For whatever it's worth, M&M said Toronto would want three for Halladay ... one big name and two solids. You gotta figure they deal out of the division, (naturally) heck ... I'd deal outside the league ... so that leaves the richest teams in the AL. I don't think the Brewers are it.
HOWEVER ... I follow baseball about as closely as I do herpes outbreaks, and it probably shows. But I'm TRYING to increase the knowledge ... be easy on me!
I like the Bill Hall for a 6-pack of sham wow's rumor. If we do it in the next 2 hours it doubles to a 12-pack.
Honestly, the more I consider the situation the more I think we should just stand pat or even "sell" Hart and/or Hardy for younger talent. We made it this far with neither of them really doing much so at the very least this team should still be competitive and draw crowds well into september. Then we can start anew next year and hopefully use the extra salary to sign a decent starter.
In my head (where I have it all worked out) Gamel would be sent down to AAA for the remainder of this year to learn RF. Then the line up next year would include Escobar SS, McGehee 3b, Weeks 2b, Gamel RF and we would need to find cheap cheap replacements in CF and catcher.
If we do that, and somehow are able to find the cash money to scoop up a pitcher like Webb or Beckett I think this team could really make waves next year. Also, in the rosiest of scenarios, some of our young pitching would have advanced to the point where they would be good trade chips for a deadline deal next year.
I realize this kind of "plan" doesn't go over well with most all fans, and thats why Melvin would never show the white flag by dealing away MLB talent for prospects right now. Its just my "vision" for now, I will probably change my mind in a few days.
For what its worth, this is the list ↓ of upcoming free agent starting pitchers..
Wow, heck of a lot of research here Badge. Must be a slow day at work
Glancing at the list briefly, the name that stands out to me is Justin Duchscherer . Based on age, potential, historical performance and price, he appears to be the best bargain out there. Just my two cents
Wow, heck of a lot of research here Badge. Must be a slow day at workYep so much work to google "MLB 2010 Free Agents"
Glancing at the list briefly, the name that stands out to me is Justin Duchscherer . Based on age, potential, historical performance and price, he appears to be the best bargain out there. Just my two centsOh, so you want another Ben Sheets
Duchscherer might be a name to consider, but I don't think he makes us a feared team the way that a Webb or Beckett would. Obviously I am aware of the financial limitations for Milwaukee, but a cursory look ahead (assuming we trade Hart and Hardy) looks like we might be able to squeek by on payroll next year and then be in decent shape once Suppan and Hall are off the books.
Duchscherer might be a name to consider, but I don't think he makes us a feared team Copy that. However, it would certainly be an improvement over what we have now. With the offense the Brewers have, the last few games notwithstanding, I don't feel we need a marquee name to get to the next level ...(see 2008 Phillies). Adding another above average innings eater and getting Dave Bush back healthy just might be enough to win this wacky division.
Course, I also thought that Manny Parra would be our #2 SP, whodathunk?
Undoubtedly this team right now needs a spark to jump start some positive vibes and get on a winning streak. But I would not want to trade away the future for some risky adventure that may not work out. The only move that makes the most baseball business sense is to trade JJ Hardy. We have a ready to play replacement to continue with this season and beyond. Escobar may not be an All-star SS now like JJ but the reward of getting a great young starting pitcher will be worth the risk. This season I don't think would be over if JJ was traded. IMO, JJ for Clay Bucholz from Boston would be a no brainer - make the deal. If we would look to trade anyone else it would be too big of price to pay and may upset the chances for success this season. For example, trading Hart now leaves the Crew with a hole in RF. Don't kid ourselves no one else we have could play their regularly. Hart could be traded in the off-season if he doesn't want to sign long term or if some of you think we could be better served with Gamel or some one else in RF. The off-season is the time to explore changing the Crew's RF. I would also be against trading Gamel, Escobar or any other of our top prospects for a mediocre starting pitcher or a rent a hitter for the rest of this season.
The Crew needs to get back to playing quality baseball. Last night's game was a poor performance. Go Brewers!
I'd love to see a trade for Halladay. But I highly doubt it's going to happen. The pitching is bad but in the last week, the offense hasn't been much better. If any deal is made, it won't be done until after the ASB, if not the trade deadline. Plus who really knows what went on behind closed doors. We as fans can only hope for the best but based on the comments alone, I'd say Braun and DM at least had a long talk...
IMO, JJ for Clay Bucholz from Boston would be a no brainer - make the deal. Plus we would have Clay for a couple years and he and Yovani could make a good 1/2. A great top 3 if Manny...nvm, I have basically given up hope on him for now. For example, trading Hart now leaves the Crew with a hole in RF. Don't kid ourselves no one else we have could play their regularly.Truthfully I think Gerut or Catalanotto could give us the .250 average he does. The only thing we lose is the solo HR he brings every other week or so. I would also be against trading Gamel, Escobar or any other of our top prospects for a mediocre starting pitcher or a rent a hitter for the rest of this season. The only pitcher who would warrant Gamel or Escobar being brought up in trade talks is Roy Halladay and trading one of them for who is quite possibly the best pitcher in baseball would be worth it, especially cause we would get to see him for a full year and a half. Sadly, I dont think he comes to Milwaukee.
You mean Jake Peavy who has pitched in a pitchers friendly park his entire career? Didnt the Brewers get a reliever from San Diego that was supposed to be great for the stretch run? AHHHH yes, Mr. Linebrink. What a waste that move was. I just am not sold on any pitcher coming from San Diego.
Peavy has been just fine on the road the last couple years, but he's been lights out at PETCO. I'm not worried at all about him succeeding in another park.
I would be concerned about the durability issues he has shown the last couple years tho.
You mean Jake Peavy who has pitched in a pitchers friendly park his entire career? On a related note, he is 10 games over .500 pitching away from the "pitcher friendly" park with an ERA of under 4. Still better than what we currently have.
Glancing at the list briefly, the name that stands out to me is Justin Duchscherer .
I could have sworn that Duchscherer's arm actually fell off while on the mound last year. Amazing that he is still on schedule to be back, if he has no set backs, by MID AUGUST! That guy is NOT going to help this year.
To be quite honest, aside from the guys on that list that are going no where(Beckett, Wakefield, etc.), the only one who really intrigues me is Jarrod Washburn.
I live in the Seattle area, and Washburn, mostly due to finally being healthy and getting his mechanics more consistant, is throwing 2-3 mph harder than he has the last few years. He is having a phenomonal year, and it would be a good story to see him come back home and pitch.
Get him for this year, ride the streak he is on, and if you want to get rid of him next year, so be it.
Althought it favors the brew crew, Hardy is a good number 7-8 hitter at the 6 hold, which is nice for the Sox.
Clay Bucholz should be a starting MLB pitcher already with some high end potential.
The other reason why I like this for the Brewers is they aren't giving up Gamel or any other large prospect like Casey McGehee. Bill Hall can play shortstop and bat 8th for the brew crew, which may bring his spirits up and liven his bat.
I hope Buster Olney is right when he said the Yanks and Sox aren't interested and that the Mets are but don't have the prospects and that the Phillies are interested and DO have the prospects. I thought they didn't have good prospects just a year ago but maybe I was wrong. I like Happ, but I'd be willing to part with him for a player like Halladay.
