FRONT OFFICE/OWNERSHIP

Consider the moves that general manager David Stearns made over the off-season to improve the club: Travis Shaw (trade with Boston), Eric Thames (signing out of Korea), Jesus Aguilar (waiver claim), Eric Sogard (minorleague signing). Yes, there was a big miss with Neftali Feliz, but Stearns showed he was willing to cut bait early and move on rather than compounding the problem. It appears that Jonathan Villar did Stearns a real favor by turning down a proposal for a $23 million contract extension in the spring, though perhaps Villar would have relaxed and played better with that security. In the process, Stearns waived Scooter Gennett, who went on to a huge year with Cincinnati, getting an opportunity he wouldn’t have had with the Brewers. The in-season additions of catcher Stephen Vogt, second baseman Neil Walker, and relievers Anthony Swarzak and Jeremy Jeffress, helped the Brewers battle for the playoffs until the next-tolast day of the season. Stearns also has built tremendous depth in the minors, which can be used to trade for other needs or eventually filter to the majors. Owner Mark Attanasio bought the Class A Carolina Mudcats to provide some affiliation stability and is open to other such moves. The Brewers had a very low payroll (less than $60 million), but that was a reflection of the youth and inexperience in the early stages of the rebuild. Attanasio has shown he will spend when it is right. Grade: A-minus