ILuvDaBush

He couldn't beat out Gabe Gross for playing time. He's not going to beat out Hart or Braun.

Hitting Coach? Yount as bench coach. Rollie as pitching coach. Ueck as manager (because catchers make the best managers). I'm only half serious...

Along the Pepsi-Man's line of thought, when are we going to extend Bush? I'm very much hoping that they extend him a Sharpie-style (Doug Davis) contract this offseason, in lieu of Arby's. 4/28mil would have to be a good starting point.

It probably comes down to the Shaded One and whether he's on the team or not. I doubt Branyan will be back next year, as some team will throw a starting gig, or at least a good platoon role, at him. Thus, I think it's all but a given that the Farmboy is back next year, unless he's packaged in a minor deal. I believe in the power, so I hope he is on our bench next year, though obviously the Muscle is the man I would prefer.

Also keep in mind that JJ would be moving....to accomodate a rookie. JJ has been an all-star, has the best glove on the current team, and is in line to be paid commensurate with that. If he were a free agent, he could expect a $100mil contract (and I also realize he isn't nearly a FA, but any move would definitely impact his payday). And the organization would expect him to love to a new position because of some young kid who could be a flash in the pan? And what if Alcides does flop? Does JJ now move back to shortstop? When does all the switching end? We've all seen the Bill Hall-stagnation attributed to the neverending switching of positions (as well as his unwillingness to embrace the doubles hitter within). Cal Ripken was legendary for his unwillingness to move "until someone shows he's better than me." That said, how many teams could honestly say they couldn't use JJ? Even the Yanks would have to give it serious thought with A-Rod's success at 3B and Jeter's age (and the ability to move Jeter to 2B, allowing for a trade of Cano). The top five targets for me would be.... 1. The Nation-Masterson. Done. But seriously, The Nation can't feel too secure with Jed Lowrie coming up in a clutch situation next year. Lowell-JJ-Dusty-Youk is probably the top infield, both offensively and defensively, next season. Masterson's limited ML service time would make this amenable to both parties. 2. KC Royals. Greinke or Alex Gordon, though an argument could be made to make a stab at Soria. Honestly, they're not giving up Gordon anymore than we're giving up Braun. But if Greinke or Soria could be had, you would have to imagine JJ would be a big piece in such a trade. 3. Canada. The North Birds, a people always on the lookout for a defensive wunderkind, would hopefully jump at the opportunity to secure the young WASP-woman-hearthtrob for their solid infield, as well as solid lineup. Would they jump high enough to send us Halladay or McGowan+? BJ Ryan and Rolen (and the subsequent bill)? They have a few intriguing pieces and a definite interest, but not much of a match. 4. SF Jints. Matt Cain straight-up for the SS. No 300 lb. 1B pork barrels. If this would do it, it would probably be number one, or 1A (Masterson....MASTERSON!). He would take over for the once and former defensive whiz, but he would also bring a bat to his AB's. Novel concept. 5. The Dodgy Fellows. Lots of pitching, relief and starting. Prospects, current and former. Billz and Broxton are probably off limits, and Kershaw probably can't be had for JJ, but imagine a Bedard-type deal. Hong Chi-Kuo/Greg Miller/Scott Elbert/James McDonald. A lot of high ceiling pitchers (mixed with a reclamation project-Miller-who I've long been enamored with). Three lefties to boot. The Dodgy Ones no longer are top 5 or even top 10 system, and this would severely gut their farm, but JJ in Dodgy Blue seems too right with Torre and JJ's roots being so close. Notable exceptions. Cali Halos. They don't really NEED JJ and given their current situation, his arrival would only murky the waters. I do wonder if they would be interested in a JJ for Chone trade, however. Move the big piece of Wood to the hot corner permanently, and given the power of the left side of the infield, compared to its former dwellers (Aybar and Figgins), any power production protecting Vlad would be welcome. 8 Mile. I just don't think their owner has enough bullets left in his clip to get the guy. Bonderman/Zoom. Porcello. They just don't have the ammunition, without bloodying their hands. Auckland Atleticos. Too much ammunition, because of a fear of blindlessly firing at an unknown target. But if ever a target were to appear, they'd be ready. JJ...not said target. But they're still ready...maybe 2020. Dark Horse. Minny's Geminis. Coco Liriano? Please! JJ would be their ideal target this offseason, and yet you hear very little that they'd be interested. Great defensively. Pop at a premium position. Pop appeal with the WASP-teeny-boppers. And he'd be getting closer to home....kinda.

What about a Kendall-type deal? One year guaranteed with incentives, and a vesting option for a second year would be worth the risk.

With all the smoke surrounding Cain and their utter lack of power and run production, I think it's more likely than not Cain is moved, though they could also move Jon Sanchez. The Royals say thta Greinke is "untouchable" as well. What is meant is "I don't want to touch upon that subject until I have some fair, concrete offers," hence, THE QUESTION is untouchable. :-)

I was thinking more along the lines of naming a sandwich after him.

I think Sabathia is all but guaranteed to pitch game 2, and Gallardo makes the most sense pitching Game 3. Honestly, there are worse things than deciding between postseason Suppan and DaBush for Game 1 and 4, but given how the Soup Nazi pitched his last time (as well as his last postseason), I think it has to be the Soup Nazi in Game One, though I wonder about the leash he'd be put on, as he does tend to walk it pretty fine. Soup Nazi El Grande YoGa DaBush...for the win. Soup or the Angry Redhead

So we won't be seeing Benny pinch-hitting in the postseason? Pity.

CC ate the 26 year curse.

As Bob Wiley would say.... "Baby Steps." GO BREWZ!

Perhaps he's finally settling in as the set-up guy and realizing his best way to get paid is to "stay within himself." THat, and he isn't getting squeezed on that changeup like he was at the beginning of the year. I still think the umps were baiting him into throwing the high heat and the hanging curve by not giving him his "bread and butter."

JJ and Hart for Kemp/Kershaw. A young phenom and a centerfielder, until his size says otherwise.

I'll be supporting LaBat Blue.

If we can get Abreu, I would be very amenable to moving Hart for a good young pitcher. An OF of Braun/Cameron/Abreu would be above average, both offensively and defensively. The only drawback would be the price tag. Braun would still be relatively cheap but Cameron would be collecting $10mil and Abreu would probably be slotted for at least $12mil. It would all depend upon the Hart situation, but I do agree we need to rectify our OBP problem.

I think I would become a Blue Jays fan with that lineup next year. Lind/Snider/Rios/Wells....with Prince and Escobar, to boot. What's that aboot? POWER! Or as their cross border rivals exclaim, "Pow-A."

Prince and Soup for The King and Washburn. Next year's rotation becomes Felix/YoGa/Parra/Bush/Washburn.

Also when discussing Matt Cain, keep in mind that he gets to pitch all of his home games at AT&T and a third of his interdivision road games at Petco. Now you can argue that he also has to pitch at Coors for a third, but the entire division is subpar offensively (at least until the Baby Snakes mature). Again, I say the only pitcher that I would deal Fielder for is the King. Outside of Felix, I don't see how you could trade him when there is no suitable replacement in the cleanup spot.

Better late than never.

I'm excited to see if Cutter's mature approach continues over to next year.

LaBat Blue in A-town. The question becomes, when he dominates hitting, do they give him the bump to High-A if his defense isn't ready? I think he makes all Brewerfan.netters salivate at his ceiling. R-Mart with more power? More speed?

Hardy and Prince.....for Soria and Greinke...and DeJesus! Seriously, how many power-hitting, sure-handed defensive shortstops are going to be in the market this offseason? And how many 1B capable of 50HR seasons...well two if you include Howard, but that doesn't diminish what the asking price is going to approach. Cain for Prince would be overpaying for Cain. Hardy....and Prince....no thanks.

Also, the Riot is an institution to Wrigleyville-ers. Also, I know the plan on the North Side in the off-season seems to be to move the Riot to second and get a stud shortstop, because the Riot has a noodle. But honestly, can you imagine if Rickie finally flipped the switch, except it was for the Cubs? It could be worse than the Pirates feel for trading for Glenallen Hill.

Does no one here think we could still overtake the Cubs? We have six games left versus our main rival, split with some games against the Pirates and Reds.