paul253

Without looking at the schedule, I'd guess Philly has quite a few doubleheaders left. This 4 game series in Milwaukee is going to be something else. If the Brewers can win 3 of 4 you never know. It could happen.

Hopefully the Brewers can stay hot and clinch relatively soon. Clinching would give Roenecke the ability to play the younger guys like Gamel, Green, and whoever else gets called up while keeping Fielder and McGehee fresh. Either way, Green should start at least twice a week in my opinion. McGehee has not been good this year.

I never would have considered the idea of trading him and have hoped all season the Brewers would extend him, but a few other posters mentioned the idea of trading him and it got me thinking. He surely has more trade value then Wolf as he is younger and has had more success. What would a team like the Yankees or Boston give up for a year of Marcum? Would NY give up Montero and Banuelos/Bentaces/Nova? Would Boston give up Iglesias and Ranaudo? Would Atlanta give up Delgado or Vizcaino?

I don't think the Brewers have enough left in the system to trade for David Wright. It would obviously start with Green, and you know the Mets would want Peralta or Thornburg plus probably one more guy. This has been mentioned in other threads but Milwaukee cannot keep winning by trading all of their prospects for established (and expensive) major leaguers. You have a 24 year old in AAA who is hitting .333 with a .413 OBP and 21 home runs. Obviously the team would be better in 2012 if they could get David Wright, but if you add in the prospects lost plus that fact that his salary may preventing the resigning of Marcum or Greinke and you have to wonder how much better off the team will be in the long run. If you want to have a bunch of high priced talent signed long term (Braun, Weeks, Gallardo, Hart, and hopefully Marcum and Greinke) you have to have cheap home grown players to supplement the roster.

I do see Marcum as being one of the pitchers who could be traded. The Red Sox and Yankees are the teams that jump out to me who would be interested in Marcum the Yankees especially as they have no #2 or #3 starter in their organization right now. Marcum could easily fill that void for the Yankees and the Brewers could get a very nice piece in return. I'd be ok offering Marcum to NY but I'd demand Montero and one of Betances or Banuelos in return. I think that'd be a fair deal as NY could easily afford to resign Marcum and he's an established starter who has experienced success in the A.L. East. Montero could play first in place of Fielder and Gamel to then hopefully slide to RF to replace the traded Corey Hart (traded for a pitching or SS prospect). Peralta then obviously takes over the #5 spot in the rotation and Greinke is extended.

Dierkes answer: "Of course, what's to stop Melvin from drafting/discovering a few decent prospects and flipping them for SPs like he did with Greinke/Marcum? Or a few SPs could come out of the woodwork like they do every year in MLB." I have serious reservations about re-signing Fielder because I think it means they can't resign Greinke and Marcum.....definitely not both. You can't build the team around Braun and Fielder. They tried that for 4 years and it didn't work. This organization needs to be built around pitching. If they can sign Fielder while still locking up Greinke and Marcum, I'd be thrilled. But if the option is two of the three, I'd have to let Fielder go. What's to stop Melvin from drafting a few decent pitching prospects? I don't know...what's been stopping him from doing it the last 8 or 9 years? There is Peralta of course. Thornburg seems like the real deal. Odorizzi and Jeffress were good prospects. Rogers made it last season before falling off dramatically this year. Scarpetta is ok I guess. Gallardo obviously. That's 7 pitchers. But only one of them has experienced any major league success. My point being that developing prospects to trade is easier said than done. Any eventually, like now, you're going to run out of prospects that other teams want. All of the trades for the aces (Greinke, Marcum, Sabathia) were built more around position players than pitching prospects and because of that the system is barren of high ceiling position prospects. And the pitchers they currently have in the sysyem, only two of them really stick out to me (not including the newest draftees). It's not a coincidence to me that the year the Brewers dramatically improve the pitching staff is the year they experience so much success. I desperately hope Milwaukee doesn't go back to the days of all hitting and no pitching by overpaying Prince Fielder.

The Brewers have an entire wave of prospects in Nashville right now and would be wise not to let them waste away. Gindl, Schafer, Gamel and Green can all be solid every day players in my opinion. Gindl and Schafer can probably spend another year at Nashville I think (Gindl b/c of his age and Schafer b/c he has nowhere to play) but Gamel and Green have to see significant time next season. It's been brought up before but Milwaukee cannot survive by trading prospects and signing free agents. With the likely departure of Fielder and McGehee having an terrible season, there is little excuse not to play those two next season, even if third base is a Green/McGehee platoon. Gamel's trade value is already significantly lower than it was 2 years ago because he's been rotting away in AAA for three seasons now. The Brewers seem utterly unable to decide what to do with him and while they scratch their heads he is getting older and his value is decreasing. If he isn't the opening day starter at first base it will be an absolute failure in my opinion and a waste of talent. That being said, the thread was originally about the state of the Brewers system. Even though they have some potential MLB regulars at the top of the system, the rest of the system is barren of position players. I am excited about all of one player below AAA right now....Khris Davis. And since his promotion to Huntsville he hasn't exactly been convincing people he's a top prospect. I understand the last draft where they took Jungmann, Bradley, and Lopez and I think those were solid picks, but I think Nick Ramirez was a terrible pick. And I think the past few drafts have been too focused on low to mid ceiling college pitchers with big bodies. Not enough hitters and not enough high risk high ceiling picks. I think the farm system has a long way to go yet before it gets back to respectability.

I realize that this is a Brewer fan tradition (end of August and focused on next year), but I'm just happy to not only be in a playoff race, but leading the division. I'll wait until the offseason to make wild guesses about next year. What is the point of this post? If you don't want to make a guess about the 2012 roster, don't open the thread entitled "Thoughts on the 2012 roster". I don't mean to sound like a jerk but I've seen a number of posts like this in various threads. If you think its too early to talk about 2012, that's fine. But others are obviously enjoying it so let it go. I started on thread on the 2012 draft awhile ago and someone chimed in with something like "just enjoy this year and worry about the draft later". I can't enjoy this year and wonder how strong the 2012 draft is going to be at the same time? Anyway, my question is this. Who, if anyone, is mostly likely or most.....able.....to be traded to upgrade shortstop? McGehee, Wolf, Narveson, or Hart? I think if you can get a young, cheap every day shortstop who can hit .260 with a .320 OBP but brings in above average to good defense, you jump on the opportunity. Bentancourt is fine I guess, but I just wince at the idea of paying him $6 million next year. The 4 I listed above are the regulars I can see being the likeliest to be traded. You can really go a long way in improving the defense by inserting Green, Gamel, and a defensive minded shortstop into the lineup.

I want to add about trading Wolf if you can get something good for him. Peralta would be a good candidate for the #5 spot and it serve him well to be the #5 pitcher next season. Little pressure with three aces in front of you. It would certainly make the transition easier than it would if he has to come up in 2013 while Milwaukee is looking to replace two or three free agent pitchers and is in desperate need of starting pitching.

- Betancourt's option picked up (hey I don't like it either but he's getting hot at the right time and there aren't a whole lot of other options) - Gamel to first base - Green and McGehee to fight for third base. The loser is a bench player with McGehee spelling Gamel when Gamel needs off - Offer arby to K-Rod, Hawkins, and Saito. Saito is old but has had a very successful career and is pitching well now. Ditto to Hawkins. I don't think K-Rod will accept as he wants to be the closer and he knows he won't be in Milwaukee. I think he is also represented by Boras is he not? I doubt Boras wants his player accepting arbitration and would rather go for a big contract. But even if he does, you get that dominant 8th-9th inning combo we have now. And yes that's a lot to pay for a setup man but does it really make a difference when Axford is not getting paid like an all star closer? Obviously this changes if the compensation for free agents changes with a new CBA. But as it stands now the Brewers could really use the extra picks. I am really worried we will we get a second round pick for Fielder. - Figure out what the heck is wrong with Braddock. We need him in the pen. Same with Parra (remember him?) - Get Mark Rogers healthy. I think he could be the long man in the bullpen and good for spot starts if necessary. He is out of options so something has to give. Yes he's been injury plagued but he still throws mid 90's doesn't he? - Re-sign Jerry Hairston to fill a bench role. - Sign a veteran outfield bat (Ludwick maybe?). Roster would look something like this Starters (5) Gallardo, Greinke, Wolf, Narveson, Marcum Bullpen 7 (Axford, Lowe, Braddock, Rogers, Parra, Defelice, K-Rod/Hawkins/Saito-I'm sure one of them will accept arby) Outfield (5) Braun, Morgan, Hart, Gomez, FA Infield (8) Lucroy, Backup catcher, Gamel, Weeks, Green, McGehee, Hairston, Betancourt) Biggest question marks are obviously the bullpen and Gamel. Bullpen obviously relies heavily on who accepts arby and whether or not Parra, Braddock, and Rogers can be relied on. Not a whole lot of money being spent on FA's so take the money saved on extend Marcum and Greinke!

The money needs to be spent on pitching. If I've learned anything watching the Brewers the past decade or so it's that this team is going nowhere, nowhere without solid starting pitching. The main nucleus of the team (Fielder, Weeks, McGehee, Braun, Hart) has been the same the past four or five years (and before that throw in Hardy and Hall) and team made the playoffs once. And even that year it could be argued that the pitching of C.C. Sabathia is what got them into the playoffs. To me it's not a coincidence that the year you drastically upgrade the pitching staff while keeping the offense essentially the same (though Morgan has certainly helped) is the year you are 22 games over .500 instead of 8 games under. I like Prince as much as the next guy and really wish there was some way you could keep him, Marcum, and Greinke but I just don't think it's possible. Spend the money to re-sign Greinke and Marcum and keep a solid bullpen and go from there.

I'd be shocked if the organization went with Gamel at 1st. If Prince leaves, they'll add a vet at 1B. They've never shown any confidence in Gamel, and Mat hasn't been very reliable either. You're right they've never really shown any confidence in Gamel but he's never really had anywhere to play. He had a shot to be the third basemen a few years ago but he got hurt and McGehee broke out. Outfield has been Corey Hart's and first base has been Fielder's so really other than a few spot starts when someone has been injured Gamel has never really had anywhere to play. As far as him not being reliable, again you are right. But again, it's hard to reliable when you're experience is limited to being DH during interleague play and September call-ups. Next year is different. IIRC he is out of options next year so something has to give. I'll be very upset if he is not the opening day first basemen. The Brewers need all the money they can find to re-sign Greinke and Marcum and the last thing they need to be doing is throwing $7 million at someone like Carlos Pena. I honestly believe Gamel will be fine and if he isn't throw McGehee out there. In my opinion you have three players (Green, Gamel, McGehee) to play two positions so signing a free agent doesn't seem to make sense. That money is going to be needed elsewhere (Greinke, Marcum, bullpen, maybe some better bench players).

I guess I didn't even think of that. With rookies at first (Gamel) and third (Green) it may be good to have an experience hitter to back them up. The problem I see is that this organization tends to favor experience players over rookies and I can't see Green being given third base over the incumbent even if the rookie is a better option.

I didn't want to start a new thread on this, but will Casey McGehee have any trade value after this season? It's almost funny now that Green is still in AAA despite hitting .337 with 21 home runs and better defense than McGehee. McGehee struggled most of the season but he is starting to come around a bit. Is there any chance we can get a decent prospect, or maybe a reliever for him? I just see no reason to keep him anymore after this season other than maybe to try to increase his trade value.

I'm all for Green and Gamel, but I'm not sure Gindl replacing Hart is the best bet. I'm not big on having essentially three rookies in the every day lineup. But the reason I suggested trading Hart was as a salary relief in order to sign Reyes. With the money you'd save with the losses of Hart, Betancourt, and Fielder, plus all five starting pitchers returning, I think they could make a very generous offer to Reyes. Then they'd just have a few minor holes to fill. Bullpen and bench but I think the bench could be filled cheaply with Farris and Hairston. Both can play second and short if necessary. Hairston can play third. You'd have to get an experienced outfield bat in case Gindl struggles, maybe a guy like Ryan Ludwick. But I think that lineup would be a good lineup and is one you could keep together for awhile and most players would be under control for a few years. Then you can spend the entire season working on getting Marcum and/or Greinke resigned.

My main hope is that McGehee brings his value up enough during the remainder of the season to trade him after the year for a decent prospect. Then Taylor Green is given the every day job at third base. With Fielder leaving the offense is going to need a bit of an overhaul to allow for more consistency. I think trading McGehee and/or Hart and replacing them with Green, Gindl and Gamel (for Fielder) would be risky but may help the team remain successful. Then if you can trade Hart and Fielder leaves, maybe there will be enough money to sign Reyes. That would result in a lineup of Reyes, Morgan, Weeks, Braun, Gamel, Green, Gindl, Lucroy. Young, not as much power, but I think with the pitching it could be good enough. And more lefty dominant then any time in years.

I have two for the 27th if anyone is interested. Terrace Box Row 2 aisle seats

I don't think either is very good as a reliever. Do we control Estrada next year? He may be a good candidate to be traded to a team in desperate need of pitching. With Rogers as a possible long man and Peralta likely the first choice for a replacement starter if needed, I don't see the need to keep Estrada if you can get something for him.

If he's able to play SS I'd say go for it. Counsell has to go. I just don't want to see a lot of money being spent on utility guys. Green of course is an option. Farris may be an option if he can handle SS. Wilson may still be around. No reason to spend a lot of money. One thing is for sure, it's going to be a very interesting off-season.

It would be some nice experience for Peralta. I'd really love to see him in the rotation next season, which would allow for a trade of one of the current pitchers, most likely Wolf of Narveson.

Are they just trying to buy low/sell high? Yeah. I've had some tickets in the past that I've tried to sell. They'll offer you like $10 for a pair of tickets whose total face value is like $42. Then if you do sell them they'll try to get $30 for them from someone else.

I think he could fill the role of long man in the BP next season. Remember we have at least three key free agent relievers after this season and it's doubtful with sign all of them. And as of now, we still have three starters who will be free agents in 2012. So if can pitch out of the BP next year and stay healthy, perhaps we could give him a shot at the rotation in 2012. Or if he really succeeds out of the bullpen next year, maybe the next closer?

I love messing with these guys. When an obvious scalper is holding up a sign that says "I need tickets", I go up to him and point to another scalper who is selling tickets and say "hey man if you need tickets that guy over there is selling some". I say it real seriously like I actually think I'm giving him some good advice. The look on these guys faces when I say that is priceless. They look at me like I'm the stupidest person in the world.

I also have only seen him pitch in the CWS, but the first time I saw him my own elbow started to hurt. His delivery just looks really strange to me and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see an injury sometime in the future.

I also have only seen him pitch in the CWS, but the first time I saw him my own elbow started to hurt. His delivery just looks really strange to me and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see an injury sometime in the future.