Milwaukee Brewers Microbrew

It's a unique episode this week with host JR Radcliffe joined by two special guests. Maury Brown of Forbes (4:00) looks at the regional sports network fiasco, with the company that runs Brewers broadcasts on Bally Sports Wisconsin headed toward bankruptcy. What will that mean for the average fan's viewing experience, and how alarmed should fans be about the Brewers being at a financial disadvantage as a result?

Then, Jonathan Judge of Baseball Prospectus (18:30) joins to the show to look at his annual PECOTA rankings and project where the Brewers will finish. Spoiler alert: They're projected to win the NL Central, but it's close. What are the factors in play. Not only that, he talks about his new metric to grade defense, one that likes two Brewers fielders in particular.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak and host JR Radcliffe discuss the early wave of action in Phoenix, where Garrett Mitchell stole the show early. With Tyrone Taylor hurt, he's the opening-day center fielder right? They discuss other young players looking to make a name for themselves, like Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer, even Jeferson Quero. Where does Keston Hiura fit on this team? What about Abraham Toro? Or Owen Miller? And just what have the vibes been like overall after an offseason that accumulated some baggage (like a GM leaving, a high-profile arbitration case and limited free-agent activity).

Then, JR is joined by Journal Sentinel business writer Tom Daykin (28:30) to discuss the finer points on American Family Field's financing situation and what changes fans might be able to expect at the stadium if the state-government plan goes through.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

Brewers reporter Todd Rosiak joins host JR Radcliffe live from spring training to chat about a busy early camp for the Milwaukee Brewers. What does he make of the Corbin Burnes arbitration situation, namely Burnes' obvious frustration with the organization? Is there any remaining tendril of hope that Burnes could stay in Milwaukee long term? What about Craig Counsell, who's not under contract for next season? Is this the swan song for the National League's longest-tenured manager? What's with the overall bad vibes for this franchise? Plus: the injury to Aaron Ashby, what Christian Yelich had to say about the start of the season and more.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at the 2023 season on the cusp of spring training, offering three predictions apiece about the upcoming campaign and zooming in on the biggest story lines. Plus, they discuss the injury to Aaron Ashby, a new metric that shows Willy Adames might be even better than we realize and the possibility of one last roster move before Opening Day. Curt also discusses his recent series on Brewers prospects for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe discuss Corbin Burnes and his arbitration case with the Milwaukee Brewers; is it a bad omen for a long-term extension if the two sides go to a hearing? With new third baseman/outfielder Brian Anderson on the squad, how many spots are still available on the Brewers initial roster for 2023? Plus, JR chats with Jason Gurwin of The Streamable (27:00) to get a sense of what it means that the organization in charge of airing Brewers games appears headed toward bankruptcy.

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe dig into the 2023 Brewers season, looking at reasons to be optimistic. Curt selects the player he thinks will be the team's best player next year, and it may surprise you. Is there anyone else on the free-agent market the team might pursue, and will the absence of a big free-agent acquisition hurt them? What's realistic to expect from the team's top prospects next year? Who plays second base? Oh, and look, Wade Miley is back!

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

The Milwaukee Brewers addressed a major offseason concern with a three-team trade Dec. 12, landing catcher William Contreras. It seems like the perfect fit, and without sacrificing much. So is it? Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe take a look at the exchange that sent minor leaguer Esteury Ruiz to Oakland and brought back the all-star catcher (plus two relievers!) How does it make Milwaukee better in 2023 and beyond? Does it re-frame the Josh Hader trade? Are we underrating Ruiz as a prospect?

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

With the Winter Meetings upon us, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe check in with the Milwaukee Brewers, looking specifically at the moves they've already made. Are they just cutting salary? What's the evaluation on the Kolten Wong/Jesse Winker exchange and the decisions to part with Hunter Renfroe and Brent Suter? Who should the Brewers be specifically targeting in the days ahead? Do we believe that Milwaukee will hold onto their top two pitching stars?

Music intro: https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music. 

Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at the Brewers offseason, including a couple moves already made (Kolten Wong is coming back, Brad Boxberger is not) and players who'd fit the Milwaukee roster in 2023, some via free agency and some via trade. 

It's an emergency podcast! Host JR Radcliffe and Journal Sentinel reporter Curt Hogg discuss the shocking news that David Stearns was stepping down as the Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations. He'll stay with the team through 2023, leaving the keys to general manager Matt Arnold going forward. What's behind the announcement, what does it mean for the way the Brewers conduct business, and does this mean Stearns is definitely on his way to the Mets? And what do we know about Matt Arnold?