Five Things I Know I Think

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the November edition of ‘Five Things I Know I Think’.

Last month I discussed the improvement the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen made in 2013 and how I think Mat Gamel will succeed in Chicago. But enough about the past.

Let’s see what I know I think about the Brewers.

1. I think that if Doug Melvin acquires New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis, he should be examined by the nation’s top doctors. I’m sorry, but I don’t want a guy who was demoted to the minors starting for my favorite team. You can make the argument that he is a buy-low candidate but, in reality, the Brewers will be forced to give up something valuable in return. Davis is the exact same player as Juan Francisco with the exception of being a little better defensively. Why overpay for Davis, who hit .205 (I’m serious) in 2013, when Francisco will cost almost nothing? No thank you.

2. I think that if the Brewers fail to produce a winning record in 2014, Ron Roenicke will be shown the door. Mark Attanasio isn’t the type of owner who turns the other cheek when his team is losing – he takes action, such as his firing of Ned Yost two weeks before the end of the season, despite the team being headed to the playoffs. Roenicke doesn’t have much talent to work with but everyone needs a scapegoat and the ax could fall on him.

3. I think that former Brewers third baseman Casey McGehee will make a triumphant return to the MLB in 2014. After hitting .289 with 27 home runs and 90 RBI in Japan, the 30-year-old is looking for another opportunity in the majors. While I think he makes an opening day roster, I don’t believe it will be in Milwaukee. McGehee would do well as a designated hitter but I don’t see him as an everyday type of player any more. I’m sure he’ll just be happy playing baseball in the states again.

4. I think that this will be the most boring offseason in Milwaukee Brewers history. At most, the Brewers will sign a reliever and maybe participate in more waiver claims but, other than that, it will be a silent winter. The Brewers don’t have money to spend and besides first base, no glaring position to fill. The most exciting signing might be that of Elian Herrera, who Milwaukee claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. So, Brewers fans, you might as well make like a bear and hibernate until spring.

5. I think Rickie Weeks will have a productive season in 2014, even if it’s not with the Brewers. I know, I talk him up every year but this time it makes sense. If Weeks remains in Milwaukee this year, he will most likely share playing time with Scooter Gennett. Weeks will get the at-bats against left-handed pitchers, and with these favorable match-ups,  there’s no reason Weeks won’t succeed next year.