Sabathia Returns to Milwaukee

The year was 2008.

After finishing two games behind the NL Central Champion Chicago Cubs the year before, the Milwaukee Brewers were desperately looking to get over the proverbial hump and reach the postseason for the first time since 1982.

Playing in the shadows of a relentless rival Cubs team, the Brewers were hovering near the .500 mark throughout the first half of the 2008 season.

On July 7, General Manager Doug Melvin dealt four prospects to Cleveland in exchange for the American League's Cy Young Award winner from a year prior.

The Brewers welcomed Carsten Charles 'CC' Sabathia to Milwaukee, embracing the southpaw as the season's potential savior.

Prior to the trade, Sabathia had gone just 6-8 with the Indians in 2008 after a slow start to the season. However, the trade would prove to rejuvenate both Sabathia and the Brewers.

Determined to get his team to the postseason, Sabathia took the baseball world by storm while carrying the Brewers on his back.  He was a dominant force as Milwaukee's ace, turning in one brilliant outing after another, including a controversial one-hitter on August 31 at Pittsburgh.  Sabathia was a workhorse down the stretch, pitching on three-days rest throughout the month of September.

The final game of the regular season proved to decide Milwaukee's fate in 2008.  

On Septeber 28, Sabathia toed the rubber against the repeating NL Central Champion Cubs.  CC was characteristically dominant, allowing one unearned run while striking out seven en route to his seventh complete game with Milwaukee and tenth of the season, the most in the majors since 1999.  The dramatic victory was highlighted by an eighth inning, three-run home run from Ryan Braun.

Brewers Defeat Cubs Behind Sabathia's Gem

Following their victory, Brewers players and fans awaited the outcome between the Marlins and Mets in the final game at Shea Stadium.  The Marlins would be victorious, as Mets outfielder Ryan Church flew out to Cameron Maybin in center, sealing the 4-2 final.

Milwaukee had clinched the 2008 National League Wild Card.  Brewers fans across the map collectively raised a glass.  The wait was over.

Though the Brewers bowed to the eventual World Champion Philadelphia Phillies in a four-game NLDS, Milwaukee had ended its postseason drought at 26 years.

In 17 regular season starts with Milwaukee, Sabathia compiled an 11-2 record and seven complete games while maintaining a 1.65 ERA.

Following the season, Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees.  CC has since signed an extension with his club, keeping the southpaw in pinstripes through 2016.

Sabathia will take the mound against Kyle Lohse and the Brewers in game two of a three-game interleague set at Miller Park.  Sabathia has endured a slow start to this season, going 3-4 with a 5.75 ERA thus far.

In his career, Sabathia has compiled 208 wins and 2,433 strikeouts in 2,816 innings pitched.  The 33-year-old lefty has been a consistent force atop starting rotations while putting together a career worthy of Cooperstown consideration.

Despite only wearing a Brewers uniform for parts of four months, CC Sabathia made a larger-than-life impact and and left his legacy in Milwaukee.  Taking nothing away from his mates in '08, that Milwaukee team does not reach the postseason without the services of #52.

Raise a glass, Brewers fans, to CC Sabathia.

Thank you for reading,

Barrel Man

2014 Milwaukee Brewers: 25-Man Roster Announced

Despite the snow surrounding Miller Park, only six days remain before it plays host to Opening Day against Atlanta.  Accordingly, the Milwaukee Brewers have announced the men who will suit up there:

1 / Logan Schafer / OF
2 / Scooter Gennett / 2B
7 / Mark Reynolds / IF (Non-Roster Invitee)
8 / Ryan Braun / OF
9 / Jean Segura / SS
12 / Martin Maldonado / C
13 / Will Smith / RP
14 / Jeff Bianchi / IF
16 / Aramis Ramírez / 3B
18 / Khris Davis / OF
20 / Jonathan Lucroy / C
22 / Matt Garza / SP
23 / Rickie Weeks / 2B
24 / Lyle Overbay / 1B (Non-Roster Invitee)
26 / Kyle Lohse / SP
27 / Carlos Gomez / OF
29 / Jim Henderson / RP
30 / Tyler Thornburg / RP
32 / Tom Gorzelanny / RP (15-Day Disabled List)
38 / Wily Peralta / SP
41 / Marco Estrada / SP
49 / Yovani Gallardo / SP
51 / Wei-Chung Wang / 51 (2013 Rule Five Draft Pick)
53 / Brandon Kintzler / RP
57 / Francisco Rodriguez / RP
59 / Zach Duke / RP (Non-Roster Invitee)

Yovani Gallardo will take the mound against the Braves on March 31, marking his franchise-record fifth consecutive Opening Day assignment while seeking his first such victory with Milwaukee.

See you at Miller Park!
Barrel Man

Brewers Exercise Roenicke's Option for 2015

In the midst of spring preparations for the 2014 season, the Milwaukee Brewers made one personnel decision for the season to follow.

The team has exercised manger Ron Roenicke's option for 2015, while adding an additional option for 2016.

Roenicke has stated he appreciates the team's vote of confidence while having his immediate future addressed.  The Brewers' skipper feels the move will allow him to relax and concentrate on the season at hand.

Roenicke, the 18th manger in Brewers history, is described as a solid leader, strong communicator, and true motivator.  His players enjoy playing for him and respect his approach to big league managing.  Roenicke's high standards and calming demeanor make him a welcomed fit for a Brewers team mixed with raw youngsters and savvy veterans.

Since joining the Brewers in 2011, Roenicke has led the Brewers to a 253-233 regular season record, as well as a 5-6 postseason mark.

In his 2011 managerial debut, Roenicke's club won a franchise-record 96 games en route to the National League Central Division title.  Ron owns a 5-6 postseason record following an NLDS victory over Arizona and an NLCS defeat to rival St. Louis.

Following his memorable 2011, Roenicke enjoyed mixed results during his team's inconsistent 2012 campaign.  That season, the Crew caught fire late and made a playoff push while finishing at 83-79.

Roenicke's most challenging managerial season undoubtedly occurred in 2013, during which his team struggled to a 74-88 mark while losing suspended slugger Ryan Braun for the final 65 games.  Despite the poor overall record, Roenicke's boys fought to the end, posting a 33-22 clip in Braun's absence.

Following his disappointing 2013, Roenicke has turned the page and shifted his focus to the season ahead.  He's got a clean slate, a returned superstar, and fresh perspective on the highs and lows that come with managing.

With the Brewers' 2014 payroll to be its highest yet at more than $100 million, Roenicke certainly has lofty expectations set upon him.

"It’s nice.  It just makes you feel like the club’s behind you, and I feel that way. But sometimes, just doing this helps. It helps with the players. It was nice when I walked in (the clubhouse) today. So that’s good."

-Ron Roenicke

Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man

'K-Rod' Returns to Milwaukee

A familiar face, and possible subsequent set of sport glasses, will return to Milwaukee in 2014.

Francisco 'K-Rod' Rodriguez and the Brewers have agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million deal.  It is an incentive-laden deal, as Rodriguez can earn up to an additional $550,000 in performance bonuses.  To make room on their 40-man roster, the Brewers designated right handed reliever Donovan Hand for assignment.

Rodriguez pitched parts of three seasons with Milwaukee from 2011-2013.  During the 2011 All-Star break, the Brewers acquired then-closer K-Rod from the Mets in exchange for two players to be named.  Doug Melvin had been looking to solidify a shaky bullpen and make a playoff push.  The results were convincing.

Setting up closer John Axford, Rodriguez went 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA while helping lead Milwaukee to the 2011 NL Central title.  In the postseason, Franky allowed one run in five innings of work against Arizona and St. Louis.

K-Rod Holds D'backs in Decisive NLDS Game Five

Following the 2011 season, the Brewers offered salary arbitration to their newly appointed eighth inning man.  Many expected Rodriguez to sign elsewhere and reclaim his previous closer role, thus granting Milwaukee a supplemental draft pick.

The free agent reliever instead returned to the Brewers in 2012 on a one-year, $8 million deal.  He proved not to be the K-Rod from a year prior, going 2-7 with a 4.38 ERA, his highest in a full season.

Following the 2012 season, Rodriguez once again entered the free agent market.  Though it appeared as though ties had been cut, Rodriguez was granted another chance from the Brewers in 2013.

The embattled reliever signed a Minor League deal in mid-April, eventually earning his way to the big leagues.  There, Rodriguez redeemed himself, maintaining a 1.09 ERA and saving ten games in place of a struggling John Axford.

In late July, the Brewers traded Rodriguez to Baltimore in exchange for third base prospect Nick Delmonico.  K-Rod had mixed results as an orange bird, going 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in a setup role.

In total, Rodriguez has gone 7-8 and saved 13 games while maintaining a 3.15 ERA with the Brewers.  He is expected to set up newly appointed closer Jim Henderson, who enjoyed success with Milwaukee in the second half of 2013.

Following a couple of very quiet months on the offseason front, Doug Melvin has made several moves since the change of the calendar year.  Though they have received little national recognition, the Milwaukee Brewers certainly expect to compete in a competitive National League Central Division.

Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man

Brewers Sign Garza to Four-Year Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers' offseason is officially quiet no more.

Following a delay in negotiations which lasted several days, the club has agreed to terms with free agent right handed starter Matt Garza.  The deal guarantees Garza $50 million over four years, with performance incentives of $1 million available each season.  The contract also contains a $13 million vesting option for a fifth year.  It is the richest contract for a pitcher in team history.

In parts of eight Major League seasons, Garza, 30, has compiled 67 wins with as many losses.  He has averaged 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings while owning a 3.84 ERA.

Garza helped lead Tampa Bay to the fall classic in 2008.  The right hander earned two victories in the NLCS against Boston, allowing just two earned runs while striking out 14 batters in 13 innings of work.  Garza's dominant performance earned him NLCS MVP honors.

Garza's best season came in 2010, when he went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA in his final season with Tampa Bay.  On July 26 of that season, Garza allowed one walk and no hits in a complete-game gem against the Tigers, the first no-no in Rays history.

Despite his accolades, health has been a concern for Garza, who has made four trips to the Disabled List since 2009.

Garza's Dominant Start Against Crew

Garza had been considered one of the top starting pitching options on the free agent market.  The move comes just days after the Yankees' mammoth signing of right handed Japanese phenom Masahiro Tanaka for seven years at $155 million.  Several teams had been waiting for Tanaka to sign before exploring other options at starting pitcher.

The Brewers represent the fifth team for Garza, who has spent time with the Twins, Rays, Cubs, and Rangers.  The hurler has been traded three times since being drafted 25th overall by Minnesota in 2005.

Garza bolsters a rotation that finished strong in 2013.  He joins a starting staff which includes Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse, Wily Peralta, and Marco Estrada.  Prior to the Garza signing, Doug Melvin had indicated that Tyler Thornburg would have every opportunity to land the final rotation spot.

Though Garza possess a good, live arm, he also carries a bit of baggage.  He has a tendency to wear his emotions on his sleeve and occasionally lose control of his temper.

In August 2013, Garza used Twitter to make derogatory comments about Athletics second baseman Eric Sogard, as well as Sogard's wife, Kaycee.  The interactive war of words stemmed from a game in which Sogard executed a safety-squeeze bunt on Garza.  It was the fourth Oakland bunt against Garza, who felt insulted and exposed for his fielding deficiencies.

The signing of Garza certainly comes as a surprise to Brewers fans.  Melvin previously reiterated that he was disinterested in pursing a starting pitcher via free agency.  It is possible that owner Mark Attanasio was the man behind this move, as he allegedly was with last year's signing of Kyle Lohse for $33 million over three years.

Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man

Brewers, Overbay Reunited on Minors Pact

Though this offseason has yielded no perfect fix for the first base situation, Doug Melvin has added an additional option at the position.

The Brewers have agreed to terms with a familiar face, inking Lyle Overbay to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.  Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.  Overbay, who turns 37 later this month, joins Juan Francisco, as well as recent Yankee teammate Mark Reynolds, in the mix of Brewers first basemen competing for playing time in 2014.

In December 2003, Overbay and a batch of prospects were acquired from Arizona in exchange for slugger Richie Sexson and reliever Shane Nance.  Over the next two seasons, Overbay would man first base for the Crew.  In 2004, Lyle led the Majors with his franchise-record 53 doubles.

In his two seasons with the Brewers, Overbay smacked 35 homers and drove in 159 runs while batting .289.  Following the 2005 season, Overbay was dealt to Toronto, paving the way for Prince Fielder to take over at first base.

Since his Toronto tenure, Overbay has played for four teams, including a second stint in Arizona.  He is still serviceable, belting 14 home runs and collecting 59 RBIs with the Yankees this past season.

Overbay is the most recent addition to the Brewers' list of low-risk, high reward contracts.  He, Zach Duke, and the previously mentioned Reynolds have all been inked to Minor League deals with invitations to Spring Training.  Nothing is a guarantee, as these players will ultimately determine their own respective fates.

Thank you for reading!
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

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

Aoki Dealt to Royals; Davis to Start in Left Field

In the final days of October, the Brewers exercised outfielder Norichika Aoki's club option for 2014.  Despite the exercised option worth just under $2 million, Aoki had long been considered trade bait.

Kansas City has taken that bait, acquiring Aoki in exchange for left handed pitcher Will Smith.  Smith was productive for the Royals in 2013, posting a 3.24 ERA while striking out 43 batters in 33.1 innings of work.  He maintained an impressive 0.93 WHIP while limiting opposing hitters to a .202 batting average.

The 24-year-old Smith brings much needed depth to a Brewers' pitching staff that was largely inconsistent in 2013.  Though Smith can start and pitch out of the bullpen, Doug Melvin has indicated that Smith will be a member of the Brewers' starting rotation in 2014.

The move creates an intriguing scenario which team officials have discussed over the past several weeks.  The Brewers plan to move the recently reactivated Ryan Braun to right field, paving the way for Khris Davis to take over in left.

While many believe Braun to be athletic enough to play just about anywhere on the diamond, Davis' skill set profiles him specifically as a left fielder.  Davis, who turns 26 later this month, made the most of his brief opportunity in 2013, slugging 11 homers and driving in 27 runs in 136 at-bats.

Davis Homers Against Cubs

Aoki was productive with Milwaukee, banging out 321 hits and swiping fifty bases while batting .287 over the course of two seasons.  A solid player on the field who brought a positive clubhouse presence, Aoki will surely be missed by teammates and fans alike.

On Sunday, June 29 at Miller Park, all fans in attendance will receive a Norichika Aoki bobble head.  The bobble head will feature Aoki wearing a Japanese-style Brewers uniform.  It will be interesting to see how the Brewers market this promotion, as Aoki will not be wearing a Brewers uniform of any kind in 2014.

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

2014 Milwaukee Brewers: Starting Rotation Possibilities

Greetings Brew Crew fans!

I hope you enjoyed last week’s blog post pertaining to a possible starting lineup scenario. It was the first of many blog posts to come. This blog is very much a work in progress as I continue to iron out kinks along the way. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

As promised, I will be discussing a possible starting rotation scenario in this post. As with the starting lineup, the starting rotation is suspect to undergo changes between now and the start of the 2014 season. Pieces can always be added or subtracted. Regardless, it is never too early to speculate about which five arms may occupy the Brewers’ starting rotation in the season to come.

1: Yovani Gallardo
Despite his first half struggles and overall inconsistencies over the past few seasons, Gallardo is still the Brewers’ ace and one of the faces of the franchise. He has won at least twelve games each of the past five seasons, leading the staff in victories in each of the past four. Though strikeouts were down for Yovani in 2013 (144) and ERA was up (4.18), he did have an impressive second half and seems to have made some helpful mechanical adjustments. Gallardo has sped up his delivery, allowing him to attack the strike zone more aggressively. Barring injury, expect Gallardo to take the hill March 31 against Atlanta.

2: Kyle Lohse
Lohse had a solid 2013 campaign with his new team. Though he was inconsistent in the first half, some of that can be attributed to a lack of run support. Lohse’s mates did not score many runs in his first several starts, pinning Kyle into an early hole. However, he worked his way out of the hole and put together a very strong second half. Lohse finished the season with eleven wins, a 3.35 ERA, and 125 strikeouts. The Brewers signed Lohse late into Spring Training in 2013 and are committed to keeping him near the top of their rotation. Expect an increase in wins for Lohse in 2014, having a full season in his new surroundings under his belt.

3: Wily Peralta
Peralta may be the true enigma of the Brewers’ starting staff. After impressing late in 2012, Peralta was largely inconsistent throughout 2013, seemingly alternating between solid and poor starts. Like many of his teammates, Peralta picked it up a bit in the second half, finishing the season with eleven wins and 129 strikeouts. Being a young pitcher, the Brewers expect struggles and learning curves throughout Peralta’s development. However, they expect for Peralta to start to put it all together and find consistency on the mound. He will be 25 in May and is still highly touted by the organization. Though Peralta has always been considered one of the Brewers’ top pitching prospects, it is time for Wily to take his game to the next level and finally shed the “prospect” label.

4: Tyler Thornburg
The offspeed specialist was impressive in limited duties in 2013, posting a 2.03 ERA and striking out 48 batters in 66 2/3 innings. Though he may return to Nashville in 2014 for more minor league seasoning, it seems more likely that the Brewers will give Tyler his much deserved opportunity at the big league level. He has been one of the organization’s top pitching prospects for the past several years, despite his recent struggles in the minor leagues. The Brewers would rather not bury Tyler in the minor leagues, especially since he showed enough promise in the closing weeks of 2013. Thornburg just turned 25 in September and may get his opportunity to crack the starting rotation out of Spring Training.

5: Marco Estrada
Estrada battled injuries throughout 2013, tossing just 128 innings. Despite the lost time, Marco did strike out 118 batters and compiled a 3.87 ERA while on the mound. As someone who can start and pitch in long relief, Estrada is invaluable to the organization. Despite the occasional forgettable start, Marco is also good for the occasional dominant start. Beyond the two occasional extremes, Estrada is a solid pitcher who helps to stabilize the Brewers’ starting rotation. Look for Marco to get every opportunity to secure a back end rotation slot for 2014.

Don’t Count ‘Em Out:
Hiram Burgos, Mike Fiers, Alfredo Figaro, Tom Gorzelanny, Donovan Hand, Johnny Hellweg, Chris Narveson, and Jimmy Nelson may get looks and receive rotation consideration in Spring Training.

It seems that many fans are hoping for Yovani Gallardo to be traded. Though it’s not beyond the realm of possibility, I simply don’t think that would be practical at this point. Gallardo is set to earn $11.25 million in 2014, the final year of his guaranteed contract. The Brewers hold a $13 million team option on Gallardo for 2015.

The argument can be made that the Brewers should deal Yovani so as to free up payroll. However, the Brewers are thin at starting pitching as it is. They simply aren’t in a position to be trading starting pitchers, especially a veteran like Gallardo. Though he might not be an ace on many staffs, Gallardo is the Brewers’ number one starter.

Regardless of how the starting rotation shakes out for 2014, one thing is for certain. The Milwaukee Brewers must perform more consistently on the field. This is not limited to starting pitching. The bullpen arms, bats, and gloves must find ways to play a more consistent brand of baseball for an entire season. It is no secret that Doug Melvin is disappointed with his team’s first half struggles each of the past two seasons.

"I can't stand here every year and say we had a great second half. That doesn't work. We've done that two years in a row, gotten off to bad starts. For the past two years we've relied on younger players, but for us to get better, for us to perform, our star players have to perform. They have to come to the forefront."

-Doug Melvin

Thanks for reading!
-Barrel Man