Brewers talking with Jeff Suppan

[Invader3K]

I think it will probably be the latter...we're going to lose out to a team offering a couple million more, most likely.

[pogokat]

Yeah,

 

Suppan is pretty nice, but he should get more than lilly or Meche---which prices him out of the brewers range, and well...sanity...

 

Though I'm pretty sure you could count on Suppan pitching about the same for the next 4 years, so he'll be a better deal than those other guys...and he's got extreme familiarity with the division...

 

I'd like to have him...he was in my top 5 of free agents this off season, and I think he'd be a wiser signing than maybe anyone else who was available..

[JohnBriggs12]

"Assuming..Suppan, that could open the door to deal one of our other starts - Carlos V. or Vargas"

 

That will and should never happen. Pre arby starting pitchers are even more valuable now in the ridiculous market that is starting pitching. Last I checked the Brewers are still a small market team. A signing of Suppan will mean down the road probably no Sheets and likely no Capuano. They can afford all those guys for a year or two, but then the position players start cashing in.

 

It will be the Villanuevas and Gallardos and a continual flow of young starting pitching that will keep the Brewers competitive.

[Brian the Automator]

[ It will be the Villanuevas and Gallardos and a continual flow of young starting pitching that will keep the Brewers competitive. ]

 

It will, but it's not like the Brewers aren't allowed to trade anyone. Pitchers are the easiest commodities to trade during the year, as you don't have to plan your club around them, like you do with position players. Contenders can ALWAYS use an extra arm.

 

So, what's the harm in signing Suppan, and pushing Villanueva to AAA to start the year? Then, the Brewers can verify Sheets is healthy, Bush's last year wasn't a fluke, and Vargas will be OK. The Brewers can cherry-pick the ideal AAA starter to push in the rotation and trade the guy who either brings the best return or the guy who the Brewers don't see as a long-term fit.

[dpapo]

If the report is true, then the Brewers are probably a late entry into Suppan services because in the latest Sports Weekly that I got yesterday, it had the same blurb about Suppan, except the Brewers weren't one of the teams listed.

As far as how much money it might take to sign him, I found the following in the KC Star.

"Industry sources suggest he (Suppan) is likely to command a deal that matches or exceeds what Vicente Padilla received to remain with the Rangers: $33.75 million for three years with a $12 million option for 2010."

 

I also read somewhere that his agent wants to wait until Zito signs before Suppan makes a decision.

[RedbirdRay]

Suppan is a great guy, very funny, good in the clubhouse and a fan favorite.

 

There is a lot to be said for his game prep, sticking to his game plan and his durability cannot be understated. Good mechanics, control pitcher...he really, really knows how to pitch. He also has a good head on his shoulders and doesn't get rattled by pressure of big games, defensive errors, etc. As mentioned, he's good with his stick. I'm going to miss him.

 

Having said all that, I'd like to make two points...

 

he was greatly, greatly aided by the Cardinal defense (which ranked #1 in baseball last year). He is an extreme groundball pitcher and needs a good defense behind him. The Brewers have a ton of talent and a lot of positives. You guys know me and know I'm a closet fan so keep that in mind when you read my next question...Is the Brewers infield defense good for an extreme groundball pitcher?

 

Also, when you really look at Suppan's FIP, K/9, etc...he really isn't much better than average.

 

So...is durability and a history of pitching well against your team enough to justify the 11/per x 4 years some team will probably pay him? The Cardinals don't think so. It's the only reason we aren't bringing him back.

[splitterpfj]

I could envision something like a 4 year, 40 million deal here, without a no trade clause. The Brewers could do that, fully intending to move him in two years.

 

Somebody always needs a pitcher, and hopefully the guys like Gallardo and Inman would be in place by then, making Suppan expendable.

 

That's actually a pretty good plan....unless Suppan has an injury in the meantime.

[Ennder]

please, please, please go somewhere else Suppan.

 

We really do not need a low K, 1.40 WHIP type pitcher who has only had a decent ERA the past few years because STL has had the best defense in the NL. Suppan would be a disaster signing in my opinion, I'd have more faith in Vargas than in Suppan.

[dadofandrew]

The "in" thing seems to be a no-trade clause for part of the contract, so you give him one until June of '09, or something like that, then he could name 5-10 teams he does not want to go to.

 

Suppan has a restaurant in California, so he may not be a small town/city guy like I had hoped. It seems likely if he just takes the most $, it won't be from MIL.

[RyDogg66]

HEADLINES FROM THE FUTURE!!!!

 

July 15, 2008

 

BREWERS, MELVIN NEED TO MOVE SUPPAN BEFORE RESIGNING SHEETS

 

Milwaukee - AP - When asked about the possibility of resigning All Star starting pitcher Ben Sheets to a contract extension prior to his current contract expiring at the end of the season Milwaukee Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin stated that the club would first need to move some salary, possible Jeff Suppan and the remaining 20 million dollars he is owed through 2010.

 

"We would really like to keep Sheeter around," Melvin admitted, "but first we need to clear a little salary."

 

Suppan, 33, was signed by the Brewers prior to the start of the 2007 season for 4 years, 40 million dollars. In 2007 Suppan went 11-13 with a 4.49 ERA and a WHIP of 1.51. So far this season Suppan is 7-6 with an ERA of 4.38. The Brewers are desperate to move Suppan, as holding onto him and his pricey contract would almost certainly mean Sheets would be priced out of Milwaukee this offseason. It's hard to call Suppan a disappointment because he has so far pitched to his career norms, which just are not very much different than average.

 

"I know Benny would like to stay here if the money is equal, but with what we are paying other players I don't see how that is possible," Melvin added, hinting that a player such as Suppan would need to be moved prior to the Brewers resigning Sheets.

 

Sheets, who turns 30 this week, had a breakout year in 2004 and signed a 4 year, 40 million dollar extension himself but battled ear and shoulder ailments through 2005 and 2006, all the while pitching well when healthy. Finally healthy in 2007 he put up a nifty line of 229 IP, a 17-6 record with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 0.98. So far this season Sheets is 11-2 and just started the All Star game for the NL squad.

 

"We've kind of have a log jam in the rotation right now," said Melvin, "with Ben, Cappy, Bush, Suppan, Gallardo and Villanueva. I can't see us keeping everyone next year."

[sbrylski]

We really do not need a low K, 1.40 WHIP type pitcher who has only had a decent ERA the past few years because STL has had the best defense in the NL. Suppan would be a disaster signing in my opinion, I'd have more faith in Vargas than in Suppan.

 

Agreed. His ERA is skewed for some reason, probably StL's great defense. I like Vargas just as much, and I think Suppan will drop off outside of StL.

[Invader3K]

Bah, a couple years ago, no one had heard of Villanueva and Gallardo. Is it always going to be "Wait for this next batch of youngsters?"

[dadofandrew]

I can only hope we have "too many" quality starting pitchers...yeah, who would ever want to acquire pitching in a trade?

[Gone]

who has only had a decent ERA the past few years because STL has had the best defense in the NL

 

Suppan was pretty good in Pitsburgh in '03 having a 3.57 ERA over 141.00 innings.

 

I like this idea simply because we'd then ship Jenks/Mench for some bullpen help or minor leaguers which would really balance out the salary paid.

[Two Fisted Slobber]

What are Suppan's career splits, Brewers and non-Brewers? Seriously, they can't be very good.

 

Suppan's career 3.29 ERA vs. Milwaukee is the 13th lowest since 1974 (125 or more IP).

 

 Suppan G GS W L IP H R ER HR BB K ERA career 317 301 106 101 1864.7 2029 1042 954 247 612 1048 4.60 vs Brewers 21 20 12 2 128.7 124 49 47 13 35 85 3.29 all others 296 281 94 99 1736.0 1905 993 907 234 577 963 4.70

[BREWCREW5]

I know we were all excited about finally hearing some brewer news but unfortunately guys, Suppan isnt going to sign with the Brewers and we all know this deep down inside. I hate to say it.

[Invader3K]

Agreed, which really makes me angry.

[RockCoCougars]

Thanks for the stats, slobber. They kind of confirm what I thought. Suppan's "non-Brewers" stats are similar to a circa 1984 Ray Burris. I pass. Maybe for 6-7 million a year, but not for 9-10, especially for 4 years.

[bsglorydays]

In fairness, looking at career stats is not always a real effective way to judge the caliber of a pitcher. Suppan's last 4 years have all been slightly above average or good. His career numbers are severely skewed by some of his early seasons. Players hit their stride at different points in their careers.

 

I don't think I would throw 4 years and $40 million at him, but I also don't think he's the bum that some people seem to think he is.

[Invader3K]

I would throw it at him as it would solidify the starting rotation, bring a "name" player to Milwaukee, and probably sell a few more tickets during next season.

[Ennder]

The last 3 years he's had WHIPs of 1.37, 1.38, 1.45 and K's of 110, 114, 104, those are not good numbers. His FIP's have been 4.65, 4.48, 4.68 and his xFIP's have been even worse. The only good thing about him the past 3 years has been his GB% and if we end up with Koskie hurt and Graffy or Braun starting at 3B we have a pertty poor fielding IF. I stand by what I said, signing him for good money would be a disaster.

[sbrylski]

I am in agreement with Ennder.

 

I'd rather take a flyer on someone like Brian Lawrence. Maybe John Thomson.

[Two Fisted Slobber]

In fairness, looking at career stats is not always a real effective way to judge the caliber of a pitcher.

 

Here's the last three years:

 

 Suppan G GS W L IP H R ER HR BB K ERA 2004-2006 95 95 44 26 572.3 605 291 251 70 197 327 3.95 vs Brewers 12 12 6 1 77.3 63 23 21 8 26 43 2.44 all others 83 83 38 25 495.0 540 268 230 62 171 284 4.18

[bsglorydays]

In fairness, looking at career stats is not always a real effective way to judge the caliber of a pitcher

 

Slobber,

 

I wasn't actually referring to your stats (sorry, I didn't make that clear). It was more a blanket statement regarding people judging players on long careers, when what really matters is recent history. Example: Greg Maddux is one of the best pitchers of all time, but the last few years, and he has been no better than the Suppans of the league. If you advocate signing Maddux, you better realize you are getting the very average pitcher and not the Hall of Famer.

 

In terms of Suppan, you are getting a slightly above average starting pitcher IMO, and not the below average pitcher that his "career" stats would indicate.

 

Still, thanks for the updated stats.

[dadofandrew]

The Yankees are displaying some interest in free agents Joel Pineiro and Chris Reitsma. It's unclear whether Pineiro would prefer to start or reliever. The Yankees would see him as a swingman, whereas others, such as the Cardinals or Twins, could pencil him right into the rotation. Also believed to be interested are the Red Sox, Pirates and Royals.

 

Let's see the Yankees, Twins, Cards, and Red Sox are all after Joel Pineiro, who has been horrible since 2003 ended, and we shouldn't have any interest in Jeff Suppan?

 

Heh.