Milwaukee Brewers Latest Trade Rumors

The Texas Rangers could use another quality starting pitcher. They could also use another solid option in the outfield. The Milwaukee Brewers could be the solution to both equations.

Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com tweeted early Thursday that the Rangers have expressed interest in outfielder Norichika Aoki during discussions with the Brewers about right-hander Yovani Gallardo. Perhaps they can get both?

It's not going to be cheap, but the Rangers have a lot of young talent, particularly on the mound and in terms of middle infielders down on the farm. Top prospect Jurickson Profar isn't likely to be part of such talks, at least one would presume.

Other arms that the Rangers have been linked to by common sense include Cubs righty Matt Garza.

Courtesy of Jason A. Churchill and EPSN 

Does Bryce Harper Deserve to be an All-Star?

Bryce Harper has become one of the most likable players in baseball, but that does not mean he is a star just yet.  Last season he was selected to the All-Star Game as an injury replacement, and this season he will be making another appearance, but this time it is as a starter.

This was a huge surprise, since Harper has missed 31 games due to injury, and when healthy, has struggled to produce at the plate.  In his limited amounts of at-bats (178), he is only hitting .281 with 13 home runs and 29 RBIs.

Bryce Harper is going to be one of the biggest stars in the game, and a fixture in the All-Star Game for years, but right now is not his time.  With Carlos Gomez and Michael Cuddyer both having career years and producing at an incredibly high level, Harper does not deserve to be starting in the All-Star Game.

Should Bryce Harper be starting in the All-Star Game? Leave your thoughts below.  

Carlos Gomez's Amazing Game Saving Grab

The Defensive Play of the Year?!

Who Will the Brewers Deal at the Deadline?

With the MLB Non-waiver Trade Deadline less than a month away, the Milwaukee Brewers expect to be one of the most active teams, trading away multiple veteran players in order to rebuild their weak farm system.  While everyone, with the exception of Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez, will be available, it is unrealistic to expect the Brewers to be able to completely clean house.  Here is who the Brewers will deal by July 31st:

Yovani Gallardo, RHP

Even though Yovani Gallardo is having the worst season of his big league career, he is young, experienced, and has two-years remaining at an affordable total of $24.5 million on his deal.  Not only are all three of things a plus, but Gallardo has playoff experience and success throughout his career making him even more of an attractive option for teams looking to add a frontline starter at the deadline.  It is not a question if Yovani Gallardo will be traded, but when will he be traded.  The Diamondbacks appear to be the favorite to land the righty, but do not be surprised if the Dodgers and Rangers make a strong push for him as well.

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP

Francisco Rodriguez has had an excellent season so far for the Brewers as their closer and set-up man, making him a likely trade piece.  Many teams are looking for bullpen help, and K-Rod would be a great option for any team in contention, due to the fact that he has experience and success pitching late in ball games.  While many teams will be vying for his services, the Brewers should not expect to receive an overwhelming offer for him because he will only be a two-month rental.  The Brewers will trade K-Rod by the deadline, and the Diamondbacks, Tigers, and Red Sox are the three favorites to acquire the experienced veteran.

Kyle Lohse, RHP

Although Kyle Lohse only has a record of 4-6, his ERA (3.46) and WHIP (1.16) still suggests that he could be a solid pitcher on a team looking to make a late season playoff run.  The Brewers signed Kyle Lohse days before Opening Day, surrendering a first-round pick, in hopes of making another playoff appearance, but the Brewers have struggled as a whole, making it time to recoup their losses.  It will not be easy to trade the 34-year old pitcher with two-years and $22 million remaining on his contract, but multiple teams (Dodgers, Giants, Rangers) are in search of a quality pitcher, who has playoff experience, making Lohse a player who will be dealt by the Brewers before the deadline.

The Brewers will be one of the most active teams around the deadline, with numerous teams interested in their players, but only three of them will be traded - Gallardo, Rodriguez, and Lohse.  

The Pittsburgh Pirates are Here to Stay

Do you believe in miracles?  For the first time in 20 seasons, it appears the Pittsburgh Pirates will finally have a winning season, while securing a playoff berth.  While luck has been on the Pirates side, their excellent play has to be largely credited to their outstanding pitching staff.

The Buccos' pitching staff does not feature any big name hurlers, but it is filled with veterans and youngsters who have done their job well and up to expectations, giving them the number one ranked pitching staff in all of baseball.  The Pirates' pitching staff ranks third in WHIP (1.19), and first in ERA (3.11), batting average allowed (.225), and saves (32).

While pitching has been a key to the Pirates' success, the offense has only done enough to get by.  Even though the Pirates have had a below average offense so far, it is nothing to panic about since Andrew McCutchen has yet to get on a hot streak, and the Pirates will most likely acquire another bat at the deadline, like they have in recent years.

Pitching wins championships, and the Buccos have the pitching to remain atop the National League Central for the remainder of the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates are no fluke, and they will finally finish with a record above .500, while making the playoffs.

Milwaukee Bucks: Time to Rebuild Not Reload!

The Milwaukee Bucks have been mediocre for the last 12 seasons, and it is time to rebuild and look towards the future.  Instead of finishing with a near .500 record and possibly making the playoffs as an eighth seed for a second consecutive season, it is time to restart and build a team that can compete at a high level for multiple seasons.

The Bucks are built around their young frontcourt of Larry Sanders, Ersan Ilyasova and John Henson, along with recent draft picks, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nate Wolters.  Rather than overpaying for veterans, the Bucks need to see what they have in these young players by giving them opportunities to play and develop.

The Bucks are years away from competing with Miami, Chicago, and Indiana in the Eastern Conference, so now is the time to rebuild for the future.  The 2013-2014 season will not be an exciting time for Bucks' fans, but if it means getting a high lottery pick in the deep 2014 NBA Draft, and allowing their youngsters to develop, it will be worth it in the end.