What We Learned: Jason Rogers heads to Pittsburgh

The Jason Rogers Trade & First Base

• The Brewers made a surprise move last week, sending Jason Rogers to the Pirates for two prospects. Derek has the initial story of the trade.
• The timing of this trade was surprising, considering that the Brewers don't have another option for first base right now. On Friday, I looked at why the Brewers would make this trade without first base covered.
• With the need at first base even greater than before, Kyle looks at another potential trade target in Jon Singleton of the Astros.
• There are also other potential first base options on the free agent market. One player is Justin Morneau, and Kyle has a profile of the first baseman. Another option is infielder Steve Pearce, who could cover multiple positions including first base. Derek wrote the profile for Pearce. Finally, there is Pedro Alvarez, who could be a candidate for the Brewers as he looks to rebuild his value.
• Meanwhile, the trade has brought in a player that could cover center field next season. Justin Schultz of The First Out At Third looks at the two prospects that the Brewers received in the trade.

Brewers News & Notes

• Coming in at #4 in the Greatest Games of the 21st Century series is a game against the Diamondbacks from June 2014. Travis recaps the game and its significance that season.
• In a "super-sized edition" of the mailbag, Derek covers several topics such as trade possibilities, the minor leagues, and other non-baseball topics.
• The Brewers made another small addition to their roster, adding LHP Nick Hagadone on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
• Owner Mark Attanasio wrote a letter to Brewers fans late last week, explaining the current direction of the team and the current plans for the future. Michael Bradburn of MLB Daily Dish dissects the letter and discusses what was revealed in the letter.
• Bernie Brewer and Hank the Ballpark Pup made an appearance at Southridge Mall on Saturday, and Cait Covers the Bases has some pictures from the event.

Minor League Update

• Travis continued his look through the minors by position with a breakdown of the starting pitchers.
• As we move further from Bruce Seid's drafts, we get more information to judge his drafts. Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker looks at the legacy that Seid has earned so far.
• The Colorado Springs team next season could have some strong talent that could help the Brewers at some point. Michael Schwarz of BP Milwaukee breaks down what the Sky Sox team could look like in 2016.

Around Baseball

• Time for a quick look at baseball economics. Mark Townsend of Big League Stew reports that a record four teams ended up paying luxury taxes this year, led by the Dodgers with a tax of $43.6 million.
• Also on Big League Stew, Mark Townsend notes that three contestants were stumped by a baseball-themed clue in a recent episode. Can you get the correct answer?
• Hall of Fame ballots are being sent in, and one player that doesn't appear to get much love is center fielder Jim Edmonds. David Schoenfield argues that Edmonds deserves better on the ballots and has a Hall of Fame career.
• The Athletics avoided arbitration with RHP Jarrod Parker with a one-year, $850,000 contract. They also signed RHP Henderson Alvarez to a one-year contract.
• The Blue Jays signed pitchers Brad Penny and Wade LeBlanc to minor league contracts with invites to spring training.
• The Braves designated RHP Brandon Cunniff for assignment.
• The Cubs designated RHP Yoervis Medina for assignment.
• The Indians signed reliever Joe Thatcher to a one-year, $1 million contract.
• The Mariners re-signed starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma to a one-year, $12 million contract.
• The Marlins re-signed Jeff Mathis to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
• The Padres re-signed RHP Brandon Morrow to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training..
• The Phillies signed RHP Andrew Bailey and Edward Mujica to minor-league contracts with invites to spring training.
• The Pirates signed starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong to a one-year contract.
• The Rangers re-signed Colby Lewis to a one-year, $6 million deal. They also signed outfielder Justin Ruggiano to a one-year, $1.65 million contract.
• The Tigers signed infielder Mike Aviles to a one-year deal.
• The Twins signed LHP Fernando Abad to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.
• The White Sox signed reliever Nate Jones to a three-year, $8 million extension.