The Milwaukee Brewers took two of three games from the Cincinnati Reds to conclude the first half of the season. The Reds entered the series with a two game lead in the NL Central. It was an important series for the Brewers as they are only one game back at the All-Star break. Here are three things the Brewers should do with the roster for the second half of the season.
Have A Plan B At First Base
It’s been a tough two month stretch for Rowdy Tellez. There’s no doubt he has a lot of pop in his bat and he’s been a stable first baseman the last two plus seasons. However, Tellez is only batting .213 with 12 home runs, none of which have came since late May. His 36 RBI’s are good for fourth on the team but he’s been struggling to do that too lately.
The Brewers have not been able to figure out first base since Prince Fielder left. They haven’t had many at the position in the minor leagues to bring up either. It’s been either trade or free agency. Tellez is on the 10 day IL and should be ready for this weekend’s series against Cincinnati, but that could have just been a mental break too. Tellez’s numbers have not been good enough as of late. If it continues to spiral, the Brewers need a plan B option. Owen Miller has done okay at first but it’s clear it’s not his comfort spot.
Do Not Do Another Trade Similar To The Josh Hader Trade Last Season
Rarely does a team in first place in their division trade one of their best and most important pieces at the trade deadline. The Brewers did that last year when dealing Josh Hader to San Diego. Devin Williams has been awesome this year, but it was also clear the Hader trade shook up the locker room. Williams said it himself. It’s a trade you don’t make at that time. That was a huge mistake by the front office and it played a big role in the Brewers missing the playoffs last year.
Robert Gasser has been excellent in the minors and he’s the last piece of the Hader deal still with the Brewers. While is seems more likely than not that the Brewers trade Corbin Burnes, they should not do it at this year’s trade deadline.
Get A Bat And/Or A Reliever At The Trade Deadline
I am not sure how aggressive Milwaukee needs to be or should be at the deadline. Assuming they are still in first or second place in the division, they have areas they need to improve. They need another bat and potentially someone who could also play a corner infield position.
I also don’t think another reliever is a bad idea either. The trio or Elvis Peguero, Joel Payamps, and Devin Williams is becoming a really good part of this team as is Hoby Milner in certain positions. I also like Bryse Wilson, but I think the Brewers could benefit from another reliever unless Abner Uribe continues to impress or a starter goes to the bullpen.
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