Joe Blanton

[Fear The Chorizo]

What about making a pitch to Billy Beane for this guy? It probably would take quite a bit to get him, but his contract situation is ideal for Beane to get the most out of him - he's going to reach arbitration this offseason, and Oakland's already shown a reluctance to pay free agents to be. He's a #2 caliber starter or better, and he's been a proven innings eater. He'd be an ideal addition to the rotation, especially with Sheets out for at least a month.

 

Blanton

Bush

Suppan

Gallardo

Capuano/Vargas

 

That's a pretty solid rotation to run out there, especially knowing that Sheets' return would give them a very good 1-5

 

and to start 08,

 

Sheets

Blanton

Gallardo

Bush

Suppan/Villenueva

 

That's scary good, even if it is all righthanded. Throw Parra or Cappy in there if they're still on the Brewers roster after the offseason.

 

Blanton is at about the same point in his career as Sheets was before signing his initial contract extension - if the Brewers could acquire him, they could look into giving him a similar deal to what Sheets got, especially if the Brewers are weighing the pros and cons of extending Sheets' current contract.

 

The problem with this idea is it would be the definition of 'buying high'...Acquiring him would probably take something along the lines of Gamel + Parra/Balfour, if not more - Beane would probably have to get an offer similar to what STL gave him for Mulder (well, maybe not that rediculous)...thoughts?

 

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[brettac1]

He'll be in Oakland for another couple years at least, but more likely they'll lock him by buying out one or two FA years, which is what they have done with Haren, Harden, and Swisher.