*Photo from CBS Sports*
Staying in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers offseason is looked at.
2019 recap
Once star Christian Yelich went down, it was looking like a lost season for Milwaukee, but they banded together and rallied to make the wild card game. They had a two run lead in the 8th inning of that game when they gave up a bases clearing single and an error and lost 4-3 in heartbreaking fashion.
What you need to know
The Brewers entered the offseason and traded away the guy who made that error. Trent Grisham and Zach Davies were sent to San Diego for Luis Urias and Eric Lauer. Then they replaced top catcher Yasmani Grandal by striking a trade for C Omar Narvaez from Seattle. Then they picked up a modest starter in Brett Anderson to fill in the back of the rotation with Lauer. They added a lefty bullpen arm in Alex Claudio as well. Then they went overseas and signed Josh Lindblom out of Korea for the bullpen. Then they signed Ryon Healy and Avisail Garcia to fill roster spots. Utility man Eric Sogard was brought in, and former Blue Jays slugger Justin Smoak was brought in to replace Eric Thames. David Phelps was brought in for more bullpen help, and another utility man in Brock Holt was signed in February. Now, here we are
Moves I like
Narvaez is a solid catcher who should work out nicely in Milwaukee. Sogard and Holt both bring valuable versatility to the table, and aren't too shabby with the bat either. Garcia is a good outfielder who can start and fill out as a depth piece. Urias is a solid shortstop and will fill in nicely when Keston Hiura needs a day off. Lindblom had a good tenure in Korea, and his success should translate to the major league level, much like Thames a few years ago.
Moves I don't like
Lauer has upside, but he's very unproven. Anderson is no more than a 5th starter and a roster filler, he won't amaze anyone anymore. Smoak is in the middle of a decline, and last year proved that point. He still has a little left in the tank, but he won't get back to his all star form. Like Smoak, Healy is also declining and won't get back to his best in his career.
2020 outlook
It seems as though the Brewers have definitely gotten worse. Plus, they are unproven due to all the turnover on their roster in the offseason. It will be a trying year for the Brew Crew, but because of the division they're in, they still have a shot.
Comments
Post a Comment