2013 Milwaukee Brewers: Year in Review

The Milwaukee Brewers endured a roller coaster of a 2013 calendar year that contained a little bit of everything.

Following division realignment, the Brewers found themselves in an improved, five-team NL Central Division.  At 74-88, the Crew finished eight games ahead of the rival Cubs, 23 games behind the Division Champion Cardinals, and 16 games behind the Wild Card Reds.

Following moths of internet rumors and speculation, Ryan Braun was finally suspended by Major League Baseball in July.  The suspension was the result of a positive PED test from October 2011, a documented relationship with former Biogenesis operator Anthony Bosch, and obstruction of MLB's investigation into the now-defunct Biogenesis clinic.  Braun sat for the final 65 games while his teammates strung together a 33-32 record.

2013 Milwaukee Brewers: Memorable Moments

Despite Braun's disappointing fall from grace, 2013 yielded impressive campaigns for several of his teammates.

Acquired from the Angels in July 2012, shortstop prospect Jean Segura burst onto the Milwaukee scene.  In a 2013 All-Star season, Segura swiped 44 bags and slugged 12 homers while batting .294.

Following a three-year extension signed during the offseason, center fielder Carlos Gomez put together a 2013 All-Star campaign of his own.  Carlos stole 40 bases, belted 24 homers, drove in 73 runs, and collected 12 outfield assists en route to team MVP honors and an NL Gold Glove Award.

Signed to a three-year deal near the conclusion of Spring Training, veteran right hander Kyle Lohse enjoyed a strong 2013 Brewers debut.  In 32 stars, Kyle earned 11 victories while striking out 125 batters and maintaining a 3.35 earned run average.  On September 25 at Atlanta, a masterful Lohse tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout.

While pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Wily Peralta battled inconsistencies in 2013, right handed prospect Tyler Thornburg impressed down the stretch.  In just over 66 innings pitched, Thornburg held opposing batters to a .225 batting average while owning an ERA just over two.

Closer Jim Henderson impressed as the team's closer, converting 28 saves in 32 chances while maintaining a 2.70 ERA.  Henderson replaced an inconsistent John Axford, who bounced back and forth between closer and setup roles before eventually being traded to St. Louis.

In just 136 at-bats, left field prospect Khris Davis crushed 11 home runs, drove in 27 runs, and belted 10 doubles while batting .279.  Davis' impressive 2013 debut has earned him a starting role in 2014, forcing the Brewers to shift Braun to right field.

Second base prospect Scooter Gennett impressed in his 2013 debut, hitting .324 in just 69 games.  The emergence of Gennett may spell the end for Rickie Weeks, whose ongoing injuries and inconsistencies led to a disappointing 2013 season.

Outfielder Norichika Aoki enjoyed a strong 2013 showing in Milwaukee, swiping 20 bases and belting 20 doubles while hitting .286.  Following the season, the Brewers exercised Aoki's club option for 2014, only to deal him to Kansas City in exchange for left handed pitcher Will Smith.

Following surgeries on both knees, versatile slugger Corey Hart missed all of 2013.  In Hart's absence, Brewers first basemen combined to bat a dismal .211.  Hart has since signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Mariners, ending his memorable tenure in Milwaukee.

Needless to say, the Milwaukee Brewers saw their share of positives and negatives over the course of 2013.  Regardless of adversities faced or challenges lying ahead, Brewers fans have reason to be optimistic about their beloved team.  A surplus of young talent and a returning superstar yield a bright future for the Milwaukee Brewers.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and my absolute best for the year ahead!
Barrel Man

Hart Signs with Seattle

Corey Hart is officially off the free agent market.

Hart and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $6 million.  The deal is performance-based, as Hart can earn up to an additional $7 million in incentives.

The Brewers also offered Hart a performance-based, one-year deal, though with smaller figures.  Their offer would have guaranteed Hart $4 million in 2014, with an ability for the veteran to earn an additional $2.5 million in incentives.

Hart has come full circle with his new General Manager, Jack Zduriencik.  A former scout in the Milwaukee organization, Zduriencik played a large role in the Brewers' drafting of Hart in the 11th round in 2000.

To add insult to injury, the Mariners have also acquired the versatile Logan Morrison from Miami.  Morrison had been considered a "Plan B" option for Doug Melvin and the Brewers, should Hart sign elsewhere.

Though disappointed in what has transpired, Melvin has little time to sit and dwell on what might have been.  The Brewers' General Manager will continue to seek the services of a first baseman, as he is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Mets regarding Ike Davis.

A fan-favorite and positive clubhouse presence, Hart will certainly be missed.  In parts of nine seasons with Milwaukee, the two-time All-Star belted 154 homers, drove in 508 runs, and smacked 211 doubles.

Despite Corey's well-documented love for the organization that drafted him, one thing is for certain.  Corey Hart is not the first player to sign elsewhere after expressing a desire to remain in Milwaukee.

In other news, the Brewers have selected left handed pitcher Wei-Chung Wang from Pittsburgh in this year's Rule 5 Draft.  Doug Melvin stated early on that pitching would be one of his top priorities this offseason.  Between Wang and the recently acquired Will Smith, Melvin has added two promising left handers to his pitching corps.

Thank you for reading, and stay warm!
Barrel Man

Hart Receiving Interest from Several Clubs

Despite missing all of 2013 after having surgeries on both knees, Corey Hart is a valuable commodity on the free agent market this offseason.

Hart's first surgery was performed on his right knee in January.  That surgery went well, though Hart's left knee became overworked and inflamed during his rehabilitation.  Corey's left knee was then operated on in July, preventing him from sniffing the playing field in 2013.  It was a frustrating break for Hart, who was entering a contract year.

Following an inactive 2013 season, Hart says he feels great and is ready to resume baseball activities.  Despite his new-found health and optimism, Corey will not be in contact with teams until he receives medical clearance on December 3.  Below is a link to a short video that Hart has used to market himself this offseason.  The video depicts Corey's rehabilitated knees and full health.

Hart's Workout

Though Hart is not yet entertaining offers from clubs, several teams have expressed interest in the versatile veteran.  Milwaukee, seeking help at first base, is expected to make an aggressive run at Hart.  Other teams that have expressed interest include Colorado, Tampa Bay, and the World Champion Boston Red Sox.  Should he not re-sign with Milwaukee, Hart may be asked to return to the outfield with a different team.

Despite interest from other clubs, Hart has insisted that he would prefer to stay in Milwaukee.  For the past several seasons, Corey has made it clear that he and his family love where they're at and would prefer not to leave.  You may remember Hart trying to convince Zack Greinke to stay in Milwaukee for the long haul.  Following Zack's trade to the Angels and eventual mega-deal with the Dodgers, Hart publicly implied that Greinke would regret his decision, stating that Milwaukee has intangibles that can't be found elsewhere.

In spite of Hart's stated desire to stay with the Brewers, anything can happen on the free agent market.  Over the years, many players have claimed a love for Milwaukee and a desire to stay.  In the end, most of those players chased the money.  Time will tell where Hart ends up in 2014.

Thanks for reading,
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