Never Outhustled

But the unfortunate part is of all the guys who could make a difference - none of them will fall to us in the waivers. Our chance was in July. So don't get your hopes up on us being able to acquire someone. Papelbon has cleared waivers and Amaro has stated he'd include cash in a deal. Despite that he admits there's zero interest in him. Declining velocity and his abrasive personality are serious concerns. Despite that I'd still like more help.

Interesting question. Jason Rodgers is the one player who could possibly come up and make an impact if given the opportunity. He had been red hot in the second half, which he does every year. He'd need to slide back to 1B to get significant playing time. After that there's very few guys separating themselves at AAA. Jose DeLaTorre maybe? A third catcher too? I guess Schafer as a defensive replacement. Hector Gomez or Falu make sense, 40 man roster spots come into play.

I agree with all of this and would like to through in that Schafer was also an unreliable baserunner.

I am nevously waiting by my computer for the next 90 min because i am almost sold that Davis will be involved in a HUGE DEAL...If not, i will be very disappointed. I have a feeling you're right... But I hope to hell you're wrong. If the Crew was shopping Davis they wouldn't have already optioned Schafer. Feel free to simply cross your fingers that we also get a 1B.

Only disappointment is we didn't also get Eric Chavez.

Brewers seem to be betting that Parra will hit better for them than he did playing for Kirk Gibson. I'll bet the Brewers are right.

You said no to Bradley for Morneau but would offer this for Craig? Morneau's road OPS this year is over 300 points higher than Craigs, plus Craig is owed significantly more future money.

So you would give up someone like Bradley or Lopez for less than 1.5 years of Morneau? That is a small improvement to give up any kind of prospect. At best you are looking at a 1 game win improvement if you add Morneau to the team it is just not worth it. Morneau is just not a difference maker that you trade a top 10 prospect for. Pretty good chance Bradley never becomes a productive big league starter, I'd give that up in a second to get a player who has been one of the better first basemen in baseball this year who is signed for below market value next year.

Craigs contact is abysmal considering that he has completely forgotten how to hit. Not worth the risk even if we weren't giving up assets.

Justin Morneau returned last night, and had a double plus 3 walks. Brewers need him badly. The Rockies have a capable replacement in Ben Paulsen. Get this done.

Does it bother anyone that Price struggled in his 5 career post-season starts. I have mixed feelings on that.

I could see them dealing Duda and giving Allan Dykstra a shot. He's hitting well in AAA and is a favorite of Sandy Alderson. It would be the best way for them to maximize their assets.

Is the difference between filling 3 rotation spots vs. 2 rotation spots going to be the difference between competing and not competing in 2016? Adding in the likelihood that it improves the team's chances in 2014 and 2015 in the meantime, I think it's a tough choice but one that would instantly take us from a playoff contender to a pennant contender both this year and next. We're probably not there without a better arm at/near the top of the rotation. I agree with this and with torts that a 5th starter in 2016 can be added in free agency if they are still viewing themselves as a contender. A ton of salary comes of the books that year, and the last 2 free agent pitching signings have been strong. Unfortunately it looks like Price simply is no longer available for a reasonable price.

Yes, I'm enjoying being back amongst friends during this super exciting Brewers season. Good to see you're still hanging out here. I agree that Coulter is real promising, both because of his talent and work ethic, but is the price of being a contender instead of a pretender.

A reason to acquire Carp is because he'll be so affordable. He makes just $1.4 million this year, and will only be in his 2nd year of arbitration. Coming off a down year he'll make in the ballpark of what we're paying this year's struggling 1B platoon. That's more than affordable.

Nelson was hitting 97 on occasion yesterday and working consistently at 94-95. His ceiling is pretty similar to Peralta's, at least a #2 with an outside shot at #1. Nelson's upside is quite high. Nelson is 25. He's very close to his ceiling already. I highly doubt he ever have the command to be an ace, he just isn't naturally coordinated. I like him, but he is what he is, which is likely Aaron Harang. That's impressive, but it's not David Price.

Teams can ask for anything they want, but we'll simply make a counter offer. If this is the asking price, I think we might get something done. I thought they'd ask for more. They seem serious about moving Price. Would getting Carp and Price work for you?

Offense is down all over baseball. The Padres are hitting .218 as a team. There isn't a team in baseball that doesn't have players performing at levels similar to Schafer. True, but does that mean that the Brewers should settle for incompetence while someone else goes to the World Series?

Id be livid if they stand pat. Keeping Logan Schafer on this team sends the message that there's zero accountability here. He's a bad AAA player. The cost of a replacement would be minimal.

When I mentioned Carp in another thread a few weeks ago another poster adamantly told me it would cost no less than Nelson. I didn't believe it then and don't now. I think Carp is the perfect addition. He started off this year terribly like every other Red Sock, but he had an OPS of 872 a year ago, and I could see him finishing this year like that after a trade. The cost? With Henderson coming back any day we need to clear a spot in the pen, I say over Kintzler. Similar age, experience, and past value considering their roles. Get this done! If Carp comes over and reverts to last year's form this offense would be unstoppable. We'd have a World Series caliber team. It's really odd that the Sox rushed Carp off the DL just to let him rot on the bench.

Zarraga is moving up to AAA, great news. While he's been outstanding throwing out base runners, I hope he also gets some time at 1B. He's played about a dozen games there in his career, but might be able to help the Crew there late in the season. Most importantly he just needs to keep hitting. That 32/12 BB/K ratio looks unreal so far.

The Red Sox haven't been going big in free agency the past few years. In 2016 it really is Carp and probably for next year it is also Carp so yes he is in their plans for the future. The Red Sox don't have a 1B prospect better than Carp. The Red Sox also love his versatility that he brings so he will play in the OF also. Brock Holt is also 26 years old right now so he isn't much of an option either and his current hot streak is going to end and he will be around a 700 OPS player nothing great but good as a back up OF or infielder. The Red Sox are not going to give up Carp for anything less than what it would take to get Napoli. Even with the year that Carp is having the Red Sox are just not going to sell low on him. You are going to have to pay to get Carp and the amount that you will have to pay for the Red Sox to give him up is just way too much for what you are getting in return. If anything you will be able to talk the Red Sox down in a major prospect Bradley or Jungmann and a B-/C+ type prospect is probably all that it would take if the Brewers would take on all of Napoli's salary. In contrast it is going to take a Nelson+ to get Carp. Are you willing to give up Nelson+ just to get Carp? I just do not see the Red Sox giving up Carp who is a very cheap alternative. At most the Red Sox are going to have to pay Carp $3m next year which is not cheap but that is still a rather good value for the Red Sox for the Brewers that is a non tender candidate. Napoli for 1.5 years > Carp for one year and giving up a major prospect. You think the Sox are going to slash payroll after Napoli is gone? They'll hit free agency when they have a need to fill. Carp's value is exactly what 27 year old platoon players or back-ups command. Napoli has little value because of his bloated salary and poor defense. He's no longer an impact hitter.

So your saying the Boston Red Sox are locked in to starting a 29 year old Mike Carp in 2 years? No free agent options, no prospects, it's Mike Carp or bust? I like Carp, but as a platoon option. I'm guessing Carp won't get the slightest consideration from the Sox as their starting 1B in 2016. If Carp was this good, but 24 then sure, but theyre not earmarking a spot 2 years away for a 27 year old.

The Red Sox are not going to trade Carp as he is in their long term plans. It would take more to get him than it would take to get Napoli. What long term plans is he in? To be the back-up to back-up Brock Holt?

I like the line of thinking, but how about a different Red Sox 1B? I'm thinking 27 year lefty swinging Mike Carp. Despite a terrible start to the year like every Sox player, he sports a career 766 OPS and had a breakout 885 last year at age 26. He's presently on a rehab assignment but has a month to prove he's back. He also ads value by being able to play both corner OF spots. He is inexpensive and controllable, but is an unnecessary luxury for Boston with the emergence of the even more versatile Brock Holt.