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We here at Bleacher Report, every Monday throughout this offseason, will be giving fans the inside edge into the lives and history of the Milwaukee Brewers’ up-and-coming prospects.

As our honorary first edition, we’ll get acquainted with one of Milwaukee’s most promising young stars — none other than third baseman Mat Gamel.

Born on July 26, 1985, Gamel was raised in something of a baseball-type family, with his brother Ben also eventually signing with the New York Yankees in 2010.

Drafted by the Brewers straight out of Chipola College (Mariana, Florida) in the 2005 MLB draft, Gamel was poised to make a name for himself early in his career.

Gamel spent the 2005 season with Milwaukee’s rookie team, the Helena Brewers.  Along with being prompted to Single-A West Virginia Power in 2006, and the High Single-A Brevard County Manatees in 2007.

Securely assuring him future stardom, Gamel was elected to play in the 2008 All-Star Futures Game.

With roster expansion and the need for more power bats, the Brewers finally called Gamel up from Triple-A Nashville on September 1, 2008.

Gamel recorded his first at-bat just two days after being called up, eventually striking out.  On September 7th, Gamel captured his first Major-League hit (a double, at that), against the San Diego Padres.

In the later stages of the 2009 season, Gamel help enormously at third base and at the plate — recording a .242 BA, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 6 2B, along with a .760 OPS.

Where Gamel now stands within Milwaukee’s clubhouse is uncertain, at best.  Talk of Prince Fielder’s departure could spell a starting position somewhere down the road.

As for the 2011 season, Gamel will have to make use of his opportunities.  Casey McGehee is currently the starting third baseman, and that is not likely to change unless injuries ridicule his 2011 season.

Rest assured, the Brewers have a real gem in Gamel.  Rushing his progression isn’t what Milwaukee is looking for in this particular stage of his career.

Make sure to follow Alec Dopp on twitter, all while getting your up-to-date Brewers news, info, and stats at none other than Brewers Daily

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This will be fairly quick.

One of the more bitter days this Milwaukee ball club has seen in a while just struck it’s inevitable peak.  

Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman has declined Milwaukee’s arbitration offer, which now positions the Crew to get a compensatory pick in next year’s MLB draft.

Hoffman earned more than $7 million during a disappointing 2010 season that saw the Brewers identify a number of younger, cheaper bullpen options that could indeed progress into future stars.

Turning 43 years of age in October also added a multitude of nagging concerns for Hoffman’s, the MLB’s all-time regular season saves holder with 601.

Hoffman notched 37 saves for the Brewers in 2009 while making the National League All-Star team.

Losing the closer role in May due to five critical blown saves was only the beginning of Hoffman’s downfall in 2010.

Hoffman somewhat rebounded in the second half of the regular season, and reached his 600th-save milestone on September 7 at Miller Park.  However, Hoffman did state later that month that he would test the free-agent market heading into next season.  It should also be noted that John Axford is the Brewers’ 2011 closer.

Hoffman became a free agent after the World Series when the Brewers declined his $7.5 million option for 2011, opting instead to pay a $750,000 buyout.

The talent and reason to believe that Hoffman brought to the city of Milwaukee will never be forgotten, and his historic 600th save will always be remembered as taking place in none other than Miller Park for decades to come.

His presence and pure talent will be certainly missed, and the famous “Trevor Time” will never be forgotten among the Brewers’ faithful.

Make sure to get your daily Brewers scoop at Brewers Daily

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The Brewers finally got the coaching direction they’ve been looking for this offseason.

Milwaukee announced its finalized coaching staff to the public Monday, including the return of “long forgotten” third base coach Ed Sedar, along with hitting coach Dale Sveum and bullpen coach Stan Kyles.

The hiring of new manager Ron Roenicke has brought a sense of urgency and aggressiveness to Milwaukee, and with it come some new faces along the way.

New to the staff next year will be pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who replaces Rick Peterson, bench coach Jerry Narron and first base/infield coach Garth Lorg.

“The new members of the coaching staff bring an energy and work ethic needed for the marathon baseball season,” Melvin said.

“Each share the same goal of getting the Brewers back to the postseason. They have experience in both the development of young players and the ability to relate and teach players who are extending their Major League careers. The returning members of the staff are also excited and looking forward to working with new manager Ron Roenicke.”

Once a former Brewers farmhand, Rick Kranitz has since been a pitching coach for Baltimore and Florida.

Kranitz was part of the resurgent Orioles ball club of late last season and now finds himself in the hands of Melvin and company in Milwaukee

Kranitz, 52, served as the pitching coach in Baltimore from 2008 through last season. Kranitz was also a pitching coach for the Marlins from 2006-2007, including administering a staff that had four rookie pitchers that each produced 10 wins or more in 2006.

Narron, 54, takes over the reins once held by Willie Randolph, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a player, coach and manager to Milwaukee.

However you’d like to put it, the Brewers will be well coached and well prepared for the start of the season. 

It looks to be quite the year for Milwaukee in 2011.

Make sure to follow Alec Dopp on Twitter: www.twitter.com/doppler9000

Get all your Brewers articles, reports and scores on Brewers Daily: www.brewersbulletin.blogspot.com

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Welcome to the 2010 MLB off-season: the time of year where even the most atrocious of organizations shine in the limelight.

Now, let’s get down to business as usual.

The 2010 free-agent market is bustling with great potential talent; talent that could indeed contribute to a gifted, capable Milwaukee ball-club.

With that being said, GM Doug Melvin has shockingly elected not to look into the free-agent market for possible starting pitching.  

Despite there being a few too many big-name free agents out there to possibly ignore, the Brewers are still looking into improving the rather disappointing ball-club of 2010.

In a season that seemed to be a slight downturn for nearly the entire franchise, there still were a few shining moments that only added to our anticipation for the 2011 season.

But, as expected, it is not enough to openly criticize.  So today is dedicated to a fresh start 2011 Milwaukee baseball year.  Let’s take a look at some possible free-agent signings worth the risk; beginning with the positions most needed to be filled.

Catchers

Although the last few catchers for Milwaukee have been less than impressive, there certainly is hope for an offseason signing.

With the addition of a power-hitting Catcher, you could make the argument that Milwaukee contains the league’s best pure hitting ball-club.

The offensive production between both Jonathon Lucroy and George Kottaras (not including Greg Zaun) only amounted to 142 total hits, with a BA of .290.  Along with a combined total of 13 HR, and 52 RBI, there is much work yet to be done for this catching unit this off-season.

Possible Free Agents: Miguel Olivo, Rod Barajas, Josh Bard, Yorvit Torrealba.

The most likely of candidates would have to be Barajas, coming off a 2010 season that included appearances with both the Mets, and finally the Dodgers.  

Barajas’ 2010 statistics: .240 BA, 17 HR, 47 RBI

Although the possible signing of Barajas is not yet favored in Milwaukee, I do believe this acquisition would make complete sense.

The addition of Barajas would bring in veteran, timely hitting at a cost no more than $500,000 per year.  Whether or not Milwaukee signs him as a one-year rental player or a three-plus year addition remains to be seen.

The Brewers are long overdue for an above-average hitting catcher.  This could be the answer Doug Melvin and company are looking for.

Outfielders

Most Milwaukee fans wouldn’t consider this to be a first order necessity this offseason; however, the lack of an official day-to-day center-fielder is a must.

Despite the fact that All-Stars Ryan Braun and Corey Hart inhabit a majority of the outfield, there is nothing quite like a power-hitting, defensively-skilled center-fielder.

Since the departure of Mike Cameron, the center-field position has been inhabited by the likes of Lorenzo Cain, Carlos Gomez, and Joe Inglett.

Despite fair production from a multitude of players, the Brewers need to step up and sign a worthy free agent.  Consistent production from every outfielder is what this team needs.

Possible Free Agents: Jermaine Dye, Jason Werth, Xavier Nady, Marlon Byrd, Coco Crisp.

Werth seems to be a bit of a stretch, but Xavier Nady and Coco Crisp are two consistent proven veterans that are obviously more than qualified to manage the outfield in center for 162 games.  However the addition of Crisp would benefit the Brewers most, adding speed and base-running skills only few posses.

Crisp’s 2010 statistics: .279 BA, 8 HR, 51 R, 38 RBI.

Crisp may be a bit too pricey for Melvin to pull the trigger, with a 2010 salary of $5,000,000.  However, health and age may be finally catching up to him, and the Brewers would be (at best) willing to gift Crisp with a three-year deal worth $5.5 million.

All in all, Crisp’s addition is not likely, but his talents remain unquestioned even at the ripe age of 31.

Relief Pitchers

A handful of games were lost in 2010 due to the lack of talent in the bullpen, and while the Brewers have now declined the option on Trevor Hoffman, there are big shoes yet to be filled this winter.

As for the entire pitching staff last season: 4.58 ERA (26th), 733 ER (25th), 35 SV (24th), .267 opponent’s batting average (25th), and only 7 shutouts (24th).

Improvement is needed and the demand is nothing less than a priority looking ahead to 2011.  If the Brewers want to contend in 2011, a handful of free-agent relief pitchers will need to be signed (no matter how much Doug Melvin contradicts the fact).

Of course, fresh, young arms will be brought up from Nashville to replace a select few that may have been let go since the end of the regular season.

Possible Free Agents: J.J. Putz, Kevin Gregg, Mike Gonzalez, Ryan Madson

Contract issues

Free agents: RHP Bush, LHP Chris Capuano, INF Craig Counsell, LHP Davis, RHP Hoffman and C Zaun

Eligible for arbitration: RHP Todd Coffey, 1B Fielder, OF Carlos Gomez, INF/OF Joe Inglett, RHP Kameron Loe, LHP Manny Parra, RHP Carlos Villanueva and 2B Weeks

Player options: None

Club options: Hoffman ($750,000 buyout), Davis ($1 million buyout), Zaun ($250,000 buyout)

Non-Tender possibilities: Coffey, Inglett, Parra, Villanueva

Tough spot for the Brewers.  However, I do think Doug Melvin and company will get the job done.

Craig Counsel is (without question) the MVP coming off the bench for the Brewers in 2009. With a .289 BA, 38 RBI, along with 22 2B in the 2009 season, there is no debating how important Counsel is coming off the bench.

Conclusion

With the recent hire of new manager Ron Roenicke, the Brewers have elected to put forth direction to the franchise.  Whether or not that is a good direction remains to be seen.

You have to feel extremely confident in how Doug Melvin has already put forth the effort in hiring a new manager, only a day after the official season ended.  Hopefully this trend continues until spring training rolls around.

This team has been widely known for its extreme potential over the past few seasons, and until progress has been made, the criticism will continue.

But, honestly, I love the Milwaukee’s chances heading into next season.  St. Louis continues to underachieve, Cincinnati will lose some key starters, Pittsburgh is still Pittsburgh, and Chicago is just plain bad.

The changes will be there, however the possibilities are endless for the Brewers leading up to 2011.

Dealing Prince Fielder away for pitching seems to become more and more apparent by the hour.  But there seems to be a shining light at the end of the tunnel.  How Doug Melvin and the Brewers reach that light will determine how this franchise operates for years to come.

Make sure to follow Alec Dopp on twitter: http://twitter.com/doppler9000 

As well as getting all your up-to-the-minute Brewers news, scores, and alerts from Brewers Daily:http://brewersbulletin.blogspot.com/

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As the rumors begin to disperse throughout the baseball community, the hire of now former Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke finally ends the Brewers‘ search for their 2011 manager.

Roenicke, 54, will soon be named the 18th manager in Milwaukee history.

Sources close to the Brewers’ managerial search confirmed the hire earlier today; however, an official deal may not come for a few days.

Roenicke has served as Mike Sciosia’s coaching staff since 2000, assisting as the first and third base coaches before serving as the bench coach following Joe Maddon’s departure.

After a month’s worth of rumors (including the possible hire of Bobby Valentine and Bob Brenly), the discussion has finally come to a close.

Details on the deal will be announced on Thursday.

Roenicke, a former major league outfielder, played 527 games over eight seasons for six different teams, but has made his Major League mark mostly as coach for Scioscia. Roenicke has also managed six seasons and 643 games in the Minor Leagues.

Despite rumors of a possible Bobby Valentine hire, Melvin and company make the move to get a veteran, former assistant manager that will try to turn Milwaukee’s fortunes around and take this team to the promised land.

Now that the managerial situation has come to a solemn close, the Brewers now face the tougher task at hand: Improving the pitching.

The need is there, and the time is now for Doug Melvin to step up and make yet another deal worth making.

Dear Ron Roenicke: “Just do it.”

Other Noteworthy Headlines

Ed Sedar’s 19-year reign with the Brewers has finally come to an end today, signing with the Houston Astros as a Minor League outfield/baserunning instructor.

Sedar, 49, had been the first base coach for the Brewers for the past four seasons, along with working in Milwaukee’s Minor League system since 1992 in several capacities, including as outfield and base-running coordinator, field coordinator and rookie league manager.

Sedar’s contributions to this Milwaukee club will certainly never be forgotten.

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The rumors seem to be piling up on a day-to-day basis nowadays.

Yes, the Brewers are currently looking for a new manager, and Bobby Valentine seems to be the sure-fire candidate to succeed Ken Macha.

Doug Melvin has reportedly denied the reports, writes MLB.com correspondent Adam McClavy.

Asked by the newspaper whether he had been at least offered the job, Valentine said, “We have met but there is nothing ongoing and no follow-up meeting is scheduled.”

Valentine, 60, is currently an ESPN baseball tonight analyst.

Valentine managed the Mets from 1996 to 2002, including a trip to the World Series in 2000.

The up-beat, high-tempo managerial style Valentine has displayed throughout his career would be a great fit to an already powerful, enthusiastic offense such as the Brewers.  Hopefully Valentine brings a positive energy that former Brewers manager Ken Macha never quite brought to Milwaukee.

It remains to be seen how well the team will function under Valentine, however I can see the team welcoming him and his knowledge of the game.

After just two seasons as the Brewers’ skipper, Ken Macha is gladly leaving a disappointing legacy behind him.  

Managing Milwaukee to only a 157-167 total record, along with two straight 3rd-place NL Central finishes, Doug Melvin had no choice but to end Macha’s reign.

Valentine has been rumored to become the next manager for several Major League clubs so far this off-season, but Milwaukee has been the most deliberate.

Should this deal go through, Milwaukee fans would anxiously await the beginning of the 2011 season.  

Fans would start to believe once again—something that we haven’t seen since the 2008 wild-card season under former manager Ned Yost.

All in all, this deal just makes sense.  The Brewers desperately need a manager who knows how to win, and Valentine brings that to the table.

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The time is right; the demand is optimum.

With the apparent need for pitching in the Brew City already amassing to an extraordinary level this offseason, GM Doug Melvin needs to pull the trigger on a premier pitcher worthy of complementing an already explosive offense.

Although Yovani Gallardo is and will be the face of this Brewers pitching staff for many years to come, the need for a second “ace” is absolutely necessary. Fans (like myself) are sick and tired of the same expectations on a year-to-year basis for this pitching staff.

Signing Doug Davis only amounted to a pathetic injury that ended up costing the Brewers so many valuable dollars the Brewers could have used elsewhere.

On the other hand, stud RHP Felix Hernandez‘s status with the Mariners this offseason has already begun to stir questions and uncertainty within the organization.

Now is the perfect time for Melvin to step up and get this deal done. 

Trading Prince Fielder for Hernandez just makes sense in every fashion. Fielder isn’t a free agent yet, and Melvin has vowed not to look into the free-agent market for possible starting pitching.

Hernandez also isn’t a free agent. With a 2010 salary of $7.2 million, Hernandez is the perfect fit for a trade involving Fielder.

Think about it: Seattle has no talent at the 1B position, and the Mariners are more than capable of picking up Fielder’s $11 million salary.

This is the crucial time when Melvin needs to step up and make a deal. Otherwise, Brewers fans will eventually be fed up with the nonsense (I’m almost at this point).

King Felix’s stuff is a once in a lifetime talent, and the possibility of that talent being brought to Milwaukee is a superb upgrade that would rejuvenate the outlook on the Brewers.

What’s not to love about receiving a Cy Young-type pitcher, along with lowering the payout to the current players? Nothing.

If traded, Fielder would put an immediate “face” to the franchise, allowing Mariners fans to have something to actually cheer for.

We all know that a pitching staff consisting of aging vets such as Dave Bush, Randy Wolf and Chris Capuano isn’t what wins championships. Winning was never about sitting back and observing. How do you think the Yankees amounted to the league’s most storied franchise? I’ll tell you why: because they took chances.

Felix is clearly the front runner for the AL Cy Young Award (13-12, 2.27 ERA, 232 SO, 1.06 WHIP) for his overall performance on a team that doesn’t know how to hit the ball. Seattle scored 513 runs this past season, embarrassing enough to be called the worst team at producing runs.

Last season, Milwaukee was second in the NL in HR (182), third in slugging percentage (.424), second in hits (1,471) and fourth in runs scored (750).

Milwaukee is clearly capable of putting runs on the board for Hernandez, who received the worst run support in MLB.

Nonetheless, the city of Milwaukee needs a World Series title. Trading for Hernandez is the best possible move out there for the Brewers this offseason.

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The history and awe that is the Milwaukee Brewers franchise is surrounded and enriched in talent and winning. 

From Robin Yount and Harvey’s Wallbangers way back in ’82, to the drafting successes that have enabled us to witness current superstars Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, we are all truly grateful for what this franchise has done for the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.

Trying to name the best all-time starters in Brewers history is a tremendously difficult feat in itself, but I believe that this franchise deserves nothing less than a true toast to the past and present accomplishments that some individuals have given to the Brewers.

Ranking former players based on position played is hard enough—discounting the ample history and pure talent this club has attained since, well, ever.

The City of Milwaukee was made for baseball, and baseball was made for Milwaukee.

From being home to the league’s best play-by-play announcer—the one and only Bob Ueker, to the world’s only seventh-inning stretch where sausages run for glory, the Milwaukee Brewers franchise is a true testament to baseball and all it’s prestige.

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The dreadful 2010 Milwaukee Brewers season, one that was full of disappointment, as well as a few surprises, will be long forgotten for the Milwaukee faithful.

The off-season signings that were supposed to enhance an already prosperous group, didn’t.  But with looming optimism and free-agent signings just waiting to happen, there is already great enthusiasm within this ever growing Milwaukee ball-club.

Its great to have confidence in your front office, but there also needs to be some initiative within the organization.  Given the free-agent signings from last off-season, Doug Melvin and company should be able to fully evaluate the needs of the team — which of course is pitching — along with a few other areas that could use improvement.

For improvement to be attained, a few — but essential things need to happen.

Pitching must improve.

Its fairly easy to see why the Brewers failed to contend for the NL Central this season — and it isn’t the hitting. 

The Brewers were ranked 26th in the majors last season in the pitching category — with a team ERA of 4.58.  Brewers starters combined for a 5.09 ERA in April, and even with a sensational September, the Brewers entered the final days of the season with the National League’s second-worst starters’ ERA for the second consecutive season. 

General Manager Doug Melvin has found himself in this familiar situation for the past two seasons, and unless something drastic is done, don’t expect the starting rotation to improve through free agent signings. 

Melvin says he does not expect to be active in free agency, because of prices being too high, and payouts being much too modest.  Prospects Mark Rodgers and Jeremy Jeffers aren’t quite ready to make the leap to the big leagues on opening day, so Melvin expects to be in on the trade market.

The trade market is shaping up to be a harsh one for Brewers fans, as franchise star Prince Fielder might be the victim of a major trade that could bring in some veteran arms.

Ryan Braun must stay healthy.

If the Brewers do in fact deal Fielder away for pitching, Ryan Braun’s play must stay at an even-keel pace throughout the season.  So much of the success around this ball club is dependent on Braun’s play — let’s not forget this guy sent us to the playoffs against the Cubs with a walk-off home run a few years ago.

[.304 BA, 25 HR, 103 RBI, .501 SLG]

After roughly four years in the majors, Braun has already set a standard of excellence on the field — averaging 32 HR, and 105 RBI per season.

Braun’s consistency of dominating left-handed pitching is staggering, with a career OPS of 1.140 against lefties so far in his tenure with the Brewers.

With Casey McGehee’s breakout season ending with a total of 104 RBI, Brewers fans get a sigh of relief — with the possibility of a Prince Fielder trade looming more than ever in Milwaukee.  McGehee would be a possible replacement for Fielder, should he be traded this off-season.

McGehee’s presence and respect from other major league teams is invaluable.  Without Prince behind Braun in the lineup, Braun may not receive as many good pitches as he has seen in previous years.  But if McGehee continues his success, Braun will be just fine — and so will the Brewers.

If Braun manages to stay healthy for the entire 2011 season, look for Braun to post career-best statistics in the regular season, and hopefully into the postseason.

Hire a manager who knows how to win.

Now, in Ken Macha’s defense, we all know the guy wants to win ballgames—every major league manager does.  But it just hasn’t seemed like the right fit for Milwaukee the past two seasons.  

The offense has been producing, as we all know, and the pitching has been less than impressive.  But the difference is having that fire-up type of manager in the dugout to get the players going day in and day out.  We all know that it is a long season, but wouldn’t you rather have a manager who expects to win ballgames, than one who sits back and takes the loss quietly?  Its your choice, Brewers fans.

Willie Randolph seems to be a likely candidate to succeed Macha, having managed the New York Mets deep into the playoffs with relative success in years past, only time will tell whether or not Randolph is to be the new manager.

When you look at teams like the Yankees, Phillies, Cardinals, and Red Sox, for example, you can clearly see that they expect to make the playoffs every year.  This mentality is exactly why they succeed more often than not and the Brewers need that kind of mentality from a manager if they want to win a World Series.

The Brewers have reached the postseason once since 1991 — one of the worst tenures among major league ball clubs.  For Milwaukee to return to the promise land, they must start playing with a purpose.

Designate a starting Center Fielder.

The last two months of the season were primarily dominated by the resurgence rookie outfielder Lorenzo Cain — a “do-all” type of outfielder who is more than capable of filling in for injuries in the outfield. 

With the role of Carlos Gomez still looming without any foreseeable direction, the Lorenzo Cain story might take a turn for the better this off-season.  If a deal is put in place to trade away Prince Fielder for dominant pitching, Gomez might be a possible add-on to a major deal.

Cain may be the right fit given the circumstances in Milwaukee.  Cain has proved that he can play the position as well, making a few eye-opening catches in his few games in the outfield toward the end of the season.

We all can agree that the 2004 draftee has a lot of potential, and that he most likely won’t waste his chance at the major league level, after patiently waiting in the minors for several years.

Conclusion:

For this young, talented group to succeed at the major league level, all the pieces of the puzzle need to come together.  We all witnessed what this club was able to do in making the playoffs in 2008, and we need to get back into that high-expectation level if we want to win a World Series. 

We all should be confident and optimistic this off-season as we look toward the 2011 season — a season that should not disappoint.

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