Backup Middle Infielder

[yoshii8]

Apparantly the Brewers are looking for help at 3 positions SP, C, and MI depth. I assume we will make a run at keeping Counsell, but just in case he leaves, who else is out there to fill his role?

One option that would be ok w/ me is Jerry Hairston Jr. I really like him because of his speed, occasional power, and ability to play every postion besides pitcher and catcher, he also hits both lefties and righties almost equally well. Some other names of FA's out there are Bobby Crosby, Khalil Greene, Adam Kennedy, Jamey Carrol and Juan Uribe.

 

[Hate those Rodents]

My guess is we'd maybe trade a reliever for filling this need if COunsell bolts. Someone like CV might net us a nice one.

[JohnBriggs12]

Once we see who doesn't get tendered among the arby eligible, we'll know more. None of the names yoshii8 brought up are all that appealing. I still say you can't count out Iribarren as part of the IF and OF depth.

 

I don't see the Brewers trading for one unless he's part of a larger deal.

 

One guy that might be a bargain later is Aaron Miles. With Baker, Fontenot, Andres Blanco and some talk that Theriot will move to 2B to make way for either Blanco or young SS phenom Starlin Castro, Cubs don't appear to have room for Miles so they may just eat his contract.. He might not be as good as he showed in 08, but he's certainly not as bad as his 09 numbers. For some reason, he just didn't fit in on that Cub team.

[joepepsi]

I'd like to see Irribarren get the chance but he really hurts himself when he doesn't play ss.

[804Sox]

Unfortunately, the Red Sox just signed the best backup IF on the market . . . to be their starting SS . . . ugh. how is he a type A FA?

[apirk]

Adam Kennedy had a solid year last year but he'll probably hold out for a starting gig. I wouldn't touch Khalil Greene with a ten foot poll.

[JohnBriggs12]

I'd like to see Irribarren get the chance but he really hurts himself when he doesn't play ss.

Barring an injury, I don't think Escobar's coming out of the lineup so that might not be as big an issue as many think. I believe Escobar is thought of as a cornerstone player much as Braun and Fielder are, and those guys don't take days off unless their hurt.

 

By the way, Iribarren's been playing almost exclusively in the OF in Venezuela this winter, including CF over the past couple weeks. He (.850 OPS) and Escobar (.895 OPS) have been swinging hot bats down there too as teammates.

[Invader3K]

Haudricourt has a story up about how Melvin intends to make an offer to Craig Counsell at the winter meetings, so it sounds like there's a good possibility he'll be back. I have to believe Counsell would prefer to stay in Milwaukee at this point in his career.

[JohnBriggs12]

If you take the sentiment and the focus on his 09 numbers out if it, and realize it's going to cost more than $2 million for what is essentially a part time fill in who'll be 40 in August, you might get much better value out of a guy like Augie Ojeda assuming the D-Backs would non tender him. Ojeda's last 2 seasons have been very typical pre-09 Counsell-like years and the Brewers paid $1 million for that last season and were happy.

 

Another non-tender possibility I really like is Alfredo Amezaga, who got hurt and missed most of 09, but prior to 09, had 3 solid years (all in the .260's) as a super utility guy with Marlins. Because the Marlins had Ramirez, Amezaga rarely played SS, but that's his natural position. With him you get the bonus of a guy who switch hits and can play all 3 OF positions in addition to 3 INF positions. He'd probably cost less than Counsell too.

[RockCoCougars]

I have to think that Counsell will be back unless someone blows him away with an offer.

[marty22]

JB12, I don't always agree with your ideas, but I'm right with you on Ojeda and Amezaga. I hadn't thought of either, but they both are solid defenders, and Ojeda appears to have at least some idea of OBP skills. Amezaga's versatility is pretty incredible, as well.

[dadofandrew]

Escobar is likely to be "protected" a bit versus tough RHP. I doubt he starts over 140 games. Counsell is vital, because he gets on base, can play 3 spots very well, and hits lefty.

[JohnBriggs12]

Escobar is likely to be "protected" a bit versus tough RHP. I doubt he starts over 140 games. Counsell is vital, because he gets on base, can play 3 spots very well, and hits lefty.

 

I'm certain that if they pay something like $2.5 million to Counsell, that they are going to play him some (200 or so ABs) so that's probably true especially given Macha's reluctance to play young players last year. Whether Escobar needs protection is questionable. He's going to hit and when he does, why sit him? To justify a big investment in a backup? While the right handers he's facing right now in Venezuela don't qualify as "tough", Alcides is tearing them apart to the tune of .393/.411/.488 in 84 ABs.

[dadofandrew]

He hits LHP far better, and he may well struggle versus the upper echelon RHP. Resting him once every 7-10 days, usually with a top RHP on the mound, makes sense for a myriad of reasons.

[reillymcshane]

I cringe at saying this, but I say you bring back Counsel, even at an inflated cost of $2 million a year - maybe even for two years.

 

Why? Alex Cora - and inferior player - is getting $2 million. Omar Vizquel is getting $1.375 million. As much as I hate to overspend on insurance, that's what Counsel is - we have an injury prone 2B in Weeks and a rookie in Escobar - having a reliable back up is essential. And if we keep Gamel in the minors, he can spell McGehee at 3B. Ideally, I'd keep this to a one year deal, but I'd cough up $2 million in 2010 and $1.5 in 2011 if I had to.