JohnBriggs12

I'd take John Buck over Ausmus if, as expected, he's non-tendered by the Royals. Buck is still under 30 and quite capable physically of splitting time with Lucroy or taking over the number 1 spot should Lucroy falter. Buck is certainly more productive offensively than Ausmus over a larger sample of ABs than Ausmus got last year. Ausmus will be 41 in April, and reflexes tend to go at that age. With the Brewers needing to secure a RH bench bat for PH duties (see my post regarding Mora), adding a guy like Buck could free up Rivera to handle that chore and serve as 3rd catcher. Now there might be better RH bats out there but Rivera has shown he can be productive getting limited ABs and that extra RH bat isn't going to see all that much action barring injury. Having Rivera around, would allow Buck to act in the PH role on days he doesn't start too. Buck is a pretty decent offensive player as well.

Let me toss out the name Melvin Mora. Let's examine the Brewer bench at the moment assuming the 8 man everyday lineup includes: Fielder, Weeks, Escobar, McGehee, Braun, Gomez, Hart and Lucroy. The bench currently looks like: Rivera, Gerut, Counsell (assuming here), and either Iribarren or Heether. Both Iribarren and Heether can play some OF in addition to their primary IF positions but with Heether having multiple options it's more reasonable to assume he'll be in AAA serving as depth. That leaves one bench spot. Notice I'm leaving Gamel out for the present. If neither he nor McGehee is dealt, the odds are Gamel starts the year in Nashville rather than on the Brewer bench. That leaves one bench spot open. Ideally that spot should be filled by a right handed bat. In looking at the FA list, I believe Mora might be the best available right handed bench bat. Loretta and Nomar also could figure in. More guys likely could be available too. Mora had a pretty big dropoff last year so nobody will sign him as a starter at age 38. But he's still a dangerous hitter that would be nice to have off the bench late in games. Sure they could keep both Heether and Iribarren, but I'd prefer having one more experienced bat on the bench. Mora would also give protection should they get an offer they can't refuse for McGehee as a guy who could do some platooning with Gamel.

You don't see where he fits in? You mentioned it earlier. He replaces Catalanotto on the roster. He's shown he can play 2B well enough. He's playing a lot of OF this winter. He'll be able to provide the offense Catalanotto did and he's 10 years younger (with an upside). He can't be AAA depth for the Brewers anymore. He's on the 40 man and he's out of options. 25 year old 2nd basemen that are coming off a year at AAA where they hit .311 don't clear waivers. Weeks is coming off a wrist injury. He may need days off too. A guy that can play OF and 2B isn't a bad option as a bench player. Especially one like Iribarren who also has a good bat. McGehee didn't appear to "fit in" last year either. It's probably less of a reach for Iribarren to do the same thing McGehee did last year if he got the opportunity.

He can't be a "depth guy" if he has no options left. Heether will be the "depth guy" this year because he can go up and down without roster moves. He's considerably younger than Heether too. His defense at 2B last year was stellar (just 5 errors in 98 games). That he hasn't played SS, doesn't mean that with some work there in spring he couldn't be used there in an emergency. As for his having a "little bat", are we talking about the same guy? He slugged .637 his first professional season as a 19-20 year old. At AAA last year he slugged a respectable .412 and batted .312. Plus so far he's outslugging Brendan Katin in Venezuela .454 to .452 as of today. He's not a big HR guy, he's a gap hitter. Guys like Kendall and TGJ are for the most part singles hitters. Iribarren can drive it into the gaps. One other thing in Hernan's favor. A lot is expected of 23 year old Venzuelan SS Alcides Escobar. While there are several Dominicans on the Brewers, Iribarren is the only other Brewer who hails from Venezuela. Don't underestimate the value of having Iribarren around to hang with Alcides.

Is everyone forgetting that next year Iribarren is out of options and Hernan was no slouch himself in Nashville last year: .311/.362/.411? Plus he's 2 1/2 years younger than Heether? Gamel (assuming he's not traded) and Heether have options left. Assuming McGehee isn't traded either, Gamel likely goes back to Nashville and Heether does too. Iribarren makes the roster over either of those 2 because otherwise they'd have to expose him to waivers. Assuming Catalanotto doesn't return, Iribarren replaces his lefty bench bat role too. If Counsell signs elsewhere, they'll need to pick up a backup SS. Iribarren's defense last year at 2B was stellar (just 5 errors in 98 games), so maybe with some work at SS in the spring he could be used there in an emergency too.

I don't understand the hesitation in deciding whether or not to pick up Looper's option. The obvious answer is you don't, because pitchers of his quality tend to be in abundance if you need one later to fill out the rotation. Much the same is true with Bush especially if you think he'll actually get an arby raise after that lousy season. I can understand thinking he's young enough to bounce back, but if you add enough quality arms via trade or FA prior to the tender date, they shouldn't hesitate pulling the plug there either.

But according to the Texas beat writer, it's McCarthy that's the one they are willing to part with. Don't underestimate McCarthy. Even with a plethora of young pitching, when McCarthy came back, he was inserted right back into their rotation with Texas still in the race and he went 2-2 in 6 starts with a solid 1.20 WHIP. McCarthy is younger than Manny Parra and except for rehab stints, he's been in the big leagues since he was 21. He's got an upside that hasn't been completely tapped.

Jeff Wilson of the Dallas Morning News speculates that the Rangers might make Brandon McCarthy available to fill a need for a right handed bat or a reliever. I think the Brewers could match up if they are willing to part with Hart. They might be able to match up with a reliever also assuming they can bring Vargas back.. McCarthy missed 3 months with a stress fracture in his shoulder blade, but pitched pretty well after he returned in August. After a series of injuries, I think McCarthy is poised for a breakout year and he's still only 26. Of course if the Brewers were to part with Hart, they'd need to find a RF. That's where Marlon Byrd would come in handy. Not only can Byrd play RF, but if Gomez falls flat, Byrd can slide over to CF.

I don't see the Phillies all that interested in Gamel. They could use a right handed bat in their lineup. I don't think they'll give up a quality young arm for McGehee either. Gamel is the guy who the Brewers need to shop if they want quality in return. I love McGehee, but teams tend to overpay for guys who were hyped as prospects, just as the Brewers did for Gomez, and a solid 4 months as a starter isn't going to convince them that Casey is worth a top young arm.

I have a hard time seeing the Yankees passing on Lackey, but there's another report on MLB trade rumors that they're more intent on re-signing their own FA than they are on Lackey. Lackey's value is $16-18 million per year. The question becomes years. I agree with the concerns about giving a 31 year old pitcher more than 4 years guaranteed. If they could get the lower per year number ($16 million), maybe. He's going to get 5 years from somebody.

Blanco? The guy's 38 years old (will be 39 in August)hasn't had 300 AB's since 04, and has a history of back problems. Sure he'd probably make a good backup still if you think Lucroy or Salome is an everyday player. But I don't think the Brewers are there yet, and besides, with Escobar and now the 24 year old Gomez in CF, they need a veteran starter behind the plate. Blanco is not capable physically of playing 4-5 games a week. Olivo is still basically in his prime, has good power and RBI production and throws out runners above the league average. He'd likely be much more productive over a full season than Blanco or either of the rookies. The FA out there I like is Marlon Byrd but unless Hart is dealt, I don't see that happening.

Miguel Olivo. They need to restore some power to the lineup. Catcher is the one place this can be done. Olivo will be in some demand so he's not bargain basement but he shouldn't cost and arm and a leg either.

How bad a defensive CF must Jason Bourgeois be? He must be really, really bad, because he was released while they trade a guy 2 years removed from starting the All Star game for a guy who isn't nearly as good offensively as Bourgeois. Gomez is 6'4" 215 lbs and he's shown almost no power and no plate discipline. About the only argument for him was that he hasn't produced because he was rushed through the minors. I hope he has an option left, because he needs a year at AAA in my opinion. This one could cost several jobs including Melvin and Macha.

What perspective? Abreu knocked in over 100 runs for the 8th time in his career and walked 94 times. That's a normal year for him. Cameron had a good year for him but still only drove in 70 runs batting behind two guys who combined for around a .400 OBP and his OBP was nearly 50 points lower than Abreu. Abreu was grossly underpaid last year (I was one of a few here that wanted the Brewers to sign him). Cameron gets extra juice for his defense, but offensively he doesn't come close to Abreu.

Only two months behind me, but since you have all that amateur info on your mind, I'll let it go this time.http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif Perkins will be entering his year of 27, and has a career ERA of 4.73, so the NL transition would take that down to about 4.35. I'm not sure why so many are afraid to take anyone but a proven guy like Yo in return...no one is going to give up a guy like Yo. Young guys, former #1 picks, are exactly who the Crew should be looking for...sadly, I doubt Lincecum or Blackburn are available. That next level down is exactly who Doug should look for, and I'm sure he will. Perkins is an odd case, his secondary stats were almost the same as '08, but he was far less effective...a guy who may well have struggled with guys on base, maybe Rick P can find something. Al, his results in 09 are far more typical of those type secondary stats. Guys hit over .300 off of him in 08 and 09. He's way too hittable. 183 hits in 151 innings? 120 Hits in 96 innings? 40 HR in 247 innings? Give me a break. Brewers could insert Villanueva in the rotation, and he'd do better than that. Those are numbers equatable to 5.50 ERAs and up, not 4.73. No wonder the Twins want to rid themselves of him. What does where he was drafted 6 years ago have to do with anything? He never pitched like a first rounder and he's entering his prime. Sure he might do a little better in the NL, though keep in mind the AL Central is not the AL East. Lifetime the woeful Royals are hitting .333 off him. Hardy has a much better chance of bouncing back to at least middle of the pack type SS numbers than Perkins ever has of being anything more than a 5th starter. That is not an equal trade. That Twin fans would endorse this deal unanimously is a huge red flag too.

Why on earth would the Brewers want Perkins? I'd rather the Brewers just non-tender Hardy than deal for a stubby left-hander the league has hit .293 and slugged .463 off of his career. Twins fans and writers keep bringing up Perkins because he's bad and they don't want him back. Hardy's been at least close to being a premier SS for 2 years. Perkins hasn't done anything other than once posting the most misleading 12-4 record you'll ever see. He wasn't even very good in the minors as his 8-17, 4.55 ERA record in AA attests. But at least he can't hit either 0 for 4 lifetime, all K's. Good bunter though apparently with 3 sacrifices. Don't the Brewers have enough guys who post near or above 6 era's?

I see the Yankee spin machine even has it's spokesmen on this board. Among the ways Yankee apologists have tried to convince us that their championships are as valuable as any other sport: A. The Yankees followed the rules. If it was your team doing it, you'd be all for it. Reality: The Yankees SET the rules they are following. Steinbrenner has vetoed any attempts to actually even out the revenues in the sport. Sure there is a luxury tax, but make no mistake, if that had actually created a level field, Steinbrenner would have vetoed it. The luxury tax is a joke. B. The Yankees have been accused of buying championships since they bought Babe Ruth from the Red Sox. Reality: The Red Sox sold Ruth so their owner could invest in a Broadway play. Up until the baseball draft started in 1966, teams like the Yankees and other wealthy teams had the advantage of outbidding for amatuer talent. But the hated "Reserve Clause" allowed teams to keep players they developed and thus there was at least a semblence of parity. From 1966 when the draft started until 1973 (the end of the Reserve clause), true parity existed and the Yankees were terrible in those years. C. Baseball isn't like the NFL where parity exists because TV revenue is national in that sport and not in baseball. It would never work in a sport played every day of the week. That was true in 1959 when there were 3 television networks and TVs had channels 2-13. But this is 2009. Baseball has it's own network. Other networks are devoted strictly to sports. There's unlimited amount of channels that exist. There's absolutely no reason (other than greedy big market (re: Yankee) ownership and greedy players) that baseball couldn't negotiate one centralized television contract with revenues equally divided among all teams and prohibit individual franchises from negotiating individual TV contracts. Since we're in the midst of high school football playoffs, the Yankees winning a championship is about the equivalent of a perennial big school power like a Homestead or Arrowhead winning a state championship playing against schools no larger than those playing in Division 4 or 5. Sure the possibility exists that some years one of those schools will have an incredible group of talented kids out of their smaller pool, but over time, it will be the giant school that prevails. Those championships would be nice and all, but just like the Yankees, they don't have the value they would have if the playing field were equal. For me, with a few exceptions, there has not been consistenly compelling World Series since about 1993 when the Jays beat the Phillies.

It's a good deal for the Pirates. Iwamura is a solid everyday 2nd baseman who'll post a .350-.360 OBP, maybe higher not facing AL East pitching. Chavez is a hard thrower, but his results have been ordinary and I'll take an everyday player for a reliever any day. The market for relievers is plentiful. It wouldn't shock me if Pittsburgh brought back Adam LaRoche either. He doesn't figure to command all that much and no other team employs his brother. If that happened they could keep Jones in RF.

Forgetting the stats a minute, isn't it possible that having a veteran left-handed starter would have a positive effect on Manny Parra? Bedard's ERA for Seattle as Washburn's teammate in 09 was 2.82, nearly a run lower than his career numbers. Another lefty, Ryan Rowland-Smith was not a top flight prospect, but when he came up in 08 as Washburn's teammate, he did quite well. Not saying Washburn had any influence but it would seem to me that having more than one lefty in a rotation could benefit both. Parra's never had a veteran lefty to be around and absorb how he works hitters, etc. Maybe that's what he needs.

Washburn is quoted in an article on the Mariner's website that "I don't want to play four more years." In fact, he had planned on retiring after 09, because "the game wasn't fun anymore". He credits Mariner pitching coaches Rick Adair and John Wetteland for noticing something in his delivery that no one had seen before. He also stated it was his knee that had gotten progressively worse as the cause of his problems in Detroit. He couldn't push off on it. He had the knee scoped after the season and expects to be completely healed well before spring. It sounds that "clubhouse atmosphere" is higher on his list of priorities than the contract. The last thing Melvin needs to be is gun shy because of what happened with Suppan. Every pitcher that is not an ace or doesn't throw 95 MPH is not Jeff Suppan. Washburn is a better pitcher in a tougher league and he can likely be had for half the length of Suppan's deal and less per year.

I don't think the Brewers have any interest in Harden whatsoever. Harden won't be discounted like Lowry and Mulder will because he's pitched (albeit with limitations) the past 2 years.. Still, when he does start, he's a 5 inning pitcher. He's also prone to the HR. Short starts lead to overworked bullpens and HR allowed killed them in 09. Harden has much more value to a team that already has 2 or 3 workhorses. That's not the Brewers. Sheets, I could see because even in years he missed starts, he did get deep a lot in the ones he did start. But not Harden.

He's 3 years younger than Mulder, and unlike Mulder who hasn't pitched effectively since 2005, Lowry last pitched reasonably well in 2007. His control is spotty and who knows what it will be after 2 years of inactivity, but even with spotty control, he did record a lot of starts where he got deep in games. His agent says he's fully healthy now. I'd slightly prefer him over Mulder only because I think he's a better bet to regain his previous form. Mulder's just been gone too long for me.

Gerut put up an .845 OPS (in San Diego) as recently as 2008. In the 3 seasons he recorded at least 350 AB's, his OPS were .830, .739, and .845. Injuries for the most part have kept him from a more productive career. I don't find his projection to be out of line at all and he's shown the ability at times for it to be significantly better. Cameron has been "super durable", but he is 37. At some point everyone starts breaking down some.

Wang is this years Ben Sheets. He may or may not pitch next year, but it's clear he won't be starting the season. If you want to sign him to a "minor league deal" and stash him away while he rehabs, you're taking a bit of a gamble because major league veterans don't generally sign minor league deals that don't have some guaranteed major league level money in the deal. I think if the Brewers bring in Mulder, and they bring back Capuano on another minor league deal, that will suffice for spring reclamation projects. They would likely still have a chance at Wang if he proves later that he can pitch.

His linear drop in AB's had more to do with Torii Hunter being acquired in 08 than anything Matthews did. Matthews got the big contract after a big year for Texas in 06. In 07, he reverted to his career norms (again pretty close to typical Cameron numbers) which should have been no surprise. Angels didn't wait around, the next year, they signed Hunter, relegating Matthews to 4th OF job. Yes, his production dropped some the last 2 years but he wasn't playing everyday. Look nobody said Matthews is an All Star or that his contract isn't horrible, but the question comes down to is the difference between Cameron and Matthews going forward (remember Cameron is 37 and he's going to slow down too), overcome by replacing Suppan in the rotation with a guy who's ERA is a run and a half lower (presuming they can find that guy). There's no guaranty they want Cameron back regardless. True Gerut might be as good or even slightly better than Matthews, but having both on the team pushes Hart to perform or be replaced. Ridding the roster of Suppan provides the Brewers with much needed rotation flexibility. If Melvin acquires 2 starters, who do they replace? They could just eat Suppan's contract but that's a $14.5 million gulp. Matthews would likely at least provide modest production and decent outfield play on a regular or semi regular basis.