Trade Deadline Preview: Milwaukee Brewers
By Aaron Somers
May 15, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks (23) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be moved:
1. Rickie Weeks
Weeks has lost his starting role in Milwaukee and has seemingly started to fall out of favor with much of the fanbase. The team holds an option on him for next season, at $11.5 Million, but it’s hardly a sure thing that they exercise it. Weeks is batting .265/.336/.409. He’s likely a useful bat off the bench for the Brewers but might they move him if given the opportunity?
2. A starter not named Garza/Gallardo/Peralta
It’s a move that seems unlikely. Lohse has been fantastic and is under contract for another year. Estrada hasn’t exactly inspired much confidence this season, particularly as he’s on pace to allow a record number of home runs. He wouldn’t bring much back in return unless another team thinks that they can straighten out whatever is wrong with him. The idea behind such a move would be to create space for Jimmy Nelson to step into the rotation. The right-hander seems to have little left to prove in the minor leagues.
Left-handed relievers are always attractive on the trade market. Milwaukee has two strong ones they can rely on, plus Wei-Chung Wang in the mix (despite his unimpressive performance to date). That collection could make Gorzelanny expendable.