paulmolitor4

That would be awesome if we could get him for only 10k per year, but I think there is a veterans' minimum. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

Maybe. But a thread about how we should just stand pat at SS for now would be kind of boring. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

Actually this link will get you straight to all of his videos on mlb.com from last season. http://mlb.mlb.com/search/media.jsp?player_id=457787

I love Espinosa as a player, and if he is indeed available, the Brewers should go after him. Very good glove. Good power. Good speed. Downsides are he strikes out a little much and OBP will probably be lower than desired (.337 in minors last season). He would be a definite upgrade over Betancourt, and cost-controlled for several years. If you have never seen him play, go check out some of his highlights vids on his player page on mlb.com. http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?roster_year=2010&player_id=457787&c_id=was

Didn't the Phillies give up Sandberg and Bowa for him? Must be a stud. Is this Ivan DeJesus, Jr.? I would guess so, because that's a pretty cool and uncommon name. I used to love getting his baseball card back in the day. Actually, I believe it is Junior.

I like Ivan DeJesus of the Dodgers. Not sure if he projects more as a SS or a 2B though. Not a great hitter, but I believe he has a good glove. Not sure the Dodgers would be willing to move him either.

I guess it all depends on how much he would cost. It would make for a good competition if we had Narveson, Capuano, and Francis all competing for the final rotation spot in spring training. One of the two losing out on the rotation spot could possibly go to the bullpen if needed. And then on top of that you would still have Rogers and Rivas in AAA if needed. Starting pitching depth is a luxury any GM should pursue if they are worth their salt (and I think that's what Melvin is looking to do).

I think it's a great idea in case Narveson isn't fine or if someone gets hurt (which is likely). Francis has solid upside.

If I were Melvin I would just focus on cheap options with decent upside. You know the old saying about throwing a bunch of "stuff" at the wall and seeing what sticks.

Do you honestly trust a guy coming off a year where he posted a 6.86 ERA at AAA? I'd rather have a veteran like a Will Ohman. I would say we shouldn't "trust" him to contribute, but we can be hopeful that he might rebound. I have the same hope for Mark Difelice coming off his injury. I think with the bullpen you get as many arms as you can get to compete for spots and see how things play out.

I like the thinking, but yes at age 37 his defense would be a huge question mark. I think Podsednik would be cheaper and provide similar production (similar poor defense also), although Pods doesn't have the same playoff experience.

I don't think he can handle left, let alone center. He's always been a pretty terrible outfielder. I forget what a bad fielder Podsednik is... you would think with his speed he should be better, but he's not.

It would be nice to see how Counsell compares to what's out there.

Isn't Cruz tearing up the Mexican Winter League? Not sure how much that means though.

I would think the Brewers picking up Greinke would motivate Counsell to re-sign. I really just don't want an everyday SS that is going to give away runs defensively.