May be stating the obvious here but the question really boils down to what gives us the better chance to win on a consistent basis: Building around the Big 3 of Fielder, Braun and Gallardo. Which likely means the departure of Weeks and everyone else when they get expensive (see Hardy, J) or Building around Braun, Gallardo and hopefully a healthy and resigned Weeks. Assuming McGehee, Escobar and Gamel pan out to be reliable everyday players, without the burden of a $20MM Fielder, his production may be replaced by multiple players (McGehee & Gamel). I was firmly behind a $20-25MM for 5-6 years for Prince until the 8/$200 was floated by Boras. Too long, as has been discussed. I want Prince more than I wanted CC, as he plays everday, but I am beginning to like our chances better with the pieces received in a Prince trade combined with the "new" core. This assumes a lot... * Weeks resigned and actually healthy * McGehee proving 2009 was no fluke * Gamel & Escobar living up to their lofty prospect status I envision the Brewers offense like the Red Sox transformation from the Papi/ManRam days to the Pedroia/Ellsbury days in the event of a Prince deal. Regardless of the path taken, if the Brewers continue to operate in a manner that feeds a high level position prospect every year or two they can remain competitive with a 3 man core eating 50% of our payroll (unless of course one the Big 3 gets hurt). The original core began arriving with Hardy and Weeks in 05 and it seems like we have been able to compliment yearly with Fielder and Hart in 06, Braun in 07 and McGehee and Escobar in 09. Can they expect to keep up this pace? I think we all seem to have semi-mixed emotions about the correct path to take. Guess this is why we are all armchair GMs. Risks to be had both ways.
