JJHardy7

Any chance the Bucks can trade Gadz and the #10 pick to Minnesota for #18? Stephen A. Smith (found it at realgm if interested for link) wrote that the Bucks might be interested in Amare. IIRC it was something like CV, Gadz, and #10 for Amare. I think that's what it was...I was shocked it wasn't more, but Amare only has one year left on his deal so I guess the market for him isn't all that great. I still doubt that the Bucks would accept that deal. I'd be thrilled beyond belief.

overpaying the wrong players. Well hopefully they learn to draft better in the first round (let's not say the Bucks suck at drafting...they've found some decent picks in the 2nd round over the years). I would also think that most teams aren't as good at drafting in the NBA since it's become such a potential type process and good college players get overlooked if they don't have the measurements. They'll have to overpay bad players to come to Milwaukee and the good ones aren't going to come. I hate to say that, but IMO it's true. A good player isn't going to Milwaukee on choice alone.

Bucks have traded Oberto to Pistons for Amir Johnson. Not sure what thread to put that in, but I like this deal a lot more now. I know Amir hasn't done a ton his first few years in the league, but he's only 22 and has quite a bit of upside in my opinion. Johnson may not pan out, but at least it's a guy with upside. He's also a free agent after this year. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/48933597.html

Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Let's not forget Bogut was selected (in part) instead of Chris Paul or Deron Williams because they already had TJ Ford and another PG who's name I forget. PG will probably be the BPA at 10, and that's who they should pick. Flynn, Lawson, or Holiday would be a great pick that low in the draft and any of those guys would be as good or better an overall player than Sessions immediately. Well if this is about Hill I'd imagine most experts would think you're wrong. If he slips to #10, he most likely will be the BPA. I guess that does depend on what guards are left, but Hill would still be considered a better prospect than any PG available. I do agree though that they should take the BPA and if it's Hill they should take him given your theory. I don't disagree with that, but Hill will take a bit more to develop so that means he'll ride the pine next year. I don't know how much patience Bucks fans have though. In a way, I like drafting at 10 this year. You get a proven player. Earlier in the draft you're "forced" to take high celing guys that may not pan out. Heck, I wouldn't even like to be at #1 and "force" to spend the max on Griffin. The "max"? The NBA has slots for the picks so it's not like the NFL or anything like that. I'd be willing to trade up to #1 to get Griffin. He's going to be a stud...the rest of the draft is a bunch of unknown in my opinion and Griffin is the only guy who looks like he could be a superstar in the not so distant future.

That can work if you're in total rebuilding mode and he can learn on the job, but I don't see that happening with the Bucks. If he's not going to perform, Skiles will leave him on the bench. That's the point I made in my original post and I don't think that Hill should/will play right away. He's more of a developmental guy IMO. He could be good, but it's going to take some time since he doesn't have a lot of experience playing basketball. I watched him a few times this year and he looked good at times, but also looked pretty bad too.

It sounds like Bowen isn't going to be on the team per the link (I'm assuming updated): Bowen has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, so the Bucks could release him, further saving about $4 million next season and giving them a better chance of retaining Sessions and Villanueva. In that case, Bowen might return to San Antonio later this summer. The Bucks expect to save $6.35 million next season after releasing Bowen (only $2 million guaranteed) and Oberto (only $1.9 million guaranteed), a source told ESPN.com.

Even if they were to bring back Sessions, we should pick Tyreke Evans or Demar Derozan who would actually be big needs if we traded Alexander and Jefferson. Your planning on 'ifs' though. 'If' they don't trade Alexander or Jefferson and draft Hill, to me that might mean Sessions is back. We really don't know what the plan is, but we should get a better idea on Thursday night. EDIT: I stand corrected. There's no 'if' about trading Jefferson http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

Hill hasn't played basketball all that long though. I wouldn't mind the pick in certain situations, but this team needs a guy that will hit the court running year 1. Hill very well could turn out to be a top 5 pick in this draft 3 years from now, but I don't see how that would help the team now. For a team that needs help right now, I wouldn't mind taking Tyler at number 10. If they do pick Hill, maybe that's an indication that they're bringing Sessions back?

I'll have to agree with Al on this one, Hardy's injury issues make him too risky to sign longterm. His back problems are particularly concerning to me, because guys don't seem to hit after their backs give out. I also agree. I think it's assumed that Hardy isn't going to sign because we haven't heard all that much about it. I know the Brewers aren't a bottom feeder payroll, but they are a small market. In the perfect world, you always have stud prospects ready to replace an established player at the MLB level if that player isn't going to be kept.

You do realize the doctors recommended that Casey MaGehee shouldn't play the field this series because he's battling knee tendinitis. Thats why Gamel was at 3rd instead of DH. Well...what happens then if Gamel is on the bench again. Hall plays 3B also and I guess I see it like Hall vs. Gamel. I'm hoping that the Brewers have realized that Gamel > Hall. I don't think they used the best discriptive term in "sharing". Hall will only start against LHP, which will give Gamel 2/3 of the starts at the positions. If Hall doesn't pick up the pace, he'll lose those starts too. Hall isn't getting those starts because of his contract, its because he earned them by being awesome versus LHP even when he was dreadful overall last year. Gamel hits LHP better than RHP. Hall can do one thing above average. I don't see that as a reason to get him in the lineup though. I'd much rather see Hall play 2B, SS, and 3B or even OF and be a super sub.

Does it make me a bad person that I'm now hoping CC crashes and burns in New York? You asked the question...yes it does. Put yourself in CC's huge shoes...there's no way you turn down that offer. I hate the Yankees, but I can't hate CC. I'd say they do a very, very poor job of running their team in terms of the bottom line. They offered a ton more than any other team...what would you do at your current job? You'd get paid to do the same thing some where else and get paid a lot more...would you pass on that? If CC's mentally strong enough to put up with the NY bs, then good for him. If I were CC, I would've signed with the Yankees. It's just way too much money to pass up. CC enjoyed his time here and carried us to the playoffs...why the hate? I'm assuming you'd boo him when/if he comes back to Miller Park based on your comments...

I can't imagine they're keeping him around to ride the bench. I think all the Gamel fanatics should be pleased right now. I am as well, as I see no reason why he should go down to AAA after the positive signs he's shown at the plate lately. Well I couldn't imagine they called him up to ride the bench either. We'll see. You use your #1 hitting prospect the way the Brewers have. He should be starting everyday and maybe a day off a week to let Hall play based on his contract. I don't say that to be a jerk against Hall. The problem is Gamel has hit LHP BETTER than RHP in his career. There should not be any type of platoon at 3B. Gamel can flat out hit. I also think many 'Gamel fanatics' if you want to call me one just want to use Mat the best way. It's good to have a plan for your top prospect and not worry about a bad contract you signed another player to.

I think burrying a young player as he struggles to find his groove in the majors is a good way to hinder a players development. An alternative is to break the player in slowly the 1st few weeks, while gradually increases his player time as he gets more comfortable. Why call him up then? We still don't know what role Gamel will or won't have going forward. If he's starting at 3B everyday of the week with one off day, that's fine. I have and had no problem with that if that happens. I guess I don't see why that never happened. I still don't buy anything towards the Brewers having a plan with Gamel. It made no sense to call him up when they did and they treated him like that. I also don't think it's anywhere near fair to say he struggled when he's adjusting to being a bench/DH player most of the time he was up here prior to this weekend. Again, I hope the Brewers said 'Mat you're starting at 3B. Stop worrying about it and just play baseball'. Mat no doubt saw what happened to Brad Nelson and Chris Duffy. You perform or you're gone...that shouldn't apply to the best prospect in the organization. Milwaukee isn't and most likely won't be at the point where they can always call up the #1 prospect in the organization and 'get his feet wet'. It's using up service time. The Brewers IMO should have called Gamel up right before the road DH games and told him the plan...or they call him up (when they did) and tell him the plan. This weekend gives me an indication that the Brewers have decided that Gamel will start the majority of the games at 3B. That also tells me the Brewers didn't have a plan...why is he all of a sudden 'the guy' at 3B when a DH spot was there? That contradicts how they've used him in the prior similar situations. I'm happy he's staying here, and think he's an intergral part of the teams playoff push. I'm also happy they didn't risk crushing his confidence by shipping him back to AAA. I agree about the playoff push. It's too bad he can't pitch http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif I've stated it before...I think Gamel is the 3rd best hitter on this team or could be by seasons end. I've never questioned the bat. I just thought it was somewhat of a joke for him to average fewer than 3 at-bats a game and play 1/3 of the games at 3B until this weekend. I don't think it would've messed with Mat's confidence. I'm sure he'd rather be in the bigs than AAA...but that also isn't in his best interest if there is no plan for him. I really hope the Brewers have decided to give him the job. JS mentions that he'll be sharing time with Bill Hall...which sucks, but hopefully isn't true.

One manifestation of this is that the backlash against the over the top praise leads some to then underrate that player. Counsell isn't below replacement level, and never has been. Agreed. There were/have been some on this board that were upset when we signed him two years ago...and brought him back this year. Counsell isn't a bad player. He's a pretty darn good bench player and to be fair is having a pretty good year for any infielder in baseball. I still think he is going to wear down since this really isn't his best role.

That is a major concern, because he has Jamie Moyer velocity. However, his minor league numbers are so awesome that his stats don't need to fully translate for him to be as good as the averge-ish guys the Brewers already start. I've seen him once or twice so by no means am I an expert. I usually state in that small of a viewing I've really not seen the guy at all since one or two times doesn't mean all that much. I do think though that he could translate to the bigs. I just don't know how good he could be there since I've only seen him a few times. I'd have to say a Moyer type career wouldn't shock me, but in my opinion guys who the type of stuff Cody has are hard to project. His command is everything and in my opinion his command is pretty solid. Hopefully that will continue at the next level whenever that happens. I've always thought guys with 'stats' in the minors that don't walk guys should be given a shot. DiFelice was somewhat similar and his stuff was questioned for a long time before he made it to Milwaukee. Sometimes guys that don't throw all that hard work out. Stetter is probably in that same boat too (not that his stuff is as slow as Cody's, but by no means is Stetter a power arm).

DiFelice did not have bat splits in AAA because there are no LH bats with big pop in the minors, except for the rare Gamel type who has not been called up yet. When Brad Nelson and such are the big power bats to avoid, you'll have success, but that does not translate to the bigs. As I said, his splits versus major league LH hitters is atrocious, and he'd be lucky to make it through a lefty laden lineup as a SP. When you have the numbers right there, and still think maybe he'd have success, the only argument is that stats are meaningless. He's correctly placed as a righty specialist. So where do LH power hitters come from? DiFelice pitched enough in the minors to face his fair share. I've seen him pitch qutie a bit the past two years and to be honest I'm on the fence about him as a starter or a relief type guy. I would just suggest you make your post more opinion than fact because at this point and time it's just an opinion. How does a guy that has pitched all those year in the minors never fact LH bats with pop? That thought doesn't make any sense to me. There's much more data to suggest he'll do fine against LH than 50 or so at-bats by LH in the majors.

I'm a little late on this, so I apologize. I can understand the frustration over his use, but a college coach's job is to win games, not to ensure his players have a good career afterward. I'd be willing to guess Arnett didn't ask to be taken out of those games only to be denied by the coach. I agree with this. I don't want to, but I do. A lot of college players will never be legit prospects. I do think there is some abuse though that is pretty clear. A few weeks back a relief pitcher (from Texas I think) threw over 160 pitches in a very long extra inning game. Now that is just flat out abuse. I think the guy was supposed to be drafted high this year, but I don't recall the name of the player.

Counsell gets a lot of love because of his fame in the playoffs with prior teams. Timing is everything. I also think that it's human nature to root for an underdog and IMO that's what Counsell is. Was Robert Horry the best NBA player in the 90's? Of course not, but he did win seven rings. Not everyone in the media though misses things though. Colin Cowherd would put Horry in his basketball HOF. I'm not saying that everyone feels that way, but thats his opinion and it does make some sense I guess. It's not like Horry was sitting on his hands in the playoffs. He was one of the best late game shooters of all time. Again, timing is everything.

I still consider Bush to be the #2 starter behind Gallardo. However, Suppan's numbers are actually the second best out of the starters so far. Wait...I thought Suppan was terrible, garbage, waste of space, etc. He has a purpose? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif I'm not saying he's a stud...I am saying guys like Suppan have value. It's just too bad for us that he was a free agent a few years ago and we didn't sign him this past off-season. He may have been just...a bit cheaper. I'm starting to get the feeling that this team is pitching back to norms. I think they have to make a trade in order to compete the rest of the year. I know much has been made in the national media that Sheets and CC (who was only here less than half the year...media forgets that) made the team so great. Yo didn't play last year and he replaces one of the guys. Well...to me that was a stretch to begin with in terms of expectations. Yo could equal Sheets, but there's no way I can think Yo can pitch 200 innings and always be studly. Combine that with Parra's problems, Bush's issues, and other inconsistencies and I feel we have a major problem on our hands. We don't have another 'Yo' in AAA. I also don't want to trade Gamel or Escobar for a rental type guy. I'm thinking the Brewers may have to sign a free agent or call up a player lower than AAA and roll the dice. A guy like Chris Cody might deserve a chance given the circumstances.

I guess I can somewhat see what Reynolds is saying to a certain degree, but like others have mentioned he goes against what he's saying so it's hard to figure out what his point is. The only thing I think I know what Reynolds is saying is that good power hitters will work more than guys that have next to zero power. We've known that for some time though so I'm not sure what he's getting at. I really liked Reynolds when he was at ESPN and was disappointed he was let go. I feel he's a good tv guy, but maybe not that good at 'breaking things down' on a blog.

I think it depends on what they are trying to improve on his defense. If it's footwork which is what they seem to be saying he can work on it without playing every day. He comes in daily to work on that now. I also don't think Gamel was expected to stay or play first base. The original plan was to get him some time as DH and maybe a game or two at third when he was originally called up. Then Weeks got hurt and they sort of played it by ear. They do have a viable option at third with McGehehe so it isn't all that far off from the Prince formula. You make some legit points. I guess seeing the Sounds play I think he'd get more 'attention' with Money. He'd get to practice (probably the same amount as Milwaukee), but then also put it into live games. I don't think taking ground balls in Nashville or Milwaukee really matters. Live games is what matters to me. Again, this is the prospect that the Brewers refused to give up in the CC deal.

It's the same plan they used with Prince. It doesn't seem to have hindered his progress. The idea is to give the player a little taste of the majors. Not just the playing but the travel, media, fans... the entire major league routine. If they do the same as they did with Prince the plan all along was to send him back down and digests it a little bit and when they need him he is one step ahead in knowing what to expect. This isn't new or just a Brewer thing. Plenty of teams like to get their top prospects a taste before they are expected to come in and produce. Given how important hose first few years of major league service are, especially if you are not one of the top payroll teams, I think it makes some amount of sense to acclimate them a little without losing the entire year of service time learning on the job. Prince wasn't expected to stay or play 1B. There's a hole at 3B and our top prospect is a 3B. Prince wasn't going to get significantly better at defense. He was more 'developed' than Gamel was. Gamel needs to play everyday in order to shore up his weakness -- his defense. There's a major difference IMO. Weeks, Braun, and Fielder have all shown at various times major issues on defense...why can't we fix this? You either play Gamel everyday to get better or switch positions. Until this happens, his progress will not be at the point it needs to be.

I'm still glad we have Cameron. He is streaky, just the way is and has been his entire career. Even when he is not going good he still give you fantastic defense in CF which has been huge in saving some runs this season. I agree. I wasn't always in his camp, but I've grown to like Cam. I think his 'streakiness' is magnified by the other streaky guys on the team. I do hope he's back next year, but he is getting older. I'd like to see him back for the same amount or so, but I'd also like to see us either get a guy to give Cam more rest or actually play Gerut at CF.

He would still be a valuable player, and able to get at-bats against LHP, and could do so all over the IF. I guess you have a good point http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif He's obviously paid way too much, but I wouldn't mind seeing him as a super sub. Its not like he's riding the pine like Cattalanato. He's been up for 33 games, and he's had 82 PA. He's started 10 of the last 15 games as well. Gamel > Cat IMO and it's not all that close. Cat was looking a job a month or so ago. The plan was to break him in slowly. His playing time increases each week, and will continue to do so. I couldn't fathom sending him to AAA. Thats basically telling him they don't believe in him. They have a plan, and will stay the course. If that was the 'plan', it sure was a terrible one. I guess I don't see the point in hindering a player's development. You don't get better by not playing. I'm not knocking you X. I just think that's the wrong way to go about things with Gamel. There is a minor league system for a reason. It was no secret Gamel was probably going to be the DH during these interleague games. Gamel knew that when he came up. Besides, how does starting at 3B or DH seriously affect his production in the batter's box? It really shouldn't, unless we want to have a discussion about the mental aspects of being on the field versus sitting on the bench during a half inning. I doubt many want to go there, though. It was not a secret, but why was he called up so early? I personally think calling up a minor league player just to DH is a pretty dumb idea for a team that is competing and trying to keep growing guys via the minor leagues. It has a minimal impact on the actual games and it hinders the player's progress in the field. How does it impact field or playing? I'm not stating he's 'struggled' (which he really hasn't) with the bat because he's a DH. I'm saying because he pretty much knows he's getting sent down unless he performs he's pressing. IIRC there have been players in the past that would much rather field and hit than just DH. Players have said it keeps them from focusing too much on hitting and pressing...now imagine that for a guy that pretty much has no role. There is not a single reason Gamel shouldn't be playing 3B everyday. You either develop the defense or move him to a new position. I've been in the camp for a long time that his defense would be fine. I think some need to take a look back at Gamel's minor league hitting stats. He's a great hitter and IMO out of all the players in Milwaukee right now he'll at worst be the 3rd best overall hitter and may actually be the 3rd best right now. Let him play and we'll see what he can do. Getting 'his feet wet' is a joke. You don't use up service time to bring a guy along slowly. There's rookie league, A, AA, and AAA to do all that.

What's being lost in this is that Gamel is the DH right now (OK, I think most realize that). Most will admit Hall's glove is better and more proven than Gamel's at this point. So, Macha is doing what gives his team the best chance to win...I don't think you can ask much more of any MLB manager. Macha has to do what's best for the whole team, and what gives them the best chance to win, not just what's best for one rookie, no matter how heralded by the fans. First of all...it's not personal. You mention that many rookies are called up and don't start...how many of them are the organizations number 1 prospect? My guess is not many. It's not like Gamel is the #18 prospect in the system. He's #1. You either start him in MLB or AAA. You're wasting service time by having him on the bench. Plain and simple. Macha isn't doing the right thing at all. Giving Gamel less than 3 at-bats a game is a bad idea. Sure he's DHing...but there isn't a DH in the NL. It's not the answer to the long-term issue and that's Gamel. Let's not worry about what's best for 'one rookie'. Let's worry about what's best for this team now and in the future. That means benching Hall and putting some faith in Gamel. If they don't believe he can field, than send him to AAA or trade him. Let's not screw around here. The Brewers have time and again brought up guys with bad defense. Gamel has busted his tail and IMO can handle 3B in MLB...I just don't think having him DH or riding the pine helps that. I mean seriously...'starting' Gamel in road AL games? That's good enough? Is that what they did with Braun? Macha has to bench Hall. Hall has no business starting at 3B until Gamel shows he can't handle that. I hate to say this, but if we go back one year and the same decisions were made Yost would have pages filled with out lame he is. Macha should have the same. You don't call up the best prospect in the organization and use him the way the team is. There's been no plan with Gamel. He was called up WAY too early in terms of his actual playing time. The only thing Mat could've done was hit .300 or so and maybe he'd start. If this team is going live through Hardy, Hart, and Cameron's streaks and Hall's lack of hitting now for a few years they can have Gamel start at 3B. The handling of Gamel is a joke. There clearly was no plan with him and I've stated that for over a month now and still stand by that. If the glove isn't ready, send him to Nashville so he can actually improve instead of sitting on the bench/DHing. Giving a guy 1/3 of the starts at 3B is not a way you continue to develop a guy.