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Milwaukee Brewers News Clips Tuesday, December 8, 2015 MLB.com • Brewers open to offers for Lucroy, but would hurt • Brewers have 2 claimed; M’s looking at Lind? • Rivera, Hader make Fall League Top Prospects Team • Brewers add Subero, Lane to coaching staff • Denson receives MiLB Presidential Citation

Journal Sentinel • Brewers seem reluctant to trade • Report: Mariners interested in Adam Lind • Brewers complete coaching staff with , Jason Lane • Brewers prospect honored at winter meetings • Brewers lose two players to waiver claims

CBS Sports • Rumor buy or sell: Brewers ‘listening’ on Jonathan Lucroy

MiLB.com • Brewers’ Denson receives MiLB citation

OnMilwaukee.com • A Brewers fan guide to the MLB Winter Meetings

Sun Herald • Shuckers promoted to Brewers staff http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/159056918/brewers-open-to-trading-jonathan-lucroy Brewers open to offers for Lucroy, but trade would hurt

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | December 7, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- To trade Jonathan Lucroy, or rebuild the franchise around him? That question seems to be dividing fans and executives alike as the Brewers brainstorm their options at these Winter Meetings.

The same factors that make Lucroy the Brewers' most valuable remaining trade chip also form the basis for an argument he should stay. He ranked fourth in MVP balloting in 2014, before a dramatic dip in production during an injury-plagued 2015. He has one of the game's club-friendliest contracts, calling for a modest $4 million salary next season with a $5.25 million option for 2017. He is a solid game-caller and pitch-framer equally capable of handling the experienced arms of a contender or the unproven ones of a rebuilder.

"We need more Jonathan Lucroy-type players," Brewers said Monday. "Not less."

Yet the Brewers are listening to trade offers for Lucroy, who has long been a target of teams like the and lately has drawn more interest from the and others. One rival executive told Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network and FOX Sports that he considers Lucroy one of the game's best bounceback candidates, blaming his offensive dip on the broken toe and concussion that shortened Lucroy's 2015 season, and the slip of some defensive metrics on the Brewers' all-rookie starting rotation by season's end.

Stearns said that, at the moment, the Brewers are more likely to keep Lucroy than to trade him.

"Probably, yeah," Stearns said. "We are still open to discussing any number of players on our roster, but as I've said from the opening press conference, Jonathan Lucroy is a really good player. He provides a tremendous amount of value to the organization, and he is a reason why we can be better next year." In the event that stance changes, the Brewers are expected to fortify the catcher position via Minor League free agency. Lucroy and backup Martin Maldonado are the only on the 40-man roster.

"As of this moment, our catching depth is 'Luc' and 'Maldy,'" Stearns said. "We've got a duo in the Major Leagues right now that is probably one of the best twosomes in terms of overall production that's out there. We feel pretty comfortable with those two behind the plate.

http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/159034722/brewers-lose-two-players-amid-adam-lind-rumors Brewers have 2 claimed; M’s looking at Lind?

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | December 7, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Brewers cleared two more 40-man roster spots on Monday amid reports of trade talks with the Mariners regarding Adam Lind, raising the possibility of a busy Winter Meetings week ahead for rookie general manager David Stearns.

The Marlins claimed left-hander Mike Strong off waivers and the Dodgers claimed Daniel Fields, reducing to 35 the number of players on Milwaukee's 40-man roster. One of those 35 is Lind, a left-handed hitter coming off a 20-homer season and entering the final year of his contract, making him a prime candidate to be the next player dealt as part of Milwaukee's organizational rebuild.

Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network and FOX Sports reported that the Brewers and Mariners had discussed a deal. Lind has been one of the Brewers' top trade chips since the team exercised his $8 million club option for 2016. He will be a free agent at season's end.

The Pirates are another team actively shopping for a .

While Stearns declined to discuss specific rumors or reports, he said, "Day 1 of the Winter Meetings is often a time where you're laying the groundwork and reconnecting on discussions you've had previously, and that's what we did today. We're actively involved on a couple of discussions. I think we made progress on a couple of them today. Frankly, we probably went backwards on a couple of them today, too. But that happens.

"This has been a very active offseason from, really, the moment the offseason ended. People are very willing to talk about their players, very open to discussing various ideas, and that certainly continued today."

Third base and center field are the most obvious needs for the Brewers at the moment, though a recent trade with the Astros for infielder provided one option for third base. If talks with the Mariners progress, one potential match is first baseman/ D.J. Peterson, a 23-year-old, former first-round Draft pick who ranks third on MLBPipeline.com's list of Seattle's top prospects. He has lived up to pre-Draft expectations, but came out of college in 2013 with the sort of power that would play well at Miller Park.

As for center field, Stearns said the Brewers are looking at trade and free-agent options to fill center field until prospect Brett Phillips, No. 2 on MLBPipeline's list of the top Brewers prospects, is ready to take over.

"We have an aim to complement our current group of , and one of the areas that needs a complement is someone who's probably more comfortable in center field than what we have right now," Stearns said.

Did the Brewers' 40-man roster subtractions suggest that additions were imminent?

"We are certainly working on things that would consume roster spots," he said. "Whether they happen or not, I can't predict at this point.

"There is some strategy in how you look at your roster and when is the appropriate time to make space and try to get guys through," Stearns said. "Generally, when teams potentially are holding a space or two for the Rule 5 Draft, is not a bad time to get guys through. In this case, obviously, we had two guys who were claimed." Strong once ranked among MLBPipeline.com's Top 20 Brewers prospects and was added to Milwaukee's 40-man roster in November 2014 after appearing in the prospect-rich . He endured a poor big league camp (seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings over three Cactus League games) and was 5-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 50 appearances (one start) between -A Biloxi and Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2015.

Fields was only Brewers property for less than three months. Milwaukee claimed him off waivers from Detroit on Sept. 10.

http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/159016058/arizona-fall-league-unveils-top-prospects-team Rivera, Hader make Fall League Top Prospects Team

By Andrew Simon / MLB.com | December 7, 2015

The Arizona Fall League revealed its 2015 Top Prospects Team on Monday, recognizing players who distinguished themselves during the league's six-week schedule. Fall League managers and coaches voted for the team, considering both performance and Major League projectability.

The Fall League features top prospects from every organization in . Nearly 2,500 AFL participants have reached the Majors, including 231 All-Stars, 15 Most Valuable Player Award winners and six Cy Young Award winners.

2015 Top Prospects Team

Catchers Gary Sanchez, Surprise Saguaros (Yankees) Willson Contreras, Mesa Solar Sox (Cubs)

First basemen Sam Travis, Scottsdale Scorpions (Red Sox) Dominic Smith, Salt River Rafters (Mets)

Second basemen Carlos Asuaje, Scottsdale Scorpions (Padres) Chad Pinder, Mesa Solar Sox (A's)

Third basemen Jeimer Candelario, Mesa Solar Sox (Cubs) Patrick Wisdom, Surprise Saguaros (Cardinals)

Shortstops Yadiel Rivera, Surprise Saguaros (Brewers) Christian Arroyo, Scottsdale Scorpions (Giants)

Outfielders Adam Engel, Glendale Desert Dogs (White Sox) Raimel Tapia, Salt Lake Rafters (Rockies) Mac Williamson, Scottsdale Scorpions (Giants) Clint Frazier, Scottsdale Scorpions (Indians) Jacob Scavuzzo, Glendale Desert Dogs (Dodgers) Daniel Palka, Salt River Rafters (Twins)

Designated hitters Rowdy Tellez, Salt River Rafters (Blue Jays) Jurickson Profar, Surprise Saguaros (Rangers) Starting , Mesa Solar Sox (A's) , Surprise Saguaros (Brewers)

Relief pitchers Tanner Scott, Peoria Javelinas (Orioles) Nick Burdi, Scottsdale Scorpions (Twins)

http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/159003468/carlos-subero-jason-lane-brewers-coaches Brewers add Subero, Lane to coaching staff

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | December 7, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Brewers filled out their Major League coaching staff Monday with a promotion and an intriguing new hire when they named Carlos Subero first-base and former big league hitter-turned- Jason Lane to another opening.

Subero, who formerly served as the manager at Double-A Biloxi, has never played or coached in the Major Leagues, aside from a brief callup in September. He will oversee Brewers infielders in addition to his in-game duties at first base. Lane, however, is in the unique position of having appeared in the big leagues as both as a hitter and a pitcher. His official title is simply "Major League coach," but the position essentially translates to assistant hitting coach.

"Everybody in the game has a dream to be in the big leagues," said Lane, who turns 38 later this month. "If I can't be there as player, I can be there to help guys."

Lane played the outfield for parts of seven Major League seasons and was the regular right fielder for the World Series-bound Astros in 2005. But he bounced between organized and independent baseball from 2007-11 before attempting a revival as a left-handed pitcher, and, in June 2014, he made it back to the Majors for the first time in nearly seven years. Lane surrendered one in 10 1/3 innings over three appearances with the Padres.

He pitched again in 2015 at Triple-A El Paso, which was managed at the start of the season by Pat Murphy, who went on to serve as interim manager of the Padres before the Brewers hired him in October. Murphy was Brewers manager 's college coach at Notre Dame.

But Lane never received a call to San Diego, and when there weren't any offers this winter to continue pitching, Lane turned his focus to coaching.

"I wasn't just playing to play in Triple-A," Lane said. "I wanted to be considered an option or a piece for a Major League team, even if I had to start in Triple-A. It seemed as I got older it was tougher to get those opportunities. When you have an offer like this, to go right into the big leagues as a coach, [it is difficult to pass up]."

Subero, meanwhile, took a more traditional path to his first Major League coaching opportunity. A veteran of managing and coaching in the Minor Leagues as well as Venezuela, Subero joined Milwaukee's organization prior to last season and led a prospect-rich Biloxi team that was homeless for the first two months of the season awaiting a newly constructed stadium. The team thrived behind top prospect and co-aces Jorge Lopez and , starting the season 43-25 and winning a first-half division title. The team played all the way to the Southern League Championship Series.

"It means a lot, especially after 25 years of grinding," Subero said. "Twelve years of winter ball and 17 years of player development, sometimes you wonder. There's many qualified people in this game that leave the game without having this opportunity. I definitely feel good about all the time I have invested in accumulating experience. I'm excited about it." Subero is fluent in Spanish, like the man he replaces, , who was among the coaches dismissed in October. Subero had three separate telephone interviews last week, first with general manager David Stearns on Monday, then assistant GM on Wednesday and Counsell on Thursday. In a lengthy chat with Counsell, the two talk in broad terms about baseball philosophy, Subero said.

On Friday, he was offered the job.

Besides Murphy, Subero and Lane, the Brewers' coaching staff includes hitting coach , pitching coach Derek Johnson, bullpen coach Lee Tunnell and third-base coach Ed Sedar.

http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/159024310/david-denson-gets-milb-presidential-citation Denson receives MiLB Presidential Citation

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com | December 7, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The first openly gay player in affiliated baseball is also the first active player to be awarded 's Presidential Citation. Brewers farmhand David Denson was on hand to accept the honor Monday from Minor League president Pat O'Conner during the formal opening session of the Winter Meetings.

The annual citations recognize exemplary service on behalf of MiLB.

"It's an honor getting this award," Denson said. "I told myself coming out here, getting this award is not only for myself but also others out there who are going through the same thing. This is not something I feel I'm taking on for myself. I feel like this is something that will touch other players who are going through the same situation and stands for something bigger than myself."

Denson was flanked at the ceremony by friend and advisor , Major League Baseball's ambassador for inclusion. Bean consulted closely with Denson in the months leading up to Denson's coming out in August as the first openly gay player with a team affiliated with MLB.

"It felt amazing, like I'm being respected in the game," Denson said of the reception he received Monday. "I've always said there's a difference for me in being accepted and respected. I've always just wanted to be respected. I feel like I'm finally getting that.

"It's a feeling I can't really describe, something that I thought I'd never get to experience."

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/360864961.html Brewers seem reluctant to trade Jonathan Lucroy

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel December 7, 2015

Nashville – When it comes to the topic of trading veterans as the forge ahead with their massive rebuilding plan, no player creates more division of opinion among the team’s fans than catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Those who figure the Brewers won’t win for some time see no reason to keep one of the team’s most valuable assets. Accordingly, they say go for a big return and deal Lucroy now.

Those who would like one or two players they admire and recognize to remain on the roster in 2016 would rather see Lucroy stay and provide guidance for the growing number of young players en route to Milwaukee. The only opinion that really counts, however, is that of general manager David Stearns. And on the first day of baseball’s winter meetings Monday, he seemed more inclined to keep Lucroy despite keen interest from many teams, including Texas.

Asked if it were more likely he’d hold on to Lucroy than deal him, Stearns said, “Probably.”

That response didn’t exactly go into the death-and-taxes category, but Stearns reiterated that Lucroy’s value is just as high in keeping him as what might come back in trade despite an injury-marred, unproductive 2015 season. Part of that value is that he is under control for two more years at the reasonable total price of $9.5 million.

“We are still open to discussing any number of players on our roster, but as I’ve said from the opening press conference, Jonathan Lucroy is a really good player,” Stearns said. “He provides a tremendous amount of value to the organization. He’s a reason why we can be better next year. “We need more Jonathan Lucroy-type players, not less.”

While it seems Lucroy won’t be going anywhere this week, it didn’t take a full day for a strong trade rumor to surface regarding first baseman Adam Lind. The showed significant interest to the point that some thought a trade was imminent.

Stearns declined to address if trading Lind to Seattle was a strong possibility.

“We’re having conversations with a number of different clubs, but I’m not going to comment specifically on one club or one particular player,” Stearns said.

“Day 1 of the winter meetings is often a time when you’re laying the groundwork and re-connecting on discussions you’ve had previously. That’s what we did today.

“We’re actively involved on a couple of different discussions. I think we made progress on a couple of them today. Frankly, we probably went backwards on a couple, too, but that happens.”

Lind, 32, has one year remaining on his contract for $8 million and therefore does not fit into a rebuilding plan, especially if a strong prospect or two can be had in trade. Under new and highly active general manager , the Mariners are in the hunt for a first baseman and Lind is coming off a solid year (20 home runs, 87 RBI, .820 OPS).

The glitch is that Seattle’s farm system is considered sparse at present. One player who might draw interest from the Brewers is third baseman/first baseman D.J. Peterson, a first-round draft pick in 2013. Peterson, who will be 24 on Dec. 31, had a rough 2015 (.632 OPS) while splitting time at the Class AA and AAA levels but prior to that was very productive, blasting 31 homers with 111 RBI the previous year.

Whether another team jumps in and makes a bigger play for Lind remains to be seen but his days with the Brewers appear to be numbered.

“This has been a very active off-season from the moment the regular season ended,” said Stearns, who among other things is on the hunt for a true centerfielder to fill that gap until prospect Brett Phillips is ready.

“People are very willing to talk about their players. They’re open to discussing various ideas. That certainly has continued today and I imagine it will for the next couple of days as well. I certainly believe we have put ourselves in position to make trades this week.” http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/360841151.html Report: Mariners interested in Adam Lind

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel December 7, 2015

Nashville – It is no secret that the Brewers are making veteran first baseman Adam Lind available at the winter meetings and we have our first rumor involving him.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has tweeted that the Seattle Mariners have interest in Lind.

That report makes perfect sense because new Seattle GM Jerry DiPoto has been wheeling and dealing, and needs a first baseman. Lind, 32, is signed through 2016 with an $8 million salary and is coming off a solid year (.272, 20 HRs, 87 RBI) with the Brewers. The question is: What could Seattle give the Brewers that would be enough for Lind? Their farm system is very thin right now and Brewers GM David Stearns has been on the hunt for young prospects in getting his rebuilding program cranked up.

One possibility might be third baseman/first baseman D.J. Peterson, the Mariners' first-round draft pick in 2013 out of New Mexico. Peterson had his first rough year in the minors in 2015 (.632 OPS at AA and AAA) but the Brewers might look more to his previous big years, including a 2014 season in which he smashed 31 homers with 111 RBI in advanced A and AA ball.

The Brewers have a need at third base and obviously would have a void at first if they deal Lind. They have another option at first base in Jason Rogers, a player for whom they'd like to get more at-bats.

So, stay tuned. At least it didn't take long for the first Brewers rumor to surface at the winter meetings, which officially opened earlier Monday.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/360817881.html Brewers complete coaching staff with Carlos Subero, Jason Lane

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel December 7, 2015

Nashville – The Brewers finally completed their coaching staff for 2016 on Monday by hiring Carlos Subero and Jason Lane. Subero will serve as first base and infield coach, and Lane will be a coach in general, among other things assisting hitting coach Darnell Coles.

Subero and Lane join a staff that already included three holdovers, third base coach Ed Sedar, bullpen coach Lee Tunnell and Coles. Previous newcomers included bench coach Pat Murphy and pitching coach Derek Johnson.

The hiring of Subero makes perfect sense because he was the manager at Class AA Biloxi, where many of the organization’s top prospects played in 2015. Brewers minor league player of the year Orlando Arcia and pitcher of the year Jorge Lopez were on that playoff team, as well as many other top prospects who figure to be central figures in Milwaukee’s rebuilding program in coming years.

Subero, 43, was named Southern League manager of the year for leading the Shuckers to the playoffs despite opening the season with 54 games on the road while awaiting completion of the team’s new stadium. He also provides a Latin influence to fill the void created when first base coach Mike Guerrero was not retained by the Brewers.

Subero managed at Class AA Huntsville in 2014 before that team moved to Biloxi. He had managed in the minors since taking his first job in 2001 with Texas’ rookie club in the Gulf Coast League. "It mans a lot, especially after 25 years of grinding and going through this process," said Subero, who never made it to the majors as a player. "Having this opportunity, I'm blessed and grateful. We talked baseball theories and what we thought of philosophies.

"It definitely feels good. Not playing in the big leagues as a player, and doing winter leagues so many times -- 12 years of winter ball and 17 years of player development -- sometimes you wonder. There's many qualified people in this game that leave the game without having this opportunity."

As for having the advantage of managing so many of the Brewers' prospects at Biloxi, Subero said, "It's definitely a plus, being able to know all the players who we expect to be in the big leagues in the near future. Being able to know the player development process, being young in the big leagues and having young players, (it helps) being able to work with them. I would say that's one of the plusses that helped in this process."

Lane is an interesting choice because he was still a player in 2015. Making it more interesting, he tried to make a transition from outfielder to pitcher, going 10-10 with a 5.71 ERA at Class AAA El Paso.

Not coincidentally, Murphy was the manager at El Paso before moving up at midseason to become interim manager for the , who fired Bud Black.

"I think that helped me get in the door," said Lane. "(Murphy) knew I was still interested in playing but he had been in touch with (manager) Craig (Counsell) about my interest in coaching when I finished playing. I wasn’t getting much interest (as a player) so he mentioned Craig would like to talk to me. I started realizing what an opportunity this would be, and then they offered me the job."

Lane, who turns 39 on Dec. 22, spent most of his career in Houston’s organization as an outfielder. His biggest year came in 2005, when he played in 145 games for the Astros and 26 homers with 78 RBI. In 494 games with Houston, Lane batted .241 with 61 homers and 189 RBI.

Lane was purchased by San Diego in September 2007 and became a free agent after that season. He signed deals with the Yankees, , , Florida Marlins, the Blue Jays again, and over the next six years without returning to the major leagues. Lane also played independent ball for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Sugar Land Skeeters, where he began pitching in 2012.

Lane returned to San Diego on a minor-league deal in 2013 and was recalled to the majors on June 3, 2014, now as a pitcher. He was designated for assignment four days later but recalled on July 28 to start against Atlanta, making him the oldest pitcher to make his starting debut for the Padres. Lane was designated for assignment again the next day and spent the entire 2015 season at El Paso.

"I wasn’t just playing to play in Triple-A," said Lane. "I wanted to be considered an option or a piece for a major- league team, even if I had to start (the season) in Triple-A. It seemed as I got older it was tougher to get those opportunities. When you have an offer like this, to go right into the big leagues as a coach, all I ever wanted was somebody to believe in me and see my value.

"All I wanted was to be a part of the big leagues. Everybody in game has a dream to be in the big leagues. If I can’t be there as player, I can be there to help guys."

Asked what he thought would be the toughest transition, hitter to pitcher or player to coach, Lane said, "Player to coach, for sure. To me, the outfielder/pitcher, I was just a baseball player. Whatever the game calls for. That wasn’t as tough a transition as this will be."

As for what his responsibilities will be, Lane said, "The majority of it will be as assistant hitting coach. I would hope to impact guys in other ways. My passion in the game was in both hitting and pitching. That helped me convert to pitcher. It was a great experience and gave me a lot of insight about what’s going on, on both sides of the ball." http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/360823251.html Brewers prospect David Denson honored at winter meetings

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel December 7, 2015

Nashville -- Brewers prospect David Denson, who came out this year as the first openly gay player in affiliated baseball, was honored Monday at baseball's winter meetings for his courage in doing so.

Denson received the Presidential Citation from Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner. The 20-year-old first baseman is the first active player to receive that prestigious award. Denson became the first active minor-leaguer or major-leaguer to come out as gay in a story in the Journal Sentinel in mid-August. He was playing for the Brewers' rookie-ball club in Helena, Mont., at the time and previously came out to his family and teammates.

In a packed room in Minor League Baseball's opening session here, Denson was brought on stage and given the award and received a tremendous response.

"It’s an honor getting this award," said Denson, who traveled from his home in California to be honored. "I told myself coming out here, getting this award is not only for myself but also others out there who are going through the same thing.

"This is not something I feel I’m taking on for myself. I feel like this is something that will touch other players who are going through the same situation and stands for something bigger than myself."

Also in attendance was Billy Bean, MLB's ambassador for inclusion and a mentor/advisor for Denson who worked with the Journal Sentinel in bringing his story to light.

As for the reception he received here, Denson said, "It felt amazing, like I’m being respected in the game. I’ve always said there’s a difference for me in being accepted and respected. I’ve always just wanted to be respected. I feel like I’m finally getting that.

"It’s a feeling I can’t really describe, something that I thought I’d never get to experience."

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/360849501.html Brewers lose two players to waiver claims

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel December 7, 2015

Nashville -- The Brewers announced Monday they lost two minor-league players, outfielder Daniel Fields and left- hander Michael Strong, to waiver claims. Fields was claimed by the Dodgers and Strong by the Marlins.

The moves left the Brewers with five openings on their 40-man roster, so either the new regime is deciding it doesn't like these players that much or they need those spots for other moves. We shall see.

Fields was claimed from Detroit late in the season and sent to play for Class AA Biloxi in the postseason. So, that's as far as he made it in the organization.

Strong, 27, a 10th round draft pick in 2011 out of Oklahoma State, pitched this year at Class AA Biloxi and Class AAA Colorado Springs. Combined, he was 5-2 with a 3.68 ERA in 50 outings (one start).

Strong pitched much better at Biloxi with a 2.54 ERA in 38 outings, converting five of seven opportunities. In 12 outings at Colorado Springs, he had a 7.16 ERA but that venue is notoriously tough on pitchers. http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25405114/rumor-buy-or-sell-brewers-listening-on-jonathan-lucroy Rumor buy or sell: Brewers ‘listening’ on Jonathan Lucroy

By Dayn Perry, CBS Sports December 7, 2015

Rumor: The Brewers, contrary to what they've long maintained, may be willing to deal away cornerstone catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Background: The Brewers are in a bit of a mid-level rebuild right now. Last season, they traded away Carlos Gomez and Gerardo Parra, among others, and this offseason they dealtFrancisco Rodriguez. Adam Lind may be soon to follow. But what of Lucroy? He's a valuable contributer who, as noted above, is signed an extremely team- friendly contract. His value to the Brewers is apparent, but so is his value to potential trading partners. The Brewers have previously rebuffed efforts to acquire Lucroy, but now that GM David Stearns, who was hired in September, is at the switch, that stance will change.

Buy or sell: Buying. On the Brewers' side, Lucroy is popular and, even when not hitting, returns good value on the dollar thanks to his standout defensive skills at the premium position of catcher. However, he's entering into his age-30 season, and he's under team control for just another two seasons (assuming his 2017 option is exercised). That is, Lucroy may not be effective or within the Brewers' budget by the time they're ready to contend again. The team is putting together a promising base of young talent, but relevance in the brutal NL Central doesn't appear to be in the immediate offing.

Now consider what Lucroy would offer a contender in need of help behind the plate. From 2012-14, Lucroy batted . 297/.359/.472 (126 OPS+) with 39 doubles per 162 games played. Suffice it say, that's outstanding production from a premium position like catcher. Last season, his numbers back-slid, but bear in mind that he batted a solid . 282/.342/.420 after he returned in early June from a broken toe. For 2016, the Marcel projection system tabs Lucroy for a line of 279/.343/.435 in 473 plate appearances. By way of comparison, the average major-league catcher last season batted .240/.303/.379.

As well, Lucroy also provides a great deal of value on the defensive side of things. Most notably, Lucroy has established himself as one of the best pitch-framers in all of baseball. When it comes runs saved via framing, Baseball Prospectus sees Lucroy as a net positive in 2015 and one of the very best in all of baseball from 2012-14.

In all, you've got a hitter who figures to thrive relative to his positional peers and a defender who makes the pitching staff measurably better. He's also, to repeat, signed on the cheap through 2017. That's the kind of high- value, low-cost talent that should net the Brewers a healthy return in terms of young talent. They'd do well to try to make something happen. http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp? ymd=20151207&content_id=159010982&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb Brewers’ Denson receives MiLB citation Milwaukee prospect honored after coming out as gay during season

By Sam Dykstra, MiLB.com December 7, 2015

The biggest year in David Denson's life just reached another milestone Monday.

The Brewers' No. 27 prospect, who in August became the first Minor or Major Leaguer to come out publicly as gay while still active in baseball, was honored Monday with a citation from Minor League Baseball president Pat O'Conner at the opening session of the Winter Meetings in Nashville.

"I invited David here today for the courage, strength and trailblazing spirit he showed by going public with his sexual orientation," O'Conner said Monday. Denson made history when he came out to the public in a story by the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel in August and received support all around the Milwaukee organization in the article.

"It's been a tremendous, tremendous blessing," Denson told MiLB.com's Danny Wild of Monday's award. "It's definitely something I said that I would never be able to experience. It's truly humbling and extremely amazing."

Major League Baseball Ambassador for Inclusion Billy Bean told the MiLB.com podcast back in August just how much a relief the coming-out process seemed to be for Denson.

"I think at the very beginning coming out was really what he thought he had to do ... as young kid with a big personality to be effective in the clubhouse and have fun," Bean said. "He was muted, I guess, in a lot of those ways, and it just wasn't fun."

Later in the podcast, Bean added, "David's decision is probably going to be judged by how well he plays baseball, but I think regardless of whether he's a top prospect or if he ever plays a game in the big leagues or becomes an All- Star, he feels certain that this was the best decision for him."

Denson, a 15th-round pick out of a California high school in 2013, hit .235/.328/.390 with nine homers, one triple, 20 doubles and 41 RBIs in 90 games between Wisconsin and Rookie-level Helena this past season. The 20- year-old first baseman was named a Pioneer League mid-season All-Star for his efforts with the latter and earned the Top Star award at the Northwest/Pioneer League All-Star Game after going 2-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored.

"It was a roller coaster, I'd have to say," Denson said of the season. "I was caught up a lot up in [my head], and I tried to knock it out as much as I can, but I'd have to say with the support of my teammates, that's actually what got me through the season. My teammates were behind me 100 percent, and they got me through the season, so I definitely have to give it up to them."

Josiah Viera was also honored with a Minor League presidential citation from O'Conner on Monday. The 10-year- old Pennsylvania native has progeria, a rare disease that causes premature aging, but has served as an inspiration to not only his local Class A Short Season club in State College but the Cardinals organization as a whole. The Josiah Viera Perserverance Award is given out annually to a State College Spike with the winner -- this year being Jose Godoy -- chosen by Viera himself. http://onmilwaukee.com/sports/articles/brewerswintermeetings.html A Brewers fan guide to the MLB Winter Meetings

By Jimmy Carlton, OnMilwaukee.com December 7, 2015

Whoa, hey, baseball stories in the winter? What is this, St. Louis?

Here in Wisconsin, we normally don't care a great deal about the Winter Meetings, MLB's bigwig get-together held annually at a ritzy resort in some warm-weather clime, because we have the Packers to occupy our attention. That was almost not the case this year, but thankfully Green Bay mounted the Motown Miracle in Detroit and, deservingness be damned, virtually assured itself another playoff appearance.

Still, the Winter Meetings, taking place this week in Nashville, Tenn., are a big deal. Players will be traded, executives will be quoted, hundreds of millions of dollars will be transacted and, more than likely, the Marlins will do something stupid. So, news is going to be made; maybe even by the Brewers!

Milwaukee embarks on its rebuilding journey with a new captain at the helm of its personnel department. David Stearns is now the general manager, the baby-faced 30-year-old replacing the mustachioed and exemplifying the team's youth movement after a 68-94 season.

What will they do? What should they do? And why is everyone saying hot stove all the time? Here's a preview of where the Brewers stand and what they might do during this week of baseball diversion.

What they've already done

The Brewers made some moves well before the Winter Meetings when they traded three times in three days a few weeks ago. First, they dealt veteran reliever Francisco Rodriquez to the Tigers for 20-year-old infielder Javier Betancourt and a player to be named later; then they acquired infielder Jonathan Villar from the Astros for pitching prospect Cy Sneed; and finally, they swapped infielder Luis Sardinas for Mariners outfielder Ramon Flores.

Additionally, they saw reserve outfielder Logan Schafer sign with the Nationals, inked infielder Hernan Perez to a minor-league contract and removed utility man Elian Herera from the 40-man roster. Milwaukee tendered offers to Jean Segura and pitchers and , who are arbitration-eligible players.

What they need to do

The Brewers don't have good in-house options at third base or center field. Midway through their disappointing 2015 season, they traded veterans Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Gomez for prospects.

Villar, the versatile 24-year-old Stearns liked in Houston, is a possibility, as is infielder Yadiel Rivera. Both have primarily played shortstop, but that's the organization's deepest position, so some players will have to switch. In center field, Milwaukee gave good looks to journeyman Shane Peterson and power-hitting prospect last year, but neither is likely the long-term answer. That answer is probably Brett Phillips, who's still a couple years away from the majors.

Besides those two positions, which almost surely will be addressed in some way, what the Brewers need to do is be smart, patient and economical. That shouldn't be a problem with theirHarvard-educated GM stressing the importance of the almighty process and an owner, , who seems to be on board with the new direction after years of spending an outsized amount for the market size in order to contend.

What they want

Prospects. Stearns has reiterated the team's foremost desire is "young, controllable talent." After several seasons of trying to compete for the postseason, of signing free agents that blocked young players and trading prospects for veterans, the Brewers' farm system was depleted. Ranked 29th before the 2014 season by Baseball America, it was No. 19 going into last year, and every move Milwaukee's made since then has been to improve its minor-league depth.

There is talent there now – shortstop Orlando Arcia is considered one of the best prospects in baseball, and 2015 trades for Phillips and pitcher Zach Davies helped a lot – and the Brewers will look to acquire more this week, particularly if there are pitchers and corner infielders to be had.

Who they might trade

The way to get young talent, of course, is by dealing veterans. Every player on Milwaukee's roster is tradeable, including once-untouchable superstar and fan-favorite catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Braun, the embattled 2011 MVP, returned to form with a .285 average and 25 home runs last year. Though it would have never seemed possible a few years ago, he is incontrovertibly on the trading block. Will any team pay top dollar for an injury-prone player who was suspended in 2013 for PEDs and now begins a five-year, $105 million contract extension?

Lucroy had a down offensive year in 2015 (.264 batting average, .326 on-base percentage, .391 ), but he normally brings offense at a premium position. He's on an incredibly club-friendly contract ($9.25 million over the next two years) and would be a respected veteran presence in a young locker room. But, alternatively, his value might never be higher than it is this offseason.

Adam Lind had a good year, batting .277 with 20 homers and a team-high 87 RBI. The Brewers exercised the $8 million option on Lind last month, but there should be strong interest in the first baseman after a healthy and productive 2015.

Jean Segura may not have much worth left after two-and-a-half bad seasons in Milwaukee. But he plays plus defense at an important position, one at which the organization is plenty stocked. Perhaps another club will see Segura, who put up a combined .615 OPS over the past two years, as a reclamation project that needs a change of scenery. The Brewers no doubt hope that possibility exists.

Will Smith, who's going to receive a pay raise in arbitration, should attract some suitors, as the left-handed reliever had his best season in 2015 with a 2.70 ERA in 76 appearances.

Khris Davis and Scooter Gennett, two homegrown young players that were groomed to take over in left field and at second base, respectively, could also be dealt. The defensively disinclined Davis helped his value with a 27-homer campaign, while Gennett followed up a solid 2014 with below-average 2015 numbers (.264/.294/.381). If either can yield prospects, either could be traded.

Who they won't miss

After two strong seasons in Milwaukee, Kyle Lohse was one of the worst pitchers in baseball last year. The veteran went 5-13 with a 5.85 ERA and was eventually moved to the bullpen to save mankind. Lohse was a consummate veteran and a good member of the community during his three years with the club, but the Brewers were happy to let the high-priced free agent leave. http://www.sunherald.com/sports/mlb/biloxi-shuckers/article48501325.html Shuckers manager promoted to Brewers staff

By Patrick Magee, Sun Herald December 7, 2015

Biloxi Shuckers manager Carlos Subero has been promoted to the big leagues.

Subero was named first-base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday after leading the Shuckers to a Southern League-best record of 78-59 in their inaugural season.

Subero, 43, also recently finished a stint as the manager of the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League.

Subero, who was an infielder in the minor leagues with the , and Texas Rangers, will also coach infielders for the Brewers.

"It means a lot, especially after 25 years of grinding," Subero told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on Monday. "Twelve years of winter ball and 17 years of player development, sometimes you wonder. There's many qualified people in this game that leave the game without having this opportunity. I definitely feel good about all the time I have invested in accumulating experience. I'm excited about it."

Subero coached the Shuckers to a first-half championship in the Southern League South this past season. The Shuckers came up one game short of a Southern League title, losing 4-0 to the in game five of the championship series.

Subero guided the Shuckers through a season that involved a 54-game road trip to start the campaign. The team didn't play a game in Biloxi until June 6 when it beat the Mobile BayBears, 5-4, in 14 innings.

Biloxi shortstop Orlando Arcia was named the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year and starting pitcher Jorge Lopez was named the Brewers' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

Baseball America named the Shuckers the Minor League Team of the Year on Dec. 2.