We’re just hours away from December, the hot stove is slowly heating up and we’re bringing back your daily dose of In the News. So, read up and enjoy.

Brewers News

- The Brewers must decide whether to offer arbitration to free agents C.C. Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Eric Gagne and Brian Shouse today. Sabathia will be offered arbitration so the team can collect a first-round pick and a “sandwich pick” between the first and second rounds in the upcoming draft. Gagne likely won’t be offered arbitration because the team would have to pay him at least $8 million if he accepted. Sheets and Shouse are tougher choices, but it seems like it’d be in the Brewers’ best interests to offer them both arbitration. They are unlikely to accept and even if they do, they could help the team next season on low-risk one-year deals. More HERE.

- The Brewers might look to free agency for a closer. Of the available options, Adam McAlvy sees Kerry Wood as the best fit for Milwaukee, “but only if his asking price drops.” I think Wood would be a decent option, but he wants a four-year deal, which would be very risky given his injury history, and the Brewers would have to give up their first-round pick to sign him since he’s a Type-A free agent. I think it’s much more likely that the Brewers go with an internal option or look to work out a trade.

- The Ben Sheets rumors continue to be few and far between. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says not much is going on with Benny aside from Roy Oswalt trying to sway him to Houston. If Sheets is not offered arbitration by the Brewers, his free agency interest will go way up. If he is offered arbitration, Sheets may only have a few suitors until some of the bigger fish are signed.

- Dan Nied of the Vallejo Times-Herald (CC’s hometown paper) says Sabathia should turn down the Yankees and sign with the Brewers.

- Get to know National’s Third Base Coach and former Brewer Pat Listach.

Other News

- John Robert “Red” Murff, the Mets scout who discovered Nolan Ryan, died at 87. The Milwaukee connection? He pitched for the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 and 1957.

Terrible headline. But possibly a good low-risk signing by Milwaukee today in acquiring 25-year-old left-handed Canadian relief pitcher R.J. Swindle. The Brewers signed Swindle, Brett Lawrie’s teammate on the Canadian Olympic team, to a Major League deal.

In 53 innings in AA and AAA last season, Swindle went 3-1 with a 1.53 E.R.A., 67 Ks and just EIGHT walks in 38 appearances. In fact, Haudricourt notes Swindle has issued just 25 walks over 194 minor league innings in parts of four seasons. He’s struggled in his three Major League appearances - posting a 7.71 ERA with Philly last season, but that is a very small sample size.

To be honest, I don’t know much about Swindle, but in the few articles I’ve read since learning of the signing, I like the move. I can’t find anything concrete on the monetary figures, but you have to assume it’s quite a bargain based on Swindle’s experience. This acquisition may spell Brian Shouse, who’s said to be on the radar of a few teams already.

He is said to be a finesse pitcher who throws a 55 mph curveball - another reason I’m excited to see this guy pitch come spring.

This Week’s Topic: What non blue-chip free agents should the Brewers go after?

Tyler -

Free agency is a magical time where destinies are revised, teams once declared non-threats now lead the pack, and shirt jersey sales for a franchise’s newest member are comparable only to that of personalized No. 69 “Big Sexy” apparel. As a Brewer fan, one becomes accustomed to zooming past the flashy new products in store and, instead, sifting through the thrift store bargain bin for a misplaced Talking Heads record that is an affordable yet useful and even entertaining free agent tool.

To keep my picks shorter than my epic introduction, I’ll list a pitcher and a position player along with some benefits to Milwaukee acquiring their services.

Starting Pitchers:

Jon Garland – This 29-year-old would be a prime candidate to sign should Milwaukee want a long-term resolution to a lack of top of rotation-type hurlers on staff.

- He averages just below 32 starts a year… about 35 games/year.

- He’s coming off a not-so-hot 2008 so might be more of a bargain than initially expected.

- Career 4.47 E.R.A. (all in the American League).

Reserve:

Eric Hinske – I know I sound like a broken record with my odd adoration for Menasha’s (other) wunderkind. But with Craig Counsell’s (awesome) exit at least for the time being, a player like Hinske would be a versatile and effective piece for Milwaukee. The only hole in the starting lineup is third base which – if not addressed internally by moving Hardy or by a trade – won’t be given the relatively barren market at the position. Might as well fill in the bench.

- Left-handed bat with some pop (20 homers, 60 RBI in part time play last year).

- Not great numbers, but all obtained as a member of competitive AL East teams; I’d assume a slight j ump in numbers with a move to the NL.

- Can play decently (no worse than Hall or Fielder respectively) at either corner infield spot and legitimately well in the outfield.

- Flashes of speed for a guy his size… or plain good base running, call what got him 10 swipes in limited time last season what you will.

- Cheap. And with a possible return to the motherland, maybe even more affordable. He’s not a flashy choice, or even the best choice. But try to find better for the money along with the knowledge of exactly the production you’ll get.

What’d you want me to say, A.J. Burnett and Joe Crede? Unless by way of trade (which I see as likely), I don’t see Milwaukee making any splashes in free agency. Hunker down for a quiet winter in Brewland.

Jared -

As the Brewers look to fill holes this offseason, they’ll likely look at starting pitching, relief pitching, third base and the bench.

Third Base - The options at third base in free agency do not appear to be great and the team may end up handing the job to prospect Mat Gamel if they can’t find a third baseman via the trade market.

Starting Pitching - The starting pitching field is deeper in free agency, but expensive. The Brewers are likely to lose Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia. Getting a full season of Yovani Gallardo would help, but they could still use another arm. If they don’t work a trade, I think Jon Garland would be fairly inexpensive (compared to the top free agents) and could be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. A rotation of Gallardo, Parra, Garland, Bush and Suppan would not blow anyone away, but it would be relatively solid. I think they should also look to sign Chris Capuano to a minor-league deal so he can rehab and be an option a month or two into the season.

Relief Pitching - While there are a glut of closers available via trade or free agency, I don’t think the Brewers want to spend much in a swap or in a contract on a 9th-inning man so they may look for a closer internally. If they go with that approach, it would be smart to bring in some reliable bullpen arms. Brandon Lyon might be someone they look towards. He has been a fairly reliable bullpen option and even has some closing experience. They should also look to resign Brian Shouse as their lefty specialist.

The Bench - The Brewers need a utility infielder and may bring Craig Counsell back, but I think they should make a run at Mark Loretta first. Loretta might get an offer for a starting job and then he’s probably not coming to Milwaukee. Loretta is a valuable player off the bench because he can play first, second, third and shortstop and he puts up decent hitting numbers. He could probably count on hitting the field a lot in Milwaukee too since there are some question marks at second and third and he’d be the top option if Weeks, Hardy or whoever is playing third go down.

So, recapping, I’d say Garland, Lyon, Shouse and Loretta would be a good group of less costly vets to target to round out the team. They might not be flashy choices, but they’d help fill out depth on a young team.

With the Cubs making a push for Peavy and the Cardinals waving both Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick as trade pieces, the Brewers can’t afford to be completely dormant this offseason. Third base is a concern, but the free agent crop is very thin at third this offseason. I’d be alright with the Brewers giving Hall another shot while having Gamel in the background getting ready. I actually would like to see Nick Punto playing the role Craig Counsell has the past two years if the Brewers could get him. Hopefully Ray Durham can re-sign with the Brewers as well, providing veteran leadership and an insurance policy for Rickie Weeks.

I actually liked the scheme the Brewers took to their bullpen last season, which was aquiring veteran arms to one year deals. I thought Gagne was risky (not Riske), but when I saw that he was backed up by Mota, Riske, Shouse, and Torres, I felt much better. We now have Riske, Villa, and Stetter in the pen (with the possibility of McClung and others), but we need someone to close. This is why the Brewers need to get an offer out to Brandon Lyon. He’s young and has been a closer, but lost his job halfway through the year (much like Cordero). Hopefully the Brewers can re-sign Shouse to a deal, because he has been a great professional in Milwaukee and it’s always nice to have two lefties in the pen. Braden Looper is also an interesting option. He was a starter last year, but has relief and post season experience.

The Brewers also need one starting pitcher. I hope, like most of you, that Sabathia will take the Brewers offer, but that would be pure gravy and is not very likely. If they don’t land one of the biggest free agents in baseball this offseason, they shouldn’t feel helpless. Jon Garland would be a great addition. He’s a hard working pitcher that you can count on. However, I don’t think he’s coming. I actually would take Carl Pavano. I think New York had too much media and too many high standards that the Brewers could sign him to a one or two year deal. I know he may be considered blue chip, but it’s worth noting that there has been an eerie silence on the Ben Sheets front as well, which makes me think that they could possibly bring him back as a starter or closer, but that’s still about as likely as landing Sabathia albeit slightly more likely in my opinion. No matter what happens in free agency, the Brewers shouldn’t feel the need to bring in a long term contract which effectively makes any free agent acquisition less of a risk.

The Milwaukee Brewers reworked Brewers on Deck this year. It will now be held in January instead of the week before the season. It will also be at the Midwest Airlines Center instead of Miller Park. There will be a fee to get in the door (Adults are $15 in advance, $20 at the door) and some of the autographs will cost money as well.

At first I felt the idea of charging money was terrible news, but then I started thinking about the great times in my childhood when I went to Brewerfest at the MECCA and did this:

Similarities between Brewers on Deck and BrewerFest:

Both are held in the area that was the MECCA and is the MAC

Both have entry fees

Both are held in January

Both have opportunities to get autographs

Both have Q and A sessions

Both have booths to buy baseball memoribilia

Differences between Brewers on Deck and BrewerFest:

Once you were in Brewerfest, all the autographs were free. I still have my Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, and like 6 BJ Surhoff autographs and those were big names. I wouldn’t have been able to shake their hand as a kid if it would have cost an extra $25.

Only 250 will get autographs at Brewers on Deck

Unknown

A portion of BOD will go to charity…Brewerfest might have had a portion go to the MAC fund or something, but I was too young to care remember.

—————————————————————————————

As you can see, past the initial anger that autographs are limited and will probably have to pay for anyone who starts, this new Brewers on Deck might be a chance for many of us to relive our childhood while a new generation starts some memories of their own! or it might not live up to my childhood memories and I get depressed and watch Major League for the millionth time.

Since Trade Post seems to have the popularity of Chase Utley in NL MVP voting, I’m going to skip it this week and, instead, get you something you haven’t seen at RFB in a while - a post, and furthermore, an In the News post.

- Ryan Braun was third in National League MVP voting behind Ryan Howard and, now 2-time MVP Albert Pujols: CC Sabathia was sixth in voting, and Prince Fielder was 20th.

- Tom Haudricourt is under fire on the blogosphere for his undeniably terrible N.L. MVP ballot: Chuckie Hacks voted Prince Fielder ahead of Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun, and selected Ryan Ludwick ahead of Braun as well. Carlos Delgado and Aramis Ramirez were also ahead of Pujols, who didn’t crack Haudricourt’s top five.

- Tom H. explains why he voted the way he did: By that reasoning, shouldn’t the MVP just be the guy who played best in mid-late September for a playoff-bound team? If so, I predict the AL MVP to be Tampa’s Dioner Navarro. Quote via Al’s Ramblings (I can’t seem to link the exact post at this time?!?!)

“I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.” 

- Here’s to a quiet offseason of blockbuster-free Brewers bullpen acquisitions: There’s a lot of great arms bullpen out there. I’d rather build the best bullpen possible, and choose a closer from within those ranks at a later time.

- The Brewers must either put Mark Rogers on their 40-man roster or risk losing him in the Rule 5 Draft: I don’t see Rogers being taken by another team (who then, by rule, must keep him on their 25-man roster or give Brewers option to take him back). And even if he goes, who really cares? (hat tip: Bernie’s Crew by way of Brewerfan.net)

- The Cubs and Cardinals are already hard at work filling in some gaps in their pitching staff.

- Jim Leyritz: The epitome of an asshole. 

- And just because… BABY MANGINO!

This Week’s Topic: The Brewers locked up the amazing Ryan Braun to a long-term deal last year. If you were the GM, which young player would you want to lock up long term next?

Jared -

If I were the GM, I’d offer J.J. Hardy an extension next. He is a streaky offensive player, but his numbers put him among the elite and his position. He does not have great range as a shortstop, but he has a steady glove and a good arm. Alcides Escobar is likely the future at shortstop for the Brewers because he is an elite defensive player, but that is no reason to lose Hardy. If the Brewers reward Hardy’s play with a generous contract, he may be willing to move to another position for the team, likely either second or third base. Prince Fielder will test free agency when the time comes. Rickie Weeks has not met expectations. Corey Hart’s second half last season has raised significant questions about his play. Yovani Gallardo is still a number of years away from free agency. Hardy is the clear choice to lock up long term if the Brewers decide to sign any of their young players this offseason.

Tyler -

Players like Ryan Braun only come to an organization once every so often, so deciding to sign him to a long-term deal so early was totally justified. In fact, looking back, it’s kind of amazing for Braun to even agree to terms so early in his (as of now) HOF caliber career. But with such a young team packed of players chock full of untapped potential, the decision of which of these young studs to extend (I did that on purpose, readers!) proves a difficult one.

Call me crazy, but if I were in Doug’s shoes, I would seriously look into inking J.J. Hardy to a long-term deal next. Hardy was the first of said “Baby Brewers” to crack the show and, apart from an injury-shortened 2006 season, has not only played consistently well through his short career, but he’s made improvements each season. I can talk about how he’s hit over 20 HR in each of the past two seasons, and how coveted power is up the middle infield, but I choose to focus on the sum of all skills.

Hardy is a great fielder – not the best range, but c’mon – who, even with the ascension of Alcides Escobar, would play well at any infield position. Yes, sticking him at third might sacrifice some power numbers in looking around the league, but not by much on average. He can, and has, hit almost everywhere in the lineup with proficiency. He’s more apt than some to epic slumps, but when he’s on one of his week-long hot streaks, I don’t know if there’s anyone I’d rather have at the plate.

Financially, such a move would lock up a young all-star and save a good deal of coin to resign or bring in other players. Hardy, the first BrewYouth to go to arbitration, got a scant $2.65 M for 2008 after an all-star showing the season prior. In all, Hardy is an upper middle tier shortstop, would be an undeniable upper tier second baseman and an affordable option in making sure a great player stays in Milwaukee’s infield for seasons to come.

Bryan -

I agree that Hardy would be a great player to lock up long term. He’s got a great arm that would work anywhere in the infield and he’s an above-average infield bat. One knock on Hardy is that he’s streaky. Well, name me a shortstop that isn’t streaky? I can only think of Hanley. Even Jimmy Rollins was being booed this past year while he was on a cold streak.

While I would love to see Hardy locked up, the next player I would go after first is Yovani Gallardo. This year Yovani proved a couple things to me. First of all, he proved that he’s seriously tough. Yes, he’s been injured, but he beat everyone’s expectations and came back at the end of the year (not to mention continued to pitch very well with a torn ACL to finish the inning). Not only did he come back, but he had to work through two high pressure starts (one against Pitt and Game 2). I also learned that even though he’s still young, he’s got the stuff to baffle the upper echelon of the National League. His 7 innings against Philly in the NLDS erased many of the questions I had about the kid. Even though he “lost” game two, it was really the horrendous defense that killed the team. I say sign him up for a long deal now so the Brewers can have both a hitting face of the franchise and a pitching face of the franchise.

Most every Brewer fan would like seeing CC Sabathia back in Milwaukee. Some see an actual possibility for the Brewers to trade Rickie Weeks for Garrett Atkins after trading Prince Fielder for Phillip Hughes and Robinson Cano. And still others are dead set on countless other blockbuster trades or free agent acquisitions in this Brewers offseason. Not to be the first to kill the collective buzz, or pour dirt in the Kool-Aid from which the fan base as a whole is presently sipping – but there is the glaring probability that none of the superstars you wish signed or traded for end up as Brewers.

“Unpopular Opinions” are just that, pessimistic, Armageddon, doom’s day-esque sad faces drawn on the Brewers (a realist’s view). So before blowing up the comment box, know that these opinions and suggestions, unpopular as they may be, are to be set aside for if – and ultimately when – the more glamorous possibilities have been unfruitfully exercised.

Brad Penny – Brewers ace?:
While Derek Lowe has many teams licking their lips, his Dodger teammate Brad Penny is also available. Penny’s club option was declined, making him a free agent. He’s coming off his worst and most injury-riddled season of his career, but prior to that Penny was a great, arguably top-tier hurler. At 31, he can safely (and due to bad season, affordably) be inked to a multi-year deal (3-4 years?). And, unlike Type-A free agent Derek Lowe, Penny is a Type-B.

Hinske homecoming:
I know I lost a lot of you at “Hinske,” but hear me out. With Craig Counsell’s option being declined and Joe Dillon shitty/in Oakland, Milwaukee is again in need of a super-utility kind of player to lend versatility of not being terrible at numerous positions, preferably with the ability to bat left-handed. Hinske fills that need, as he can man corner outfield, first base and third base proficiently. As far as the offense goes, he clubbed 20 homers and 60 RBI in fewer than 400 ABs last season… and stole 10 bases! This Menasha, WI native and former AL Rookie of the Year was signed to a minor league deal by the Rays in 2008, and I’m sure wouldn’t demand too high a bounty if it meant a belated homecoming, and first season outside the AL East.

No, the other oft-injured former Marlins pitcher…:
Carl Pavano hasn’t pitched more than 200 innings in a season since 2004. Since that time frame he signed a HUGE contract, both had and lost Alyssa Milano, was hurt in various oddball ways and became the poster boy for worst case scenario outcomes for free agency. All that makes him a perfect acquisition for Milwaukee… well maybe not the Alyssa Milano thing. If the Chris Capuano career reclamation process goes awry, why not bring in Pavano with the spare change and food scraps Doug Melvin picks out of his moustache? Think a higher upside, lower risk and cheaper Kyle Lohse signing by the Cardinals in 2008, and we’re on the same page. If anything, Milwaukee is left with a cute long reliever that ugly girls from West Bend can make homemade shirts about.

Doors can be closed from inside too:
Remember when the Brewers signed Derrick Turnbow to a boisterous multi-year pay day? You know, the contract those cactus league nachos you’ll buy next July will still help pay off? Or do you remember how everyone whined and cried about paying Eric Gagne $10 M to stunt double for Seth Rogen and give Milwaukee negative attention? Long story short, closers can be purchased, but they can also be made from scratch. Why waste way too much money on K-Rod or Brian Fuentes? Why sent players to Colorado for new Rockie Huston Street? Promote from within. One of Seth McClung, David Riske, Carlos Villanueva or Mitch Stetter is bound to stick and make the role his to lose. Once the most overrated and short-lived position is addressed from within, the more important middle and/or situational relief spots can be solidified via trades or free agency. Without unsung pitchers to hold the lead or keep their team in the game, a closer – no matter how marketable his name may be – doesn’t mean much.

That’s it for the unpopular opinions, but keep checking – I’m bound to have more.

I have heard from a somewhat reliable source (ESPN.com) that Salomon Torres has decided to hang up the ball and gills after enjoying a career high 28 save season. Mota testing free agency and Torres calling it quits, confirms what we thought all along. The 2009 bullpen will be dramatically different than 2008, and as underwhelming as it was - it could easily be worse this year. It’s already starting to look that way. 

 

 

Buhbyes Salomon, hon’. It was a fun year. Ttylz.

On December 12, 1980 the Milwaukee Brewers executed what will go down as one of the more lopsided trades in baseball history, and one of the few pre-Doug Melvin era barterings that found Milwaukee benefiting significantly. The Brewers sent beloved slugger Sixto Lezcano, minor league OF David Green along with pitchers Dave LaPoint and Larry Sorensen packing. In return, they got three players you may have heard of – Ted Simmons, Pete Vuckovich and Rollie Fingers.

Before Leaving Town:
Over parts of seven seasons, all for Milwaukee, Sixto Joaquin (Curras) Lezcano clubbed 102 homers, maintained a respectable, high .200s batting average anually and flashed a gold glove in the outfield.

The Return:
Pete Vuckovich’s career started pretty well with a 53-43 record in parts of six seasons with the White Sox, Blue Jays and Cardinals. He was months removed from a 12-9, 3.40 ERA season in which he threw seven complete games and three shutouts.

Between 1968 and 1980 (before the trade) Rollie Fingers logged 221 saves and five all-star selections for the A’s and Padres. He was traded to St. Louis by San Diego and spent four days as a Cardinal that offseason before being packaged in the Lezcano deal.

The original Simba routinely hit 20-plus homers and neared, if not topped, 100 RBI most seasons. Prior to his inclusion in the trade, he clubbed over 150 homers and was a six-time all-star catcher.

The Payoff:
Cardinals - In his only Cardinals campaign, Lezcano disappointed by playing just 72 games and putting up 5 HR, 28 RBI and hitting just .266. But prior to the 1982 season, Lezcano was the main piece of a deal that netted the Cards Ozzie Smith.

David Green never had much success in the six seasons. Dave LaPoint had an OK career with an 80-86 lifetime record as a starter over 12 seasons (non-consecutive parts of five for St. Louis) and Larry Sorensen, once an 18-game winner for Milwaukee, never equaled his early success in the seven seasons that followed the trade.

Brewers - Vuck went 18-6 and captured the AL Cy Young in the memorable 1982 season. He finished his career as a Brewer and, with Uecker, helped make the film Major League even more incredible. He’ll die an icon of Brewers history.

Fingers won the MVP, Cy Young and Rolaids Relief Man of the Year awards in 1981. He, too, ended his career as a Brewer, but not after representing them in two all-star games and playing a pivotal role in obtaining their 1982 pennant. He finished his 17-year career with a lifetime 2.90 ERA. In 1992, Fingers was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and has his number retired by Milwaukee.

Simmons put together some seasons for Milwaukee that ranged from decent to good. He was an all-star in 1981 and 1983, and also a major component behind the plate for the ’82 pennant team. As most know, he returned to Milwaukee in 2008 to serve as bench coach, but was reassigned when fellow former Brewers catcher Ned Yost was fired 150 games into the season.

Turned Into:
As mentioned, Lezcano was an integral ingredient in St. Louis obtaining HOF shortstop Ozzie Smith, but otherwise nothing too notable came from the others given up by Milwaukee.

The Brewers eventually traded Ted Simmons to Atlanta as part of a deal that brought them Rick Cerone, David Clay and Flavio Alforo – none of which did anything of note for Milwaukee, or any other team.

The Winner:
Milwaukee by a landslide. Giving up 1.5 players of note and getting three unforgettable Brew Town figures totaling one MVP a Hall of Fame spot, two Cy Young awards and four all-star bids in return is the best case scenario in any trade ever. Milwaukee’s haul and the Cardinals’ flipping of Lezcano to get Ozzie Smith helped both clubs climb the standings to face one another in the 1982 World Series where, unlike in the trade, St. Louis won.

Macha and the Brewers have officially named Willie Randolph their bench coach. This could be Doug Melvin’s coaching fantasy come true since he wanted both coaches 6 years ago and this offseason. The Brewers have massively upgraded the coaching experience over Yost/Simmons in less than a month. Randolph was rumored to have drawn interest from the Nationals and the Mariners, but instead chose Milwaukee. As I said when Macha was hired, the fact that big name managers are interested in Brew City really goes to show how much the baseball culture in Milwaukee has changed.

Mini-Brewmors

Melvin, however, won’t feel completely comfortable yet since C.C. and Sheets still haven’t signed anywhere and there’s talk of Jake Peavy coming to an NL Central team. According to Eli, the Cubs are preparing two different offers to the Padres for Jake Peavy and the Brewers are looking at Oliver Perez (WTF?) if they can’t land C.C. or Sheets.