Tbadder

I don't like or dislike him. Lets see how he grows into the job. I just miss Powell so much. He was superman in a booth.

While I can't argue with what you're saying, I don't see any of the players the Brewers traded as impact players, though I admit Lawrie and possibly Odorizzi could turn into those players. And if we can get the likes of Grienke for players not named Braun, Weeks, or Fielder--then that is an excellent way to deploy the minor league system. If we can trade high 1st rounders, middle first rounders, sandwich picks for proven major league pitching I'm thinking that might be okay. But I take your point for sure.

I happen to think the rating of dead last is okay, and probably closer to the truth than say, claiming the Brewers finish in the middle of the pack. But so what? Those prospects have been turned over for proven major league pitching--probably the single hardest commodity to come by. And if we did obtain such value, then isn't it fair to say that maybe the Royals and Blue Jays did their due diligence and valued our prospects highly. If the Brewers start the cycle again this year with this draft, that comes close to replicating what they've done in the past--well then i think we'll be just fine.

Ozzie Smith--Please!

It's simple. Prince is in a contract year. he's gonna be a monster, or it'll cost him millions.

Prediction: Pujols signs for 300 million and when god finds out he secretly damns Albert to eternal suffering 35 years before he actually dies. Little does Al know that he has carte blanche to carry out any kind of evil or fun. I feel sorry for him. Seriously, is it ever going to sicken enough people? Nah.

I'm just glad both made it. Bert has deserved it forever.

Melvin says he'll play, so I suppose he'll play. He shouldn't be playing, but as long as the boss is backing you, I think Yuni will be safe. I'm hoping that Roenicke can see his ineptitude and stand up to Doug.

Based on value I hope the Brewers continue to go heavily in the direction of pitching. I'd guess you could get two nice hitting prospects for the price of one nice pitching prospect. And I really hope they don't reach for a shortstop just because it's an organizational need.

I couldn't agree more. There's also no pop off the bench. We really need Gamel to get back to raking. Because we're so thin every injury is going to be magnified. I hope Casey holds up. Of all our starters I think he's most likely to go down long term.

I think this pretty much shows that it doesn't matter what Baseball America thinks about anyone's minor league system. The only guys who matter are other teams. Maybe Kansas City saw our collection of youngsters in a much better light. I'd rather impress the other teams in the MLB than BA. On the other hand I don't necessarily disagree with them overall, but I also wouldn't be too worried as it only takes two years turn things around.

Count me as one of those who thinks we must do everything we can to keep him out of the line up against righties. I can't believe a replacement level player wouldn't be better.

I most definitely would have pulled this trigger, and I think the only one the Brewers will miss will be Odorizzi. I can't see Cain working out given his minor league numbers. I think this was a perfect sell high move on Lorenzo. Now, all they've got to do is figure out how to beat the Phillies who should be better in every single aspect (starting rotation, defense, offense) than the Crew. Great move--truly a great move.

I just want Cappy to get another 3 or 4 years somewhere in the majors. Hard worker. Smart guy. Had that lovely, what was it? 17 or 18 win year for us. Just hope he succeeds somewhere.

I met him once as well, if only briefly. He had a warm, friendly handshake and an inviting demeanor. My condolences to his friends and loved ones.

In all fairness to him we've got to reserve judgement. I do believe it's important for the Brewers to run more because they've got the guys to do it. A good manager will utilize what he's got, and several Brewers need to be running. I think the Brewers will steal more runs than they lose based on the talent we have, but in the end I don't think it will matter all that much. What I do believe is that he will be an excellent communicator, which is what a team that skews young really needs. I think this will help the clubhouse immensely. I don't know if that will translate into more wins. I also believe that his apprenticeship couldn't have been under a better guy. I hope some of that translates to his managerial style. Overall, this is the kind of hopeful choice I'm glad management made. I would have really been upset with Melvin.

I think I win the prize for worst prediction of the year. My claim that "RF is a blackhole" probably couldn't have turned out worse. I'll have one extra beer tonight for bit of stupidity.

I agree. There's no reason to beat up the scouting staff, though some might question picking a player who had 1 good year and 2 bad years, but still he seemed like a stud and baseball's real risky when it comes to drafting. On the other hand I don't think there's any reason not to call him a mistake or a bust. These things happen for whatever reason, injury, poor mental approach whatever--it's part and particle of young pitchers. I also think it's legitimate to say that Arnett has less of a chance to make the majors than a year ago. Now, it's also legit to say that he's still got a chance, but not to admit he has less of a chance seems naive to me. Poo happens and it's ridiculous to fingerpoint; it's the nature of the beast.

That's a pretty good start, though I'd rather he had 10Ks and 1 BB instead. Our own "little Lincecum" has a chance methinks.

I liked the Bill James analysis over the Honus Wagner/Babe Ruth question as to who is the greatest player of all time. In his first analysis Honus edges him out, but unsatisfied by the result he went a little deeper and Ruth emerged. I thought his case was compelling though I read the longish articles years ago and can't remember the salient reason for Ruth's final victory. I also wonder if the best player at each position makes the best team or is there another way to look at it? Would the best all team team be a set of skills when combined would make up the best team? For instance, I think Ted Williams is the best pure hitter all-time, but would I be better off with Ricky Hendersen in left and leading off considering I'd still have Ruth DHing (no way he's in the right with a -118 UZR the fat slob) and batting 4th? Would Collins or Morgan be better than Hornsby at second because they were superior all-around players and better able to take pitches (I'd put one of them in the 2 hole)? If we don't do this then do we just declare the top player at each position based solely on adjusted OPS+ like the list above, which raises the question why not just take the top players and fit them at a position with Hornsby the shortstop and Bonds at second, Brouthers behind the plate, Pujols at 3rd, etc. Anywho... my all time winningest team playing 162 games (not all-time best team): LF Ricky Hendersen CF Tris Speaker RF Roberto Clemente 3B Mike Schmidt SS Honus Wagner 2B Eddie Collins 1B Albert Pujols C Josh Gibson DH Babe Ruth PH Mickey Mantle Pine Riders: Johnny Bench, Ted Williams, Oscar Charleston, Ozzie Smith, Ted Ratcliffe SP Walter Johnson SP Steve Carlton SP Lefty Grove SP Cy Young SP Grover Cleveland Alexander RP Dennis Eckersley RP Hoyt Wilhelm RP Rollie Fingers RP Satchel Paige RP Mariano Rivera This gives me twelve pitchers if you include Radcliffe and Ruth. Eck and Paige are my long relievers. I hear Hoyt is still pitching everyday in the Northern Industrial League. I think it would be hard to beat this team over the course of a 162 game schedule. It's flexible, powerful, dominant on the bases and defensively superior. I left off the steroids guys though the deepest well of my heart says that Gehrig replaces Pujols when the complete truth is known someday. I feel weird mostly leaving Ty Cobb off the team. He'd be better than Henderson, but strictly speaking it's leftfield versus centerfield and I'm trying to limit myself by position to make the task a little harder. I want Speaker in all cases as I believe he is the greatest defensive player ever, but that's mostly based on ancedotal (sic) evidence.

It does make me wonder if the Crew are going to jettison Gomez. I think it's okay to assume Cain makes the club next year. With Dickerson on board there's no need for Gomez. That's a double bonus I'd say--obtaining Dickerson and getting rid of Alex Sanchez...I mean Gomez.

He's younger, cheap, and he appears flexible--nuff said. Good minor acquistition. Oh yeah, and Sveum will have him drop his ala Hart and hit 10 to 15 homers by the end of the season. Now Hoffman and Counsell for similar return.

I'd agree. Time for Bush to move on. I can't imagine a turn around. That there were no takers is not surprising and probably indicative of his real value.

This year's been fine with me. I think they're better than I thought given the starting rotation, and still believe they'll figure out a way to get to .500. They are an entertaining club, fun to watch, with a bunch of interesting players (Loe, Braddock, Axford, Cain maybe, Hart's revival, Week's career year, Casey solidifying his value, Lucroy). All in all satisfying stuff.

Hart, Casey, Parra, Rivas, Loe, Arnett. I can't see them turning this down. Only Hart and Loe hurt us, Zach replaces Parra, Gamel replaces Casey, maybe they can turn a pig's ear into a silk purse, which would be great.