a sample size of 171 at-bats is hardly a testimonial to what he could be in a full-time starting role with the Brewers. In his last two seasons in triple-A, Gamel averaged a .310 BA, 21 HR, 82 RBI, .337 BABIP and a .526 SLG.
At this juncture, its hard to determine what management will decide to do regarding the youngster’s future. His 2012 season will ultimately come down to his sheer production in spring training.
Which Prospects Are Ready to Make the Leap?
While there’s no escaping the fact that Milwaukee’s farm-system is drained at best, that doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t prospects ready to make the leap.
As we pointed out last week, the Brewers are interested in promoting RHP Wily Peralta and CF Logan Shafer from triple-A by opening day next season. Third baseman Taylor Green also made an impression on the club last September, and it remains to be seen whether management feels he can be the everyday starter by 2012.
Given the number of uncertainties pertaining to the bullpen, it looks as though Peralta should make the 25-man roster next April. Nevertheless, all three have a legitimate shot at being on the opening-day roster. Who will get the nod in 2012?
Can Management Actually Bring Back Prince Fielder?
There are many question marks surrounding this Milwaukee club, but none are more prominent than what Fielder’s future holds in store.
Popular belief has said that the young 27-year-old isn’t likely to return to the Brewers in 2012 and beyond. After yet another MVP-type season (.299 BA, 38 HR, 120 RBI, .415 OBP), its easy to see why. Clubs with money to spend like the Rangers, Nationals, Mariners and Cubs are at the top of the totem pole at this juncture, but the Brewers are still very much contenders for Fielder’s services.
Owner Mark Attanasio claims he will make a valiant effort at retaining the Fielder’s bat this winter. Is it a realistic possibility or simply a publicity stunt?
Follow Alec Dopp on Twitter: @alecdopp.
Checking in on Milwaukee Brewers’ Arizona Fall League Prospects: 2.0
The MLB Arizona Fall League is in full swing and so are the prospects that are enrolled in it.
Three weeks ago, we updated you on the progress of the top Milwaukee Brewers prospects honing their games in the league. Over that time span, many youngsters have vaulted themselves into the driver’s seat as top-tier prospects worth watching, while some (Cody Scarpetta), have not.
Let’s check in on the progression of the Brewers’ top prospects in the desert up to this point.
Pitchers
RHP Jed Bradley (4.50 ERA, 3 SO, 4.0 IP)
RHP Brandon Kintzler (3.68 ERA, 15 SO, 14.2 IP)
LHP Daniel Meadows (2.61 ERA, 4 SO, 10.1 IP)
RHP Casey Medlen (3.86 ERA, 11 SO, 9.1 IP)
RHP Cody Scarpetta (19.64 ERA, 7 SO, 7.1 IP)
Infielders
2B Scooter Gennett (.391 BA, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 17 R, .990 OPS)
3B Zealous Wheeler (.265 BA, 4 RBI, 6 R, .639 OPS)
Outfielders
Kentrail Davis (.316 BA, HR, 7 RBI, 9 R, 4 SB, .874 OPS)
Logan Schafer (.254 BA, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R, 4 SB, .437 SLG)
Alec Dopp
