MILWAUKEE BREWERS (73-89), 4TH, NL CENTRAL
uSeason snapshot: The Brewers knew it would be a transition season after
took over as general manager last September and turned over more than half of the 40-man roster in an effort to make it younger. The Brewers then had their third losing season in four years, though they did show improvement by winning five more games than last year. However, they struggled offensively, finishing 25th among the 30 major league teams in runs, and never strung together more than four wins in a row. They had no trouble getting on base — 12th in the majors in on-base percentage — but their batting average was 27th. That occurred even though first baseman
tied for the National League lead with 41 home runs and infielder
topped the major leagues with 62 stolen bases while hitting .285 with 19 home runs and a .826 on-base-plus- slugging percentage (OPS) in 156 games.
uWhat now: This figures to be a much quieter winter after last offseason’s flurry of moves, but the Brewers will continue to look to trade left fielder the lone holdover from the team’s last postseason appearance in 2011, as well as veteran right-hander in an effort to continue to stockpile young talent. Braun nearly was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in late August, and his value is high after he hit .305 with 30 home runs and a .903 OPS in 135 games. Quality starts (six innings or more with three earned runs or fewer) in four of his last five outings should make Garza more marketable. Manager
whose contract expires after next season, is expected to receive an extension.
uFree agent focus: The Brewers have two players eligible for free agency, left- handed reliever and righthanded reliever Capuano won’t be back after being limited to 16 games, none after May 25, because of an elbow injury. Boyer had a 3.95 ERA in 61 games and could return at the right price. uProspects Center fielder
was the centerpiece of the three-player package the Brewers received from the Texas Rangers in exchange for catcher Jonathan Lucroy in an Aug. 1 trade. The Brewers jumped Brinson, 22, to Class AAA Colorado Springs after the trade, and he hit .382 with four home runs and a 1.005 OPS in 23 games. Outfielder
22, has power potential. He hit .229 with 16 homers, 12 steals and a .729 OPS in 124 games with Class AA Biloxi (Miss.).
John Perrotto