Fansided

5 moves the Milwaukee Brewers could make to say on top

By Joshua Sadlock

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles stands outside the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on May 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 06: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles stands outside the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on May 6, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Baltimore Orioles 2-1. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 09: Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins takes an at bat against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the game on June 9, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Angels defeated the Twins 2-1. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 09: Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins takes an at bat against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the game on June 9, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Angels defeated the Twins 2-1. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

4. Find a veteran bat

The addition of Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich has served to solve many of the problems that pulled the Brewers down in the second half last year. The two outfielders have provided a more stable approach at the plate without as much swing-and-miss. Yelich and Cain aren’t necessarily 30-homer threats, but they are well-rounded hitters who don’t strike out a lot and take plenty of walks. Milwaukee was 10th in OPS last year despite leading the NL in home runs.

The Brewers lead the league in home runs again this year, but are now 5th in the NL in OPS. That’s a testament to the veteran presence that has helped calm down the young guns. The trade deadline is an ideal time to go out and find another established hitter to provide some additional power off the bench in a pinch or a quality at-bat a few times a week as part of a platoon.

Milwaukee has had some success with this type of player recently. Neil Walker came over last season and gave them a 120 OPS+ in nearly 150 plate appearances. There is a similar second baseman who could potentially be on the move this year in Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.

Dozier is a free agent at the end of the year, and the Twins have his potential replacement knocking on the door of the big leagues in Nick Gordon. Minnesota has disappointed this season and should be open to moving a few of their expiring contracts at the deadline.

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