colbyjack

Peavy picked up steam in the 2nd half of the season, as he helped carry that Padres squad to the postseason, especially given the Dodgers late surge. This would be a great pickup for the Braves, who want to get back to winning via their pitching staff. Getting a pitcher of Peavy's ability is huge, and they don't seem to be giving up too much (at least not enough to hurt them). I agree, I'd love to see the Brewers step in, but the extra pieces the Braves have seem to match up pretty well with what the Padres need, or at least are looking for.

Braun has followed almost the exact same progression as Weeks did. He just had some time at Helena and high-A mixed in, but he still is poised to start AAA in his only his second full season. While Longoria & Zimmerman moved faster, thanks to more refined bats and defensive skills overall, they don't move up much faster than Braun does. In other words, I really don't think his defense has held him back one bit, at least not up to this point (it didn't hold Weeks back either, who had similar concerns at 2B). And Blazer, when you get a chance check your email. Thanks.

Milledge would be a great pickup, but the Mets have been reluctant to trade him before (for good reason). But as others have pointed out, easier said than done. Capuano and a prospect may make it work, but that's a lot to give up, as I don't like the idea of moving Cappy.

Ryan Braun was rated the #2 prospect in the Arizona Fall League according to Baseball America. The story is subscriber-based, so I'm not including a link. Only SS Troy Tulowitzki (who the Brewers also considered drafting with the 5th overall pick in '05) was ranked ahead of him.

Congrats to Brandon Magee! Always nice to see the local kids represented. The Devil Rays list is up, and the D-Rays are expected to have BA's #1 farm system overall when the organizational rankings come out next spring: www.baseballamerica.com/t...62834.html

I still don't like the correlation between Braun and Zimmerman. Yes, it probably shouldn't be a big surprise that Braun is succeeding, but just because Zimmerman has done what he has done so quickly doesn't correlate at all to what Braun is doing, no matter where they were taken in the draft. And why is it that surprising that the Brewers have given no indication that Braun has a shot as the opening day 3B? The Brewers in recent years have made sure to move their prospects one level up at a time, including Rickie Weeks two years ago, who also was coming off of a very fine performance in the AFL. Whether or not you want Braun to be the opening day starter at 3B to open '07, more likely than not he will open the '07 in Nashville. Sure, he may be up midseason, if not earlier, but chances are that he opens the season in the minors.

It's time to add the free agents, by type, and by their Elias Bureau ranking. Keep in mind, Type C free agents will no longer draw any compensation. Here's a link to all of the rankings of all of the players: Elias Sports Bureau Rankings Type A Free Agents David Weathers 69.994 Type B Free Agents Ron Villone 59.859 Chan Ho Park 57.680 Free Agent signings Chicago Cubs: Type B FA Mark DeRosa Rangers get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Baltimore Orioles: Type B FA Jamie Walker Tigers get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Toronto Blue Jays: Type B FA Frank Thomas Athletics get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Cincinnati Reds: Type B FA Alex Gonzalez Red Sox get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Cincinnati Reds: Type B FA Mike Stanton Giants get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Los Angeles Angels: Type A FA Justin Speier Blue Jays get the Angels second-round pick (Matthews rated higher than Speier) and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Texas Rangers: Type A FA Frank Catalonotto Blue Jays get the Rangers second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Chicago Cubs: Type A FA Alfonso Soriano Nationals get the Cubs second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round New York Mets: Type A FA Moises Alou Giants get the Mets first-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Los Angeles Dodgers: Type B FA Juan Pierre Cubs get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round. Los Angeles Angels: Type A FA Gary Matthews Jr. Rangers get the Angels first-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Houston Astros: Type A FA Carlos Lee Rangers get the Astros first-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Houston Astros: Type A FA Woody Williams Padres get the Astros second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Baltimore Orioles: Type A FA Danys Baez Braves get the Orioles second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Cleveland Indians: Type A FA David Dellucci Phillies get the Indians third-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Baltimore Orioles: Type A FA Chad Bradford Mets get the Orioles third-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round St. Louis Cardinals: Type B FA Adam Kennedy Angels get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Milwaukee Brewers: Type B FA Craig Counsell Diamonbacks get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Cleveland Indians: Type A FA Roberto Hernandez Mets get the Indians second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Seattle Mariners: Type B FA Jose Guillen Nationals get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round San Francisco Giants: Type A FA Rich Aurillia Reds get the Giants third-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round San Francisco Giants: Type A FA Dave Roberts Padres get the Giants fourth-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Boston Red Sox: Type A FA Julio Lugo Dodgers get the Red Sox first-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Los Angeles Dodgers: Type A FA Jason Schmidt Giants get the Dodgers first-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Chicago Cubs: Type B FA Ted Lilly Blue Jays get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Kansas City Royals: Type B FA Gil Meche Mariners get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Oakland Athletics: Type B FA Alan Embree Padres get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Seattle Mariners: Type B FA Miguel Batista Diamondbacks get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round San Fracisco Giants: Type B FA Ryan Klesko Padres get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Cleveland Indians: Type B FA Keith Foulke Red Sox get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Milwaukee Brewers: Type A FA Jeff Suppan Cardinals get the Brewers second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round San Francisco Giants: Type A FA Barry Zito A's get the Giants second-round pick and a compensatory pick in the sandwich round New York Mets: Type B FA Scott Schoeneweis Reds get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round Seattle Mariners: Type B FA Jeff Weaver Cardinals get a compensatory pick in the sandwich round

I agree, Braun's progression has been especially encouraging. However, it's important to remember that the AFL does definitely favor hitters. As for Sarfate, it's been nice to see him string together several scoreless outings. I will say though that he doesn't seem to be able to get out of any inning without a little bit of work, as he seems to throw about 25 or so pitches/inning. That's a minor complaint, as not allowing runners to score is obviously the biggest thing, and you can't argue with his stuff.

A few years ago Melvin was trying to find as many groundball pitchers as he could. I agree that the defense is shaky at best, but I don't think that would stop Melvin from acquiring a guy like Westbrook. I'll take either one, with a preference to Lee given better peripheral stats and ratios. I don't think either will come cheap in trade. I'm actually a little surprised that the Indians are thinking about moving an arm.

Keep in mind, Tracy Ringolsby said that compensation picks would be done away with completely a few days before the new CBA was announced, so he's far from a reliable source. He probably is reading the same things we are, and just came to the conlusion somehow that Roberts is heading to Milwaukee.

I haven't seen this mentioned in relationship to Roberts (and if it was, I apologize in advance), but it just occurred to me to look up his FA classification. He's a Type A FA, meaning he would cost the Brewers' their 2nd round pick in next year's draft. Not that it would prevent me from signing the guy, but since some have tossed his name out as a possible platoon CF with Clark, that makes his price even more steep. Of course the Brewers may end up with a comp pick or two of their own, so it may be a wash. Plus, I'm sure if the Brewers are considering him they are considering him to be their everyday CF and not a platoon partner with Clark. I'm actually glad it wasn't mentioned, as the focus is clearly on next year's big-league team with increased expectations.

BA chimes in on the recruiting classes (for all to read, within this link is a link to their updated top 25 prep prospects for subscribers, and they also updated their top 200 college prospects and top 300 high school prospects for Prospect Plus subscribers today): www.baseballamerica.com/t...62821.html

Schmidt- 15 M SEA Zito- 17 M NYM Lilly- 7 M LAD Mulder- 8 M STL Molina- 6 M PHI Roberts- 6 M LAD Soriano- 18 M PHI Pierre- 7 M SF Nomar- 9 M LAA Lugo- 8 M TOR Drew- 15 M BOS Huff- 7 M HOU Suppan- 10 M NYY Meche- 7 M SF C. Lee- 14 M CHC I only have one of the big FAs as listed here going to the Yankees. I'm going to lose to Sam, big time http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

I agree with Robert, I don't see any problem with Gwynn spending another year in AAA. The Brewers interest in Roberts has everything to do with looking for a proven centerfielder and leadoff man, and if they simply handed the job to Gwynn Jr. it would be yet another position with a lot of uncertainty. As Chris joked, I'm sure the Padres would have some interest in Gwynn, but you're really not going to get much for the guy on his own. Let him prove his worth again at AAA and maybe see what you can flip him for at the trade deadline to a team looking to add youth while jettisoning a contract (such as a relief pitcher). Plus, not to be overlooked, but I'd like to see what Gwynn could learn in spring training playing alongside with someone like Roberts. This is all of course assuming the Brewers do indeed sign the guy, or someone similar. And if the Brewers OF of the future has Roberts in left and Gwynn in center, the rest of the lineup better be very, very solid.

The Blue Jays list it out: www.baseballamerica.com/t...62822.html Adam Lind is one of the better prospects that for the most part goes unnoticed. For such a big bat, it's a little interesting that he doesn't walk much being in the Blue Jays orginzation. Travis Snider could be the best bat from the '06 draft, and overall the Jays' system went from heavy on pitchers and light on bats to more well balanced. A solid system, better than the Red Sox at the very top, but probably not as deep. They'll probably be lumped somewhere in between the Red Sox & Yankees.

If the rumor is true, Drew already has improved upon his previous contract. Sorry KC, no bad decision involved in this one...http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

No kidding. Unless the Brewers have some info from their pro scouts that lead them to believe Mike Maddux can work wonders with Lopez, I don't see why they would even conisder the guy. Unless he would come in return for Jenkins in a payroll swap, which then I may be able to understand. And Lopez being the O's opening day starter a year or two ago really means nothing. Rafael Roque was the Brewers opening day starter once upon a time...

Japanese LHP Kei Igawa has officially been posted: sports.espn.go.com/mlb/ne...id=2656838 Rotoworld adds their usual collection of helpful info: www.rotoworld.com/content...mp;id=4112 His profile & stats: www.japaneseballplayers.c...p?id=igawa Not quite the prospect Matsuzake is, but he's lefthanded and throws in the upper-80s to low-90s with pretty good life on his fastball. Plus, he has proven to miss quite a few bats while playing in Japan. Most have him labeled as a #3 starter (at best), and he's not going to command anywhere near the type of money Matsuzake did. The Cubs reportedly are going to make a very strong push for him, although he has stated that we would prefer to play for a West Coast ballclub, bringing the Dodgers and Mariners into the mix. Rotoworld also reports that the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and Braves could also be in the mix according to Rotoworld.

1. Ryan Zimmerman 2. Alex Gordon 3. Matt Garza 4. Mike Pelfrey 5. Ryan Braun 6. Troy Tulowitzki 7. Luke Hochevar 8. Cameron Maybin 9. Jay Bruce 10. Justin Upton My 11th man would be Pedro Alvarez, a man-child now at Vanderbilt who was drafted in something like the 14th round from '05 that is an early favorite to go first overall in the '08 draft. Notice the top 7 players are all college guys, although they all were expected to succeed more quickly than their prep counterparts. In a few years a few of the high school guys may creep up towards the top, but if given the chance to take these players now, this is the order in which I would select them.

Here's a link to one more story from PG Crosschecker covering the WWBA tournament, this one from David Rawnsley. One name he brings up as a name to watch next spring is Ryan Dent, a SS from CA. His reports are very similar to a few things I have been hearing: He could very well be the most exciting player in the nation, and plays the game so effortlessly and easily, everything just seems to slow down for him. He's another player that will most certainly be in the top 30 the next time I update that list, possibly in the top 10. www.pgcrosschecker.com/sh...piter.aspx Ryan Dent, PG Showcase

I really thought Crisp would help the Boston fans forget about Damon. That obviously didn't happen, but his stats were showing a nice upward progression while in Cleveland. That said, I'm pretty skeptical of him. His defensive numbers playing CF aren't all that great, as Juan Pierre might be a better option than Crisp.

You're pretty quick to write off Salty's career at this point in time, but I guarantee you GMs and scouts out there value Salty much more than you do. As I noted above, no matter what you think of him, Salty is the best catching prospect in the game, a top-20 prospect overall, and given the perpetual need for catching, he won't come cheap. And trading for prospects is never easy, because it is so difficult to accurately judge their value, as you pointed out.

It doesn't matter if you think that Salty is an overrated prospect, the Braves (and scouts) still think very highly of the guy, and they're not simply going to trade him away due to a perceived logjam. They don't have to move him right now. I wasn't suggesting that I would trade Braun for him, but that may be the asking price from the Braves. You're not going to be able to simply package together a few mid-level prospects for him.

The Red Sox are covered today: www.baseballamerica.com/t...62814.html Spending $10-15 million on draft picks with so many compensatory picks, not to mention dropping first and second round money on late-round picks, is a quick way to turn around a farm system that was pretty depleted a couple of years ago. And they traded both Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez last offseason. Ellbury is a fine prospect, but he's probably not a #1 guy in most organizations, which probably pushes the Red Sox overall into the 15-20 range I'm guessing. After a while I will rank the organizations, and I welcome others to do the same. Right now I'd have them Red Sox-Yankees-Orioles.

I'm sure the Red Sox have every intent of signing Matsuzaka. They need the help in their starting rotation, which could be dramatically improved when & if they do sign him since Papelbon is also moving to the bullpen next season.