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NL Central Notes: Shildt, Brewers, Morel, Keller, Cruz

By Mark Polishuk | November 12, 2023 at 10:36pm CDT

Mike Shildt is considered one of the favorites to be the Padres’ next manager, but USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that if San Diego doesn’t make the hire, the Brewers would have interest in Shildt for their own managerial vacancy. Shildt and bench coach Ryan Flaherty are thought to be the two top candidates in San Diego, though there is a bit of fluidity to the situation.  Shildt, Flaherty, and Angels infield coach Benji Gil were thought to be the final three (Carlos Mendoza was also a finalist before he was hired by the Mets) candidates, but the Padres have since interviewed Phil Nevin and also reportedly have some interest in ex-Cubs skipper David Ross.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi writes that “Padres are expected to” make their decision on a new manager by the middle of the week, so the Brewers should know soon about Shildt’s availability.  The Brew Crew didn’t want to fully explore other candidates until Craig Counsell had made his decision, but after Counsell shocked the baseball world by supplanting Ross as the Cubs’ dugout boss, the Brewers now have a preliminary candidate list that included six names.  Joe Espada was on the list but has now been hired by the Astros as their new manager, so Shildt’s inclusion might keep the field at six for now.  Milwaukee has plenty of intra-division familiarity with Shildt, as he managed the Cardinals from 2018-21 before joining the Padres in an advisory role.

Some other items from around the NL Central…

  • Christopher Morel has drawn a lot of buzz as a trade candidate this winter, but The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma have some doubts that the Cubs would move Morel for a player who is only under control for the 2024 season.  Morel is controlled through the 2028 season, so Chicago is likelier to explore trades that would see another longer-term asset come back to Wrigleyville, in the event that Morel is moved at all.  The 24-year-old has shown lots of power potential and the athleticism to play multiple positions, though it remains to be seen if Morel is a real defensive plus anywhere on the diamond.  The presence of Nico Hoerner at second base perhaps blocks Morel at an ideal position, though Morel is preparing to add first base to his repertoire and might be an option at the cold corner if the Cubs don’t add a more established first baseman.
  • The Pirates were known to have had some talks with Mitch Keller about a contract extension last May, and while no deal was hammered out, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that “talks gained traction during the middle of last season, though the up-and-down nature of performance mixed with business led both sides to press pause until the fall or winter.”  Keller had an overall solid 2023 season, but ran into a midseason slump with a 6.28 ERA over five starts in July.  The Bucs also received some trade interest in Keller leading up to the deadline, and while it didn’t seem like a deal was ever likely to happen, it makes sense that the Pirates didn’t want to lock themselves into an extension with Keller just in case another club came along with a blow-away offer.  Speaking with Mackey and other reporters at the GM Meetings, Bucs general manager Ben Cherington called Keller “one of the guys who checks a lot of boxes” and “a guy we would love to see in a Pirates uniform for a long time,” but unsurprisingly didn’t give any information on the status of any ongoing extension negotiations.
  • Cherington did give an update on Oneil Cruz, who might play some winter ball in the Dominican Republic as a way of continuing his recovery from ankle surgery.  Cruz played in only nine games last season due to the April surgery, as continued soreness in his left leg prevented him from returning to action in September.  The good news is that Cruz has been participating in full baseball activities at the Pirates’ training camp, and he’ll be at least getting in some game action at the Pirates’ academy in the Dominican Republic, even if the winter ball assignment doesn’t happen.  Cherington still expects Cruz to be ready to go for Spring Training.
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Chicago Cubs Milwaukee Brewers Notes Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres Christopher Morel Mike Shildt Mitch Keller Oneil Cruz

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Post a Comment

45 Comments

  1. playhard9

    1 year ago

    Why do the Padres keep jerking Mike Shildt around? His track record says he deserves a shot at managing again. Hope he leaves and goes to the Brewers.

    24
    Reply
    • RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame

      1 year ago

      Completely agree. -Padres fan

      5
      Reply
    • CrikesAlready

      1 year ago

      +1

      1
      Reply
    • brodie-bruce

      1 year ago

      Mike shouldn’t of been fired in the first place, oh well least we won with out him right… wait I’m thinking of another team because we replaced him with a yes man and had 2 seasons of “awesomely great” baseball to watch. Maybe I’ll get my wish next year and all of management will get fired and we can get someone competent to run the show

      Reply
      • Deadguy

        1 year ago

        I’m not sure if your talking about the Padres, Cardinals, or Mets…. when you say “we”

        1
        Reply
        • brodie-bruce

          1 year ago

          was talking about how “great” the birds have been under the helm of mo’s yes man

          Reply
    • LosPobres1904

      1 year ago

      Because that’s what AJ does he enjoys foreplay

      Reply
      • thefaithfulfriar

        1 year ago

        I hope I don’t get stuck behind him at an ice cream shop. There’s just so many flavors

        1
        Reply
    • Deleted Userr

      1 year ago

      He’s not going to stay in SD if they don’t offer him the manager gig but someone else does. And tbh if I’m Shildt I’m telling the Padres if I don’t get the manager gig I’m out regardless of whether someone else offers him one.

      Reply
  2. RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame

    1 year ago

    Morel and a AA or higher prospect for Soto

    Reply
    • reith61

      1 year ago

      That’s hilarious.

      4
      Reply
    • stymeedone

      1 year ago

      If, during his time in the minors, Morel didn’t find a position he could play well, its just not happening. The Majors only offer those same positions to choose from.

      1
      Reply
      • fivepoundbass

        1 year ago

        @styme He’s decent enough that 2B. He could be moved to 1B if they don’t have a better option. I doubt they tried him much at 1B in the minors

        Reply
    • El Niño

      1 year ago

      Maybe if that prospect is Cade Horton.

      Reply
    • Bill nd

      1 year ago

      Only a Cub fan would think that trade is workable.

      2
      Reply
    • drasco036

      1 year ago

      The Padres, I believe, have an unrealistic return in mind for Soto but it would definitely be higher than Morel and AA prospect.
      However, given the Padres current state, they should be looking at a return that would net them someone like Morel and Assad, then a prospect.
      Padres do not have the money to add this off-season and they shown they don’t have the arms in the farm to field even a respectable rotation, let alone one capable of winning a division.

      2
      Reply
    • mike127

      1 year ago

      The Cubs should not be trading anybody for Soto (or Alonso) unless they have an iron clad extension in place. Way too much a risk to trade prospects for either if it’s a one year flyer.

      1
      Reply
      • Dogbone

        1 year ago

        Agreed Mike. Last thing I want to see, is the Cubs trading any more of their young SPs. IMO we already gave up too much when Herz was traded for less than 2 months of Candelario.
        Plus an argument can be made that Assad might be the second most valuable SP currently on the staff. The guy seldom disappoints.

        Reply
      • drasco036

        1 year ago

        It really depends on what the Cubs do in free agency honestly. If they were able to land themselves an ace and another bat then I’d be for risking it but not as the roster is currently constructed.

        The Cubs currently are not in the best state, they have Nico, Happ, Suzuki, and I believe Taillon all hitting the market together in three years. Having to replace that much of a line up is a disaster waiting to happen. It’s been one of my biggest complaints about the Cubs, full rebuilds/reloads are inevitable when you have so many key pieces leaving at the same time. Happ and Suzuki both have NTC as well so that makes it even more difficul

        Reply
    • Unclemike1525

      1 year ago

      Cubs have already said they’re probably not moving Morel for 1 year of anyone since Morel is controlled through 2028.
      Now that Counsell has been named some random thoughts.
      1. Counsell always has a good bullpen. Josh Hader is a FA. Does that mean Hader is now in play for the Cubs? Hmmmm
      2. What is the plan for Hottovy? My guess is if Counsell wants another PC then Tommy gets elevated to Breslow’s old job because nobody knows the Cubs P’s all through the system better than Hottovy. He’s an asset they can’t lose.
      3. Who are the casualties that Counsell doesn’t want? I would still like to know who the coaches will be. They will probably have to wait until the Brewers assemble their staff and we see who’s available. Will the Brewers stall to stymie Counsell because with all these teams looking for coaches if you wait too long you’re shopping the last day of an everything goes sale.
      4. Which Cub coaches will still be here? Some have gotten big votes of confidence like Kelly and Napoli.
      Thoughts?

      Reply
      • drasco036

        1 year ago

        Didn’t Hoyer also say how good of a job Ross did and speak about him as if he was going to be their manager in 2024? Just saying, things change.

        If I were Jed, I’d offer up Smyly and Bote in exchange for Castellanos. I don’t care about the 40 million remaining after this season, that’s a bridge I cross later.

        I’d rather shell out a massive contract for Bellinger than give up anything for Soto or Alonso. I’m with Jed, if I’m going to discuss Morel, it’s going to be for more than one year of control for anyone.

        If I cannot get the Phillies to move on Castellanos, I’d pivot to Hoskins. To me, Chapman would be an option at third but I’m not interested in bring back Candelario although I don’t really want to see the Cubs sign either.

        I don’t want to see another Taillon and definitely do not want to see another Smyly deal. Cubs either need to get an ace (stay away from Snell) or grab a bounce back candidate. Throwing 10s of million at a fourth starter for multiple years is stupid.

        Regardless of who the manager is, I don’t think the Cubs are going in that heavily on a closer and would be dumb to do so. You have to have the lead to save it and getting runs with this line up now is the biggest concern.

        Reply
        • Unclemike1525

          1 year ago

          I agree with most of that except the Chapman bit. I think Chapman will be the biggest FA bust this off season. Counsell will get whoever he wants to be his coaches. You don’t give a guy that kind of cash and then say here ya go, You’re stuck with these guys. So then Castellanos is what? DH only? I mean he’s not going to play much OF ( Thank God ). Does he play 1B? Can he play 1B? Getting rid of Smyly and Bote isn’t a big deal but I don’t think you’re even getting Castellanos for them. Rather than trade talent, Buckle in and sign Bellinger and give Hoskins the 1 year pillow deal you gave Belli. Boras has already said he’s open to that on a 1 year pillow deal with opt outs. Let Belli play 1B and CF, Hoskins play 1B and DH if you can find a position for Morel.. I don’t believe he’d be a good 1B but I’ve been wrong before. Belli, Happ, Suzuki and Hoskins could make a decent 3-4-5-6. Then Morel and Canario? Which leaves Pitching. I guess I want to see which way they go in the pen because I think Counsell will have some say there. After Yammamoto I don’t see where the Cubs go without losing picks. Is it worth it? The Rays say they’re putting a big price tag on Glasnow. But are they more interested in saving the 25 million? The Cubs could trade for him and if he’s good then they could put the QO on him. If he’s traded at the deadline then no QO so no deal. I’m curious to see what they do as I think they’re all bluster about wanting a big package for him. To save 25 million and get some equivalent of a decent draft pick like say Arias? Would they do it? IDK.

          Reply
        • drasco036

          1 year ago

          The rumor is the Phillies want to get out from Castellanos contract. Pure speculation but they’d be willing to cover 5 million a season to due so.

          Smyly and Bote is about that but all that tax hit is for next year, not spread across three seasons so basically next year, you get Castellanos for 6 million. As I said, you figure out the next two years after the fact.

          As a DH only, Castellanos is a 2.5 WAR player. Or he was last year. I think in Chicago he’d be a bit better with the shorter power alleys and the familiarity. Looking at a 30 home run/ 100 rib bat.

          Hoskins is fine, but you’re looking at a good ten million more which limits what you can do on the pen.

          Completely agree, there are not any “aces” out there to begin with (imo) other than Yamamoto.

          Reply
      • El Niño

        1 year ago

        @unclemike Morel is a 1 win player – he wouldn’t bring back much in return by himself. Cubs fans need to get real about him.

        Reply
    • Rally Goose

      1 year ago

      Bye Felicia

      Reply
  3. LetTheGoodTimesROFL

    1 year ago

    Well at least he knows how to lay off the pitch high and inside.

    Reply
  4. 99socalfrc

    1 year ago

    The Padres are for sure giving the job to Schildt or Flaherty. Then spending 2024 convincing the players to have faith in the manager, even though the front office doesn’t.

    2
    Reply
  5. mlb1225

    1 year ago

    Keller in the second half was very hit or miss. When he was good, he was really good. But when he was bad, it was ugly. Seven starts going 6+ innings and allowing 2 or fewer ER, five more with 6+ ER allowed. I still think he’s perfectly suited to be a #2 caliber starter, just needs to find more consistency. Get back to his 2022-first half of 2023 self.

    Reply
    • Rob Schumann

      1 year ago

      Reminds me of another guy who was in a Pirates uniform not too long ago. What was his name Sharret Shole? Pretty sure thats what it was. I wonder what ever happened to him?

      Reply
      • mlb1225

        1 year ago

        Cole wasn’t inconsistent with the Pirates. He had three good years in 2013-2015 where he was pretty consistent, then was just kinda meh the two years after that, but never really had any good stretches in either two years.

        Reply
        • Scott Kliesen

          1 year ago

          Hurdle and Uncle Ray screwed the Pirates good with that “pitch to contact” crap. When you got a thoroughbred, you let him run, not plow the field.

          3
          Reply
        • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

          1 year ago

          Lol nice metaphor from animal husbandry.

          2
          Reply
        • TheMan 3

          1 year ago

          My understanding Searage told Cole not to use his slider, instead primarily focus on just his fastball
          Cole’s slider is now his best pitch

          1
          Reply
        • Scott Kliesen

          1 year ago

          Heavy use of 2-seam fastball in attempt to induce ground balls. LH hitters figured it out and started hitting homers off him.

          Reply
    • ohyeadam

      1 year ago

      What would the Pirates want in return for Keller in a trade? He’s got two years of arb left. Are they looking to compete by then? He’s no ace so it won’t be anything crazy. Top 100 prospect and a lottery ticket?

      Reply
  6. James Midway

    1 year ago

    Preller will get around to hiring a manger. Does March work for everyone?

    5
    Reply
    • LosPobres1904

      1 year ago

      AJ Wonka will grant our wishes if we are good.

      Reply
  7. its_happening

    1 year ago

    Is there a coach in Winter Ball that can teach Cruz how to slide?

    2
    Reply
    • TheMan 3

      1 year ago

      And a coach that can teach all Pirates batters how to bunt

      2
      Reply
    • Robertowannabe1

      1 year ago

      Cruz can slide. Saw many good slides from him since he got to
      Pittsburgh. Just screwed up one slide. Everyone does screw up a slide every once in a while. Most never get hurt in the process.

      Reply
  8. Buzzz Killington

    1 year ago

    Cardinals are stewpuhd for firing him Shildt.

    1
    Reply
  9. joew

    1 year ago

    we forget that Cruz strikes out more and walks less than Suwinski.and Jack is a better fielder. (granted out field but it is Center) Cruz does have a higher potential though.

    Comparing Cruz’s 22 vs Suwinski’s 23
    Cruz 35% K 8% walk
    Suwinski 32% K 14% walk.

    Reply
    • Grumpofm

      1 year ago

      But Cruz hits the ball so hard and is so tall! One time Cruz lined into a double play and I swear the announcers continues to kiss his rear because of how hard he hit the ball.

      1
      Reply
      • joew

        1 year ago

        yah when he gets one it is crazy, you can hear it a mile away, one of the best sounds in the world. Jack on average EV isn’t far off. Jack’s 2023 was as good if not better than Cruz’s 2022.

        But you know Cruz’s halfish year rookie sample. VS. Jack’s fully year second season sample. Jack’s 2022 wasn’t any good so there is that.

        Reply
        • Grumpofm

          1 year ago

          I worry that Cruz will not live up to the hype. Mostly because it’ll be hard for any player to live up to that amount of hype.

          1
          Reply

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