Some snippets of Attanasio interview last night
It sounds like Attanasio and the Brewers explored keeping shortstop Willy Adames in Milwaukee long-term but extension discussion seem to have reached what was the most likely outcome all along: that Adames’ performance had put him on a trajectory to hit the open market after this season.
“He’s the best,” Attanasio said. “Yes, there were conversations. Willy’s performance got to a point where it would be – we’ll see what happens after the season – but he’s going to command quite a significant package as a free agent. The best thing I can say about that is we had plenty of offers for Willy Adames this off-season. If you put (them) into an analytic model there may have been some merit to build for the future.
“But you just can’t put a price on his leadership, his posting every day. Willy Adames does not want to miss a game. So guess what, now Wiliam Contreras doesn’t want to miss a game. We’ve developed a culture and Willy’s a key.”
General manager Matt Arnold, who was also present, was then asked if that meant Adames will be off the table come the trade deadline in two months.
“From my perspective you can never close the door on anything, but he is the heartbeat of our team in a lot of ways,” Arnold said. “Always want to stay open minded but also recognize the value that he brings to us everyday.”
“Everyday,” Attanasio echoed.
Attanasio made it clear he does not see any merit to sending Jackson Chourio, who’s batting .210 with a .582 OPS, to Class AAA Nashville at the current rate.
“Player development is critical for this organization,” he said. “I’ve told Matt and I’ve told Murphy – and everybody knows how desperately I want to win – that if they feel they need to develop players, we’re going to do that and make sacrifice for a win here or there. Watching as more of a fan, I don’t see where (Chourio) is going to learn anything at AAA at this point.
“And so if you look for development signs, he let a ball drop (earlier this week) but he also made a sliding catch and kept the game in check shortly thereafter. I’m completely good with being patient with Jackson and, frankly, anyone else Matt wants to. Last year, Brice Turang did a lot of learning at the big league level and look at where he is now.”
I'm against picketing but I don't know how to show it.
