Matt Breen

Texas might go after sheets. He has a home nearby, he won't have to hit, and with a lot of young hitting talent (and a lack of pitching talent), they are said to be interested in making a FA splash. Sheets would fit the bill in a lot of ways.

Anyone have any thoughts on any young bats - I'm thinking 3B or 2B - someone who could hit lefthanded (and play every day), have a solid glove. I've said I always liked Ian Stewart, but I'm thinking someone not so high on the prospect list - a guy who might get you 10-15 HR and hit .270-.280. I'm looking for a guy who can solidify the 3B or 2B spot, hit with a modicum of power and average - plus provide reasonable defense. But not cost so much as Stewart in a trade. Any AAA players who might project out like this?

Pitching-wise, I don't see Sheets or Sabathia for obvious money reasons. As someone said, that leaves Gallardo, Parra, Bush, Suppan and McClung. I think the crew go with that and then look to do an innings eater type player for 3-5 million. Kind of like how the Cards got Kyle Lohse. These guys are a crapshoot, no doubt. If you're lucky, you get Lohse - if not, you get Josh Fogg. Or perhaps a rehab special - someone who wants to show he's still solid after having an injury (or bad year). Hey, maybe Josh Fogg will be a Brewer next year!

I agree that Blalock would be interesting. His hitting against lefties has been brutal most of the time, so he's definitely have to platoon. Any chance someone gives him a full time job instead of a platoon gig? I imagine that's what he'd aim for - a one year deal to re-establish himself. Maybe not, however. What about his injuries -- I thought he had back problems, which worries me for an infielder. Perhaps I remember that incorrectly. Also, how is his glove work. I don't remember seeing him much in the field. I also worrry a bit about Blalock's home/away splits -- his ops over the past 4 years is around 150 points higher at home. He's sub .700 OPS on the road.

In 2008, the Brewers have an OPS of .811 vs lefthanded pitchers. Against righties, it's .749. Many figured the lack of an additional quality lefthanded bat would pose a challenge, and it has. Russell Branyon has provided some relief, but outside of Prince, the club has no proven lefty. Prince is hitting .940 OPS against righties - so I think he has to stay for now. Braun (917 OPS) and Hart (.833 OPS) hit righties well. Hardy (.783) has done solid. Cameron okay - .760 OPS. Kendall (.639), Weeks (.678) and Hall (.553) are the trouble spots. Of course, Kendall doesn't hit lefties much better than righties. The team seems to value his defense and game calling immeasurably, so I doubt he's going anywhere. My challenge is how do we - realistically - improve our hitting against righties? And without giving up Escobar or Gamel - the two guys I see as core future guys on this club. Does Russell get 400 ABs? Who could we realistically sign/trade for to play 3B? Or 2B? People may bring up Gamel, but I don't think the club sees him as a 3B (that's my feeling), and he's still only at AA. So I wouldn't count on his bat just yet. Does it mean parting ways with Weeks and/or Hall? Who are young 3B and 2B that might fit the bill? This could include minor leaguers. I always liked Ian Stewart, but I don't see Colorado parting with him. I could even see going after a better fielding 3B (who hits righties), but maybe isn't the greatest bat in the world. Perhaps a Joe Randa type player. But not knowing the minor leagues that well, I thought maybe the BF.net crowd could give up some ideas. My thoughts are to just give Russel all the ABs vs righties - give him 400 ABs, live with average defense, streakiness, lots of Ks (and 30 HR). Team him with Hall or some other righty killer (someone cheaper who won't complain about not starting). The other idea is go after Ian Stewart (as mentioned), but I don't know how'd we get him without coughing up Gamel or Escobar, whom I'd like to keep. Try and keep it realistic! Thanks.

This was a really good article. Who's saving the game - a reliever in the 8th inning getting out ludwick, pujuls and glaus, or the 'closer' who gets out Molina, Izturis and a pinch hitter (okay, maybe two pinch hitters, since there's no way Izturis is batting with you down in the ninth). I will say that in the ninth inning, the closer is probably facing more situational substitutions - meaning the opposing manager (who is losing) is now doing anything possible to get runs. That means the right hander is perhaps suddenly facing two straight lefthanded pinch hitters in this situation - something that probably wouldn't have happened in the seventh inning - but now, in the ninth, with nothing left to lose, the manager is pulling out all the stops (as he should). I think a key to a 'closer' - the ninth inning guy - is someone who can get out both righties and lefties at a good rate. Otherwise, you're susceptible to pinch hitters.

As much as I'd love to see Sheets and/or Sabathia in Milwaukee next year, I don't see the team spending upwards of $20 million on a pitcher. It's just too risky for them. I could see a respectable, innings eater kind of guy - someone mentioned Garland - someone like that for three years. Then the club gets 4 picks for sheets and sabathia to restock the system. Your rotation is Yo, Parra, Bush, Suppan and one other guy, with McClung ready to step in for in injury. I wouldn't count on Capuano, but maybe they'd see how he went and he could be a 2nd half addition if he rounded into form. Villanueva is a possibility, but I always thought he was a middle relief guy - I just don't know if he has the stuff to be starter. We have no impact starters in the minors waiting, so unless we deal someone (Fielder, Hardy, etc.), we won't be getting any young pitchers. Trading fielder would deplete the team of lefthanded power hitters - and while they could bring up Gamel and move him there, he'll never have Prince's power. And even with Gamel (or Prince), the club could really use a lefthanded hitting stick.

I've sat mostly around 212-216 the last few years (right field side) and it's nice in those areas. Not cheap - about $35 a ticket - but worth it. Lots of families. You get to see the game close enough so your kids aren't wondering what the heck is going on because everything is so small. I've had my son with me (he's almost 9) in a few bleacher, upper deck locations over the past few years, and when we've been there, he's never as engaged with the game because things are so small (also, upper deck is really freaking loud with the speakers right behind you). Going to the nicer seats keeps away all the massive groups who buy 40 or 50 tickets and take a bus with a barrel of beer on board with the intent of partying more than anything. I've sat next to the Loge infield box family section (I think 217), and, as people say, it's great there. They sell those pretty fast, however. I've never been able to get them when I've gone. I'd go for the RF side or behind the plate for day games -- otherwise the sun can be pretty bad on a clear day. Not a big deal for some people, but kids get cranky over stuff like that. Finally, no matter what, get preferred parking if you have kids. You get out of there way faster and it's well worth it.

I've sat mostly around 212-216 the last few years (right field side) and it's nice in those areas. Not cheap - about $35 a ticket - but worth it. Lots of families. You get to see the game close enough so your kids aren't wondering what the heck is going on because everything is so small. I've had my son with me (he's almost 9) in a few bleacher, upper deck locations over the past few years, and when we've been there, he's never as engaged with the game because things are so small (also, upper deck is really freaking loud with the speakers right behind you). Going to the nicer seats keeps away all the massive groups who buy 40 or 50 tickets and take a bus with a barrel of beer on board with the intent of partying more than anything. I've sat next to the Loge infield box family section (I think 217), and, as people say, it's great there. They sell those pretty fast, however. I've never been able to get them when I've gone. I'd go for the RF side or behind the plate for day games -- otherwise the sun can be pretty bad on a clear day. Not a big deal for some people, but kids get cranky over stuff like that. Finally, no matter what, get preferred parking if you have kids. You get out of there way faster and it's well worth it.

This a simple mistake - happens all the time. In news organizations they are cranking out tons of material, and it happens. I've seen a million more serious mistakes while working in the marketing industry for almost 20 years - it's the nature of turning over stuff quickly. Just happens.

I love Weeks' ability and potential. That said, Brian Roberts at the top of the lineup would really be awesome. You just wonder if Rickie will ever put it all together - between defensive issues, all the Ks, injuries, struggles with right handers - I guess I'd have to say if you could get Roberts, you do. I just don't know if Baltimore would do it. Roberts would bring high OBP and is a switch hitter - things this club could really use. I don't know how his defense is, but I doubt it's no worse than Rickie's. If you could get him, he'd be perfect for next year too (I believe that's how long his contract runs), allowing you to not rush Escobar to put him AAA in 2009, then make a decision in 2010 on what you do with Hardy. I will be honest, I wonder if Weeks is best put into a lower, power slot - 3-5 - and let him just swing away - and not forced into a leadoff role. He seems like he has that ability - just a gut feeling.

The worst signing, by far, was not a player - by GM Sal Bando. Again, not the player Sal, the GM Sal. As someone alluded to, Bando murdered the franchise, not only with bad decisions in the trade and FA market, but primarily with the draft. I believe only about 1/2 dozen players Sal drafted ever contributed in the majors (much less Milwaukee) - Jenkins, Sheets, Bill Hall, Jeff D'Amico, Mark Loretta, and Belliard. Okay, maybe Scott Karl. He presided over the 92-99 drafts - 8 drafts - and produced very little, forcing a club with limited funds to rent over the hill vets, mediocre talents and so on. It really killed the team for a lot of years

Let the Reds deal away their top young guys for good - not great - players. It will keep them mired in mediocrity. Blanton is a good player, but he's not a difference maker. I guess it depends on what they have to give up - but it would likely be a lot.

The only way Sheets is dealt is if the team is faltering. If that's the case, then Sheets is probably not hurt. Still, if there's other injuries that sabatoge the season, the team would have to weigh dealing him at the deadline to a team that is desperate for a starter. The other possibility is that SHeets misses the first half of the year, the brewers falter. Sheets comes back at the break, throws a few good starts, and then gets dealt - but that's just a wacky scenario. The club seems to like the draft picks, so losing him after the year nets you two high picks (assuming he's an 'A-Type' FA - which I'm not sure he would be. If he wouldn't be, the club would be more likely to deal him.

Crede does not make sense for the Brewers at this time. He's had one good year - 2006 - an .829 OPS. His career OPS is .751. OPS over the last three years is .764 OBP for career is .305 OBP the last three years: 306 OPS vs righties the last three years: .751 OPS vs lefties the last three years: .800 He's right handed He's almost 30 He's got major back problems. Bill Hall 2006 - an .898 OPS. His career OPS is .787 OPS over the last three years is .830 OBP for career is .320 OBP the last three years: 335 OPS vs righties the last three years: .791 OPS vs lefties the last three years: .936 He's right handed He's just turned 28 Ankle sprain last year is the only thing that's ever bothered him. Crede, from my understanding, is an excellent 3B. Hall is probably no more than average. Still, Hall has been a superior hitter in all respects. He Ks more than Crede, but that's about it. Hall has out hit him in every aspect of the game - versus righties, versus lefties, OBP, etc. And Hall is younger, and without injury issue. A good spring for Crede doesn't mean his back won't go in May. Finally, Crede is a FA after this year. Hall has three years on his deal. I wish we'd gotten a lefthanded bat, but I hope the club just let's billy be, and let him rebound. I don't expect him to hit 35 HR, but 20 isn't out of the question. And the team can stop the yo yo of who's at 3B for the next few years. And I don't expect Crede to suddenly hit .300 and 30 HR like 2006 either. Afterall, his previous three years as a starter he was below average. I'd like the team to just stick with Billy at 3B. Get the defense settled. I think it will help immensely. If you get Crede, you're shoving Hall to CF, sometimes to 3B, etc. I don't think that's good at this stage. I'd rather he played full time, and the club knew who was heading out there most every day.

Betemit would be a great sub to have on the team against righties. His OPS over the past three years is at .841 vs righties (.631 vs lefties, so you don't want him out there full time). He's played some SS and 2B, although I don't know how well, especially for a fairly big guy. But if you could get him in as a sub at SS, 2B and 3B - even OF a bit - you could get him a 50 starts or so. Valuable guy to have on a team weak with left handed hitters. Would love to have him. Would Vargas do it for the Yanks? Maybe I'm wishful.

I believe Matsui has a full no trade protection clause. He'd have to waive it to come anywhere, and I don't know if he'd consent to a deal to Milwaukee.

I always thought he was kind of interesting because he made it to the major leagues after a mediocre career in Japan - http://thebaseballcube.com/players/T/So-Taguchi.shtml - how he hit in the US was pretty much how he hit in Japan - .280ish BA, no power. Actually played 3B in Japan for his career.

Cards released OF So Taguchi. Hit .290 on 309 ABs and had a .350 OBP - no pop. Can play all OF slots (not sure how good). Nice bench guy, but getting up in age (38). Interesting guy to have to go with Gross if we get a full time LF - would make a good, veteran bench. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3143881

Here's why we need a lefthanded hitter next year: Brewers OPS against righties/lefties in 2007 Kendall - .641/.523 Prince - 1.100/.834 Weeks - .787/.848 Hardy - .729/.950 Braun - .840/1.480 Hart - .824/1.032 Hall - .713/.794 Mench - .681/.901 Gross - .787/.424 (only 17 ABs) Against left handed pitchers, we cream them. Absolutely cream them. Except Kendall. Two guys +1.000 OPS. Two others +.900 OPS. Against righties, we have five guys sub-.800 OPS - assuming Gross is playing against righties. Weeks and Gross almost reach .800 OPS. Only Prince truly mashes righthanders in this lineup. And after last year, he's gonna see a lot of walks. Where to get one is another story, but this team may be suspect against right handed pitching.

Astros 1st round pick is protected, since it's in the top 15 picks. If either guy signed, we'd only get their 2nd rounder. What would happen if they signed both of them? Would we get their 2nd and 3rd? (plus supplemental picks for both). Just curious if anyone knows. They did deal Lidge, so they could use a closer. Makes sense. And you weaken a division rival.

Winn would be fine - I like that he's a switch hitter. His OPS over the past three years is .798 as a lefthanded hitter, .784 as a righty. He'd be a good, professional hitter. Is he worth $8 million/year? No. But he's a solid player with skills the team could use. The key is if we give up something quality, we have to get substantial $$$ relief. If we have to pay the salary, we shouldn't have to give up a lot. I would like to see him play CF, however, and move Hall to 3B, with Braun going to a corner OF slot. Or we move Cory to CF and have Winn play LF, with Braun in RF. I'd rather break Braun in as an OF in 2008 than 2009. Perhaps the team thinks he's still going to be a legit third baseman, but I just don't see that. But if we leave him at 3B in 2008, and he stinks, we'll have to move him in 2009. And if LaPorte breaks in around 2009 as people seem to think he will, then we could potentially have Braun in RF in 2009 for the first time, and LaPorte in LF - who's going to be learning the position next year for the first time. It could be a really bad OF with both guys so new to the position. I think Braun will be fine out there in a year, as he's fast and athletic. I don't see LaPorte as being much more than a passable OF - at best. Maybe I'm underselling him, however. Honestly, I think Gross and Mench could handle LF okay next year, but a guy like Winn wouldn't be a bad option. I can see both arguments.

I can, honestly, see both points of view. I guess where I agree with the original post is that quite a few threads of unrealistic trade proposals can get littered with people pointing out how ridiculous they are, and people getting defensive about people pointing out their ridiculous threads, etc. But most of all, the legitimate ideas can get lost in the thread. Someone said to make counter suggestions to unrealistic proposals, but again, what can happen is that one realistic one can get surrounded by a bunch of unnecessary posts pointing out how stupid or whatever the idea was to begin with. I'd rather have fewer, quality posts, then have to wade through the junk. On the other hand, it is a forum. There are people are over the spectrum in knowledge. Perhaps someone honestly feels something is realistic. Some times, just throwing names can get people thinking, get people talking. On the whole, I find those less valuable because of the reasons stated above.

I must say giving up one of our top prospects is a bit shocking at first, but I feel I understand. How good can Inman really be? It's hard to say. I'll be honest, a lot reports about Inman that you read tend to sound like one person wrote a review a long time ago and it's been repeated by everyone on the web. He's short, low 90's fastball, great competitor, doesn't 'project' well, etc. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I don't know if I trust a lot of the 'reports' about guys like Inman. How many have actually seen him? Talked to guys who've seen him? And not just once or twice - but over a period of time. This makes it hard at times to really judge him. That makes it easy to look at his stats. While I love stats (too much at times), it's not the only way to judge a guy. And while Inman's had awesome stats (prior to his AA stint), I think, more than anything, the deal shows the club sees some red flags about Inman becoming a middle/top of the rotation guy. Perhaps I'm reading too much into the deal, but I doubt they'd deal a guy they felt had big time upside for a reliever. That aside, it might be good for Wil. Petco will be a friendly park for him (assuming he gets there). I think I recall that he was more of a fly ball pitcher - which means Petco will help him out. I'll miss seeing how he would have done for the crew. As for Linebrink, his slipping of his K/BB ratio really worries me, as it's a red flag. Still, he was a having a good season prior to a few weeks ago. Players - like Coco last year with the Rangers - can have rough spell. People point out Linebrink's home/road ERAs, but it should be noted that from 2004-2006 he had a better ERA on the road than at home (2.57 to 2.75). I think saying he's only successful because he pitches at Petco isn't true. If Linebrink can come in, get his game back on track, it's a nice addition. Balfeur and Spurling scare me. The dog days of summer are here, and if Wise or T-Bow or Carlos V or whomever goes down or hit a wall, we are still set in the pen. Cordero, Turnbow, Wise, Carlos V., Linebrink, Shouse - that's pretty impressive, and we'll need it in the long run. My biggest fear with Linebrink is that he's been a work horse - averaging about 75 innings out of the pen the last four years. Perhaps he's just lost it a bit. Still, from what people said, Dougie seems to feel he's still a quality arm, so I'll have to go with that. All in all, getting Linebrink is good. Did we over pay? Yep. Not much I can do about it, so I'm just going to hope this keeps us on top (and like folks said, get those additional draft picks).

I don't care if they don't know who Gorman or anyone is. They could have moved to Milwaukee 10 years ago and not have heard about him. Not a big deal. The key is to make them fans now - and hopefully, in 20 years, they'll still be fans.