Some things to read while making enemies.
I don't think anyone would have predicted this in May, but one of the Brewers we're going to spend a lot of time talking about this winter is Khris Davis. In an opportunity that may not have come without Ryan Braun's suspension, he had 21 extra base hits in 136 at bats this season and made himself a solid candidate to play most days in 2014. Jim Owczarski of OnMilwaukee.com has a story on Davis and the season that jumpstarted his career.
Elsewhere in careers that escalated quickly, we have Brewers closer Jim Henderson. Curt Hogg of Reviewing the Brew gave the longtime minor league journeyman an A- for his first full season in the majors.
Not that long ago Jonathan Lucroy was one of these developing players, but he's since blossomed into one of the best catchers in baseball. Voters selected him as 2013's second most valuable Brewer, and you can see his profile here. If you haven't yet, please take a moment to vote in today's pair of active polls, asking you to vote for 2013's third most valuable Brewer and grade the 2013 bullpen. Yesterday we gave the starting rotation a C.
Meanwhile, in free agency: Noted leisured gentleman Carson Cistulli of FanGraphs is crowdsourcing contract predictions for two players we've already discussed briefly: Kendrys Morales and Bronson Arroyo Tyler Drenon of MLB Daily Dish, for what it's worth, notes that most of Morales' time as a Mariner was spent at DH and suggests he's more likely to fit with an AL team.
In the minors:
- Mitch Haniger stayed hot in the Arizona Fall League yesterday, picking up three more hits and three RBI in Surprise's 9-5 victory. Jason Rogers also had two hits, while Kevin Shackelford and David Goforth each pitched an inning. Here's the box score.
- Before yesterday's game Carson Cistulli of FanGraphs used his SCOUT tool to evaluate players from the league's first day. Not surprisingly Haniger, who hit a grand slam on Tuesday, was among the league's best hitters.
Around baseball:
Rangers: Designated IF/OF (and free agent-to-be) Jeff Baker for assignment.
Yankees: Signed manager Joe Girardi to a four-year contract extension.
Meanwhile in St. Louis, a miraculous season came to an abrupt end last night for the Pittsburgh Pirates. I don't think anyone expected them to run out to 94 wins and come within a game of the NLCS this season, and Charlie Wilmoth of Bucs Dugout has a reminder not to take it for granted. That wasn't written by a fan of the 2008 or 2011 Brewers, but it feels like it could have been.
Today in former Brewers: Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs used a recent GIF of Prince Fielder getting hit by a pitch as a springboard for a discussion on the rule requiring batters to attempt to get out of the way.
This really isn't all that Brewer relevant on the surface, but I think it's still a pretty cool concept: The Rockies are adding a craft beer bar called the "5280 Craft Bar" to the rooftop area in right at Coors Field. The area will offer a great view of the mountains in addition to a relatively far away view of a baseball game. I know there aren't mountains to look at in Milwaukee, but it'd be pretty cool if the Brewers added something like this.
Elsewhere in promotions I'd love to see extended to Miller Park: Dodger Stadium is offering free parking to car pools containing four or more passengers at their playoff games.
Now, if you'll excuse me, my ears are dragging.
Drink up.