splitterpfj

I realize you start high in negotiations and work from there....but if the Brewers give this guy anywhere near 36 million, I will be very angry.

Here's the latest, the Phils are after Wes Helms, the Yankees....well, you know the deal, they want it all. mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061107&content_id=1736029&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

The idea of adding a "6th starter" is no different than what the team attempted last season with Rick Helling. I thought it made sense, and I still do, but Helling blew the plan up by being the first guy injured.

I know the probable answer, but I wonder if the Brewers could get in on Iwamura. If they can't find an OF that fits...move Braun out there.

I have never been a big fan of farm systems whose recent first-round pick is the team's top prospect I totally agree with that Colby, that smacks of the Brewers lists from ten years ago.

All of these voicemails from politicians, telling me to vote or the most dire possible things will happen to my country. Wow, Mr Feingold, Mr Magnum, Mr Doyle, Mr Green, etc, etc....ok, thank you, I realize the election takes place tomorrow.

The latest update lists 8 teams who are interested in Mark Mulder, St Louis is the only NL Central team mentioned. The DRays update says the Mets may be ready to deal Heilman, and says TB wants him as a starter if he's available. There's mention, again, of Boston's willingess to deal Manny, but that does not seem likely. Japanese 3B, Akinori Iwamura, age 27, will be "posted" next week, watch for him in MLB next season. mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061105&content_id=1733555&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

I'm not assuming he'll bounce right back, but it wouldn't surprise if he did just that, and then some, next year. I sure hope he does bounce right back, Hardy and Weeks both. IF those two guys can play 150 games and both start to step forward the way they were projected to, that will do as much good as any trade the Brewers may make this winter. Unless the Phillies want to give us Utley and Rollins for them straight up, that I'd do.

If we start the year with Carlos V as our 6th starter, getting regular work in N-vile, I'll be giddy, because it means we have outstanding depth. This is exactly the way I see it. I don't want Maddux because I doubt Villanueva's ability, I want him for depth. Pitchers get hurt, depth is key. Maybe this time around the young guys would come up and do great, but the mess that was Hendrickson and Eveland in '06 has me wanting more depth if it can be had.

The Schmidt update is in the Mariners update...the Houston Chronicle has reported that Schmidt is choosing between the Giants and the Mariners.

Ok, I can play by those rules. Jason Schmidt has reportedly narrowed his choices to the Giants and Mariners. Those of you who were dreaming in that direction may stop now. mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061104&content_id=1733239&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

The reason I support this, if an acceptable deal can be worked out, is because Maddux is a solid, proven SP. He's not the guy he was ten years ago, but he can still get batters out, and you can project 200 IP from him. I'd feel much more comfortable with him slotted into the rotation than I would with handing the 5 spot to one of the AAA guys right out of the gate. Why? Perhaps all 5 of our SPs will avoid the DL this year, but the odds of that happening for any team are sky high. I'd prefer to start the year with Villanueva in the bullpen, he'd be a solid option to fill those innings, and he'd be available to move into the rotation if someone goes down. It just makes sense to me to have as much pitching depth as possible going in, I don't want things to fall apart the minute we get one injury next year.

Discussed here, by the way, I'm for it. forum.brewerfan.net/viewtopic.php?t=1850.topic

Hot Stove Report: Will Moose be loose? Yanks right-hander could become free agent on Nov. 15 By Jim Street / MLB.com The future of veteran right-hander Mike Mussina is a hot topic in New York. The 15-game winner, who compiled the lowest ERA among Yankees starters last season with a 3.51 mark, could become a free agent on Nov. 15. That is the deadline for the Yankees to pick up a $17 million option. If not, Mussina would receive a $1.5 million buyout. Several reports indicate that Mussina's agent, Arn Tellem, has started contract talks with the Yankees for a new deal, but the talks are in the early phases. While the Yankees probably would want to re-sign the rotation mainstay for a lower price, he has, according to the New York Post, told friends that the crosstown rival Mets would be a welcome option. The newspaper also noted that the Philadelphia Phillies would be appealing to Mussina, a Pennsylvania native. In other Hot Stove League developments on Friday: American League Red Sox: While the Red Sox have been extremely quiet regarding free-agent players they might be interested in this offseason, it is believed the club is seriously considering bidding for the rights to Japanese pitching sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka. The deadline for entering a bid in the posting process is next Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET. The Boston Globe reports that the MVP of the World Baseball Classic and Seibu Lions ace right-hander has been scouted by Boston's international scouting department, led by director Craig Shipley. The Red Sox coaching staff continues to change. The Globe reported on Friday that first-base coach Bill Haselman rejected an offer to manage the Class A Lowell Spinners, citing family considerations, and is leaving the organization. Among those thought to be under consideration for the first-base coaching job in 2007 is Triple-A Pawtucket skipper Ron Johnson, who worked with the big-league club in September. Haselman would join Dave Wallace [pitching coach] and Ron Jackson [hitting coach] as members of Terry Francona's staff not returning next season. Yankees: Another sizzling topic in the Big Apple is the future of outfielder Gary Sheffield. The New York Daily News reported that Sheffield's advisor, Rufus Williams, has contacted the Yankees to ask about their intentions. According to sources, the agent was informed that the organization would let their plans be known by Sunday. The Yankees will likely pick up the $13 million option, then trade Sheffield, possibly to the Cleveland Indians. The New York Times reports that there are indications the AL East champions will cut ties with right-hander Jaret Wright by paying a $4 million buyout on his $7 million contract. Indians: The Plain Dealer reports that the Indians' interest in re-signing former second baseman Ronnie Belliard has waned. Belliard's numbers fell off after his July 30 trade from the Indians to the Cardinals, and the Indians are concerned about the lack of range they saw from a middle infield of Belliard and shortstop Jhonny Peralta last season. The newspaper also reported that the Indians have expressed an interest in free-agent outfielder Moises Alou, figuring he could complement a lineup that includes left-handed batters Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner. Other possibilities could be Sheffield or -- according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch -- Luis Gonzalez. But Gonzalez bats left-handed, which makes him less of a target at this point. Tigers: Club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said in an interview with WDFN that while he wouldn't completely close the door on free agent Barry Bonds, he's not the kind of player the Tigers are looking at this offseason. Contrary to rumors linking Bonds with his old manager Jim Leyland, the Tigers aren't planning to make a run at the 42-year-old slugger, or anybody who would be a full-time DH. White Sox: Brian Anderson returned home early from winter ball in Venezuela after losing 20 pounds due to a reported stomach ailment, according to the Chicago Tribune, Anderson had planned to stay in Venezuela for only a month, focusing on becoming more of a power hitter and improving his base-stealing ability. He batted .225 and had a .290 on-base percentage this past season, his first as the starting center fielder. Coupled with this latest setback in Venezuela, it could put the stellar defensive player on the hot seat. Rookies Ryan Sweeney and Josh Fields are making strides and could challenge Anderson for the final outfield starting job, assuming Anderson isn't used as part of a trade. Rangers: Texas is looking into the possibility of making a bid for Matsuzaka. The Rangers are eager to begin taking advantage of Akinori Otsuka and start dipping into the Far East market. The organization also is pushing hard trying to re-sign outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., pitcher Vicente Padilla and utilityman Mark DeRosa. They expect Matthews to test the free-agent market and have had their most dialogue with Padilla and his agent. Angels: The Angels will not pursue Bonds in their search for a power bat, according to the Los Angeles Times, which cited several sources. Bonds could possibly solve the club's lack of offensive punch and lives nearby in Beverly Hills, but the Angels will turn their attention and resources elsewhere. Devil Rays: Right-hander Brian Meadows became a free agent on Friday when the Devil Rays declined the option on his contract. The 30-year-old went 3-6 with eight saves and a 5.17 ERA in 53 relief appearances for the Rays last season. National League Phillies: Left fielder Pat Burrell is willing to waive his no-trade clause to play for the San Francisco Giants, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Burrell, who is owed $27 million over the next two seasons, has been shopped for the past year. He blocked a proposed trade to Baltimore in July by exercising his no-trade clause, telling the Phillies he would accept a deal only to New York or Boston. The Daily News report said the Giants might want to include Armando Benitez in the deal, and could ask Burrell to move back to first base. Burrell could also remain in left field if Bonds doesn't return to San Francisco. Also, the Phillies aren't thrilled with the price tag expected to be placed on free agent Aramis Ramirez, and may seek lower-cost alternatives at third base, according to the Bucks County Courier Times. Wes Helms and Mark DeRosa have topped their list. Meanwhile, PhillyBurbs.com reports that free-agent catcher Mike Piazza could fit into the Phillies' offseason picture. If he signs with the Phils, the future Hall of Fame receiver could finish his career near his childhood home of Phoenixville, a Philadelphia suburb. Cubs: Ramirez says he hopes to stay with the Cubs, telling the Associated Press in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic that several teams have contacted his agent to discuss his availability. Ramirez established career highs in home runs (3http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/glasses.gif and RBIs (119) this season. He recently exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and filed for free agency. "The Cubs are my first choice, but I'm a free agent because I had to give myself the opportunity," Ramirez told the AP. He was to have been paid $11 million in 2007 and $11.5 million in '08. However, there was an opt-out clause that gave him the option of terminating the deal after the '06 season. "I don't feel that I'm taking a risk by becoming a free agent," he said. "I don't know how much I'm going to sign [for] because I don't like to discuss figures, but it would have to be more than the $11 million." Rockies: Kenny Lofton and Steve Finley have been added to the growing list of possible free-agent targets in center field, according to The Denver Post. Dave Roberts, Gary Matthews Jr. and Darin Erstad also have been mentioned. Manager Clint Hurdle told MLB.com about the Rockies' interest, saying, "Right now Dan [O'Dowd, the Rockies' general manager] is making calls, but any decision won't come for awhile, until we know what the market is. It's just too early to tell. We're exploring free agency and we're going to explore trades. It's a situation where if we don't find what we're looking for, we'll stick with what we have." Mets: General manager Omar Minaya said during a conference call that he has started negotiations with free-agent pitchers Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Chad Bradford, and expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached with both right-handers. Astros: Contrary to some rumors, the Astros are not interested in trading for Sheffield or signing Sean Casey as a free agent. Regarding Casey, the Astros want Lance Berkman to play first base permanently and would not have a place for Casey, also a first baseman. Cardinals: General manager Walt Jocketty confirmed that he's had contact with nearly all of the team's pending free agents. St. Louis' top priority in the near term is addressing Jim Edmonds' situation, since Edmonds has an option that must be exercised or declined by Nov. 15. Additionally, the Cardinals have at least an interest in Matsuzaka, though the GM did not say that the club has decided for sure to bid in the posting process. Padres: Veteran middle infielder Craig Counsell is a free agent of interest to the Padres, who also are looking for a manager to replace Bruce Bochy. Giants: Alou told the Associated Press in the Dominican Republic that he is, "more than 99.9 percent sure" he won't be back with the Giants next year. "I think I still have a chance to play another year or two, but it will be with another organization." Alou, 40, hit .301 with 22 home runs and 74 RBIs this season. In 14 years in the Majors, he also has played for the Pirates, Expos, Marlins, Astros and Cubs. Dodgers: General manager Ned Colletti has indicated he will not be aggressively pursuing Matsuzaka, but he does seek a middle-of-the-order bat and a starting pitcher. He is rumored to have interest in Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa, along with free agents Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee and Ramirez. Gary Carter is being considered for the manager job at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Rumors swirl concerning free agents Piazza, Lofton are the latest to file as Hot Stove talk percolates By Jim Street / MLB.com ? Let bidding for Matsuzaka begin ? Piazza files for free agency Here's a roundup of the Hot Stove League for Thursday: National League Giants: San Francisco has expressed interest in Texas Rangers free-agent center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., who hit a career high .313 with 19 homers and 44 doubles last season. His father was the National League Rookie of the Year for the Giants in 1973. A MediaNews report said that Giants officials have twice contacted the younger Matthews' agent. The 32-year-old outfielder is an eight-year veteran and would likely replace Moises Alou in the outfield. San Francisco is also interested in San Diego backup center fielder Dave Roberts, who has said that he would like to rejoin manager Bruce Bochy, the Giants' new skipper. First baseman Shea Hillenbrand is expected to return next season, but the club has contacted Nomar Garciaparra's agent, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, which also reported that another possible target could be Geoff Blum, an ex-Cal player and backup infielder for the Padres the past two seasons. Cubs: Club officials are talking to the agent representing third baseman Aramis Ramirez, hoping to get the potential free agent to sign a new contract before other teams get a chance to bid on his services. Ramirez exercised the opt-out clause of his contract, but the Cubs have exclusive negotiating rights with him until Nov. 11. The Cubs are expected to submit a bid for Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who was "posted" by the Seibu Lions on Thursday. Teams have until Wednesday to submit a bid, and if the highest offer is accepted by Seibu, a contract agreement with Matsuzaka, who will be represented by agent Scott Boras, must be reached within 30 days. Astros: The Astros continue to negotiate with Craig Biggio, and although the two sides disagree on the second baseman's value, they are confident that something will be worked out before the end of the free-agent filing period on Nov. 11. The Astros are committed to giving Biggio a raise, but how big that raise will be is a sticking point. Biggio, who will attempt to reach 3,000 hits in 2007, made $4 million last season. Houston is hoping pitchers Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens will decide to pitch for the Astros again in '07. But most of all, management is hoping for a relatively prompt decision, especially from Pettitte, who is considering retirement. They'll need to factor Pettitte into the payroll, whereas Clemens, who may want to re-sign during the season as he did in '06, will just be a supplemental salary to be added to whatever payroll the Astros set this winter. The payroll, without Clemens, is expected to be around $85-90 million. Phillies: Alfonso Soriano remains Philadelphia's top target, according to several published reports and baseball sources. Though the Phillies can't talk dollars until Nov. 12, general manager Pat Gillick told the Philadelphia Daily News on Thursday that the Phillies have contacted "a dozen or so" free agents. In addition to Soriano, the Phillies are thinking about Carlos Lee and Ramirez. On the pitching side, relievers Joe Borowski and Danys Baez are among those who have drawn interest. In lieu of Soriano, the Phillies' top fallback plan is to trade for Gary Sheffield. New York is expected to pick up Sheffield's $13 million option -- $4.5 million of which is deferred -- and then deal him. Though Sheffield has no leverage, he said he'd like a contract extension, and the Phillies might be willing to add another season. The Phillies could dangle Gavin Floyd or Jon Lieber in a potential deal for Sheffield, the Daily News reported. Also, published reports indicate that the Phillies have varying interest in Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter spent the past three years with the Yakult Swallows. Brewers: Assistant general manager Gord Ash said the team would work to bring back infielders Jeff Cirillo and Tony Graffanino. Cirillo would be considered for a bench role, but Graffanino's situation is a bit more complicated. He was a better-than-expected offensive player after being acquired from Kansas City last July to fill in for injured second baseman Rickie Weeks, and he may have played himself into consideration for an everyday role with another team, something the Brewers likely cannot offer. Other free agents -- David Bell, Dan Kolb, Rick Helling and Tomo Ohka -- are not expected back. Mets: The agent for left-handed pitcher Tom Glavine, Gregg Clifton, maintains that no discussions have started between the Mets and his client. Glavine has a $7.5 million buyout option with a Nov. 10 expiration date, and the Mets could exercise a $14 million club option -- though an extension is possible. A two-year deal between Glavine and the Mets was mentioned in a New York Daily News report on Wednesday, although Clifton said such negotiations have not begun. Rockies: Right-handed starter Byung-Hyun Kim on Thursday had his contract picked up for the 2007 season for $2.5 million. Kim, 27, was 8-12 with a 5.57 ERA, 61 walks and 129 strikeouts in 27 starts for Colorado in 2006. He established career highs in starts, innings pitched and strikeouts. Kim joined the rotation in late April and was the Rockies' fifth starter for the remainder of the season -- the first time in his career that he was used exclusively as a starter. The Denver Post pegs Darin Erstad, Matthews Jr. and Roberts as possible free-agent targets for the team's center-field opening, while the Rocky Mountain News reported that right-hander Josh Fogg, who is eligible for arbitration, will have surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. Pirates: According to various media outlets, the Pirates are close to signing Cuban defector Yuslan Herrera. The 25-year-old right-hander was 18-7 with a 3.72 ERA in Cuba before fleeing in 2005. Nationals: The Nationals have talked to Trent Jewett about their managerial vacancy, according to the Washington Post. The interview reportedly took place last week. Jewett managed the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate last season. Dodgers: The Dodgers are considering making a bid on Matsuzaka and have contacted the agent representing Matthews Jr. American League Angels: The Angels will pursue Matthews Jr. and left-hander Barry Zito, according to the Los Angeles Times. Signing Matthews would solve a number of issues. He would likely take over the leadoff spot while providing the team with an everyday center fielder. It would also allow the club to shop Chone Figgins. Zito would add a frontline starting pitcher to a staff that is waiting for Bartolo Colon to recover from a shoulder tear, while also making it easier to part with some of their young pitching talent, such as Ervin Santana or Joe Saunders, as they target further offensive help. Mariners: Club officials have yet to speak with the Mariners' lone free agent, right-handed starting pitcher Gil Meche. Teams are allowed to negotiate only with their own free agents until Nov. 11, when they can talk specifics about contracts with all free agents. It's not known how interested, if at all, the Mariners are in bringing back Meche, who won 11 games last season. The Mariners have three openings in their starting rotation to fill and, on Wednesday, confirmed a report that first appeared in the Everett Herald that they would not be a part of the bidding process to obtain Matsuzaka. Red Sox: As of Thursday, six Red Sox players had filed for free agency. Of particular note are three middle infielders: Alex Gonzalez, Alex Cora and Mark Loretta. General manager Theo Epstein said earlier this week that new rules in the new collective bargaining agreement concerning clubs negotiating with their own free agents should allow some teams to keep players who would otherwise leave. This includes backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, whom Epstein said this week would be among several players the Red Sox will pursue and try to keep in Boston. Right fielder Trot Nixon, who filed on Sunday along with outfielder Gabe Kapler, could also fall into that category. Indians: According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Indians are one of four teams that have shown interest in signing Iwamura. The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that the Indians, Giants and Astros are among the teams interested in trading for Sheffield. Athletics: GM Billy Beane recently spoke with Arn Tellem, the agent for DH Frank Thomas, and remains confident that the A's will be able to resign Thomas to a two-year deal.

One thing that gets me sometimes is the overzealous clerk going for the upsell when I'm checking out. Would you like the extended warranty? No. Would you like to save 10% by putting this on our store card? No. Are you a member of our club? No. If you buy three of these, they're cheaper. I only need one thanks. How about... HEY, would you just gimme my change already?!

Hall for Bonderman (or Santana), then Cappy for Crawford. Want to see this site go absolutely nuts?

Who on this coaching staff or team can speak spanish? That is always my hesitation when signing defectors. Bill Castro on the coaching staff, Jose Capellan among the players....maybe there are more, those are off the top of my head. It's a good point though, I had the same thought....help the guy with the culture shock as much as you can.

I agree with endaround. I'd like to see what Reed can do, but right now the Brewers have several OF just like him- guys who MIGHT be able to do it. I think I'd rather keep Jenkins and platoon him, or try to get pitching depth for him.

What's to become of Barry Bonds? Who will sign him, or will no one sign him at all? My bet...the Detroit Tigers.

I'm stunned. The Brewers actually signed a Cuban defector that other teams wanted.....wow. Outstanding news, no doubt about it, what a break from the past this seems to be! I hope they've got his age at least somewhat close to accurate, and I look forward to seeing what he can do.

Has any other team won the World Series while being this bad? '87 Twins

I was getting that same thing, but I just got in now.

Oh yeah, well, we hated you first.

Thanks Patrick. If Gillespie opens one level lower than he might have because there's talent ahead of him in the system, I can live with that. If he's better than those other guys, he'll move past 'em soon enough. You saw it right here....Patrick mentioned Cole Gillespie and Albert Pujols in the same sentence! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif