Brewers Transactions Thread

[RickD]

Discuss and Post Brewers Transactions Here

[RickD]

And the changes are coming fast and furious.

Now the Brewers have decided to let Ken Macha go:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/brewers/2010-10-04-macha-fired_N.htm

[Mudge]

No manager in baseball would have been able to win with the pitching staff that GM Melvin assembled.

[Buccos13]

Ken Macha was born (and still lives) about 10 minutes from where I was born. Cool, eh? And he had some good players, but not enough pitching to put anything together.

[RickD]

The Milwaukee Brewers have finalized a $1.75 million, one-year contract with reliever Takashi Saito. He can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses based on games and $500,000 for days on the active roster.

[Mr. Baseball]

Milwaukee signs former Astros second basemen, Edwin Maysonet from Puerto Rico. Edwin hasn't played in the Major Leagues since 2009 when he saw 69 At-bats and batted .290 with a .333 OBP before being demoted to Astros AAA affiliate Round Rock Express.

In 2010 with Round Rock, he batted .252 with two home runs and thirty-six RBI's. Maysonet is 29 years-old, and was invited to join the Brewers at spring training in 2011.

[Mr. Baseball]

Milwaukee signs former Astros second basemen, Edwin Maysonet from Puerto Rico. Edwin hasn't played in the Major Leagues since 2009 when he saw 69 At-bats and batted .290 with a .333 OBP before being demoted to Astros AAA affiliate Round Rock Express.

In 2010 with Round Rock, he batted .252 with two home runs and thirty-six RBI's. Maysonet is 29 years-old, and was invited to join the Brewers at spring training in 2011.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3596204823_c4bf77d506.jpg

[RickD]

Prince Fielder and the Milwaukee Brewers avoided salary arbitration Tuesday by agreeing to a $15.5 million, one-year contract. The deal is the highest-single season contract for an arbitration-eligible player, surpassing Mark Teixeira's $12.5 million agreement with Atlanta in 2008.

This is a huge payout but I don't see Fielder with the Brewers next year.

[JoshRedcay]

It's obvious the Brewers really want him in that lineup and for good reason. The Brewers are entering a new era with all this talent they've built in both the lineup and pitching rotation. This could really be the year for the Brewers to grab a division title before Fielder possibly leaves next year.

[Old Sweater]

Still a pup at 26, thats about the time the brain hardens so he should have a bit more common sense.

[RickD]

Still a pup at 26, thats about the time the brain hardens so he should have a bit more common sense.

:thinking: What?

[Mr. Baseball]

Milwaukee comes to terms with 29-year old right-hander Kameron Loe. Loe signed a one-year deal worth $1.25 million with $115,000 in performance bonuses.

Another great move by Doug Melvin! Loe was a stud last season for the Brewers, posting a 1.18 WHIP with 22 holds to go along with a 2.78 ERA. Kameron will join an already stacked pen that showcases closer Jonathan Axford, veteran Takashi Saito, and relievers Zach Braddock, LaTroy Hawkins, and Manny Parra.

The Brewers are still seeking to make ends meet with Rickie Weeks and Shaun Marcum.

http://thumbnails.truveo.com/0020/E8/34/E8342C35732FEAC4258748_Large.jpg

[RickD]

Loe signed a one-year deal worth $1.25 million with $115,000 in performance bonuses.

More details on the Performance Bonuses:

$25,000 for 50 games, $30,000 for 55, $35,000 for 60, $10,000 for 76 and $15,000 for 78.

[RickD]

The Milwaukee Brewers and outfielder Mark Kotsay have agreed to a $800,000, one-year contract.

Kotsay's deal includes $450,000 in roster and performance bonuses, and the Brewers will have to make a move on the 40-man roster to add him.

[Mr. Baseball]

The Milwaukee Brewers and outfielder Mark Kotsay have agreed to a $800,000, one-year contract.

Kotsay's deal includes $450,000 in roster and performance bonuses, and the Brewers will have to make a move on the 40-man roster to add him.

In this instance, I'd say the Brewers are paying too much for too little. It's obvious Kotsay was signed as a mentor rather than an offensive force. Frankly, I can think of dozens of better uses for the cash. We are a young team, but a young team that doesn't lack in experience.

[CoreyR]

Brewers avoid arbitration with SP Shaun Marcum. Reaching a one-year deal worth $3.95M. Very nice deal. Announced it on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/CoreyRievley/status/35545512274821121) after hearing it from another source.

[RickD]

The Brewers signed second baseman Rickie Weeks to a four-year, $38.5 million contract with a vesting option that can turn the contract to a franchise-record $50 million. If Weeks makes 600 plates appearances in 2014, or 1,200 plate appearances his final two years, the 2015 year will automatically vest for $11.5 million.

Weeks can earn an additional $1 million if he makes 400 plate appearances in 2014, but his option does not vest.

[CoreyR]

Early on in the 2008 season, the Brewers and Ryan Braun reached agreement on an eight-year, $45MM extension. In the past three years, the 27-year-old has more than lived up to his end of the pact, hitting .303/.363/.535. While some Brewers fans might worry that the outfielder will become unhappy with his contract that seems to favor the club, Braun has put those worries to rest, writes Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

Ryan Braun signed that extension in 2008 and it was one hell of a steal by the Brewers. What I really enjoy about this piece is the fact that Ryan Braun has no issue with his contract. I would also assume that he would become unhappy with his contract but that is not the case whatsoever.

"I get it, but it's a non-issue," the three-time All-Star said. "I pay attention to what goes on around the game, obviously, but I'm happy for all of those guys. I agreed to a deal three years ago that goes five [more] years, and I'm excited and honored to be here." - Ryan Braun (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/braunry02.shtml)

It'd be a dream come true to me if all players were like Braun when it comes to money. He is making over $5MM a season and to me for him to say what he has said in the above quote is quite astonishing based on the fact of what players of his caliber and even below his caliber demand. He my friends, is a true baseball player and has genuine love for the game. He will always be one of my favorite players, especially after seeing this. If you think i'm on the bandwagon you are wrong.

Also, if any of you are ever in Milwaukee be sure to eat at his restaurant. Great food, great service and beautiful view from the deck.

[Mudge]

I trust he will singing the same tune even if the Brewers don't contend this year, which would be a real disappointment because I think everyone believes that they will.

[MikeDead]

Brewers Acquire Morgan From Nationals

The Brewers have acquired speedy outfielder Nyjer Morgan in a trade with the Nationals.

Washington will get minor league infielder Cutter Dykstra and cash from Milwaukee.

Morgan stole 34 bases for the Nationals last season despite a .319 on-base percentage.

Dykstra is the son of former major leaguer Lenny Dykstra.

http://baseball.realgm.com/src_wiretap/#ixzz1Hp4G5gjC

Not a bad pick up for the Brewers. Adds a little speed to their bench. Though I'm not sure Morgan is going to be able to break into that starting lineup with Hart, Gomez and Braun.

[Mudge]

Not a bad pick up for the Brewers. Adds a little speed to their bench. Though I'm not sure Morgan is going to be able to break into that starting lineup with Hart, Brewer and Braun.

As bad as Morgan's .319 OBP was last year, at least he broke the .300 mark (unlike current CF Carlos Gomez, who posted a miserable .298 OBP in 2010, which sadly was his best showing in 4 major league seasons)

Also, Hart is injured and seems not to be responding all that quickly. He has been placed on the 15-day DL. There's no one else out there except Jeremy Reed -- serviceable, but not a long-term solution.

The Brewers are getting desperate what with the spate of injuries this spring: LuCroy, Hart, Greinke, Marcum, McGehee.

[JoshRedcay]

No way he gets into the lineup unless there's a bad injury.

[Mudge]

No way he gets into the lineup unless there's a bad injury.

I think he's already penciled in to the starting lineup with Hart on the DL.

[diehardbrewgirl]

I'm okay with this move because we do need another OF while Hart is trying to get healthy. Just no temper tantrums and suspensions please!

[CoreyR]

Good move by the Brewers for sure. He's got speed and should fit in to Milwaukee perfectly. Sometimes a new team and a new city is what a player needs. It'd be nice to see Nyjer put up some good numbers. I know he can steal bases!

[JoshRedcay]

Don't be surprised if he adds a few stupid plays to the games he plays. He sure can wear thin on a manager quickly.

And he's also a bit of a hot head....I remember from when he was with the Pirates. Although he does add nice speed on the field and on the bases. Plus he'll get that single when you need it.

[astrosfanatic]

the Brewers will have 4 black holes in the line-up with Gomez, Morgan, Betancourt, and whoever their catcher even is until Corey Hart comes back......ouch

[Old Sweater]

The thing about Morgan that I have seen from watching a few Nats games is he makes a lot of bone head plays in the field and on the bases. His head doesn't seem in the game most of the time.

Or bonehead finger signs after he gets his butt kicked. Guy is gifted, gotta lose that gangsta mentality.

[BrewCrewFan]

I don't mind this move at all for the Crew to be honest. We gave up very little to get him, and if he doesn't work out, he doesn't work out. He's cheap as well (making 900K I believe)

He isn't a clubhouse cancer at all either, like a lot of people on other sites have been saying. I never heard about him getting into it with another teammate. He just plays with a lot of emotion.

[MSRoble]

Speaking as a guy that had watched him play for years, he's a fun-loving guy to the fans out in left field when he played here, he constantly interacted with the fans, and seemed to thrive off it. He was not a cancer HERE, but I have seen him make many a boneheaded play in the outfield and as a result, he was traded for Milledge.

I saw he made like three "Sportscenter epic" blunders in a span of two weeks when playing in Washington, including having a hissy fit about ball against the wall, and he stood there slamming his hat on the ground jumping up and down in a tantrum while the ball laid live on the warning track. It was appalling, it was something you'd see in t-ball.

I think that episode branded him with a poor attitude, he really needs to work on fixing that something fierce.

[Mudge]

Have Prince Fielder sit on him (literally and figuratively).

[Old Sweater]

Like they said about Vince Coleman, he can run down any fly ball, it's catching it that is the tricky part.


including having a hissy fit about ball against the wall, and he stood there slamming his hat on the ground jumping up and down in a tantrum while the ball laid live on the warning track. It was appalling, it was something you'd see in t-ball.


That is some of the attitude he has to lose.

[LetsPlay2]

He's got the physical attributes, he just needs to get his head screwed on right.

Here's my favorite:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prdzs7OggBI

[Mr. Baseball]

As bad as Morgan's .319 OBP was last year, at least he broke the .300 mark (unlike current CF Carlos Gomez, who posted a miserable .298 OBP in 2010, which sadly was his best showing in 4 major league seasons)

Makes it all the more laughable when I think back to last season when GoGo made that moronic comment that he "can do it all."

Why Doug Melvin made the decision to trade away Dickerson and keep Gomez? We'll never know.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Do you think there is any chance that Chris Nowak will ever play for the Brewers? I am asking this because he has played several seasons for the Biscuits and the Durham Bulls in the Rays' organization. Last season he asked the Rays to release him.
Yesterday I saw he is at Milwaukee's AAA team. He can play both hot corners quite well, but his batting stinks (.130 right now for Nashville).
He was born in Milwaukee, so it would be nice if he could play for his hometown team. To be honest I think that his batting skills will prevent him from reaching the MLB.

[Mr. Baseball]

Shaun Marcum was placed on the Major League Baseball bereavement list today in order to be by his fathers side as he undergoes open-heart surgery. He's not expected to miss any time, however, reliever Mike McClendon has been called upon from Nasvhille to fill the vacancy until his return.

McClendon pitched pretty well with us last season as a September call-up, look forward to seeing him pitch this week.


http://www.floridaleague.com/Portals/0/Gallery/McClendon300x200.jpg

[Vertigo O]

The Brewers extended left fielder Ryan Braun through the 2020 season, the team announced. The extension is for five years and $105MM, tweets CAA Sports, while MLB.com's Adam McCalvy has the year-by-year breakdown. The contract includes a mutual option for 2021 worth up to $20MM with a $4MM buyout. McCalvy notes that the deal includes a $10MM signing bonus, a no-trade provision, and some deferred salary. The deferrals were key to the deal, CAA agent Nez Balelo told McCalvy.


http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/04/brewers-extend-ryan-braun-through-2020.html

Nice deal for the Brewers.

[Mr. Baseball]

In today's baseball world, playing in the same city for ones entire career is unheard of. Playing for a SMALL MARKET franchise your entire career is unbelievable. A team ranked 17th payroll for the 2011 MLB Season, just signed the second-largest contract for an outfielder in Major League Baseball history...that's something special.

It's a good day to be a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers.

[RickD]

Here's details of the 5 year, $105 Million dollar extension:

$10 million signing bonus.
2016: $19 million
2017: $19 million
2018: $19 million
2019: $18 million
2020: $16 million.
2021: Mutual option (worth up to $20 million), with a $4 million buyout. It includes a no-trade provision, and Braun agreed to defer salary.
The annual average salary of $21 million is second-highest ever for an outfielder.

[Brauny]

Love this move. He's the face of our franchise and this deal pretty much guarantees he'll be a Brewer for life. It's awesome that he was willing to take a hometown discount to stay here longterm.

Now if only Fielder would do the same.

[Mr. Baseball]

Now will they have enough to sign Fielder?

You can't be serious...

[Old Sweater]

Great signing by the Brewers, IMO. Clubs take a lot of risk, injury wise, in these signings, but overall the Brewers could be saving money in the long run.

[diehardbrewgirl]

Great move by the Brewers. Now will they have enough to sign Fielder?

I think it's pretty obvious that Fielder won't be with us after this season.

Braun is exactly the type of guy you want to lead your club and like Mr. Baseball said it's amazing that a guy of his caliber and talent would choose a small market city like Milwaukee of all places (especially someone raised in Southern California) to spend his Major League career in. He is our modern day Robin Yount for sure! I'm so happy about this!

I also love that he wanted to take less money so that the team had more money for other contracts, in help of getting this organization into a winning team. That says a lot about his character I think. Especially since he tends to get an arrogant/cocky reputation.

[CoreyR]

Great move by the Brewers. Now will they have enough to sign Fielder?

Umm, Nik Nak.....Braun's contract doesn't kick in until 2016. Therefore, he is still only making a little over $5M until then.

[WilsonC]

It's a risky signing since it doesn't kick in for a while yet, but I think it should be solid if he stays healthy. He's been one of the most consistently excellent hitters over the last for year, but he's not a slow-footed slugger. While not a burner, he's a pretty good athlete, which makes me think he has a good chance of aging well. He's also got the type of skill-set where it wouldn't shock me if he just exploded - he's been making incremental gains in both his BB rate and his K rate, while sustaining a high BABIP, and and his value's stayed consistent despite a bit of a drop in raw power numbers. While it's too early to read anything into this year's performance, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see his power start rising as he learns to regain more of the raw power he has to go along with his improving pure hitting skills, nor would I be surprised to see his OBP creep into the .400 range over the next few years. As well, he hasn't rated very well defensively for the most part, but he has enough speed that he could certainly improve defensively.

[Mr. Baseball]

After making a collective six starts in the Minor Leagues, Zach Greinke has finally been scheduled to make his long-awaited debut for the Brewers on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Brewers fans rejoice! I feel a little bad for Marco Estrada, as he will more than likely be booted from the rotation regardless of his solid performance thus far(1.00 WHIP in 21 innings). Although, you can count on him getting a few more starts if injury does occur at some point during the season.

Our already great rotation just got a whole lot better.

[RickD]

You hope.....I got 2 words:

Stephen Strasburg....great start, then, BANG!

[diehardbrewgirl]

I see Estrada taking a long relief role when Greinke returns. I'm really anxious to see how he performs during his debut. He's got a lot of pressure and we've all been anticipating his first start for a long time!

[Mudge]

Our already great rotation just got a whole lot better.

If he's on, Greinke makes this rotation much better; on that point I wholeheartedly agree, but it is hardly a "great" rotation without him, not when Randy Wolf (he of the career 4.10 ERA) has been the most consistent pitcher thus far.

If -- and this is a big if -- if Greinke is up to form, Marcum and Wolf continue their fine pitching, Gallardo re-discovers himself, and Narveson avoids the occasional horrorshow outing, then this is a great rotation.

[Brauny]

I'm excited to finally see him in action. Once he returns, we can't use the "injury" excuse anymore as pretty much everyone will be back. It's time to win some ballgames.

[CoreyR]

The Brewers announced that they claimed infielder Josh Wilson (http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?search=Josh+Wilson&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker) off waivers from the Diamondbacks. To correspond with the move, they moved RP Takashi Saito (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/saitota01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker) to the 60-day DL. This move means the Brewers 40-man roster is now full.

[RickD]

The Milwaukee Brewers have outrighted catcher Wil Nieves to Triple-A Nashville and purchased catcher George Kottaras' contract from the minor league club.

[Old Sweater]

Norichika Aoki

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AiJC2lEejuiN1cRTMIU4vNkRvLYF?slug=ap-brewers-aoki

TOKYO (AP)—The Milwaukee Brewers have won the right to negotiate a contract with Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki.

Aoki’s team, the Yakult Swallows, said Sunday it had accepted the Brewers’ bid of $2.5 million under the posting system.

The Brewers have 30 days to work out a deal with the 29-year-old Aoki, a three-time Central League batting champion.

Aoki batted .292 with four home runs and 44 RBIs in 144 games for the Swallows this season. He has a career batting average of .329 in eight seasons, all with Yakult.

Aoki is the only player in Japanese professional baseball to have had two 200-hit seasons.


Anyone know what is the minimum amount of years for a player in the Japanese league is? Norichika Aoki is just a few years away from the 32-34 decline years. Ichiro was like 27.

[Mudge]

Anyone know what is the minimum amount of years for a player in the Japanese league is? Norichika Aoki is just a few years away from the 32-34 decline years. Ichiro was like 27.

I don't know the answer to the first question, but do you think that this is in response to Braun's possible suspension?

Does not seem likely given that the Brewers already have two light-hitting outfielders already (Gomez and Morgan). I should think that they'd be looking for some slugging, especially with the need to replace Fielder. Beltran?

[Old Sweater]

I don't know the answer to the first question, but do you think that this is in response to Braun's possible suspension?

Does not seem likely given that the Brewers already have two light-hitting outfielders already (Gomez and Morgan). I should think that they'd be looking for some slugging, especially with the need to replace Fielder. Beltran?

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=aoki--001nor

I'm with you Mudge. Aoki had a OPS of .942 in 07&08 and .944 in 10 before a dismal .718 this year in a 144 games. Take away the smaller parks and add the better pitching and the Brewers would really be taking a gamble.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

The Brewers announced that they have renewed John Axford's contract. Axford will be paid $525,000 and the two parties will continue to discuss a multiyear contract. Axford's salary last year was $442,500.

[RickD]

Well the bump in pay will be nice for him and maybe they can get a multi-year contract done before the season is over.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

This salary comes close to the minimum salary, doesn't it?

[DaaBoTownSox]

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Claudio Vargas to a minor league deal, according to Storm Kirschenbaum of Metis Sports Management, Vargas' agency.

Brew Crew Ball offers some initial thoughts on the addition:

Vargas is still only 33 years old but is an eight year major league veteran with a 4.83 career ERA over 217 appearances (114 starts). This is his third tour of duty in the Brewer organization: He pitched in 29 games (23 starts) for the 2007 Brewers, then came back in a trade with the Dodgers two seasons later and made 45 appearances in relief between 2009 and 2010.

Vargas hasn't pitched in the majors since the Brewers released him in June of 2010. He last pitched in affiliated ball with the Rockies in 2011, but retired in June after posting an 11.08 ERA in eight AAA appearances.

[Sage]

The Brewers have claimed infielder Cody Ransom off of waivers from the Diamondbacks, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel tweets. Ransom has played 100 MLB games at shortstop, so he provides the Brewers with depth alongside Cesar Izturis. The Brewers confirmed the claim, announcing that they've optioned Edwin Maysonet to the minors and moved Alex Gonzalez to the 60-day disabled list in corresponding moves.

Ransom posted a .269/.345/.577 batting line in 58 plate appearances with the Diamondbacks this year, but they removed him from the 40-man roster earlier this week by designating him for assignment. The 36-year-old played third base and shortstop, the same two positions he appeared at in 2011. Haudricourt reported earlier today that the Brewers were interested in adding shortstop help and Ransom's a fit since he has played more games at shortstop than at any other position. He has a .226/.310/.409 batting line in parts of ten seasons at the MLB level.

Not a bad move. Maybe Ransom can inject some consistent life into an offense that is dead 2 out of 3 games in every series. Plus, he's likely to be an offensive upgrade over Cesar Izturis, no matter what, so that's good.

[Sage]

The Brewers announced that they designated catcher George Kottaras for assignment. In related moves, Milwaukee activated catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the 15-day disabled list, optioned infielder Jeff Bianchi to Triple-A and selected the contract of right-hander Jim Henderson.

Kottaras, 29, figures to draw trade interest in the coming days, when teams such as the Mets and Nationals could inquire about possible deals. He has a .209/.409/.360 batting ine in 116 plate appearances this year, thanks to an impressive 25% walk rate. In parts of five MLB seasons, Kottaras has a .221/.326/.402 batting line.

Not surprised. Kottaras was the odd-man-out at catcher, Bianchi wasn't doing much better than our other SS's, and we need bullpen help like no one's business. I suspect Kottaras is going to be traded very soon.

[Mr. Baseball]

I'll root for George to do well where he goes! I really like him, we're just overstocked on catchers.

PS, a .200 point difference in batting average and on-base-percentage is insane!

[Sage]

Ignoring the obvious Greinke transaction because it has its own thread....

Brewers have officially announced the trade of C George Kottaras to the Oakland Athletics for RP Fautino De Los Santos. In order to make room for De Los Santos on the 40-man roster, they have moved SP Shaun Marcum from the 15-day-DL to the 60-day-DL. De Los Santos has been optioned to AAA Nashville.