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Matt Breen

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Everything posted by Matt Breen

  1. Matt Breen
    I guess of all the things I'm happy about is that Eric Gagne could have - very easily - cashed in Milwaukee as a nightmare stop in his life and moved on. He was booed mercilessly and (obviously), did not have a good season. But to Gagne's credit, he came back to the Brewers and is willing to give it another shot. Perhaps we did make the best offer - don't know. But he easily could have gone to a club where he would have signed a low cost deal with no pressure and no bad history/memories. That he's coming back here is good - even if it's just hoping that a guy wants to do the club right. If it doesn't work - such is life. At least we all tried.
  2. Matt Breen
    I just wonder if Edmunds is looking for a team that is going to let him play full time against righties - meaning 4-5 days a week. He certainly showed some pop last year, but you have to worry about injuries. His back has acted up more than not over the past few years. Personally, I think he'd be great playing twice a week - get 20 games in center, get 20 games in right, a half dozen in left. With pinch hitting, he gets 200-250 ABs. He'd be a good fit - assuming he stayed healthy.
  3. Matt Breen
    The Cruz situation really shows how marginal Type A's get stung. I think it's good the league does something - allow the trading - but it should just be bargained out of the next agreement. I'd rather just have a team get a sandwich pick and nothing else. In return, the league gets a strict pay slotting system. Guys like Cruz aren't likely going to the big dollar teams - they're going to middle or lower income teams that can't afford the very best. So in the end, the smaller market clubs lose out. Right now, one of cruz's best options is a team like the Yankees. Sign for cheap - say $3-4 million for one year - the Yankees only lose their 4th round pick and a great arm for one year. Cruz signs the deal on the stipulation they don't offer arby next year - and he comes out a full FA.
  4. Matt Breen
    I always loved Boyd stories - the way he referred to himself in the third person all the time - things like 'The Can wasn't throwing the ball well tonight' or 'You don't want to try that on the Can.' Every couple of years a story like this pops up. It's just Oil Can making a little PR to drum up some appearance dollars.
  5. Matt Breen
    Nice move by the angels if they keep him mostly at DH. He's still got great value if that's all he plays. Or perhaps if they move him to 1B.
  6. Matt Breen
    This is a really nice signing, considering the cost is less than $5 million. As for McClung getting booted out of the rotation, that's not something we should get worried about. Until he's shown he can be an effective starting pitcher for an extended period, he can't count on being in the rotation. Plus - and this is more important - look at the last few years of injuries: 2008: Gallardo missed most of the season with an injury, Bush went to the minors due to ineffectiveness for a few starts, Suppan missed a couple of starts, Sheets missed a couple of starts. 2007: Capuano missed 1/2 dozen starts with an injury, sheets missed 1/3 of the season with an injury, Vargas missed some starts due to poor play 2006: Sheets missed 1/2 the year with injury, Ohka missed 1/2 the year with injury, we had De la Rosa, Zach Jackson, Eveland, Hendrickson make 18 starts with ERAs of 5.4 and above. You get the idea. Injuries, and players struggling are all very common parts of the game. You can never have enough starting pitching. Odds are that McClung is going to get a ton of starts - even if he breaks camp in the bullpen. Guys will get hurt, guy will struggle. Having him there to fill the void is crucial, because we don't want Wes Obermueller, Gary Glover, Victor Santo and so forth to be the guy taking the ball. Adding Looper was a really solid move at a reasonable price.
  7. Matt Breen
    I seriously doubt the Brewers do anything big like a Peavy move - at this point. I think they're more likely to do what they did last season - wait and see hot the club is doing mid-way through the year, then make the leap if a premium player can get us to the playoffs. Would I love to have Peavy from day 1 - sure. But the Crew simply have too many question marks - they aren't a lock to be in the playoff race - even with Peavy in the rotation. Gallardo is coming off an injury, Parra has to be effective for a full year, does Hoffman have another year in him, is McClung a rotation guy, is Suppan only going to get worse, can Bush be consistent all year, what Hart and Weeks are we getting, etc., etc., etc. If a few things go wrong, this club might be out of it by July 31, and they would seriously regret trading a bunch of young players. But if the club is running neck and neck with the cubbies come mid-july - if the young guys get better (gallardo, parra, weeks, etc.), then maybe we make a splash and deal for a Peavy - or whatever we need.
  8. Matt Breen
    The Hardball Times Win Shares site has Kendall at 19 win shares last season - the 7th most in the majors. 12 of the 19 win shares were for defense. No catcher in baseball had more defensive win shares than kendall. As a note, Kendall had 4 win shares in 2007 - to show you how much he reportedly improved in 2008. Also, I'd say his 42.7% percentage of throwing out runners was one element to rate his defensive success. No one was better. Ultimately, it's what people have said - who's better? We have Kendall under contract, so there's no getting out from under it. And if he can get a little more rest next year, hopefully he could improve his OBP a little - get it more to the .350 to make him an asset as a hitter.
  9. Matt Breen
    I wouldn't be shocked to see Sheets go to the Yankees. Let's say he signs a modest one year deal with incentives. It only costs them a 4th round pick. He gets a year on a superior team, win a ton of games (but his era would likely rise in the AL East), not have to bat. He then comes back next year with no questions about his health and a better economic atmosphere (we all hope). Of course, that is on the assumption he is healthy and he stays healthy. If I had to lay money, I'd pick the Rangers still, but I think this is a dark horse possibility.
  10. Matt Breen
    One difference in Weeks, though, is that he made over $1 million last year due to the major league contract he signed at draft time. So he's starting at a higher salary than Hardy ($400,000). Not sure if that will make a difference in arby.I don't think previous salary is brought into play. I believe it's strictly years of experience and performance for your position. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I don't think it makes any difference.
  11. Matt Breen
    Roderick, here you go: Bush - $4.5 million - it's his second year of arby. Similar guy might be aaron cook - he got $5.125 after throwing 166 innings, going 8-7 and having a 4.12 ERA. This may have been an existing contract - so there is probably a better guy. Hart is way high. He's due more like $2.4-2.5. Here's why. Or Xavier Nady, two years ago, after a season of hitting 17 HR and a .790 OPS on 468 ABs, got $2.0 million. Hardy, in his first year of arby, got $2.65, and he had a better year hitting, fielding and played a more hitting challenged position. I'd argue Weeks is high too by using Hardy as an example. Hardy had a better year as a hitter and fielder, but got $2.65 million. I'd say rickie was due more like $2.0. Jhonny Peralta - in his first season of arby - got $2.5 as a SS who hit a little less than JJ. just an example. I'd say mcclung is good. Prince I'd say is more like $6.5 or 7.0. I'd have to find a good comparable.
  12. Matt Breen
    Roderick, here you go: Bush - $4.5 million - it's his second year of arby. Similar guy might be aaron cook - he got $5.125 after throwing 166 innings, going 8-7 and having a 4.12 ERA. This may have been an existing contract - so there is probably a better guy. Hart is way high. He's due more like $2.4-2.5. Here's why. Or Xavier Nady, two years ago, after a season of hitting 17 HR and a .790 OPS on 468 ABs, got $2.0 million. Hardy, in his first year of arby, got $2.65, and he had a better year hitting, fielding and played a more hitting challenged position. I'd argue Weeks is high too by using Hardy as an example. Hardy had a better year as a hitter and fielder, but got $2.65 million. I'd say rickie was due more like $2.0. Jhonny Peralta - in his first season of arby - got $2.5 as a SS who hit a little less than JJ. just an example. I'd say mcclung is good. Prince I'd say is more like $6.5 or 7.0. I'd have to find a good comparable.
  13. Matt Breen
    Roderick, here you go: Bush - $4.5 million - it's his second year of arby. Similar guy might be aaron cook - he got $5.125 after throwing 166 innings, going 8-7 and having a 4.12 ERA. This may have been an existing contract - so there is probably a better guy. Hart is way high. He's due more like $2.4-2.5. Here's why. Or Xavier Nady, two years ago, after a season of hitting 17 HR and a .790 OPS on 468 ABs, got $2.0 million. Hardy, in his first year of arby, got $2.65, and he had a better year hitting, fielding and played a more hitting challenged position. I'd argue Weeks is high too by using Hardy as an example. Hardy had a better year as a hitter and fielder, but got $2.65 million. I'd say rickie was due more like $2.0. Jhonny Peralta - in his first season of arby - got $2.5 as a SS who hit a little less than JJ. just an example. I'd say mcclung is good. Prince I'd say is more like $6.5 or 7.0. I'd have to find a good comparable.
  14. Matt Breen
    Roderick, here you go: Bush - $4.5 million - it's his second year of arby. Similar guy might be aaron cook - he got $5.125 after throwing 166 innings, going 8-7 and having a 4.12 ERA. This may have been an existing contract - so there is probably a better guy. Hart is way high. He's due more like $2.4-2.5. Here's why. Or Xavier Nady, two years ago, after a season of hitting 17 HR and a .790 OPS on 468 ABs, got $2.0 million. Hardy, in his first year of arby, got $2.65, and he had a better year hitting, fielding and played a more hitting challenged position. I'd argue Weeks is high too by using Hardy as an example. Hardy had a better year as a hitter and fielder, but got $2.65 million. I'd say rickie was due more like $2.0. Jhonny Peralta - in his first season of arby - got $2.5 as a SS who hit a little less than JJ. just an example. I'd say mcclung is good. Prince I'd say is more like $6.5 or 7.0. I'd have to find a good comparable.
  15. Matt Breen
    Roderick, here you go: Bush - $4.5 million - it's his second year of arby. Similar guy might be aaron cook - he got $5.125 after throwing 166 innings, going 8-7 and having a 4.12 ERA. This may have been an existing contract - so there is probably a better guy. Hart is way high. He's due more like $2.4-2.5. Here's why. Or Xavier Nady, two years ago, after a season of hitting 17 HR and a .790 OPS on 468 ABs, got $2.0 million. Hardy, in his first year of arby, got $2.65, and he had a better year hitting, fielding and played a more hitting challenged position. I'd argue Weeks is high too by using Hardy as an example. Hardy had a better year as a hitter and fielder, but got $2.65 million. I'd say rickie was due more like $2.0. Jhonny Peralta - in his first season of arby - got $2.5 as a SS who hit a little less than JJ. just an example. I'd say mcclung is good. Prince I'd say is more like $6.5 or 7.0. I'd have to find a good comparable.
  16. Matt Breen
    Fox is saying that Young requested a trade last month after the Rangers asked him to move to 3B to make way for Elvis Andrus. http://msn.foxsports.com/...ks-for-trade-from-Rangers
  17. Matt Breen
    I know that the Brewers haven't shown much - if any - interest in bringing back Gabe Kapler. I know the club was looking for some lefties for the bench, but Kapler was really valuable last season. He played all three OF slots (not very well in CF, but okay), and obviously hit pretty good - especially for a fourth OF. What other reasons have the Brewers not shown an interest in having him return? Is it his salary demands (I haven't heard what he wants - but I imagine it's got to be $1.5-2 million). Does he want a multi year deal? Is the injury he had scaring away the club? I guess I haven't heard much of ANY team being interested in Kapler, so I thought I'd find out from everyone if there's any info that I've just missed. Without him, we're looking at Tony Gwynn Jr., Brad Nelson and Trot Nixon as options. You have to keep Gwynn as a backup CF - unless you plan on using Hall or Hart there - not something I prefer. Again, just wondering what the scuttlebutt people have heard. Thanks.
  18. Matt Breen
    Assuming Sheets elbow looks okay, I hope the team can get him a good deal for two years or one year and an option. Perhaps something like $10 million for 2009, with incentives that add on $5 million if he reaches 180 innings. I think 180+ innings of Sheets would help make the crew a top notch team, and if he reached that, he'd be getting some good scratch. Maybe then have a 2010 option at $15 million kick in if he gets 180 innings. Or perhaps a 2 year deal at $10 million a year with the extra $5 million a year if he reaches the 180 innings. Something so we're not taking a total bath if he's injured, but also give us some relief if the elbow ends up worse than we think. Sheets injuries have been frustrating, but I like to see loyalty rewarded when possible, and in his case, if he does come through, we're a whole different team. It's a lot of money - but I think the risk is worth it. Two major caveats - Sheets has to want to return to Milwaukee. I don't really want a disgruntled player. If he wants to move, let him just say so and we thank each other and part ways. Also, as mentioned, we have to be convinced Sheets' arm is on track to make a good comeback. If there's doubt, don't take such a big risk. If sheets elbow is a major risk, I hope the team can offer him a lower contract with mucho incentives - $5 million for the season and an additional $10 million as he pitches more innings. Sheets, Galardo, Parra, Bush, Suppan and McClung would be a solid six starters for the next two years.
  19. Matt Breen
    Stevo, this is exactly right. It's not about the best record in baseball, it's about making the playoffs - at that point, it's a whole new ball game for every team. Yes, you prefer not to take it down to the last day and burn out your guys, and give guys a chance to rest up. You prefer home field. But the key is to get to the playoffs, have your guys healthy and rested, have players in playing well. The Brewers went in the offs last year with overworked pitchers (CC for example), injuries (kapler, sheets), and some guys clearly struggling (Hart). I still wonder what would have happened 26 years ago if Fingers had been healthy for the Brewers...oh well.
  20. Matt Breen
    The Dodgers should let Broxton close - the guy has earned the shot. I would hate to yank that carpet from under his feet (if possible, considering how big he is). Plus, if the Dodgers do sign hoffman and give him the job - or make it a competition - you can bet there'll be yelling and screaming the first time either one blows a big game. If I was the Crew I'd just say 'Hoff, the job is yours. We know you can do it. Take the ball. Stay healthy. Here's 2 years and $12 million. Thank you."
  21. Matt Breen
    I think the only thing I'd like Griffey for would be a lefthander 1B. He'd get 3/4 of the ABs - and he still hits righties pretty well - .841 OPS last year, .886 over the past three years. He should never bat against lefties - he has a sub .700 OPS vs them over the past three years. I assume he'd be an okay 1B, and if the team dealt Fielder for pitching, and the team didn't trust Nelson as a platoon bat, then he'd be an option for the Crew. Of course, you'd need a right handed platoon partner. Like people said, he's pretty bad in the field now. I'd only stick him at 1B - or DH for an AL team.
  22. Matt Breen
    Cruz has impact potential. However, he's had some injuries, shown a tendency to walk a few too many guys, and been a bit inconsistent from year to year. Like a deal with Looper or some other similar guys, I guess it all comes down to the deal you could get from him -- does he want $5 million? $8 million? I haven't heard numbers (or years). His walk numbers scare me a bit, but he really can bring some heat. I've seen him dominate at times. Costing a 1st round pick isn't ideal, but again, you place that in the value of what it costs to sign him. You also have to consider the alternatives -- do the Crew feel that Carlos V or McClung or someone else can nail down the closer job? If so, giving up a 1st round pick is probably not in the cards. But if you really want someone to come in and fill that slot, you have to be willing to give something up. Personally, i like the guy. I always felt he was a just a heartbeat away from getting everything together and being a great reliever. That's not a bad thing to take a chance on if you don't like your alternatives.
  23. Matt Breen
    I think most teams are going to be a little wary of adding too much payroll (I stress 'most' teams) because of the economy. Frankly, people are spending less, and owners are business people who don't want to over extend themselves financially. They'll probably wait and see how attendance numbers appear early on before feeling comfortable (or not) with expanding budgets. Teams like the brewers rely more on attendance than local TV revenues, so it's a big wild card. Teams like the yankees have guaranteed substantial revenues with their own TV contracts. With people anxious about their money (not to mention jobs), saving a $100 or $200 by watching the game on TV instead of going to the park is a real alternative. I doubt the crew make a big move - a Looper like player may be as big as it gets - 2 year type deal for $6 million a year. Maybe then reliever like Hoffman for a similar number, then a few low cost add ons - I think that's gonna be our big off season. End up with an $80-85 million payroll with the ability to add on if revenues are solid and the team is in contention. Not what I want, but I understand. Too bad teams like the Yankees don't.
  24. Matt Breen
    GG? I was wondering if you meant Greg Gagne. Or perhaps GG Allin (obscure 'music' reference - if you elect to look him up, don't do it at work or with children around you).
  25. Matt Breen
    i understand this thought - but why don't the angels simply sign Dunn to play 1B? Then they keep weaver too. And he doesn't cost a draft pick. And Dunn can't be worse than prince at 1B. I don't think money is that big a factor - prince will probably make $6-7 million this year, and after that, pushing $10 million +. Assuming Dunn is going to get around $10 million a year for three or four years, it's not that far off. Of course, Dunn is older, and perhaps some teams are concerned he'll get old fast (not an unfounded fear). No matter what, the idea of Weaver and Street is sweet.
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