What we learned: May 9, 2014

Today's lessons include international signings, expectations for the Brewers, and more.

Yesterday's Results

The Brewers had the day off.

The Brewers are expected to exceed their international signing bonus pool.

Back in February, the Brewers were rumored to sign international free agent Yirver Gilbert Lara.  It was months before the international signing period began, so the announcement came as a bit of a surprise.  However, the bigger surprise was the amount: $3.2 million.  This is $600,000 above the expected pool available for the Brewers.  Yesterday, Noah noted that the Brewers are one of four teams expected to exceed their allotted amount.  It's a bold move by the Brewers if they pull the trigger on this, but one that could really help their system out.  Of course, it could be six or seven years before we know if the move pays off for them.

Expectations are taking a hit after a few series losses.

Have your expectations changed after the Reds and Diamondbacks games?  It's hard to not be a little discouraged after those series, but it's only 7 games out of 162.  Derek posted a poll yesterday to gauge where the expectations are at this point in the season.  The majority of people so far have not reduced their expectations, which is a good sign.  Hopefully the Brewers will turn things around and expectations will go back up.

Cram Session

• As CC Sabathia returns to Miller Park as a member of the Yankees, Tom Haudricourt looks back to the time that Sabathia was part of the Brewers.
• The Brewers offense needs a boost, and it will hopefully get it with Ryan Braun's return.  Curt Hogg of Disciples of Uecker focuses on a few players that have underperformed since his injury.
• While Scooter Gennett has done well as a starter, Rickie Weeks has put together some good numbers in recent weeks.  Vince Morales of Miller Park Drunk asks if the Brewers should find a way to get Weeks into the lineup.
• Jimmy Nelson has been performing well in Nashville and is ready to take his shot in the majors. Benjamin Orr of Reviewing the Brew asks when the Brewers will bring Jimmy Nelson up to the Brewers.
• During the off day, the Brewers inducted Joe Torre into the Milwaukee Braves Hall of Fame. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com profiled Joe Torre's career on the day of his induction.
• In power rankings, Yahoo Sports dropped the Brewers one spot to #2.
• On NotGraphs, Mississippi Matt Smith lists the top ten Kevin Costner baseball movies, including one Brewers-themed movie.
• On Wednesday, MLB had many baseball podcasts removed from iTunes. Wendy Thurm of FanGraphs looks at the situation and how MLB is hurting itself by having these podcasts removed.

Minor League Update

Check out morineko's daily minor league update for a more in-depth look at yesterday's minor league results.

Division Update

• Cubs 12, White Sox 5
• Cardinals, Reds, and Pirates all had the day off.

This Weekend's Games

• Cardinals @ Pirates
  Friday: Michael Wacha vs. Francisco Liriano - 6:05 pm
  Saturday: Lance Lynn vs. Edinson Volquez - 6:05 pm
  Sunday: Shelby Miller vs. Charlie Morton - 7:05 pm
• Rockies @ Reds
  Friday: Jhoulys Chacin vs. Johnny Cueto - 6:10 pm
  Saturday: Jordan Lyles vs. Alfredo Simon - 6:10 pm
  Sunday: TBD vs. Homer Bailey - 12:10 pm
• Cubs @ Braves
  Friday: Jason Hammel vs. Julio Teheran - 6:35 pm
  Saturday: Jeff Samardzija vs. Ervin Santana - 6:10 pm
  Sunday: Edwin Jackson vs. Alex Wood - 12:35 pm

This Weekend's Action

The Brewers start a three-game series against the New York Yankees tonight.  Yesterday, Jordan provided a preview for the upcoming series.  Here are the matchups for the series:

Friday: Masahiro Tanaka vs. Yovani Gallardo - 7:10 pm
Saturday: CC Sabathia vs. Kyle Lohse - 6:10 pm
Sunday: TBD vs. Matt Garza - 1:10 pm

(Also, remember to predict for Prognostikeggers.)