Brock The Human Swiss Army Knife

Just when I thought the Brewers had too many infielders David Stearns goes out and signs another infielder. A couple of my buddies and I are in a group chat and our running joke this offseason has been the Brewers seeming to acquire every 2B alive which makes no sense since we have Keston Hiura. Granted they were not acquiring guys who only play 2B, they all play multiple positions and Brock Holt the latest 2B the Brewers acquired is no different. But he is a little more special than the others as he has literally played every position on the diamond (more than 10 games) sans Pitcher and Catcher. I love players like this and this is just the type of player that David Stearns and Craig Counsell love. Holt should be a huge asset for Counsell this season especially with the 26 man roster and having that extra position player.

He seems to play all the positions at least average defensivly. With the bat, not much power, but he can hit for average and he does get on base at a pretty good clip. His OPS+ was over 100 each of the last two seasons. Also Holt is a salt of the earth human from every story I have read about him, lot of Red Sox fans have been quite sad to see him go as they were really hoping the Sox would re-sign him. He was very invovled in the Boston community, especially the Jimmy Fund. Brock was also the star of this clip that I think is just the best. Glad to have you in Milwaukee, Brock Star.

Top 50 Free Agent Predictions

Using the top 50 list from MLB Trade Rumors here is where I think the top 50 MLB Free Agents will land this offseason. Enjoy!

1.Albert Pujols-St. Louis Cardinals
I cannot imagine the Cardinals not shelling out the money to retain their franchise star. Pujols is the St. Louis Cardinals and much like Dan Marino or John Elway it’s hard to imagine him in any jersey but the one he started in. Along with that, I am not sure there is a need for him on any team that can spare the money.

2.Prince Fielder-Boston Red Sox
On the other hand, Fielder will need to go somewhere where his career will be long. Even though he wants to stay a defender as well, no general manager can place him there. The Red Sox can let long time DH, David Ortiz walk and sign a better one in Prince Fielder, who will give the Red Sox a new Big Papi and Manny when he combines with Adrian Gonzalez. It will be the best 3 and 4 combo the MLB has seen in nearly 50 years.

3.Jose Reyes-Milwaukee Brewers
To site the reason for this please see the 2012 wish list. Doug Melvin and Mark Antanasio are willing to spend money and will want to keep the offense competitive. There is nothing that would make a bigger impact out of resigning Fielder.

4.CJ Wilson-Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays want to compete and are doing so by having an amazing rotation. Wilson, although not a star, can back up the amazing talent coming from Toronto’s farm system. If he joins their staff they can make a mark on the east much like the Rays have the past few years.

5.Yu Darvish-Japan
Darvish doesn’t seem to want to come to America quite yet. I’m guessing this year will end the same as last, with Darvish in Japan, teasing MLB execs for one more year.

6.Edwin Jackson-Washington Nationals
Jackson is looking for somewhere that won’t trade him. He has had 6 teams in 8 years of his Major League career and I am sure wants to save some of his paycheck for himself rather than paying the movers. Washington is much like Toronto but not quite as competitive. They have proved they want to spend money on Free Agents and Jackson will love the guarantee to stay in one town.

7.Jimmy Rollins-Philadelphia Phillies
Rollins is frequently injured, aging, decreasing in ability and wants too much money. No one needs a shortstops that bad to take these risks, so I think Philly will get a discounted gift in retaining their long time shortstop.

8.Aramis Ramirez- Cincinnati Reds
Ramirez is still potentially an elite Third Baseman offensively. The Reds need offense at the hot corner. Collecting around 30 RBI’s off Rolen’s injury replacements last year and not able to rely on Rolen to be healthy year in and year out. Ramirez could be a big gain to the Reds and with a gain in the rotation could be a top competitor in the NL Central again.

9.Carlos Beltran- San Francisco Giants
The Giants need someone like Beltran, a leader and someone solid in the field and at the plate, Beltran can still play well in the corners in the outfield and well at the plate. He won’t be the MVP candidate again, but certainly can help the Giants get the few runs they need to win with their amazing staff.

10.Jonathon Papelbon- Boston Red Sox
Where else would Papelbon go? He is no longer one of the best closers, but is still good. The market isn’t that thick and Bell and Rodriguez might be the next best things, but cost more to bring into Boston. Heath Bell seems reluctant to leave San Diego and K-Rod will be looking to snag another record deal, but it won’t happen. Boston most likely need Pap to stay and close the door in the East.

11.Michael Cuddyer-Minnesota Twins
Cuddyer seems content to finish his career where he started it and the Twins should get a hometown discount at that. But Cuddyer could seek somewhere new with plenty of room in Right Field and at First Base, Cuddyer will have his pick after Pujols and Fielder sign.

12.Mark Buerhle-Florida Marlins
Buerhle the last few years has always spoken highly of comfort. He said he wanted to remain in Chicago, but Ozzie Guillen may draw him down south with him. This is a rough prediction since Buerhle seems to think that his family is best in the Midwest. I think he rather follow his manager and play with the always nagging Marlins.

13.David Ortiz-Seattle Mariners
The Mariners need to make a move, with the GM on the hot seat and the team sinking faster than the Titanic they might need to make a big move. I cannot see them grabbing a big name like Fielder, but Ortiz will be useful enough and cheaper so he can assist the Mariners in some way and probably finish his career in the West Coast.

14.Ryan Madson-Phillies
Again, the Phillies would be crazy to let this one go. Plus where else can Madson run off to? What other team will continually get him in the playoffs.

15.Hiroki Kuroda-Oakland Athletics
Kuroda will only survive in the DH role. The Athletics seem content to pay him decent money to sit there. He won’t go anywhere and I don’t think he wants to.

16.Carlos Pena-Chicago Cubs
Even with Theo in the front desk, I cannot see the Cubs snagging a top Free Agent. With Fielder and Pujols going somewhere else, Pena will stay in Chicago for a slightly cheaper fee than last year.

17.Francisco Rodriguez-Florida Marlins
The Marlins need a big name, and K-Rod will be that name. He wants to close, the Marlins have the opening and Guillen plans to make an impact.

18.Roy Oswalt-Texas Rangers
The Rangers lose one ace in CJ Wilson and sign an old Texas ace in Oswalt. Everything makes sense here.

19.Javier Vazquez-Retirement
Vazquez has clearly wanted to turn it in. Strong pushes show his cap will be hung up and he will no longer play anywhere.

20.Heath Bell-San Diego Padres
Bell wants to stay in San Diego. San Diego needs a closer, another thing that just makes sense.

21.Coco Crisp-Washington Nationals
The Nationals need speed and lots of it. Crisp can do that, and sometimes more.

22.Hisashi Iwakuma-Minnesota Twins
The Twins made an investment on Iwakuma and will want a return. For that they will need to bring back the middle infielder and hope he turns out to help them return to the playoffs.

23.Kelly Johnson-Detroit Tigers
Tigers need a little bit more power in their lineup. Johnson is a big time power middle infielder and may be what the Tigers were missing when the Rangers trounced them in the ALCS. I could see Johnson being what the Tigers think they are missing.

24.Josh Willingham-Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates almost had a winning season. In fact, for a while they even had a fan base. Willingham will help the offense, but the pitching still needs big time help. It doesn’t seem like the Pirates know that.

25.Paul Maholm-Seattle Mariners
As I said, most of the Mariners staff is feeling the heat. They will be drawn to Maholm’s big year, pay too much and get little reward. Maholm will fail in the AL, unless the Mariners strong defense can back up Maholm sinkerball performance.

26.Grady Sizemore-Tampa Bay Rays
I see the Rays making a big risk move here. I can see them sending Upton out of Centerfield over to another team and take in some strong prospect. Then they can sign a gold glove discounted centerfielder. It’s a high risk/high reward type of move, and the Rays could pay for it long term, but it could be the move of the year.

27.Bartolo Colon-Retirement
It always seems Colon will have a home somewhere, but I can’t see anyone biting on a small role pitcher like Colon. As useful as he can be filling in for an injured starter he is no longer full time, and will either get a minor league incentive contract or be done all together.

28.Erik Bedard-Boston Red Sox
Bedard is coming into the offseason uninjured which is amazing considering his history. I think the Red Sox loved what they got last year and want more of it. They will sign Bedard for a decent deal, and maybe for a few extra years.

29.David DeJesus-Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers will need some help in the corners. DeJesus can help and will keep the Dodgers offence at par with last year.

30.Jason Kuebel-Chicago Cubs
I can see the Cubs adding some proven outfield help after unsuccessful attempts with minor leaguers and bad contracts. Kuebel will add power in the hitter friendly ball park and could provide much more value than this.

31.Ramon Hernandez-Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have no more catching staff, they will need someone. Who better than Hernandez who proved to be a valuable fill in and can be a great starter. He will give the Pirates some much better veteran leadership that the young team needs.

32.Jeff Francis-Kansas City Royals
Francis found success in Kansas City, why not stay there and see where things go.

33.Chris Capuano-New York Mets
Same thing for Capuano. Sure the Mets are looking what they have in youth but with the comeback season Cappy had they might be foolish to not give him a second look at a bit more money this time.

34.Tsuyoshi Wada-Baltimore Orioles
It gets harder and harder every year to predict who is willing to take the huge risk of a Japanese prospect. The Orioles have nothing to lose by bringing in an unknown and maybe pulling away big in the process.

35.Clint Barmes-Houston Astros
The Astros may be starting over, but they will need something to make them a little secure somewhere. Barmes could be used a lot of places, but the Astors may need him more just for some security in their lineup.

36.Casey Kotchman-Milwaukee Brewers
With Milwaukee picking up Reyes, they will have enough offense, but Kotchman can provide decent power and a good average along with stellar first base defense. He will fill in for Fielder well if the Brewer do not go on with Mat Gamel at first.

37.Freddy Garcia-New York Yankees
Garcia proved very serviceable in New York. He is a solid starter and very valuable as a long reliever. The Yankees need one more person than Sabathia to be reliable. Garcia can do that, just not nearly as well.

38.Aaron Hill-Arizona Diamondbacks
If the Diamondbacks plan on repeating their success they will need Hill. A surprising contributor down the stretch he can play everywhere and the Diamondbacks still have question marks Hill can answer.

39.Johnny Damon-Tampa Bay Rays
Damon is almost done, but still has something left in the tank. He can still play a little left field and can be a solid DH for the Rays. They are very young, a little experience won’t do any wrong in their lineup.

40.Aaron Harang-Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have a good staff. Harang can make it great. He had a good year in San Diego, although a pitcher’s park Harang was once an ace, and we know he can be again. Having something to compete for in LA may give him the boost he needs to make the rotation the Angels have the edge they need to win the West again.

41.Jamey Carroll- Minnesota Twins
The Twins do need middle infield help. Carroll can give them one good year of service. Why not take him up on it?

42.Rafael Furcal-St. Louis Cardinals
I think the Cardinals consider Furcal to be the change they needed to move towards the World Series. If that is their belief that will make them stupid to not bring him back.

43.Juan Pierre- Oakland Athletics
What will the A’s do without something from the scrap heap. Pierre has some life in his speed and Oakland has always liked someone who can create runs. Pierre will do just that and help keep Oakland at nothing above average.

44.Frank Francisco-Milwaukee Brewers
Francisco has been known to give up a lot of home runs. He was also once a very valuable reliever. The Brewers need something that can replace K-Rod. Francisco is certainly no Rodriguez but he is a power pitcher and can help if he can limit the long ball.

45.Jason Marquis-San Diego Padres
San Diego may have an obsession with trying to return life to lost players. Marquis is just that. Maybe the playoff magic will return and the run the Padres made 2 years ago will be successful.

46.Joel Pineiro-Pittsburgh Pirates
He could compete in the Central in the ’09 but not in a system without Dave Duncan. The Pirates are looking for anything that will bring them a winning team.

47.Jonathon Broxton-Los Angeles Dodgers
Broxton had surgery, but before that was damn good. Why not let him stick around and be as big a contributor as he was in 2010.

48.Joe Nathan-New York Mets
The Mets love big names. Nathan would be the biggest name on the market two years ago in pitching this season. If he can bounce back from Tommy John surgery the Mets will be very happy with their non-aggressive but big return closer.

49.Kerry Wood-Retirement
The Cubs should bring him back, but I believe they are sick of the year in year out game. Wood was good, but I think it’s done.

50.Bruce Chen-Houston Astros
The Astros don’t have the prospects to fill a rotation without forcing someone into the bigs too soon. Chen is good, he won’t turn the Astros into winners, but maybe he will make them at least less bad.

-Brad

Looper In The "Loop" In Milwaukee

Well, just when we thought and were told by Owner Mark Attanasio and GM Doug Melvin that the Brewers were done spending money this offseason and were heading into spring training with the team they had. They go and do the exact opposite. Today Haudricourt reported that the Brewers have agreed to a deal in principle with free agent starting pitcher Braden Looper, pending a physical.

Looper has been in the big leagues since 1998, spent most of his time as a releiver/closer until the last two years when he was a starter in St. Louis. The deal for Looper will be a 1 year deal for $5 mill with some kind of option for 2010. Another solid move by one of the better GM's in all of baseball. Looper is not an ace or even a #2 starter but he is a guy who pitched 199 innings last year, won 12 games, had an ERA of 4.16 and improved from his first year as a starter in 2007 to his second year in 2008. Hopefully he improves on his 2008 in 2009 as a member of the Brewers.

Maybe the best thing is you add depth by signing Looper. This allows you to move Seth McClung into the bullpen as that long reliever/spot starter which he was quite good in last season. Now your rotation will be Gallardo, Parra, Bush, Looper and Suppan. And then if there were to be an unfortunate injury you have McClung, Wright, Capuano and DiFelice waiting. Depth, which is something we did not have to much of a week ago we now have.

The Brewers Have Their 2009 Closer And He Is The All-Time Saves Leader

It became official today (pending a physical of course) but the Brewers have signed the all-time saves leader and future HOF Trevor Hoffman (554 saves) to a 1 year deal worth $6 mill with another $1.5 mill in incentives. I think it's a great deal for the Brewers. They fill their closer needs with the best ever. Sure he has just turned 41 but had been very good still the last few years. I expect good things from Hoffman in 09'. I think he will be better then Gagne or Torres was in 08'. It came down to the Dodgers or the Brewers for Hoffman and he chose to leave the west coast where he calls home and played in San Diego for 16 years to come to the heart of the Midwest. Bottom line, the Brewers made the bigger push. Manager Ken Macha, trainer Roger Caplinger and players Mike Cameron and Jason Kendall all contacted Hoffman about coming to Milwaukee. Just awesome, the Brewers will have a presser once Hoffman passes the physical which should not be a problem. I heard in various interviews on the radio today with baseball media that Hoffman keeps himself in top physical condition, a work out freak.

I can't wait the first time I'm at Miller Park this season and I get to hear AC/DC's "Hells Bells" as Hoffman the future HOF walks out of the bullpen in a Brewers uniform to shut down another team. It is going to be fantastic. Now Doug Melvin if you wouldn't mind, go sign a starting pitcher like Ben Sheets, Jon Garland or Braden Looper. Thanks Doug, we appreciate it.

Brewers Sign Bullpen Help

I know this happened a few days ago but I have been sick the past few days and I have not been able to get on my MacBook, hell I didn't even get to see this weeks episode of "The Office" till this morning. The Brewers signed relief pitcher Jorge Julio to a 1-year contract worth $950,000. Julio is 29 years old has a plus fastball and a slider. Last year he spent time with Cleveland and Atlanta. Julio spent his first 5 years in the big leagues with Baltimore where he was actually a decent closer. 25 saves in 02', 36 in 03' and 22 in 04'. Since his last season in Baltimore which was 05' he has kind of bounced around. From what I can tell and have heard about Julio is that he strikes a lot of guys out but he at times has control issues and gives up the long ball. GM Doug Melvin has a history of bringing in guys like Jorge Julio, guys with plus arms who have struggled and then find away to turn it around in Milwaukee (see: Turnbow, Derrick, McClung, Seth and Kolb, Dan). At 1 year $950,000 Julio is totally worth the risk and if the Brewers do not trade for or sign a free agent closer Julio could find himself in a spring training battle for that spot. It is not an impact signing by any means, but who knows if Julio finds his early Orioles days it could be.

Screw You Hank Steinbrenner, Screw You!

"I'm starting to become very optimistic. I think it’s going to be mutually beneficial to us and for these particular players (Sabathia, Lowe and Burnett) that we’re after for them to join the Yankees.”

Those would be the words out of the mouth of a man who has been fed with a silver spoon his entire life and now thinks because the Yankees have all the money in the world that it is "beneficial" for players to come play for them. Get over yourself Hank. How has that $200 mill+ payroll been working for you? Let's see, last year your team couldn't even make the playoffs and even with all that talent and high priced players have not been to a World Series since 2003 and not won one since 2000. So tell me Hank, how is it beneficial for players to come play for a team who honestly is no better then any other team in MLB? Because you have history? Because you have a new stadium? Because your uniforms have pinstripes? Is it some kind of baseball honor and privilege to wear a uniform of the New York Yankees? No, that my friends is bullshit. It is kind of sick and disgusting that you can throw money around the way you do and sign all three of the top free agent pitchers in one offseason. Sure, you will probably do it but will it really help you? It sure hasn't helped as of late. And I have to agree with our GM Doug Melvin, why would you offer CC Sabathia $140 mill when the speculated Brewers offer was only $100 mill? Talk about overpaying because you are a spoiled brat, that is just outrageous. As much as I love CC I hope him as well as Lowe and Burnett sign with you and I hope once again the Rays and Red Sox whoop your teams ass and you find yourself once again on the outside looking in during October in 2009. Then what will your excuse be? This past season it was that your team played in a good division and had you played in the NL West you would have made the playoffs. Well Hank, you play in the AL East. So if you sign all these big money free agents who it will be "beneficial" to be Yankees and you fail to make the playoffs again, what could your excuse possibly be? I can't wait to hear it.

Ummm, Duh Of Course He Was Gonna Do That

In the most obvious, uninteresting, no shit Sherlock moment of the offseason CC Sabathia officially filed for free agency Saturday. Of course this comes as no news really because while the Brewers do have a slight chance to re-sign CC he was still gonna file the papers and field offers from all takers. The Brewers offer will probably be given to CC on Monday. While I would love to re-sign CC, I know it's a long shot and the sooner we know if we can/can't the sooner Doug Melvin can figure out if he needs to trade for a top of the rotation starting pitcher. A couple of names to look at would be Jake Peavy and Matt Cain.

My Brewers Offseason To-Do List

1. Extend GM Doug Melvin's contract.

2. Settle the Manager's job. I'm luke warm to Dale Sveum coming back. If Melvin and Attanasio feel there are no worthy candidates that have a proven track record, have had playoff success and can get the most out of this young team. Then you hire Sveum and remove the "interim" from his title. The players like to play for him and his no-nonsense tell it like it is attitude is quite welcome in my opinion. But I would not sign him to longer then a 2 year deal.

3. Try to sign CC Sabathia. I know it is a long shot, but at least make him a good offer that he has to think about.

4. See if you can upgrade 2B, 3B, Closer or CF via free agency or trade. I feel pretty good at every other position.

5. Do NOT trade JJ Hardy. He has improved every season he has played in the big league's and is not even entering his prime yet. He is only going to get better. If the Brewers feel Alcides Escobar is the future at SS try to get JJ to move to 3B where he would be just as good and then sign him to a nice contract to make him happy.

6. DO trade Prince Fielder. But only if it is for a top notch type pitcher assuming we don't re-sign Sabathia. If we do somehow sign CC then you keep Fielder. What do we do at 1B if Fielder is dealt? I have no idea. One possibility is to find a stop gap player or give Brad Nelson a chance to start while you groom 3B prospect Mat Gamel to become a 1B since many feel he won't stick at 3B anyway because of his high amount of throwing errors there.

7. Bring back Gabe Kapler. He was by far one of the best bench players in the entire league as a pinch hitter and a guy who can start once in a while give you quality AB's and play good defense at all three OF spot. A great veteran to have on a club.