Utility option for 09

[JohnBriggs12]

Alfredo Amezaga is one of the most useful utility guys around. He's a switch hitter, can play any infield position and plays a decent CF. I would love to see the Brewers acquire him to take Counsell roster spot and add outfield depth.

[dadofandrew]

I see them exercising Craig's option. Alfredo doesn't do much except play lots of positions at a below average clip. If memory serves, his OBP barely cracks .300 much of the time.

[And That]

Counsell's OBP the previous three years: .355, .323., .327

Amezaga's OBP the previous three years: .312, .324, .332

 

Counsell's OPS+ the previous three years: 75, 65, 70

Amezaga's OPS+ the previous three years: 80, 79, 76

 

There's pretty close offensively and Amezaga is much younger and more versatile defensively. Plus he's a switch hitter.

 

But since Counsell doesn't cost anything to pick up but signing his option, I bet they'll just stay with him.

[DHonks]

another option is that if they land a 3b (or Lamb), Hall can be the backup. I like Counsell, so I could see him signing with the Crew even if the option is declined.

[piccione88]

I would like to see the brewers go with Heether next year in counsell's spot. Heether has played very well the last couple of years in the minors, posting a 829 OPS this year in nashville, and an 817 OPS in 07, he has also had an OBP over 370 the last two years. Having Heether replace counsell would save the brewers about 2.5 million dollars.

[dadofandrew]

I very much doubt Heether can play a major league quality SS. He may get a chance if an injury occurs, but the odds of the Crew clearing a spot for a AAA utility IF seems rather remote.

[twobrewers]

I very much doubt Heether can play a major league quality SS. He may get a chance if an injury occurs, but the odds of the Crew clearing a spot for a AAA utility IF seems rather remote.

I guess that depends on how the Brewers feel about Escobar as well. In case of a long-term injury, Escobar would likely be the back-up SS.

 

This year we needed Counsell as we had no SS even remotely MLB ready in the system. If Escobar is ready, you are really using Heether as a back-up 3B and 2B.

[endaround]

If the Brewers don't feel like paying Hall $3 m to play somewhere else next year, he's the utility guy. Bringing back Counsell at his salary and paying Hall just doesn't work. If Counsell would resign at about $1m you might see him back.