MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates

Mets Connections: Milwaukee Brewers

The following is the fifth edition of what is part of each of the series previews here at BP Mets. “Mets Connections” takes a look at the opposing teams’ rosters and highlights some of the noteworthy or interesting links that can be drawn between those players and the Mets organization. Some of these links may be obvious, such as if an opposing player has formerly played for New York, but some may be lesser known tidbits, such as if a player was previously drafted by the Mets. The fifth version of this series analyzes the Brewers’ roster as they open up a three-game set in Milwaukee tonight.
The Brewers have one former Met on their active roster coming into the series, as well as three players who have been traded for a current or former Met. The following is a list of some the Brewers’ most significant Mets connections:
Ryan Braun and Matt Garza: The top of the 2005 draft was largely considered by evaluators as one of the greatest of all time. Three players in this series were selected in the first round that year: Jay Bruce (12, Reds), Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun (5, Brewers), and Brewers starter Matt Garza (25, Twins).
Carlos Torres: The right-hander threw for the Mets from 2013-2015 and was the definition of average with an ERA+ of 100.
Manny Piña: Piña was sent from Detroit to Milwaukee in the 2015-2016 offseason as part of a package to land Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod spent parts of three seasons with New York, racking up 83 saves.
Eric Thames: Before he started hitting bombs for the Brew Crew, Thames was once traded for Ty Kelly, who was designated for assignment by New York earlier this year.
Hometown Connections: Three players, Jeurys Familia, Brewers hurler Jhan Mariñez, and outfielder Domingo Santana were all born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire – USA Today Sports

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