Four to Represent Brewers at Midsummer Classic

The votes are in.  The selections have been made.

Four players will represent the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in Minneapolis for the 2014 MLB All-Star Game.

Carlos Gomez, Aramis Ramírez, Jonathan Lucroy, and Francisco Rodriguez have been selected to participate for the National League in the 85th installment of the Midsummer Classic.

Gomez and Ramírez have earned starting nods via the fan vote.  It is the second consecutive All-Star appearance for Gomez and third overall for Ramírez, who is representing Milwaukee for the first time.  Both players are making their first starts in the Midsummer Classic, with Ramírez becoming the first Brewer to start such a contest at the hot corner.

Gomez continues to display his coveted combination of power and speed, having belted 13 homers and swiped 14 bags in 17 opportunities thus far.  His 45 runs batted in and .299 batting average validate his status as one of the premier outfielders in the game.  Gomez finished behind reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen in voting among NL outfielders.

Ramírez has crushed 11 long balls while driving in 41 runs, ranking him fourth and fifth among NL third basemen, respectively.  It is the final year of a three-year pact for Ramírez, who edged out Mets veteran David Wright in votes among third basemen.

Jonathan Lucroy, making his first All-Star appearance, will serve as a backup backstop for the National League.  Lucroy currently ranks second in the National League and fourth in all of baseball with a .329 batting average, tops among catchers.  His 44 RBIs rank second among MLB catchers, while his nine homers rank fourth in the National League at the position.

Despite a politically influenced 'Vote Lucroy' video campaign, the Brewers' catcher fell short in votes to rival backstop Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals.  Red Birds' skipper Mike Matheny publicly criticized Lucroy's campaign, taking exception to the negative connotations directed towards the Cardinals organization.

Francisco Rodriquez will make his fifth All-Star appearance and first as a Brewer.  Having served primarily as a set-up man for Milwaukee from 2011-2013, Rodriquez has been dominant as the unquestioned closer in 2014.  'K-Rod' has converted 27 of 30 save opportunities and is currently tied with Atlanta's Craig Kimbrel for the MLB lead in that category.  Rodriguez owns a 2.34 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in what has surely been a bounce-back season in the closer's role.

Several other unselected Brewers players certainly earned All-Star consideration.  Right handed starter Kyle Lohse made a strong bid for his first Midsummer Classic appearance, pacing the staff with a 9-3 mark, 3.18 ERA, and 1.10 WHIP.  Many view Lohse as the ace of Milwaukee's staff, having leaped over Yovani Gallardo for the unofficial title.

Despite leading his club with 49 runs batted in, Ryan Braun's overall numbers are less than staggering this season.  Milwaukee's embattled right fielder, who has been bothered by a myriad of injuries in 2014, has socked 11 homers while batting .288.  Despite his dip in numbers, Braun did finish sixth in voting among NL outfielders.

Arguments could be made for Wily Peralta, Will Smith, and Zach Duke, who are all enjoying very solid seasons as members of Milwaukee's staff.

Despite any perceived snubs, the Brewers and their fans should certainly be proud.  The Brewers have four All-Star selections for the first time since 2007, the franchise's first winning campaign in a decade and a half.  At that Midsummer Classic, Milwaukee was represented by the likes of Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy, Ben Sheets, and Francisco Cordero.

Like it or not, the Midsummer Classic has a direct impact on the Fall Classic.  With the All-Star Game carrying home field advantage implications for the World Series, the first-place Milwaukee Brewers have every intention of bringing home a victory for the National League.

Thank you for voting!
Barrel Man

Crew Sweeps Defending Champs at Fenway

Opening Weekend in 'Bean Town' did not go according to plan for the Boston Red Sox.

The 2013 World Champions, returning home to begin a new chapter, were given more than their championship rings.

They were given a rude welcome by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The first interleague series for both clubs was largely one-sided, with Milwaukee outscoring its opponent 17-8 en route to a three-game sweep.

Marco Estrada pitched well in Boston's home opener on Friday, allowing one earned run over 5 2/3 innings while striking out six.  He exited a 2-2 game following a very promising start to the season.  A four-run ninth inning was the difference in the game, with Lyle Overbay's two-run double igniting the scoring.

Brandon Kintzler's scoreless eighth inning ultimately earned him the win, while Francisco Rodriguez's flawless ninth inning completed the 6-2 victory.  It was not a save situation for 'K-Rod', who has emerged as the club's closer in place of Jim Henderson.  The incumbent Henderson was largely inconsistent during spring training, prompting a change at the pivotal role.

The Brewers proceeded to get the final say in Saturday's extra-inning affair.  Wily Peralta allowed five runs over five innings, though just two of those were earned.  Suspect infield defense allowed for three Red Sox runs in the opening frame.

Despite two errors and various missed opportunities with men on base, the Brewers prevailed.  Logan Schafer's 11th-inning double scored Khris Davis, who enjoyed his first career four-hit game.  The single tally was enough for Rodriguez, who struck out the side in a flawless bottom half of the 11th.  Tyler Thornburg was perfect the previous inning while striking out a batter and earning the victory.

Coming off his first Opening Day victory, Yovani Gallardo was equally impressive in Sunday's series finale.  'Yo' scattered seven hits and kept the Sox scorless over 6 2/3 innings.  Zach Duke and Tyler Thornburg went the rest of the way to preserve the 4-0 shutout.  Aramis Ramírez continued his hot start to 2014 by singling and driving in his sixth run of the season.

While the series featured home runs from Jonathan Lucroy, Mark Reynolds, and Carlos Gomez, Milwaukee's most controversial name continues his search for his first dinger of 2014.  Embattled superstar Ryan Braun was kept relatively quiet in Boston, singling twice in nine at-bats while striking out twice and leaving four men left on base.

Braun was held out of Saturday's lineup as he continues to battle a sore thumb.  The lingering injury affects a nerve between the thumb and index finger of Braun's right hand.  The slugger has been battling this issue since last season, during which Braun made his first career trip to the Disabled List before ultimately being suspended by Major League Baseball.  Though surgery is an option, Braun would prefer to avoid that route.

Despite the sluggish start for Braun, it was an extremely positive weekend for the Brewers.  The three-game set marks Milwaukee's first sweep of Boston at Fenway Park since the final series of the 1993 season, during which the Brewers outscored the Sox 24-12.

Portions of April and May will continue to present plenty of challenging opponents for Milwaukee.  However, regardless of who they face, the Milwaukee Brewers have sent an early message that they fear no opponent.

Just ask the World Champions.

Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man

2014 Milwaukee Brewers: Fantasy Baseball Projections

MLB.com has released its 2014 Player Preview.  The preview is released annually to provide fantasy baseball team owners the opportunity to perform player research prior to drafts.

Brewers players are listed below, in accordance with MLB.com's projections:

(Team Rank/Positional Rank/Overall Rank)

OF: Ryan Braun (1st/5th/12th)
OF: Carlos Gomez (2nd/8th/21st)
SS: Jean Segura (3rd/5th/57th)
SP: Marco Estrada (4th/37th/136th)
3B: Aramis Ramírez (5th/13th/144th)
SP: Matt Garza (6th/51st/167th)
RP: Jim Henderson (7th/19th/174th)
C: Jonathan Lucroy (8th/9th/178th)
SP: Kyle Lohse (9th/60th/188th)
SP: Yovani Gallardo (10th/69th/207th)
OF: Khris Davis (11th/56th/224th)
SP: Wily Peralta (12th/103rd/328th)
2B: Scooter Gennett (13th/31st/396th)
1B: Mark Reynolds (14th/44th/467th)
1B: Juan Francisco (15th/45th/488th)
RP: Tom Gorzelanny (16th/73rd/507th)
RP: Brandon Kintzler (17th/94th/543rd)
RP: Will Smith (18th/102nd/564th)
2B: Rickie Weeks (19th/44th/570th)
RP: Tyler Thornburg (20th/112th/585th)
OF: Logan Schafer (21st/139th/604th)
OF: Caleb Gindl (22nd/162nd/683rd)
C: Martin Maldonado (23rd/60th/712th)
RP: Donovan Hand (24th/143rd/729th)
1B: Lyle Overbay (25th/67th/759th)
SS: Jeff Bianchi (26th/64th/822nd)
1B: Sean Halton (27th/73rd/836th)

MLB.com has Milwaukee's pitching staff ranked 11th among National League clubs and 22nd overall.  Accordingly, the Brewers are projected to go 76-86 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 1,160 strikeouts.

Good luck in the fantasy season to come!
Barrel Man

Brewers, Reynolds Agree to Terms

Following months of searching, the Milwaukee Brewers may have found a solution for their first base conundrum.

The Crew has agreed to terms with veteran corner infielder Mark Reynolds on a Minor League deal for 2014 with an invitation to Spring Training.  Should he crack the Opening Day roster, Reynolds will earn a salary of $2 million.  The deal is incentive-laden, as Reynolds can earn up to an additional $500,00 in performance bonuses for the season ahead.

Reynolds certainly adds punch to a lineup that missed several of its big boppers for much of the 2013 season.  In seven Major League seasons, Reynolds has spent time with the Diamondbacks, Orioles, Indians, and Yankees.  His best overall season came in 2009, during which Reynolds belted 44 home runs and collected 102 RBIs while playing for Arizona.  Over the course of his career, Reynolds has crushed 202 homers and driven in 568 runs, though his career batting average of .233 leaves something to be desired.

Though Mark's low batting average may be cause for concern, his alarming strikeout totals are etched in embarrassing Major League history.  Reynolds led the National League in strikeouts for four consecutive seasons from 2008-11, having also led the majors in that category during those first three seasons.  His best season of 2009 may have also been his most forgettable, as Reynolds set a dubious single-season Major League record by fanning a whopping 223 times as a D'back.

Despite his historically high strikeout totals and all-or-nothing mentality at the plate, Reynolds possesses plenty of upside as a Major Leaguer.  At 30 years of age, Reynolds still has plenty to offer and, perhaps, something to prove.  Since his Major League debut in 2007, Reynolds has bounced around between several organizations and may be playing for a permanent home.

From a positional standpoint, Reynolds does not have big shoes to fill.  Brewers first basemen struggled mightily in 2013, as evidenced by a combined .211 batting average from the position.  Though Reynolds is an average defender, he certainly won't be a downgrade at first base, a position that endured its share of defensive shortcomings in 2013.

Though this is a Minor League deal, Doug Melvin has strongly indicated that he expects Reynolds to be included on the 25-man roster out of Spring Training.  A platoon scenario is a possibility, with the left handed hitting Juan Francisco returning for 2014.  A third baseman by trade, Reynolds may occasionally spell Aramis Ramírez at the hot corner.  Ramírez played in just 92 games this past season while dealing with a nagging knee injury.

With a thin market for first basemen this offseason, Doug Melvin was limited in options at the position.  Despite a slow start to the offseason, it has been a busy past couple of days for Melvin and the Brewers, who recently agreed to terms with veteran left hander Zach Duke on a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.  Both Duke's and Reynolds' deals present low-risk, high reward scenarios.

In other news, Milwaukee has reached agreements with its two arbitration-eligible players, pitcher Marco Estrada and the aforementioned corner infielder Juan Francisco.  Estrada will earn $3.3 million in 2014 while Francisco earns $1.4 million.  The deals are performance-based, as both players can earn additional incentives.

Thank you for reading, and have a nice weekend!
Barrel Man

2014 Milwaukee Brewers: Potential Lineup

Greetings Brew Crew fans!

Though it's only October, it's never too early to start contemplating potential Brewers lineups for the season to come.  Granted, pieces can always be added and subtracted between now and the 2014 season.  However, with the pieces the Brewers have currently, I feel that this lineup will give the Brewers their best chance to compete in a competitive National League Central Division:

SS-Jean Segura 
The Brewers' young shortstop enjoyed an impressive 2013 campaign, earning his first All-Star nod at the tender age of 23.  An up-and-coming superstar, Segura possess excellent speed and decent power.  Though Segura will produce at any spot in the Brewers' lineup, his calling may be as a table setter at the very top.

CF-Carlos Gomez
Coming off his strongest season in the major leagues, the Brewers' 2013 Most Valuable Player is perhaps their best overall athlete.  Gomez is a power threat at the plate and practically automatic on the base paths, swiping 40 bases in 47 attempts this past season.  Batting behind Segura and in front of the big boys, Gomez will be able to utilize his talents and capabilities.

RF-Ryan Braun 
Returning from suspension, Braun will likely be a distraction early on.  National media will be all over the Brewers both at home and on the road, but for all the wrong reasons.  Regardless, Braun is a natural athlete and proven superstar.  Players like Ryan Braun don't simply forget how to hit a baseball.

3B-Aramis Ramírez
2013 proved to be a frustrating campaign for Ramirez, who was hampered by injuries.  The aging third baseman will be 36 in June, and is clearly past his prime.  However, he showed some pop late in 2013 and is entering a contract year.  Players always seem to push a little harder during contract years.  Though retirement following 2014 would be a possibility for Ramirez, it is possible that he will try to impress in 2014, hoping to play another season or two with a different club.

C-Jonathan Lucroy
The Brewers' backstop has shown steady improvement each season both at and behind the plate.  Lucroy possess solid plate discipline and decent power, stroking a career-high 18 long balls in 2013.  Lucroy's pop and good eye at the plate make him an ideal candidate to bat fifth in the order.


1B-Corey Hart
Though Hart is currently eligible for free agency, he has yet to file.  The Brewers are in desperate need of help at first base and may be willing to offer Hart a one or two-year deal.  Hart has already expressed a willingness to return to Milwaukee at a reduced salary.

LF-Khris Davis
In 2013, the Brewers' left field prospect received a decent amount of playing time in the absence of Ryan Braun.  Davis made the most of his opportunity, slugging 11 home runs and driving in 27 runs in just 136 at bats.  Though it is possible that the Brewers will option Davis back to Triple-A Nashville, it is more likely that they will try and make room for him on their 25-man roster in 2014.  Davis will turn 26 in December and seems to be pounding on the door for an opportunity.  In order to compensate Davis, Braun would have to shift to right field, a move currently being discussed by Doug Melvin & Co.

2B-Scooter Gennett/Rickie Weeks
This is perhaps the most interesting position to analyze.  Weeks batted just .209 in 104 games in 2013, battling injuries as he has throughout his career.  Gennett made the most of his 213 at bats, batting .324 and belting six home runs.  However, Weeks is under contract, and is a decent power threat at the plate when healthy.  A platoon is possible, as is a "Duke 'em out" scenario in Spring Training.  Time will tell how the second base situation unfolds in the season to come.

You will notice that this potential lineup does not include Norichika Aoki.  The Brewers do hold a team option on Aoki, which is expected to be exercised.  However, the emergence of Khris Davis has led to speculation that Aoki might be used as trade bait, following his exercised option.  The Brewers are in need of help at starting pitching, something I'll discuss on my next blog post.

Thank you for reading!
-Barrel Man