Brewers News & Notes
- With teams able to speak to all free agents tomorrow, free agency will kick off in full force. In preparation for the start of all the action, Derek posted a preliminary look at the payroll for 2016.
- A report came out yesterday that the U.S. Department of Defense paid teams in MLB, as well as teams in the NFL and NHL, to "honor troops" during games. Derek takes a look at the report and gives his thoughts on the situation.
- Does Francisco Rodriguez have a chance to surpass Mariano Rivera in career saves? Travis Sarandos looks at the challenges ahead for Rodriguez if he wants to take a shot at Rivera's record.
- If the Brewers hope to rebuild, they'll have to find some star players by taking on players that other teams gave up on. Julien Assouline of BP Milwaukee looks at how the Royals built their team and how the Brewers will have to do something similar if they want to compete again.
- Over on Disciples of Uecker, Nicholas Zettel looks at the structure of the outfield in 2015 and what the Brewers can do this offseason to prepare for 2016.
- Jonathan Lucroy was in Washington D.C. last night to receive the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. Cait Covers the Bases has more details on the event.
- Two more all-fan giveaways for 2016 were announced yesterday. July 10 will feature a Bob Uecker talking alarm clark, and Jimmy Nelson will get his first Brewers bobblehead on July 31.
Minor League Update
- Four Brewers prospects ended up on the AZL Fall Stars rosters after Yadiel Rivera was voted in on the fan's vote, though Michael Reed has been replaced on the roster. Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com looks at the talent that will be present in Saturday's Fall Stars Game.
- Over on Reviewing the Brew, Pete Schwichtenberg has an interview with fifth-round draft pick Blake Allemand.
- Even though minor league ballparks see some heavy usage during the season, some of the minor league parks are getting in alternate events on the off-days. Yesterday, the Biloxi Shuckers announced a series of college baseball games to be played at MGM Park. In addition, the Timber Rattlers announced they will be hosting Jordy Nelson's charity softball game on June 12.
Around Baseball
- The Angels declined their 2016 option on outfielder David Murphy.
- Dodgers LHP J.P. Howell will exercise his player option for 2016.
- The Giants declined their 2016 options on outfielders Nori Aoki and Marlon Byrd.
- The Indians declined their 2016 option on outfielder Ryan Raburn.
- The Padres declined their 2016 option on LHP Cory Luebke.
- Royals outfielder Alex Gordon declined his player option for 2016 and will become a free agent.
- The White Sox declined their 2016 option on shortstop Alexei Ramirez.