Milwaukee Brewers News Clips Friday, October 30, 2015

MLB.com  Brewers talk 2016 plan at town hall meeting

Journal Sentinel  Brewers’ , speak at open forum

Fox Sports Wisconsin  Brewers offseason primer

Associated Press  Brewers’ Braun has back procedure, expected back for spring

WTMJ  Stearns, Counsell address Braun, other team issues at Brewers Town Hall

http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/155957634/gm-david-stearns-meets-with-brewers-fans Brewers talk 2016 plan at town hall meeting Stearns, Counsell address offseason, third-base options

By Andrew Gruman / Special to MLB.com | October 29, 2015

MILWAUKEE -- There wasn't a game to be played, but fans came to Miller Park on Thursday for a town hall meeting with Brewers general David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell.

The Brewers invited 5,000 season ticket holders, suite holders and VIPs to the question-and-answer session.

"I think any time you get to interact directly with your fan base is a tremendous benefit," Stearns said. "To come here as a new general manager and see the enthusiasm of the fans during the last week of October when is not necessarily on the mind and to have the amount of people out here that we had is really outstanding.

"It pumps me up to keep going and fires me up throughout the offseason."

Here are some of the topics covered Thursday night:

• Stearns advised caution on reports the Brewers are telling teams every player on the roster is available.

"When you have conversations with other general managers, I think pretty much everyone regularly inquires on a number of different players," Stearns said. "We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we weren't open-minded and listening. That's what we're doing. There are a wide variety of discussions that can take place throughout the offseason.

"We certainly are open to ideas that other teams have, but we're not going out there saying, 'We must this player' or 'We're looking to trade that player.' We're gathering information and being open-minded as we talk to other clubs."

• On the job as GM for less than a month, Stearns said he has a strategy set for how he plans to approach the offseason while conversations with other teams have already begun.

The Brewers will feature a young roster in 2016, but Stearns stated a desire to balance the youth with the right mix of veteran leaders.

"I'm not one that is ever going to go into the offseason with an exact wish list," Stearns said. "We do have a strategy, and that can take us in a variety of different directions. I've made no secret since my opening press conference that we do need to find cost-controlled young Major League talent. That's going to be our goal for this offseason and probably every offseason going forward that I'm the general manager."

With the Brewers clearly in the early stages of a rebuilding cycle, Stearns addressed where expectations should be set for the coming years. "The goal ... is to give Craig a group of players that is going to continuously get better and continuously improve over the course of next year and the years beyond, to the point to where we have that core group again that can be competitive in the toughest division of baseball," Stearns said. "There aren't specific goals from a win-loss perspective because the truth is that I don't know."

• Brewers right fielder is recovering nicely from arthroscopic back surgery he underwent on Oct. 8. Stearns said Braun is in the midst of a three-to-four-week period where he is shut down physically but should be able to have a normal offseason.

"He's feeling as well as he can following back surgery," Stearns said. "We're looking forward to him having a healthy year next year."

No other Brewers have undergone medical procedures since the regular season ended, according to Stearns.

• Stearns would not confirm any of the reported hires to Counsell's coaching staff but said he expects the club to announce its Major League staff in the near future.

Multiple reports have the Brewers set to hire the Cubs' Minor League pitching coordinator Derek Johnson as pitching coach and former Padres manager Pat Murphy as bench coach.

• Without a clear third baseman for 2016, Stearns and Counsell were asked about the potential of Jason Rogers getting a chance at third.

Rogers, who hit .296 in 152 at-bats with the Brewers last season, has struggled defensively at the position in the past.

"Defensively, he's probably a first baseman," Counsell said. "But when you start producing offensively you start to look for some other ways offensively to get him in the lineup.

"He produced at a level offensively that really makes you search for ways to get him in the lineup. We'll continue to be open [to Rogers at third base], but he probably fits better at first base."

The question of moving Khris Davis from the outfield to first base was quickly ruled out by Counsell.

"I don't think he'd be comfortable there," Counsell said. "I love writing Khris' name in the lineup every day, and it will be in the outfield."

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brewers/brewers-david-stearns-craig-counsell-speak-at-open-forum-b99605746z1- 338595141.html Brewers’ David Stearns, Craig Counsell speak at open forum

By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel October 29, 2015

'Tis the season for town hall meetings.

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Donald Trump were not on hand Thursday night at Miller Park to answer questions from interested guests. But new general manager David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell were there for a rare open forum to answer questions from paying customers.

With Stearns and Counsell continuing a rebuilding program after a disastrous 68-94 season, ticket holders, suite holders and VIPs were invited to listen and ask questions about what to expect moving forward. Less than a fifth of the 5,000 invitees showed up but those who did had plenty of questions for the team's decision-makers during a lively 1 1/2 hour session.

As might be expected at this early stage of the off-season, with Stearns on the job a little less than a month, specifics of the plan were sparse. Stearns did say he was "certainly in the thick of it" in hearing from other clubs which players they covet in trades and what might be available in return.

Talking afterward with reporters, Stearns said, "We have a strategy. I'm not one who's going to go into the off- season with an exact wish list. 'We need to do that, we need to do this.'

"That could take us in a variety of different directions, but I've made no secret from my opening press conference that what we need to do is find cost-controlled, young major-league talent. That's going to be our goal this off- season and probably every off-season going forward."

There already has been national speculation that the Brewers will listen to offers on all of their veteran players, hinting at a total strip-down. But Stearns told those in attendance he wants balance on his roster ("You can't run out a roster of all rookies") and considers it important to have veterans lead the way for young players key to returning the team to competitive mode.

"When you have conversations with other general managers, everyone regularly inquires on a number of different players," he said. "We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we weren't open-minded and listening.

"There are a wide variety of discussions that can take place this time of year and throughout the whole off-season. We're certainly open to ideas other teams have, but we're not going out there saying 'we must trade this player' or 'we're looking to trade that player.'

"We're at the stage of the off-season where we're having constructive dialogue with other teams and internally." Stearns already has learned it's difficult to stay ahead of social media in controlling the narrative of team developments.

The Brewers still haven't announced the hirings of bench coach Pat Murphy and pitching coach Derek Johnson, news that leaked out from the other end.

"Our hope and expectation is to have some announcements in the not-too-distant future," Stearns said.

Fans, of course, want to know when they can expect to see good baseball again from the Brewers. Asked by a fan what a realistic expectation for 2016 and beyond might be, Stearns understandably hedged his bet.

"The truth is, I don't know," he said. "The goal of mine is to give Craig and the coaching staff a group of players that will continue to get better and improve over the course of next year and the years beyond."

Other topics addressed:

■ Stearns said rightfielder Ryan Braun was still in the 3-4 week period of rest following back surgery but added, "Our expectation is he'll be ready to go when we get to Maryvale (for )."

■ Stearns called "one of the best all-around catchers in baseball" and said he was counting on Lucroy to bounce back from an injury-plagued season and be a big part of the 2016 team.

■ Asked about areas to be improved, Stearns said he and Counsell agreed a top priority was to play better defense and that doing so would make "an immediate impact."

■ Counsell was asked about the possibility of playing Jason Rogers at third base and Khris Davis at first base. He said he considered Rogers a first baseman and Davis an outfielder, so don't look for changes there. Counsell added, "Khris Davis is going to be in the lineup every day."

http://www.foxsports.com/wisconsin/story/milwaukee-brewers-craig-counsell-mlb-offseason-primer-102915 Brewers offseason primer

By Dave Heller, Fox Sports Wisconsin October 29, 2015

The Milwaukee Brewers have, not surprisingly for a team which won just 64 games in 2015, a lot of question marks heading into next season.

New general manager David Stearns has indicated he wants to rebuild through the farm system, not free agency, although trades certainly could help fill gaps as well. As a newcomer, he has no ties to any longtime members of the team.

Once the World Series ends, free agency begins five days later. Here's a position-by-position look at where the Brewers stand this offseason:

Catcher

Jonathan Lucroy, when healthy, is a part of the solution. However, he wasn't healthy in 2015 and had a subpar season. His contract is very team-friendly (due $4 million in 2016 and $5.25 million in 2017) -- which means he might be worth a lot in a trade, but his lack of production last year might hurt. He is also a fan favorite, so if Stearns decides to deal him, the payoff better get people excited. And here's the other part of the Brewers deal: without Lucroy -- who will be 30 in June -- there really is no one else ready to take over. Juan Centeno is on the 40-man roster, but he has four career home runs in over 1,400 minor-league at-bats. Unless a young catcher comes back in a trade, is it worth it?

First base

Adam Lind is certainly no lock to return as he has a club option for 2016. However, his salary would be $8 million, not too bad for a starting first baseman. On the flip side, he's pretty much a platoon player as he had a slash line of just 221/277/298 vs. lefties last season (compared to 291/380/503 vs. righties). Also, if the Brewers don't want him back, his buyout is only $500,000. If Milwaukee keeps Lucroy, perhaps a platoon works out here, which would also save Lucroy's legs. Either way, a right-handed first baseman would be needed.

Second base

Scooter Gennett's batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage have gone down each year since entering the league in 2013. Still he did hit .264 last season in 114 games. The Brewers can afford to hope for a rebound, but Gennett, even more so than Lind, is a platoon player. For his career his slash line against lefties is a putrid 124/147/150 (114/139/171 in 2015). Perhaps one of the many shortstops in the system could be used as a platoon partner.

Shortstop

To say there is a potential logjam at this position would be an understatement. Jean Segura, who is arbitration eligible, has been the starter the past couple of years, but the Brewers also have youngsters Orlando Arcia, possibly the top prospect in the system, and Yaidel Rivera as well as switch-hitting Luis Sardinas. This is a good problem to have as one could, as mentioned above, be used at second base. Another could be used as trade bait. Bottom line though is Arcia, who just turned 21 in August and had a slash line of 307/347/453 with 25 steals for Double-A Biloxi last year, is the future.

Third base

Aramis Ramirez was dealt at the trading deadline and the Brewers never really got a handle at who could be their full-time third baseman. Among those who played third were Hernan Perez (72 games/46 starts), Elian Herrera (47- 32), Hector Gomez (12-4), Luis Jimenez (7/2), Sardinas (3/3) and Jason Rogers (3/1). Matt Dominguez, who was picked up from the Astros off waivers and maybe could have been a fill-in, was waived in September and now is in the Blue Jays organization. If you're looking for a stopgap in free agency, well, there's David Freese and Sean Rodriguez, the latter of whom might be a better fit payroll-wise. It will be interesting to see what Stearns and the Brewers can come up with here.

Outfield

Can play center field on an everyday basis? That might be the biggest question heading into the offseason for this unit. Khris Davis and Ryan Braun appear to be set in left and right field -- of course, pending Stearns' evaluations -- which leaves the power-hitting (and -prone) Santana without a position other than center. If not Santana, then who? Brett Phillips, acquired from Houston (where Stearns used to work) is likely a year away, or at least probably not Opening Day material. Youngsters , Michael Reed and Kyle Wren also could be options, although of those, only Reed is currently on the 40-man roster. A free agent like Rajai Davis or could be a nice stopgap (and eventually perhaps trade material).

Starting rotation

How many kids will be in the 2016 rotation? There is no shortage. Zach Davies, , Adrian Houser, Jorge Lopez and Tyler Wagner are all possibilities (and, of course, could also be used in the bullpen). Add that toJimmy Nelson, Taylor Jungmann and (who is arbitration-eligible) and there are a lot of choices. And, oh yeah, Matt Garza will be on the team in some fashion as well. Having too many arms, though, is never a problem.

Bullpen

How much does a rebuilding team need a closer? We'll find out what Stearns thinks this offseason. Francisco Rodriguez is Milwaukee's 9th-inning reliever and scheduled to make $7.5 million in 2016. Beyond K-Rod, the Brewers have a lot of potential relievers on the 40-man roster. In addition to the above young starters, there's Yhonathan Barrios, Michael Blazek, , David Goforth, Junior Guerra, , Cesar Jimenez(arbitration eligible and could be non-tendered), Ariel Pena, Will Smith (Super 2 eligible) and Tyler Thornburg. There's not a lot of lefties on that list -- just Jimenez and Smith -- so look for Milwaukee to bring in a veteran, low-cost free agent (perhaps someone who will be non-tendered), someone like a Brian Duensing, Eric O'Flaherty or Tony Sipp, the latter of whom pitched for the Astros so Stearns would know him well. http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/brewers-braun-has-back-procedure-expected-back-for-spring-102915 Brewers’ Braun has back procedure, expected back for spring

By Associated Press October 29, 2015

MILWAUKEE (AP) Right fielder Ryan Braun is recovering after undergoing a surgical procedure on his back but is expected to be at full strength when the Milwaukee Brewers begin spring training in February.

General manager David Stearns said the 31-year-old Braun was feeling as good as possible after having the surgery shortly after the season. The Brewers hope the procedure eliminates the pain that caused Braun to miss 14 of the last 18 games of the season.

''It was successful,'' Stearns said Thursday night during a town hall meeting with season ticket holders at Miller Park. ''He's feeling as well as he can and we're looking forward to him having a healthy year.''

The team said Braun needs three to four weeks to recover before beginning his offseason routine.

Braun bounced back this season after a disappointing 2014, hitting .285 with 25 homers and 84 RBIs, along with 24 stolen bases.

Braun's surgery was the only major medical update on Milwaukee's roster. The Brewers are entering a transitional phase under Stearns, hired last month to replace .

A flurry of midseason trades stocked the minor league system but depleted the talent at the major league level. As a result, 12 players made major league debuts for the Brewers.

Braun is one of just a few veteran players on the roster, but entering the first season of a five-year, $105 million extension signed in 2011. He likely isn't going anywhere.

The rest of the roster could be significantly different when the Brewers open the season April 4 against the Giants. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy and closer Francisco Rodriguez are among the veterans who could be moved.

''There are a wide variety of discussions that take place this time of year,'' Stearns said. ''We're certainly open to ideas other teams have but we're not going out there saying `We have to trade this player.'

''We're an open-minded front office, just like everyone else this time of the year,'' Stearns said.

The team also hopes to soon announce additions to manager Craig Counsell's staff. The Brewers cut ties with five of seven coaches who were holdovers from the staff of previous manager Ron Roenicke, keeping only third base coach Ed Sedar and hitting coach Darnell Coles.

http://www.wtmj.com/sports/baseball/milwaukee-brewers/stearns-counsell-address-braun-other-tearm-issues-at- brewers-towh-hall Stearns, Counsell address Braun, other team issues at Brewers Town Hall

By Jay Sorgi, WTMJ October 29, 2015

Hundreds of fans filled the front section of Miller Park to share questions in the Milwaukee Brewers' general manager's first public event with the team.

GM David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell joined 620WTMJ announcer Joe Block and TV voice Brian Anderson during a town hall meeting called "Inside the Brewers."

During the chat, Stearns updated Ryan Braun's medical situation, saying that the longtime superstar outfielder would be laying low after his back surgery for about a month more. Then, he'd be able to take part in rehabilitation, and that he'd be expected to be healthy in time for spring training.

Much of the talk involved the long-term building of the team from the down year they had in 2015 to meeting Stearns' goal, "contend consistently and compete for World Series championships."

An example he gave was the two current World Series teams, the and .

"We're seeing two organizations in the World Series right now that have done an excellent job building from within. That's something this organization has done really well for periods over the last decade, decade and a half...that's something we want to supplement," said Stearns, crediting former GM Doug Melvin for his work.

A fan asked about how Kansas City got to the World Series from a small market.

"That's an indication that if you run a franchise intelligently, stick with your plan...get young premium talent, you can get there," said Stearns.

"That's what these mid-market teams need to do to compete consistently."

Fans asked Counsell what it's like to work under Stearns, who is much younger.

"It hit me right away. This guy reads people well," said the manager.

"The first thing I noticed right away about David is he's got a great feel for people. That's a quality that is going to make him understand the Milwaukee community very well. He will understand the people of Wisconsin well."

Topics ranged from situational hitting, to whether Jason Rogers can play the infield in a starting role to the long- term placement of Khris Davis.

They also got into where Stearns would buy a house - and he asked fans advice.

"My fiance came up this last weekend, and we went house hunting. If any of you have neighborhood recommendations, I will happily take them. Craig is selling Whitefish Bay pretty hard."

Almost every fan who came up to Stearns offered up options, from the Lake Country to the east side of Milwaukee.

Of course, the question came about which sausage Stearns would be.

"I might be Chorizo." The fun moment of the night came when Benji, an eight-year-old fan, went to ask the GM and manager a question. Afterward, he got to join Stearns and Counsell on stage at home plate.