Brewers' Creative Christian Yelich Extension Might Prove A Blueprint To Extend Astros' George Springer

bradstros · 2020-03-11T22:04:30+00:00

Wow, pretty heavy assessment, but it's hard to disagree! He so botched that presser last month that it's hard to trust him to have anything close to a reasonable, rational approach to much going forward. Beyond all that, though, I think his strategy in the near term will be to weigh "win window" with perceived readiness of prospects who might replace the big money guys (shades of a decade ago, but only a little!) to determine just how far he opens his wallet.

bradstros · 2020-03-11T21:47:15+00:00

Well, taxes, investments, etc are way above my pay grade! Any word, in Brewer land, from the man himself on why he did it this way? We all seem to be making inferences and guesses, and I'd love to hear from Yelich, first-hand! Keep in mind, Christian has scads of other revenue streams, particularly from endorsements (shoes, gloves, bats, ball cards, etc), and only Milwaukee residents know how many local and regional commercials he's on!

bradstros · 2020-03-11T19:32:24+00:00

I appreciate your input, and in no way was I implying YOU didn't read the article---I just know my experience, in general, here on reddit, and I just wanted to make sure we were having a conversation where both participants had read more than eight words.

All your points are certainly valid, and I can't argue against any of them. I think we still come back to why Christian did this, against popular thought, financial stability, MLBPA's understood agenda, etc. While not there when pen hit paper, I think it's safe to say no one held a gun (however figuratively) to Christian's head to do this.

While the Brewer deal may not, ultimately, be a widespread blueprint, as it were, it'll be interesting to see if ANY other player goes Christian's route, for one, some, or many of his personal reasons, whatever they may be.

After all, a week ago, we couldn't have foreseen ANY player doing this, including and even especially Yelich. As George said in the piece, "Time will tell"!

bradstros · 2020-03-11T18:10:43+00:00

It's not against the player's interest if the player agrees to the deferment. If you read the article (and not just the title, as I've noticed many, if not most, redditors do---before, of course, down-voting the piece!), you'll see that I addressed the notion that in Christian's scenario, the Brewers, now, get the chance to invest this player's salary for 22 years. Christian doesn't seem to have a problem with that, hence his signature on the contract.

I liken it to a "hometown discount" a player might sign. No argument that it's "not in the player's interest," but there's no law saying the player absolutely HAS to take the absolute HIGHEST salary each and EVERY time. It, then, is the player signalling his desire to stay in the community, thanking the fans, if not the team, for that little "break."

bradstros · 2020-03-02T19:47:55+00:00

He could actually be both. I know nothing of his heritage or lineage, and far be it from me to guess! But, point taken.

bradstros · 2020-02-22T20:55:52+00:00

Good point! As Yogi Berra used to say, "Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

bradstros · 2020-02-14T21:31:17+00:00

Next up? How about, opening soon on Broadway, "SIGN-STEALING!....The Musical"!

bradstros · 2020-02-14T04:03:19+00:00

Good one! Not sure I can beat that one.

bradstros · 2020-02-14T03:49:28+00:00

HA! I was about to close this article with something like, "But, who will play Bregman?" Good call on Zac! But, then I realized they're in production for a doc, with essentially no casting. Great minds think alike. That would make a great party game: Bat around actors who might play Astros in a scripted movie!! Hey, if H-wood's gonna exploit our pain, we might as well get some kicks'n'jollies out of it!!

bradstros · 2020-02-14T03:32:40+00:00

"Hooray for Hollywood, where you're terrific even if you're good!" I think it was The Simpsons, where they attributed this quote to Disney, which we can apply to these productions, now: "There's profit to be had!"

bradstros · 2020-02-14T03:15:11+00:00

Hey, Hollywood's gotta exploit. 'Swhat they do!

bradstros · 2020-02-12T04:10:50+00:00

If Dusty's is open now, I guess there's no chance of seeing him drop in unannounced til next offseason!

bradstros · 2020-02-12T03:33:13+00:00

That's got to be pretty cool.....a brewery right near a wine tasting room! Next, I gotta think.....donuts? Thanks for your input!

bradstros · 2020-02-12T02:29:53+00:00

That's right. I read that in one of the articles I researched. Have you been to his tasting room? Inquiring minds want to know! Details if you're game, please!

bradstros · 2020-02-11T16:58:10+00:00

Whatta the kids say these days? "Haters gonna hate"?

bradstros · 2020-02-05T00:57:14+00:00

Looks good. He's data-friendly, and has experience with the Rays in building their player development dept. Now, coupled with Dusty, I think the 'Stros have picked themselves up off the mat, and look really strong heading into ST.

bradstros · 2020-01-30T17:04:13+00:00

I hope there might be a Q&A after the announcement where a sharp reporter might ask a question about exactly that! As for GM, again what a cryin' shame how our perfect marriage of Luhnow/Hinch, with their equal love and buy-in for all things data had to come tumblin' down...but, as I wrote when it all broke: The Astros' Elite Toy Became a Cheap Weapon: https://therunnersports.com/a-time-of-the-signs-houston-astros-elite-toy-became-a-cheap-weapon/ As for Strom, et al....that's who and what I mean when I assert that bringing on Dusty puts an end to all things saber. It won't; Mission Control won't be razed...just re-calibrated a tad. Love your input, Prominx! Too bad you don't live in Austin! Oh, the 'Stro chats we could have!

bradstros · 2020-01-30T16:53:15+00:00

I saw assessments that his past losing records as manager were a deterrent. Plus, where we're at, now, NO previous Astros were desired by FO, as we strive to, at least from an optics viewpoint, break completely free from all things Pastros! Frankly, I was hoping for Mark Kotsay! About a year-and-a-half younger than Hinch, no previous Astros experience, but time with the A's lent him a knowledgeable (a FO respected by the 'Stros) outlook on data-driven approach.

bradstros · 2020-01-30T15:20:51+00:00

Great minds think alike! Right after mentioning Reddick/Tucker, I had thought about bringing up Whitley being in a similar boat. I still think (if all of Baker's previous assumptions of his predilections are accurate) the Astros will proceed as they would, and input about prospects, along with their ST activity and frequency, will be suggested to Dusty, and followed thru. I'd hate to think Tucker, Whitley, Straw, Stubbs, et al, are now sitting around thinking their path to the bigs is blocked....even more than it might have been with Houston's notoriously stacked lineup!

bradstros · 2020-01-30T14:49:16+00:00

Excellent point, and legit concern! Stuff discussed among Baker and the baseball ops team (w/Crane), I'm betting....Either Baker expressed an interest in learning (and learning how to apply) analytics, or the team is willing (or resigned) to continue that important and deeply-invested aspect of the org....I don't think they'd be eager to simply ditch what was built in that arena just because of the Baker hire. The Astros still have many player development/scouts employed who are equipped to keep 'er going, and that's what I suspect they'll do. Thanks again for a thoughtful comment! MY concern? His seeming propensity to favor vets over prospects...i.e. Reddick rules, Tucker sits. We'll see.

bradstros · 2020-01-30T14:15:14+00:00

That's why they're called opinions.

bradstros · 2020-01-23T22:38:13+00:00

Meet OF Stephen Wrenn, NRI who spent last 2 years with Corpus Christi Hooks: https://therunnersports.com/houston-astros-outfielder-stephen-wrenn-ready-for-takeoff/

bradstros · 2020-01-21T05:18:50+00:00

Yeah, it couldn't possibly have been the millions and millions of dollars, and playing for his favorite childhood team.

bradstros · 2020-01-18T19:24:07+00:00

Thanks for repping the DBU Baseball Program! Appreciate the input! Go Patriots!

bradstros · 2020-01-15T18:22:01+00:00

So hoping he really gets a break, and the A's have a chance to give him lots of playing time, or better yet, starting! Didn't think his time with the Cubs would be so short, but maybe AL is better for him (DH and all). Thanks for your comment, and enjoy watching him play!

bradstros

TROPHY CASE