Greg Pappas

I want no part of another soft-tossing "innings eater". If Hardy must be traded, he needs to be packaged with something to bring a solid pitcher or he should be traded for pitching prospects with some upside. Trading him for Guthrie reeks of Burnitz for Glendon Rusch to me. Guthrie throws low to mid nineties.

I agree that Britton makes less than others, but rather was replying to the other poster's inquiry on him. The O's would not do that 3 for 3 you proposed... but again, I think some sort of deal could be worked out... there are many possibilities.

Britton (21) is an oustanding young lefty drafted in the third round out of a Texas HS a few drafts ago, and has really established himself as a Top 100 Prospect with his progress at High-A ball. I'd say his value is high, but will likely improve quite a bit with his continued progress next season. Our 'GM' Andy MacPhail values pitchers as much as any in baseball, so a young lefty like Britton would be hard to pry away. =) Personally, I'd make that deal, one-for-one.

The Guthrie for Hardy deal is probably fair for both sides, but I expect Guthrie to remain an O. MacPhail had to notice the improvment Guthrie has had as the season has wound down, and as the staff's default #1 starter (for now) he'll likely remain to help eat innings and continue to set a sloid example as a hard-worker for our talented remaining starters. We are blessed with outstanding young pitching talent, so perhaps something could be worked out (outside of dealing Matusz/Tillman/Arrieta/Bergesen). I just started a new thread about it... this should help.

Hi guys, been awhile... for those of you who do not know me, I am an Orioles fan and staff member at OriolesHangout.com. I come here not as a representative of the site, but on my own. I like your site, as it has a similar feel as ours> respectful and knowledgeable fans. I'd like to get your views on this off-season as it relates to trading Hardy to Baltimore, and what you'd want in return. Personally, while I'd prefer to keep Felix Pie, as he is really starting to play like the young star he was projected to be, I thought with Cameron's likely departure, a void in CF could be filled quite well with the 24-year old Pie. There are certainly other options, but what are your thoughts ?

I appreciate any trade offer, as I've come to realize there are numerous angles to many of these fan-contrived deals, however, the Orioles would not trade BRob for Hall and Weeks alone, much less adding Mora. Hall is not that good of a player to want back, and Weeks has not shown that he'll fulfill his considerable promise. I understand the financial parameters, but regardless, the O's will want real strong talent to deal BRob, and rightfully so. Think Escobar, think Gamel, as the sort of talented youngsters we'd want back, and it becomes more clear that the odds of a Brewers deal for Roberts becomes unlikely. Aubrey Huff is a player that could garner interest from a number of teams this offseason or at the deadline next year, and as an observant fan I can tell you that Huff has changed something at the plate and looks great. It's unlikely we deal either player, but they both have varying degrees of strong value to a contender.

We're open to adding salary, but Hall is not someone we'd look to acquire, unless he was the second guy in a deal for a SS. Guthrie is virtually untouchable. He has serious value to us, and would garner a great deal of attention were he available. Nelson is interesting, as is Gwynn as a 4th/5th OF'er type, but overall I know we'd scoff at that package.

I am a well-versed draft guy, but was simply not paying attention w/Fredrickson... my bad. Another in a series of good posts. Thanks for the thoughts.

Great post, and FWIW-- I enjoy your posts the most sir. As regards BRob, you are correct in the assumption that a SS and Weeks would likely be the requirement, as Roberts has a high value here. Let me assure you all, Brian can flat-out play. Tremendous leadoff hitter and very solid defender at 2B. Among the best 2B'man in the game and has been for a few years. Weeks, Escobar and Fredrickson for Roberts and Bradford should do it, IF our GM MacPhail is inclined to take serious offers, well... seriously. He could be looking to get one other prospect as well, like an Anundsen.

For those who've mentioned that Hardy and Ecobar are certain to stay barring a blockbuster, I think you undervalue what BRob brings to the table. Regardless, Weeks doesn't get it done, not nearly. I just don't see Weeks "leading" this lineup into the playoffs. He should be batting 7th, but is an unfortunate choice at the top of the lineup due to lack of anyone able to handle that role. I'm curious how you feel about Gamels' ability to man 1B permanently? I'd move him to 1B the rest of the year at AAA and see if he can handle it defensively, as 3B seems too difficult for him. I ask because of the repeated mention of dealing away Fielder. So, in a round-about way... what are your thoughts on Prince and his future as a Brewer?

Orioles fan and recently new to the board... We at the OriolesHangout.com have been discussing the Brewers as a viable trade partner for a few months now and still see some possibilities even after the Sabathia deal. Players that could possibly be had and among those the Brewers could covet... Brian Roberts, Switch-hitting 2B'man (30) > Tremendous player and community ambassador, great leadoff man, very good glove, .295 BA, 7 HR's, 32 RBI, 24/31 SB's, .373 OBP/.493 SLG/.866 OPS... all at 2B and causing havoc at the top of the order and not a FA until the end of the '09 season. Hardy or Escobar would be required to pry BRob away. Luke Scott, Lefty Corner OF'er (30) > Solid all-atround lefty bat, .265 BA, 14 HR's, 34 RBI, .339 OBP/.498 SLG/.837 OPS...good clubhouse guy and solid power hitter. Under team control cheap for a few more years. Aubrey Huff, Lefty 1B'man/3B'man (31) > Big year from Huff, .281 BA, 17 HR's, 54 RBI, .344 OBP/.523 SLG/.867 OPS... our most consistant power threat this year, he is signed at $8m next year and is a FA at the end of the season. George Sherrill, Lefty Closer (31) > AL All-Star Closer, 27/32 Saves, 38.2 IP, 3.72 ERA, 22 BB's/41 K's, .220 BAA... excellent reliever as a setup man or closer. IUnder team control for a few more years and cheap.

Not that I recall... I believe Rosenthal was just saying he thought it could work.

Good post. I'm curious... among Brewer fans what would the general consensus be as regards Hardy's ability to stay at SS and what his #'s might look like over the next five years? .275 BA/.340 OBP/.440 SLG/.780 OPS with 18 HR's, solid run production and solid defense at SS? That about right to most here?

Thanks for the kind words. Were Weeks a player that were looking as if he'd be a good ML player, I'd tend to agree with your thought... but then again, you wouldn't likely be looking for an upgrade if he were playing well. =P Escobar is who we desperately need, or Hardy... if we get either we would be very happy. Sherrill, Bradford, Huff & Roberts are the four players most often discussed... perhaps a deal can be made between us. Your thoughts?

He's made three deals and got good value for all three... so while he has the reputation as being a deliberate negotiator--I cannot say whether or not he over-values his guys.