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All-star slugger Prince Fielder is heading into the final year of his current contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, which leads many to think that they will trade him away.

Milwaukee hasn’t been clear yet on whether they are willing to trade Fielder, but if the right deal comes calling, there is little reason to think that they wouldn’t go ahead and pull the trigger on their star player.

Although Prince is coming off a down year in ’10, he still holds a lot of value in the trade market and at 26, is just entering the prime of his career. The former first-round pick would certainly be a highly sought after player and many teams could use his services at first base.

I will also add that before you go into the actual slide-show, it is important to note that any of the following teams would have to take on the last year of his contract, which would be around $10 million or higher for 2011.

Begin Slideshow

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

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Milwaukee Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo isn’t a household name—not yet anyway.

The young righty and his electric stuff are no stranger to most baseball fans and fantasy baseball owners, and at 25 years old, Gallardo will enter 2011 with over 500 innings under his belt and a career ERA of 3.67.

Given his youth and talent, improvement would seem likely. Still, baseball fans can’t help but feel like they are still waiting for Gallardo to truly breakout.

After bursting onto the scene in 2007, along with fellow rookie Tim Lincecum, Gallardo’s progress was stalled by an injury that wiped out his 2008 season. He came back strong in 2009 with a 204 strikeouts and a 3.73 ERA, and 2010 looked for a while like the breakout year we’ve been waiting for.

Yet Gallardo finished the year with 185 innings and a 3.87 ERA; if anything, it was a step back from his 2007 and 2009 seasons. Gallardo averaged fewer than six innings a start, and despite starting the season with a 2.58 ERA in the first half, struggled down the stretch with an ERA of 5.77.

What should we make of Gallardo? Why has he yet to take the “next step” after four seasons in Major League Baseball?

The answer, as far as I can tell, is that he has. The 2010 season was an improvement over 2009. A bit of bad luck obscured this step forward, but Gallardo’s progress in his age was very real and bodes well for his future success.

The most significant improvement Gallardo made last season was in his ability to limit walks. While his WHIP rose from 1.31 to 1.37, his walk rate declined from 4.56 to 3.65. So Gallardo was throwing more strikes and trading walks for hits, right? Not exactly.

Gallardo actually threw fewer pitches in the strike zone in 2010 than he did in 2009. He struck out as many batters and his walk rate declined. What accounts for this? How can a pitcher who throws fewer strikes also walk fewer batters? This could be dumb luck, but more than likely, this is simply Gallardo learning how better to command the strike zone.

In 2009, he threw a first pitch strike 52.6 percent of the time, which is well bellow league average. This past season that number jumped to 61.8 percent of the time, or three points above the league average.

What this means is that Gallardo was getting ahead in counts more often. While he still threw plenty of pitches outside the strike zone, he distributed these pitches more strategically and limited his walks. Furthermore, batters were swinging at these pitches more often than in previous years.

So if Gallardo was throwing more pitches outside the strike zone, why did he give up more hits? T

o put it simply, he got unlucky. While his strikeout rate and swinging strike rate indicate his stuff is about as good as it’s been in the past, batters made more contact on pitches outside the zone. This led to a few more hits, a few less strikeouts and walks.

The net effect obviously hurt Gallardo. And beyond that, on balls in play, batters hit .340, about 40 points above the league average in 2010. Adjust this number to the league average level of .302, and Gallardo’s 2010 WHIP would have been 11 points lower. Because of this high batting average on balls in play, Gallardo stranded only about 70 percent of the runners he allowed on base, a little low for any pitchers, and especially low for a guy who strikes out 10 per nine innings.

If we look at his 2010 season on the whole, it’s clear that Gallardo improved his command of the strike zone, throwing a significantly higher number of first pitch strikes and walking fewer batters. While the results don’t quite indicate the leap forward that his underlying numbers do, this is easily explained by a poor BABIP—something that should correct itself going forward.

But what about his second half slip up? Why did his ERA rise so significantly in the back of 2010?

Again, this is an issue of luck. Gallardo’s ERA and FIP by month:

While Gallardo’s FIP—a better measure of true pitching ability that filters out luck and defensive noise—fluctuated by only about a run over the course of the season, Gallardo’s ERA skyrocket for a couple of months, ruining his season numbers and leading many to overlook a true breakout year.

Why? Because of an unlucky BABIP. In July, a month in which he posted a 2.64 FIP and 4.78 ERA in three starts, his BABIP was .477. In August, a month in which he posted a 3.52 FIP and 7.75 ERA in six starts, his BABIP was .400.

At 25 and with his stuff, no one is writing off a potential breakout. What people don’t realize is that the first big step has already been taken. Gallardo’s 3.02 FIP last season ranked fifth in the National League, just 0.01 points above that of Roy Halladay, the likely Cy Young winner. Don’t be surprised if, come 2011, Gallardo is contending for that very same award.

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Whether it be Eric Gagne, Trevor Hoffman, David Riske, Scott Linebrink or LaTroy Hawkins, Brewers GM Doug Melvin has thrown money at relievers in recent years.

The results have been disappointing, to say the least.

Of the players on the above list, only Hoffman did anything of note.

The future Hall of Famer put together a wonderful season in 2009. He posted a 1.83 ERA and converted 37 of 41 saves that season, marking his best ERA since 1998 with the San Diego Padres.

Riske and Hawkins, however, have both struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, while Gagne and Hoffman lost their respective closer roles during their final years with the team. Linebrink was solid enough in his 27 games with the Brewers but ultimately cost the Brewers three prospects for mediocre work.

Thus, aside from Hoffman, Melvin has largely missed the mark when it comes to signing quality relief pitching. 

That should not be an issue this winter, however, as the Brewers bullpen appears to be poised for success. These are the pitchers currently projected to be in the hunt for a bullpen spot in 2011:

RHP John Axford
RHP Kameron Loe
RHP LaTroy Hawkins
RHP Carlos Villanueva
RHP Mike McClendon
RHP Brandon Kintzler
RHP Todd Coffey
RHP Jeremy Jeffress
RHP Mark DiFelice
RHP Justin James

LHP Zach Braddock
LHP Manny Parra
LHP Mitch Stetter

There are presently 13 arms vying for seven spots, perhaps even 14 if one includes Tim Dillard as an outside contender. It is a crowded bullpen. The Brewers can almost populate their entire Triple-A bullpen with the remaining players that do not break spring training with the big-league club.

That is impressive in itself.

No longer do the Brewers have a bullpen full of soft-tossing finesse pitchers that can easily be hit around on any given night. Nine of those relievers can hit the 93-94 MPH mark consistently with their fastball, and the remaining four have at least one plus pitch that can make them effective at the big league level.

The Brewers bullpen projects to be young, and it projects to be extremely talented behind Mr. John Axford. Some concern does still exist that Axford’s old command issues on the mound will rear their ugly head once more, as relievers have extremely volatile performances in general, but Axford credits a mechanical switch since joining the Brewers’ organization for his increased velocity and command.

If Axford can serve the bullpen in the same capacity he did in 2010, the remainder of the bullpen should fall into place nicely. Hawkins should be completely healthy and help anchor the back end of the bullpen. Loe will likely not be used quite so frequently but will still play a significant role, as he still has that ridiculous two-seamer. Braddock should hopefully become more than a left-handed specialist.

Last but not least, Jeremy Jeffress could give the team a true wild card for its bullpen—depending on if the organization attempts to move Jeffress back to the starting rotation, obviously.

That does not even include Todd Coffey, who admittedly may be non-tendered but still has the fastball/slider combination to be a middle-inning workhorse. Better command is the key to his success. His walk rate and HR rate both increased in 2010, which is never good for a pitcher.

Nor does it include Manny Parra, who posted a 2.39 ERA as a reliever last season and may be best suited for short stints. Opposing hitters hit .226/.288/.376 in their first at-bat against him as a starter in 2010. That performance jumped to .322/.411/.512 the second time through.

Young upstarts Mike McClendon and Brandon Kintzler breezed their way through the minors and impressed in their first taste of big-league action. They have since been sent to the Arizona Fall League, where both pitchers have fared reasonably well. Perhaps Nashville makes the most sense for McClendon and/or Kintzler, however, as they have options remaining. Retaining quality pitching is paramount for the organization at this point.

Carlos Villanueva and Mitch Stetter were both bullpen stalwarts in recent seasons but ended the 2010 season in Triple-A. Both can miss a lot of bats. Command is the key for both pitchers. You can be sure that Ron Roenicke and the Brewers would love to have an effective Stetter, though, as having a true LOOGY would allow Braddock to be more than a one at-bat wonder.

Justin James is the new kid on the block. The Brewers plucked him off waivers from the Oakland Athletics last week. The 29-year-old has a big fastball in the 93-95 MPH range and also has a plus (at times) slider. His command is what sets him apart from other power pitchers, though. The right-hander will try to sneak onto the opening-day roster with a good spring training.

Perhaps the most interesting story of the spring will be Mark DiFelice. The right-hander wowed Major League Baseball with his logic-defying cutter. Unfortunately, sloppy mechanics put a lot of pressure on his arm, and he has been recovering from surgery.

The Brewers signed DiFelice to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, and he will have a chance to prove that he still can throw that cutter that makes him a legitimate righty-killer out of the ‘pen.

As you can clearly see, the Brewers are poised to have an exciting and effective bullpen for the 2011 season.

The keys for a good bullpen are talent and depth. Milwaukee has a lot of both, which should mean that Doug Melvin can forget about the relief-pitcher market and focus his attention on other aspects of the team.

This will be a difficult offseason for the Brewers as it is. Melvin does not need to waste time attempting to improve what should at least be a league-average bullpen—though it should be better.

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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/

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

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.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

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.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

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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It has been a while since I last penned an article here on the great B/R, so I felt like I owed it to the readers here to break away from the old and bring in the new.

That included a completely new persona, which was to be named Tecumseh’s Alcove (I am a history major after all), but it is a lot harder to create a profile here nowadays, so what was the point when I have old reliable sitting around?

Monday Mania is a new column I’d like to start and keep writing throughout the MLB offseason. Whether or not that dream becomes a reality will have to wait a few weeks. As of right now, this article will likely take place during my History 418 class because, honestly, who doesn’t know everything about the 1920s and Great Depression all ready?

This column will contain an actual article for the week, this week focusing quickly on how to fix the Brewers, a quick note about something going on in the world of sports (today, it is the playoffs), and then the bytes columns that I am totally jacking from my man Bernie Miklasz. Plagiarism? Probably, but I’m not looking to pass this class.

As I write this, I was just given my mid-term back and received a B+. Yep, be jealous. That took some hard work…like 45 minutes of hand writing. I’m young, my hand isn’t built for that like the last generation.

So, now that you know what this column will be like and I’ve finished patting myself on the back, lets get into this.

Fixing the Brewers

Being a St. Louis Cardinals fan, writing how the Milwaukee Brewers should be fixed is not something I like. Competition. Who needs it?

But I feel obligated to atone for my smack talk and help the Brewers along with rebuilding their team.

I know the Brewers don’t feel the need to spend money, but that has to change a little bit.

The Brewers have two very good starters for the front of their rotation in Yovani Gallardo and Randy Wolf. After that, question marks run a muck and there are no good three-through-five starters.

To fix the rotation, you have to start from the back and work your way in.

And by back, I’m talking the other end of the battery (catcher) and the bullpen.

John Axford, Kameron Loe, Carlos Villanueva, Todd Coffey and LaTroy Hawkins make for a nice right hand side. That leaves the left handers to be filled.

The best route to go there is Hisanori Takahasi for the top guy from the left side. Takahasi had a good year in the bullpen and rotation, making him a strong swing-man for a team with a lack of depth in the rotation.

The second-best and third-best options, Scott Downs and Dennys Reyes, would also make sense for Brewers.

If I were Doug Melvin, I would make a strong push for both Takahasi and Downs, offering Takahasi a two-year deal worth $6.5 million and Downs a three-year deal worth $15-17 million and a mutual option worth $7 million.

Both would be lock down guys for the Brewers bullpen (or bullpen with the way it is shaped up with these seven names), and can serve other purposes.

Downs has closer experience, making him an option if Axford struggles in his first full season as closer. Takahasi can take over a rotation spot if the team needs a filler.

And before you start complaining about Downs being a Type A free agent, the Brewers have a deep system and a protected first round pick. Sacrificing a second round pick is not a big deal.

The catcher situation is next, and the best name there is Victor Martinez. Whether he becomes a free agent is not a big deal because I would not sign him. I’m a big V-Mart backer, but he is not a catcher, and definitely not the type of catcher you sign to help solidify your pitching staff.

No, I go after two names: John Buck and Gerald Laird.

Buck is no fluke. He hit 18 home runs, two less than this season, in 2007 in five fewer games and 38 fewer at-bats. Buck is good for 15-20 home runs, 45-65 runs batted in, and 18-25 doubles a season.

He isn’t a gun behind the plate, but he is a solid handler and blocker that can get by for seven innings a game.

And that is why the Brewers need Laird as well, a defensive wizard behind the plate.

Laird would be a big addition for the pitching staff, and would be a good addition towards the end of games for defensive purposes.

Combined, Buck and Laird would be one of the better catching tandems in the National League Central.

Buck should be signed to a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option for $9-11 million. Laird would be a sign of one year and $2 million with a team option for the same amount.

This leaves the rotation, which can be attacked with the best strategy: sign innings eaters.

The top target I would push to sign is Carl Pavano.

Pavano has proved his worth in Minnesota, and is worth a three-year gamble worth $12-14 million. Like Downs, Pavano is a Type A Free Agent, but that is worth the sacrifice to improve a weak rotation.

With a front three of Pavano, Gallardo and Wolf, the Brewers would be a team to fear with the offense it packs.

Javier Vazquez would be my next target.

Vazquez has pitched well in Chicago, Montreal, Arizona and Atlanta. He hasn’t pitched well in New York. Somehow, I think Vazquez can pitch in Milwaukee.

For me, I sign Vazquez to a two-year deal worth $11 million, and a team option for $10 million, which can become a player or mutual option by Vazquez reaching certain plateaus throughout both seasons.

Now, you may be asking yourselves, “Where will the Brewers get this money?”

Before I fully answer this question, I want it to be known that I’m in class and don’t have the time to dedicate to creating spreadsheets, guessing contracts to a logical amount, and adding everything up. I’m relying fully on Cot’s Baseball Contracts (I have no intention of finishing this in my next class).

I’m guessing here by looking at Cot’s but, the Brewers look to be dropping close to $40 million in salary, and my pitching additions have taken up that amount.

If I were Melvin, I would jump at all of those players during November. Signing all of those free agents right out of the gate would be huge, which I will explain in just a hot second. With the free agent dates moved up, Melvin needs to go hard at a lot of these guys, talking numbers right away.

Get those guys signed, and he can focus on the one thing he needs to do for the rest of the winter: trading Prince Fielder.

Adrian Gonzalez will not be traded this winter, making Fielder the best available bat on the market. And there will be plenty of suitors.

The best deal possible for Fielder would be the addition of first base prospect to replace Fielder right out of the gate. The rest of the deal should be one top prospect, and that is it. Make the price too high, and Melvin gets stuck with raising the payroll over $100 million.

The rest of the offseason should be dedicated to trading Fielder, re-signing Craig Counsell, and non-tendering (and re-signing to a Minor League contract) Manny Parra.

MLB Postseason

How great has this postseason been, seriously? Roy Halladay in his first ever postseason appearance throws a no-hittter. Tim Lincecum, in his first appearance, throws a shutout. The Texas Rangers win their first postseason series in team history, and the Cincinnati Reds were swept (good times there, am I right Cardinals Nation?).

The second round has been good fun as well, with both series tied at a game apiece. It doesn’t get better than this.

Unless the Rangers and Giants are battling for the title in a week. That would be better. Count me in the group that is tired of the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.

Cliff Lee pitches against Andy Pettitte tonight, in the place where Lee dominated Game One of the World Series last year. Should be a good matchup.

Alas, this cannot be finished in one class period. The Bytes remain and will be written soon. For now, Netbook goes to sleep.

The Bytes

I don’t know about you readers, but I’m so over Brett Favre. Everything is about him, which pains me to say that this is as well. He is conceited and a narcissist. He needs to realize that the world does not revolve around him and that the Vikings are 2-3 because of him. His age is a major factor now and he needs to go away.

Does anyone else think the NBA is a joke? First you have Gilbert Arenas faking an injury to supposedly allow someone else playing time, and this after being suspended for having guns in the clubhouse and making light of it. Then you have LeBron James getting “leg cramps.”

The officials are calling fouls for whining (which will make for the highest foul calls in history as every player is a whiny baby nowadays), and yet the same officials let the players travel more than a CEO of a coast-to-coast corporation. Seriously. What. A. Joke.

If you live in the Midwest like I do, and you think the weather is crazy, don’t feel bad. You’re not the only one to think so. The weather has been steadily in the 70s for the past week, and yet the sun’s rays were vertical enough to our latitude to make it seem warmer. Today? Cold, low wind-chill, and cloudy. What’s up with this?

Music suggestions for today: Anything Tom Petty and Eddie Money, classic (70s and 80s) Eric Clapton, and you probably need a little extra boost today: The Imperial March from Star Wars. Star Wars is the best scored movie in history.

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It will be a great homecoming for Pat Listach on Tuesday.

The former Brewer and Astro was informed late last week that Doug Melvin asked the Washington Nationals for an interview for the managerial position, according to MLB.com and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Listach was currently beginning a managerial assignment for a Puerto Rican winter ball league, but had to change plans quickly to head back to Wisconsin. He will be meeting with Doug Melvin on Tuesday for an interview.

The situation is not new for Listach, who spent the last two years as the Washington Nationals’ third-base coach. He was passed over the Cubs’ skipper Lou Piniella after the 2007 season, but gained more notice for his work in the Chicago farm system.

If he were to become the 16th skipper of the Brew Crew, it would be his first Major League managerial assignment.

He is reportedly also on Toronto’s short list, although there is no word about whether or not he has been contacted by the Blue Jays’ front office.

Pat Listach played five seasons in Milwaukee, making his debut in 1992. He won the AL rookie of the year in ’92, and also finished 18th in MVP voting for the season. He finished his career playing for Houston in 1997.

Doug Melvin is also looking at other candidate to replace Ken Macha in Milwaukee. Bob Melvin, formerly of the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks, is set to meet with the team on Thursday.

Melvin has plenty of managerial experience, with a lifetime record of .493 with his major league clubs. In 2007 he garnered Manager of the Year honors, with the D-Backs winning the NL West. They cruised past the Cubs in three games before getting swept in the NLCS by the Colorado Rockies.

The playoff experience is certainly going to give him an edge going into the interviews. If the Brewers want Melvin, they may have to move quickly, as the Chicago Cubs are also rumored to be interested in having him head up their squad in 2011.

According to espnchicago.com, Melvin also asked for permission to contact Joey Cora, a current member of the Chicago White Sox coaching staff.

Cora was passed over in 2009 for the Seattle Mariners job, and is a close friend of Milwaukee hitting coach and former interim manager Dale Sveum.

All three seem like good candidates for the job, but smart money is on Melvin getting the job. With the young roster and large amount of work needed to bring this team in contention in the NL Central, experience is going to be key.

Listach would still be a good choice, considering his track record for working with young talent in the Minors, and his history with the team.

Cora seems to be the wild card in this situation, but Doug Melvin has a habit of thinking hard about these kinds of decisions, so rest assured he believes that Cora could handle the position.

It will most likely be a few weeks until the story develops further, but the wheels are in motion. Whether or not a new manager will equal success on the scoreboard is going to take even more time.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com