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Happy Veterans Day to all of those who have served in the military. Here are today's links.
Cram Session
- The GM meetings began yesterday, and one of the names that is on the trading block is Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson. With rumors going around that an unnamed NL team is interested, Derek asked if Hellickson would be a fit for the Brewers.
- Our MVBrewers series continued yesterday with another honorable mention, Ryan Braun. Noah wrote the profile for him, and our next one will be up this afternoon.
- How has Jonathan Lucroy developed at the plate over his career? Justin Schultz of The First Out at Third analyzes Lucroy's strikeout and walk rates to show how he has grown.
- Over on Reviewing the Brew, Michael Trzinski reviews Brandon Kintzler's season, and Bill Berg reviews Martin Maldonado's season.
- In case you weren't paying attention, Cait Covers the Bases has a rundown of all of the all-fan giveaways for next season.
NL Central Notes
- MLB has opened up an official investigation against the Cubs for tampering in the Joe Maddon hire. Mike Oz of Big League Stew has the details on the investigation.
Around Baseball
- The Rookie of the Year awards were announced yesterday, and Jose Abreu and Jacob deGrom took the honors in the AL and NL, respectively.
- The Mets made the first big signing of free agency, agreeing to a two-year deal with Michael Cuddyer. Neil Weinberg of Beyond the Box Score has the details.
- August Fagerstrom of FanGraphs looks at baseball's biggest positional holes, and the Brewers first basemen make an appearance here.
- Former Brewer Nori Aoki is looking for a three-year deal, and he's seen as a good player overall. However, Nick Ashbourne of Beyond the Box Score asks if one of his biggest flaws is being overlooked.
- Banknotes Industries pulls out a classic moment in MLB history: the confrontation between Tommy Lasorda and the Phillie Phanatic. Bradley Woodrum has a poem and a video of the classic confrontation.
- In an exhibition game this morning, the MLB All-Stars defeated a team of players from Japan 8-7. The five-game Japan All-Star Series officially kicks off tomorrow, with the first game taking place in Osaka. First pitch is 3 am CST. All games will be on MLB Network, with re-airs that night.
- It's a Woot-Off day today (though only a small one).