The Brewers will have a record payroll in 2014, COO Rick Schlesinger tells MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. "No matter how you measure it, and there are a lot of different ways to measure it, I can tell you that it's going to be north of $100 million," Schlesinger said. The COO went on to add:
"The way I look at it, you look at the growth of the industry in general, and how we're doing in revenues locally, and it makes sense. … The fans over the year have supported us, the national television dollars are increasing, the health of the game from a revenue perspective has never been greater, so it's only natural and fitting that we use those monies to invest in our product."
Here some more Brewer-centric notes for your Thursday afternoon…
- General manager Doug Melvin told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that reports of the team's record $3.2MM agreement with Dominican prospect Yirver Gilbert Lara are premature. Haudricourt acknowledges that Melvin could simply be denying the agreement because MLB prohibits formal agreements until July 2 (teams frequently have pre-arranged deals in place), but Melvin also flatly denied reports that Lara was traveling to the U.S. for a physical. "There's nothing to that," the GM said.
- MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports that the Brewers were among the teams to watch Ryan Madson's most recent throwing session. Melvin characterized the Brewers' presence as a matter of due diligence, noting that he hasn't contacted Madson's agent since the showcase. He did, however, say that it sounds like Madson threw fairly well.
- More from Haudricourt, who hosted a lengthy chat with readers of the Journal-Sentinel today. Among the topics discussed are the Brewers' bench and glut of first base options — Haudricourt cannot see Mark Reynolds, Lyle Overbay and Juan Francisco all making the club — as well as Milwaukee's farm system, manager Ron Roenicke's job security and Tyler Thornburg's role in the wake of the Matt Garza signing.
Keith Salkowski
I wish Rick Schlesinger would sit Peter Angelos down and explain the MLB facts of life to him.
truroyal15
Sure wish the owner of the Royals (Mr. Glass) felt the same way. Shame on you!!!
Mil8Ball
Reonicke has done a great job as manager and really shouldnt be in danger of losing his job. 2011 and 2012 he did amazing with the teams he had and last year was also very respectable.
I don’t think he is in a playoffs or get fired situation, but he should be expected to get this team to finish at least .500. He has a very good offense and most importantly a strong pitching staff with depth.
cedarandstone
I think it was Melvin who once stashed Bernie Wiliams in his home before the yanks signed him. Anything is possible
daveineg
Haudricourt: “The Brewers hope Weeks plays well in camp and they’re able to trade him.” That’s been my contention for months. If he doesn’t play well and they’re not able to trade him would they just cut him? I think so.