The Milwaukee Brewers have made a flurry of small off-season
moves as other teams continue to reach for the big names. Here's a review of
what they have done so far. It's hard to say at this point who will make the
big league club and who won't.
Andy Oliver/LHP- The Brewers signed left handed pitcher Andy
Oliver to a minor league deal on Dec. 18. Oliver has not pitched in the Major
Leagues since 2011. He has a June 15th opt-out clause. Oliver was
once a highly thought of pitching prospect in the Tigers organization towards
the end of the previous decade.
Eric Sogard/IF- Sogard, who is 30, is a defense-minded
infielder who has had some moderate success at this level with the Oakland
Athletics from 2013-2015. He could potentially provide defensive flexibility of
the bench for Milwaukee.
Hiram Burgos/IF- Burgos has spent his entire career with the
Brewers organization and this is a simle re-sign.
Tommy Milone/LHP- The Brewers signed former Twins starter
Tommy Milone to a one year, 1,25 million dollar Major League deal on Dec. 15.
Even though his full salary is not guaranteed, Milone will be expected to
compete for a starting rotation spot and some even think this could open up a
move for Wily Peralta to go to the bullpen.
Jett Bandy and Drew Gagnon- On Dec. 13, the Brewers traded
catcher Martin Maldonado to the Angels for catcher Jett Bandy and pitcher Drew
Gagnon. I am interested to see if Bandy ends up as the Brewers opening day
catcher.
Ryan Webb/RHP- Former highly thought of Padres farmhand Ryan
Webb is getting one last chance, signing a minor league contract with the
Brewers with the opportunity to make the bullpen out of Spring Training.
Ivan De Jesus/IF- On Dec. 12, the Brewers signed journeyman
Ivan De Jesus to a minor league contract. De Jesus will have a fair opportunity
to make the club as a utility man off the bench.
Tyler Thornburg trade- Perhaps the Brewers most significant
move of the off season so far. On Dec. 6, the Brewers traded standout relief
pitcher Tyler Thornburg to the Red Sox in exchange for third baseman Travis
Shaw, minor league Mauricio Dubon and right handed pitcher Josh Pennington.
Thornburg was about to get very pricey for a setup man, and for a team like the
Brewers who aren't going anywhere for a while, pitchers like Thornburg are a
luxury.
Eric Thames/1B- The Brewers most significant free agent
signing this off season. Thames will receive 16 million in guaranteed money and
4, 5, and 6 million a year for 2017, 2018, and 2019. By putting all of the
money up front this a brilliant move by David Stearns. If Thames works out, the
will have a cheap first basemen for a few years, if not, they will have the
ability to move him as his cotract won't be hard to move.
