If you were Doug Melvin...

[paulmolitor4]

What would you do before the trade deadline and in the future? Here's what I would do:

 

Before the Trade Deadline

Trade Taylor Green and Chris Cody to Seattle for Erik Bedard (I'm not very good with values of prospects, so I'm sure someone will let me know if this is out of line)

Trade Corey Hart to Chicago (AL) for Jermaine Dye

Trade Hernan Iribarren to Arizona for Felipe Lopez

 

In the Offseason

Sign Prince Fielder to a long-term deal

Pick up Jermaine Dye's option

Trade J.J. Hardy and Evan Anundsen to Boston for Clay Buchholz

Trade Bill Hall to the Yankees for ANYTHING

Let Jason Kendall, Felipe Lopez, Mike Cameron, Erik Bedard and Braden Looper walk in FA

Sign Reed Johnson

 

2010-2011 Offseason

Trade Rickie Weeks for prospects

Let Jermain Dye, Dave Bush, and Jeff Suppan walk in FA

 

2009 Lineup

2B Lopez (S)/Counsell (L)

SS Hardy

LF Braun

1B Fielder (L)

RF Dye

3B Gamel (L)/McGehee

CF Cameron

C Kendall

 

2009 Rotation

Gallardo

Bedard (L)

Bush

Looper

Suppan/Parra (L)

 

2010 Lineup

2B Weeks

CF Johnson

LF Braun

1B Fielder (L)

RF Dye

3B Gamel (L)

C Salome/Lucroy

SS Escobar

 

2010 Rotation

Gallardo

Bush

Buchholz

Parra (L)

Suppan

 

2011 Lineup

SS Escobar

CF Cain/Schafer (L)

RF Braun

1B Fielder (L)

2B Lawrie

3B Gamel (L)

LF Gillespie/Gindl (L)

C Salome/Lucroy

 

2011 Rotation

Gallardo

Buchholz

Parra (L)

Arnett

Braddock (L), Peralta, Scarpetta, Rogers, etc.

[paulmolitor4]

Another thought would be to include Hardy in the deal to Seattle if they were to include Morrow.

[paulmolitor4]

Another 2011 Lineup - (if we can't work out a deal with Fielder and have to trade him during the season next year)
2B Prince (no not Fielder - Josh Prince)
SS Escobar
3B Gamel (L)
RF Braun
1B Lawrie
CF Cain/Schafer (L)
LF Gillespie/Gindl (L)
C Salome/Lucroy

[paulmolitor4]

Also Victor Martinez is scheduled to be a free agent in 2011, so he might be a cheaper option than Prince as a free agent signee.

Then you would have this lineup:

2011 Lineup
SS Escobar
CF Cain/Schafer (L)
1B Martinez (S)
RF Braun
2B Lawrie
3B Gamel (L)
LF Gillespie/Gindl (L)
C Salome/Lucroy

I'm bored today - can you tell? I'm responding to my own posts.

[joepepsi]

Wow, pretty interesting long term plan.

 

I'd hate to trade Green and/or Cody for Bedard. These last few days I've been on the side of Doug standing pat this season and letting the chips fall where they may. This will make for a busy offseason, where probably Hardy and Hart will both be traded.

[paulmolitor4]

Wow, pretty interesting long term plan.

 

I'd hate to trade Green and/or Cody for Bedard. These last few days I've been on the side of Doug standing pat this season and letting the chips fall where they may. This will make for a busy offseason, where probably Hardy and Hart will both be traded.

Yeah, I'm having a hard time figuring out what value Jack Z would place on Bedard. If healthy though, I think Bedard could help the Brewers make a run this season and net them a compensation pick in next year's draft after he leaves in free agency.

[WisconsinSportsRule]

I honestly don't think Reed Johnson is an everyday player. He's a good player off the bench, but I wouldn't want him playing everyday, IMO.

[paulmolitor4]

I honestly don't think Reed Johnson is an everyday player. He's a good player off the bench, but I wouldn't want him playing everyday, IMO.

Maybe a Gerut/Johnson platoon would work. Although there is a lot of hate for Gerut on this board. I just don't think he has been given much of a chance.

[paulmolitor4]

Also I believe Rocco Baldelli is a free agent after this year. If he stays healthy this year, he might want and be ready for a full-time gig next year.

[nate82]

I would rather have Cameron back playing full time than have a platoon of Gerut and Johnson.

 

The Yankees are not going to take Hall for anything without the Brewers taking on part of his salary which makes absolutely no sense to do since the '10 season would be the last year the Brewers would have to hold onto Hall. In '11 Hall has a $500K buyout which is rather small compared to Suppan's which is $2M. I don't see Hall being traded unless he gets hot at the plate during the second half of this season and some team like the Royals or the Nationals see Hall as an everyday SS or OF for their team for a year. The Brewers would still have to eat some of Hall's contract or take a bad contract back. But with the Royals GM he may just trade some problem prospects for Hall you never know what that guy is thinking.

 

2010 is also to soon to be counting on Lucroy to be with Milwaukee and I'm not sure Salome will be ready to play at catcher in 2010. If the NL had the DH Salome would be up right now.

 

Cameron still has a lot of value but I'm going to bet that the Yankees are going to sign Cameron next year to help Austin Jackson in CF. I don't see the White Sox trading Dye for Hart not when Dye is basically their best OF right now and their best bat. The White Sox are not going to trade a productive player in Dye for a huge question mark in Hart. Lopez is also going to cost more than Iribarren and Taylor Green is way to much for an injured Bedard and one who is very injury prone also.

[paulmolitor4]

My rationale for Hall to the Yankees is that they had interest in him this past offseason as a super utility player. Who knows if they will have that same interest next offseason, but can we bear another season with Hall on the roster?

 

As far as the catching position goes, I could see bringing back Kendall for another year, or signing Brian Schneider and having him platoon with Salome (or Rivera for that matter).

 

My basis for trading Hart for Dye is that the White Sox have expressed an interest in getting younger and they would have Hart under team control through 2011. I agree the Brewers may have to sweeten the pot for the White Sox.

 

I think a low level prospect with Iribarren for Lopez might get the deal done. The D-Backs seem somewhat eager to get rid of Lopez.

 

As far as dealing Green for Bedard I don't know if that's a bad deal if you believe Bedard gives the Brewers a shot this year. Maybe others can weigh in on it. Maybe Cody+? for Bedard would do it.

[monty57]

Overall, a well thought out post. I like the way you're looking at things. Here's my two cents (if it's worth that):

 

I like the thought of Bedard, as he's one of the only pitchers available that would upgrade the Brewers' pitching without being unGodly expensive. That said, I'd hate to trade Green, who I see as valuable not only due to a good bat, but because he plays 2B & 3B. He's an insurance policy on Gamel not being able to stick at 3B, and at 2B until Lawrie is ready, if Weeks continues to get injured/play inconsistantly.

 

Felipe Lopez is also intriguing, as he is a good player the D-Backs seem to want to trade away. That said, I'd hate to give too much up, as the Counsell/McGehee platoon has been very productive so far, and Hall could jump into that platoon if one of the others falls off. Again, I know you occasionally trade prospects to get better for the playoffs, and Iribarren wouldn't be a huge loss, but he could be a good bench player for a few seasons, as he can backup 2B & CF, which are two positions we may need help with next season. If Melvin feels Lopez would get them to the playoffs this year, then losing Iribarren would be worth it.

 

Signing Prince is being discussed elsewhere, and if he'd be amenable to it, I'd love to see it.

 

JJ/Clay is also being discussed, and I'd love that trade. However, Anundson looks to be a stud in his own right. I'm of the group that believes that JJ/Clay is a pretty fair trade, as JJ is one of the better SS's in the league and Clay is a top prospect, but unproven in the majors. We may have to give up someone else to make the deal, but I'd hate to trade away any of our young group of stud pitchers, especially when their value is still so low.

 

I agree on Hall, but we'll probably just end up letting him go and eating his salary. He probably has as big a negative value as any non-injured player in baseball right now.

 

Dear Mr. Melvin, please don't bring back Kendall next year. Maybe he's just my pet peeve player, but I'd rather see just about anyone else catching for us right now. His OPS is below .600, and I can't see anyone's defense being so good it makes up for that. We should play Rivera more now, and I wouldn't be opposed to trading for a rent-a-catcher if anyone's available or bringing up Salome if his defense is anywhere near MLB-ready.

 

Reed Johnson is also interesting, as we will have a hole in CF next year. Maybe he's not the answer, but he's at least worth a look.

[NievesNoNO]

Interesting stuff. I think if the Mariners were out of contention they may consider trading Bedard, but right now they're not. Seems like a pretty fair deal though considering his status. Might have to give a little more. I don't see Hardy in Boston, they have Jed Lowrie. The Dye and Lopez deals I don't see getting done. I don't think they make sense for either the Sox or Dbacks.

I do agree they should try to sign Fielder to a long term deal. I could also see Hardy going to Seattle, but in the off-season. I'd like to see the Brewers stand pat this trade deadline and let the chips fall where they may.

This off-season:

1. Trade Hardy to Seattle for Brandon Morrow and Phillippe Aumont. That might be too much for the M's to give, but 1 didn't seem enough. I didn't take the time to research any more of their prospects.
2. Trade Hart + to the Giants for Tim Alderson and Sergio Romero.
3. Sign Marlon Byrd in free agency to play RF.
4. Resign Cameron.
5. Release Hall

2010 Lineup
Weeks 2b
Byrd rf
Braun lf
Fielder 1b
Gamel 3b
Cameron cf
Rivera c
Escobar ss

rotation
Gallardo
Parra
Bush
Looper
Suppan

Morrow to the bullpen for the time being, Romero to the bullpen.
No, that's not too flashy, but I'm banking on 2011 when Suppan and Hall come off the books. Cameron, Looper, and Bush can be shown the door as well.

2011 Rotation
Gallardo
Parra
Allderson
Aumont
Morrow, Braddock, Jefferies??

Not sure on all the details, but the point was to stock a few more good young arms and hopefully four of that group succeed besides Gallardo. The lineup would look pretty much the same as 2010 except replace Cameron with ??

 

[bando1234]

First I shave the mustashe & get a little just for men hair dye.

 

 

To finish up the year I cut Gerut, I bring up Escobar to play second base & leadoff for the rest of the season. I let Gamel & Mcghee split time at 3rd. I will be very confident & let Hardy play out the rest of the year because his stats will go up which will raise his trade value during the off season. I pick up a pitcher who may not cost a bunch of prospects like Guthrie.

 

Durring the the off season I trade Hardy & Taylor Green to the Twins for Glen Perkins,Jose Mijares & Steve Tolleson

 

Next trade would involve Corey Hart & Carlos Villenuva for Gavin Floyd.

 

I then resign Cameron to a somewhat riduculous contract( but hopefully a bit less) since there are no center field free agents I like

 

I pick up John Buck for Tim Dillard straight up.

 

I pick up Randy Winn Via free agency.

 

Pending Dave Bushes arm evaluation I may look at siging him to a 3 yr deal.

 

My 2010 lineup

 

SS Escobar

LF Winn

RF Braun

1B Fielder

2B Weeks

3B Gamel

CF Cameron

C Buck/Salome

 

Bench Tolleson,Hall,Cattlotto & Gillespie

 

SP Gallardo

SP Perkins

SP Floyd

SP Bush

SP Suppan

 

Long relief/swing men -Parra & Guthrie

 

Setup - Coffey & Deflice & Mcclung

 

Loogy- Stetter

 

Closer-Mijares

 

 

I know its a stretch but Im playing the part of Doug Melvin & my first offical duty was shaving my mustache so I can do anything

[Tbadder]

Wow! What a well thought out great thread--thanks guys. I think the fly in the ointment may be Bush's health. I got a very bad feeling about this. I agree on the Hardy trade--he has to go for young pitching. But I can't see signing Fielder long term. I don't think Prince wants it, and Boras won't allow a home discount. His health will always be a question even as he remains healthy, and at, oh I don't know, 15 to 20 million per I can't envision the brewers doing this. The Reed johnson idea is great short term thinking, and I must say that Cameron has to be resigned and Kendall let go. I love the idea of trading Green+ for pitching as well, though I doubt he's really worth all that much. If the Brewers can get lucky and have one young pitcher come fast (Braddock, Arnette) or have Butler really surprise them and be more than just serviceable that could really save the Crew long term. We need a little luck pitching wise. From my view the other real problem is that there are no legit prospects in the outfield. Cain, Gillespe, you name it--I doubt any of them is better than a 4th or 5th outfielder. Maybe Walla, but that's a snowball's chance and way, way off.

[nate82]

From my view the other real problem is that there are no legit prospects in the outfield. Cain, Gillespe, you name it--I doubt any of them is better than a 4th or 5th outfielder. Maybe Walla, but that's a snowball's chance and way, way off.

There is Cain who is a legitimate CF and Schafer who is also a legitimate CF. The problem is at the corners but all you need there is Gindl, Gillespie, or someone else to be adequate enough. With Braun in the OF there is little concern also Gamel could be a corner OF if he doesn't hack it at 3B. Even a platoon situation with Gindl and Gillespie wouldn't be bad. You don't need someone who hits .330 25+ HR's at each spot of the OF serviceable OF's have their value and I don't see the OF really being much of a problem in the future. Starting pitching is the big question mark really and then after that the bullpen which is always going to be in doubt. I don't think any team in MLB doesn't have its doubts about their bullpen every year. Even the Yankees have had a shaky bullpen the last couple of years.

[TheCrew07]

From my view the other real problem is that there are no legit prospects in the outfield. Cain, Gillespe, you name it--I doubt any of them is better than a 4th or 5th outfielder. Maybe Walla, but that's a snowball's chance and way, way off.

Are you just overlooking some players? We have Gindl, Cain, Gillespie, and Schafer between A+ and AAA. In WI we have a guy I'm really excited about in Dennis who happens to be another LH power bat. Beyond the legit prospects, there are many intriguing players out there... Wilson, McPhearson, Richardson (I hope), Walla, Ellington, Stang, and Davis (I hope). Not to mention Gamel and Lawrie's positions are not set in stone...

 

The only place we're real weak as an organization is 1B... I guess we don't really have a hitter in the system with plus plus power potential either, but those guys are pretty rare to begin with.

[paulmolitor4]

Interesting stuff. I think if the Mariners were out of contention they may consider trading Bedard, but right now they're not. Seems like a pretty fair deal though considering his status. Might have to give a little more. I don't see Hardy in Boston, they have Jed Lowrie. The Dye and Lopez deals I don't see getting done. I don't think they make sense for either the Sox or Dbacks.

If the Mariners make a deal surrounding Bedard and Hardy, I don't think that hurts their chances of contending. They haven't even had Bedard for much of the season, and Hardy is a significant uprgrade for them at SS.

 

You're probably right about Hardy going to the Red Sox. The opportunity to make that deal probably has come and gone.

 

I think the Dye deal would be the most difficult to make. If they were completely out of contention, it would be much easier. The White Sox have made every indication that they want to get younger, and you could probably entice them to part with the aging Dye for the right package.

 

I disagree with you on Lopez. They seem to really want to get rid of him, and a player such as Iribarren wouldn't be a bad pickup since they would have him under team control for several years. I think they will probably wait until right before deadline to see what they can get for him

[Roderick]

Does anyone foresee Kendall doing a Counsell? He goes from a $4M+ player and after no one signs him, he comes back to the team at a $1M for one more bridge season (until Salome/Lucroy).

 

He plays 60% and Rivera gets 40%. Or would he just retire before only playing for a million. He seems like a guy that just wants to make sure that wherever he ends up he gets a majority of the starts. The Brewers could and probably would offer him that.

[paulmolitor4]

Does anyone foresee Kendall doing a Counsell? He goes from a $4M+ player and after no one signs him, he comes back to the team at a $1M for one more bridge season (until Salome/Lucroy).

 

He plays 60% and Rivera gets 40%. Or would he just retire before only playing for a million. He seems like a guy that just wants to make sure that wherever he ends up he gets a majority of the starts. The Brewers could and probably would offer him that.

I could see it happening. According to Bill Schroeder, Kendall did say he wants to play until he is the all-time HBP leader. I'm not sure how far away he is, but I think he would have to play next year for sure.

[Tbadder]

I hope I'm totally wrong about the outfield situation but I don't see any of those players mentioned that I believe will have an impact with the exception of Richardson, maybe Dennis. None of them are "can't miss" and each could easily fail all together, although it seems inevitable that Cain will get a shot.

[paulmolitor4]

I hope I'm totally wrong about the outfield situation but I don't see any of those players mentioned that I believe will have an impact with the exception of Richardson, maybe Dennis. None of them are "can't miss" and each could easily fail all together, although it seems inevitable that Cain will get a shot.

I think the main thing is that either Cain or Schafer pans out in CF. Then you move Braun to right, and you can find somebody serviceable to play left in FA if none of those other guys pan out.

[Never Outhustled]

From my view the other real problem is that there are no legit prospects in the outfield. Cain, Gillespe, you name it--I doubt any of them is better than a 4th or 5th outfielder.

Caleb Gindl has been a real under-rated guy. He's played ar each level a year younger than Gamel did, yet has hit just as well. He isn't just a polished young guy with limited upside either. His has excellent batspeed, and hasn't even filled out yet physically. he's still pretty small in the upper body. He isn't like Brad Nelson, who was full grown in A ball. He is a legit prospect that profiles as an above average hitter as a MLB RF, who will also be an asset defensively and as a baserunner.

 

Sure, I'd like more power hitting OF prospects, but we at least have 1.

[pogokat]

Yeah Gindl's plate discipline combined with his power and arm makes me think we got a real mlb guy here...i anticipate nothing short of brian giles when he arrives...and hopefully, the brewers start moving him a little more aggressively---he should finish the year at AA and start there next year as well...Like Taylor Green, he hasn't disappointed for a second...unlike Taylor Green, he's a lot more projectable..

[joepepsi]

I don't want Felipe Lopez. His good season with the bat is totally skewed by his home stats. Otherwise he's the same hitter he's always been. One who's numbers don't come close to what they are getting with the McGehee/Counsell platoon.

 

I agree with cutting Gerut, but I'd bring up The Hurricane instead of Escobar. He's a lefty, having a solid season at 2B and has played some OF in the past, so could fill in if needed. I doubt Lopez is any better than Irribarren.

 

Bedard hasn't pitched in September since 2006. I'm worried about giving up anything significant for a 3 month rental of a player with this many phantom injuries.

 

Unless Halladay is attainable I don't want to give up prospects for pitchers who aren't any better than the ones we have.