They just felt Stephen Vogt was too tempting to turn down.

With that in mind, the Brewers claimed Vogt on waivers from the Oakland A's on Sunday and optioned Bandy to Class AAA Colorado Springs to regroup.

 

 

 

Vogt, 32, was designated for assignment by the A's in the midst of a poor season, offensively and defensively. But he was an American League all-star the previous two seasons and the Brewers' brain trust thought he would be a good fit on the club and provide veteran catching depth.

"It's a combination of everything that Stephen can bring to the ballclub," general manager David Stearns said. "We think the left-handed bat can help our lineup. He has a lot of experience and has put together some good season. Those factors and the low acquisition cost made it a worthwhile transaction for us."

Vogt has a $2.965 million salary this season and cannot be a free agent until 2020, giving the Brewers two more seasons of control if they so desire. He is known for being a strong clubhouse presence and leader, which also factored into the move.

"He's one of the favorite teammates I've had," said Brewers infielder Eric Sogard, who played with Vogt in Oakland. "He works hard, comes to battle every day. A great teammate and all-around person. They're clearing house there and going young, so it's their loss and our gain."

Vogt was an AL all-star in 2015 and 2016 but his productivity waned considerably this season, both with the bat and behind the plate. He was batting .217 with a .287 OBP, four home runs and 20 RBI when the A's designated him for assignment three days ago.

In 2015, he batted .261 with 18 homers and 71 RBI. The following season, he hit .251 with 14 homers and 56 RBI.

"Not that long ago, he had some solid success in the major leagues," manager Craig Counsell said. "He hits left-handed, which is something we can use. The opportunity to add to our depth was a big part of this."

"We think a fresh opportunity, a fresh start, and certainly a more favorable hitting environment for a left-handed hitter in Miller Park will do him some good," added Stearns. "So, we'll see how it goes. The reputation is he is a fantastic guy, which has been corroborated by a number of people."

Bandy had a very strong April (.327 batting average, 1.010 OPS) but then fell into a deep slump. He had only two hits in his last 43 at-bats, dropping his average to .211. He also struggled to throw out runners on steal attempts, nabbing only six of 38 (15.8%). 

"When you're not playing well, you get sent down," Bandy said. "That's what happens. It's that simple. I've just got to play better."

Despite that fall-off, Counsell said it was tough to give Bandy the news that he was going down.

"He's been a big part of creating our culture here," Counsell said. "He has been an important player in that regard. And in the first month of the season, along with Manny (Piña), they were incredible offensively.

"The bottom line is we think Stephen can be a good addition for us."

Tom Haudricourt | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel