bamberger

My reason for optimism is that some very good pitching is percolating to the top of the minors. Pitching depth is something the Brewers have never had. Many of these guys have good arms and are projectable, though none appear to be Hall of Fame guys. In contrast, the handful of position players are more the complementary types. Their best promise appears to be the guys 20 and under. They need to draft more toolsy guys to man the field. But it should be a lot of fun.

BOO- not a Haloween type, either.

I might have missed something before on this, but I've read he's now in the Mexican League waiting to go to Japan. He had an opt out agreement with Texas. I presume this is true. I just don't understand why he isn't considered for the Brewers SS job or at least as a reserve.

Tito anyone? Bamberger, I'm old! Happy New Year

The Brewers desperately need to improve their efforts in Latin America. I think a change in scouting personnel is warranted. They also need to draft more players with an identifiable position. Too many DH types for a National League team.

This is a really good question. Quite obvious, but not asked!!!

They speculate he could replace Dunn or Fielder at 1B and is under contract until 2012, that he was called up possibly to show case him more than to just spell Omar Vizquel at 3b. Sounds like Beckham and Danks would not be considered, but maybe Hudson or Carlos Torres.

I'd like to see him developed as a starter. He could possibly pitch in a Winter League to build up his arm. But this wouldn't necessarily be accomplished in one year. He probably needs another full year of health and more regular bullpen use.

His AAA numbers are not projecting well to MLB. Given his age and level of experience, I am concerned that he will not be able to meet fan expectations that he will be a starting MLB player any time soon.

If Attanasio can be taken at his word, he wants to try to win in 2011. Melvin will probably keep "core" players until then unless he can get good major league starting pitching in 2010-11 an off season trade for one of the core position guys or in free agency with money made available through departures of Suppan, Hoffman and Bill Hall. The one exception is if he could get a good major league starting pitcher in 2010 for Corey Hart. I don't see them trading Hart for other than major-league ready prospects or trading Brewer prospects during this season for a starting pitcher. However, they could well trade bench players, extras or lesser starting or relief pitchers for available value.

He's probably utilizing his "Fame" from being the producer of the old Gomer True program.

As I understand it, he gets bounced on another drug violation while a minor leaguer. If on the 40-man, he's subject to MLB drug rules? Is this correct? If this is true, why risk such an investment and such talent on being the 40th man?

He's not hitting for great average and has shown little power.

Both are blocked at the major league level and aren't rip-snortin' quality defenders at their current positions. Getting them ready as corner OFs or 1B would seem to be a prudent backup to making some needed trades.

Gallardo is a good #2-3 starter on a quality team. Who else but a good pitcher under contract would get back two young, quality pitchers with limited MLB service time? Gallardo and Braun are eminently tradeable because they are young and under contract. That said, no one should be traded for less than value.