DENVER -- The Brewers are rounding third and heading for home, ready to scatter on Sunday night, after their season finale at Coors Field. But while players take an offseason hiatus, we'll still be here, covering the news and rumors throughout the Hot Stove season.
That means it's time to check the Inbox, beginning with the question that figures to dominate the Brewers' offseason:

Ask yourself this question, Eugene: Will Ryan Braun's value ever be higher? He will be 33 years old in November. He is three games away from navigating a full, healthy season following back surgery, and he's now two full years removed from his right thumb issue. He hit 30 home runs, even though the Brewers traded away essentially all of the established hitters around him, and he's 10th in the National League with a weighted runs created plus of 134.
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Braun has four years left on his contract at between $16 million and $19 million per year, which arguably makes him a bargain. He drew serious interest from the Braves, Dodgers and other teams at the Trade Deadline, so there is clearly a market out there. Meanwhile, Brewers general manager David Stearns has been aggressive in trading established assets for prospects. There's no halfway in this rebuild.
And here's one more factor: Next April, Braun will secure the coveted status that comes with accruing 10 years of Major League service, including five with the same team, earning veto power over any trade. Until then, the Brewers can trade Braun to the Angels, D-backs, Dodgers, Giants, Marlins or Padres without his approval.
Add it all up, the percentages favor Braun wearing a different uniform by Opening Day.

It's possible, if the Brewers keep Braun and their notable arbitration-eligible players. That's a long list this offseason: Chase Anderson, Chris Carter, Scooter Gennett, Martín Maldonado, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Wily Peralta, Tyler Thornburg and Carlos Torres. Anderson and Thornburg are among the first-time eligibles, and they will both see their salary rise significantly. Ditto Gennett, if the Brewers keep him. Carter will cost a lot more after playing for a bargain $3 million this season, including his incentives. The only free agents are Blaine Boyer and Chris Capuano, so there are not any big salaries coming off the books.
So, yes, the payroll could rise modestly -- if Braun stays.

I would bet against that, given Keon Broxton's second-half surge after he dropped his hands and started hitting, and the fact Lewis Brinson has played all of 31 games above the Double-A level. Brinson will be added to the 40-man roster in November, however, so his option clock will start.

I don't think they'll trade Jonathan Villar, as some have suggested, while his value is so high. So here's how I would rank their top trade chips:
1. Braun
2. Thornburg
3. Junior Guerra
4. Gennett
5. Anderson
Am I missing anyone? I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

I would suspect yes; incoming calls and outgoing. Stearns and manager Craig Counsell love versatility, and Gennett doesn't have it. There's also the matter of finding a spot for Villar, who is way more comfortable at second base than at third. After setting a career high with 14 home runs and increasing his on-base percentage, there should be a market for a left-handed bat like Gennett's.

In no particular order after No. 1:
1. Hydrate
2. Cherry Cricket
3. Watch the Badgers at Swanky's
4. Hike the Flatirons
5. Sit in the Mile High seats
Enjoy.