David Stearns made his first big move of the offseason sending Milwaukee Brewers reliever Tyler Thornburg to Boston Red Sox for third and first baseman Travis Shaw and two prospects. Those two prospects are shortstop Mauricio Dubon and pitcher Josh Pennington. Once again, Brewers general manager finds a way to continue to build the farm system as well as get a corner infielder that the team desperately needed for this year.

Shaw had a strong start to the year where Barstool Sports Jarred Carrabis nicknamed him ‘The Mayor of Ding Dong City.’ Shaw trailed off though having three months of sub .220 average. He will get a fresh look at National League arms this season and gets a short porch at his home park like he did with Fenway. Although, Miller Park is more friendly to power hitters, and Darnell Coles did great work with young bats last season. He should be able to do the same with Shaw. With third base filled, Johnathan Villar is heading to second base, and it probably means the end for Scooter Gennett.

As for the prospects. Dubon is the one to be excited about. He’s another middle infielder, which Milwaukee has a plentiful options in their farm system. Dubon showed he could play a little outfield as well. At this point, it’s all about getting the best players. Then, you’re in a position like Houston where they have movable prospects for big name talent or young cornerstones for the next five years. Dubon hit .321 in Single A and Double AA with nine homers and 31 doubles. That’s a pretty strong year. Pennington is young arm which is out of the Stearns playbook. Also, he throws 99 miles an hour with his off speed in progress. He’s not as highly thought of as Dubon.

The 2017 season Brewers are starting to come together, and it looks like a fun team again. Plenty of young talent, plenty of guys who can hit the shit out of the baseball. Closer remains an open discussion. My guess is Spring Training there will be a competition and Corey Knebel will be the favorite. I’m not that fond of Knebel, but he’s only 25 with a big fastball. My guess is Milwaukee will add one or two free agents to compete as well.

It doesn’t seem like Milwaukee will make another move before Thursday, but this popped out of nowhere so who knows, a deal could come at any moment. Ryan Braun and Gennett figure to be two of the players on the block with Junior Guerra probably also thought of as a movable piece.

Buckle up Brewers fans, it’s going to be some winter.

Charlie.