How much longer for Jeff Suppan? -- Latest: Suppan signs with STL, starts 6/15

[Tbadder]

Good job Crew. I really thought that they'd cut him before they broke for camp, but hey better late than never. It probably only cost the Brewers a loss or two to keep him so in the big picture he probably didn't kill them this year. If management learns it lesson from the Suppan-tragedy then it will be worth. If not, then we need to throw rotten eggs at Melvin and Mark.

[ilovebeer]

could they still trade him? but who would want him.

[LouisEly]

Quotes like this are the reason I've lost faith in Melvin... like FA was his only choice?

 

Well, unfortunately because the system was completely void of starting pitching prospects, yes it was his only choice. Sadly, any internal candidates would have pitched worse (see: Dana Eveland and Ben Hendrickson), so FA was his only choice.

[TheCrew07]

Nevermind that we had just traded Cruz and Lee for a closer and sure FA was the only option.

[derflotr]

Good to see the Brewers have finally moved on, now perhaps if Rivas/Rogers/Butler can kick it in to gear we could see one of them get into the rotation by the end of the season. They don't have to set aside a roster spot for dead weight anymore. Business aside, I wish Jeff the best. He never did anything outside of performance to deserve the boos that rained upon him. Still showed up for work every day and tried his best. The Brewers have certainly put up with worse.

[monty57]

The only way the Brewers would have a chance to catch St. Louis would be if they signed Suppan and used him as the closer. He's done, might as well go back to the restaurant for good.

 

By the way, what was so classy about Suppan's statement? Not that I expected it, but once again, nowhere did he take responsibility for his poor performance. He did not thank the fans either, though he did 'wish them his best', which we will need after the damage that he's done to the franchise.

To be fair, the fans were pretty ruthless to him this year, so it may be difficult for him to "thank the fans." Even "wishing them his best" is classier than many players would be given the situation.

 

Not saying the boos weren't justified, but the fans weren't entitled to a "thanks."

 

[gobrew23]

"I want to thank Mark Attanasio and Doug Melvin for all they have done for my family and me, especially how they handled this situation. I've played with a number of organizations, and the Brewers are one of the classiest.

"When I signed in 2007, I was committed to winning, and to this day I still am. Nobody is more disappointed than I am with how things have turned out. I enjoyed my time here in Milwaukee as both a player and a member of the community. As such, I will continue my involvement with Brewers Charities for the remainder of the 2010 season. My commitment to this cause and the people it serves is unwavering.

"I wish the Brewers organization, its fans and especially my teammates all the best."

...from McCalvy

[Invader3K]

I think his statement was fine. What was he supposed to say? "Thanks for booing me and not cheering for me at all?"

[Schlitz001]

Obviously it was time, but Suppan is a class act and I wish him the best. I hate to see any player that puts in 100% effort get booed, no matter how terrible the results.

 

I still remember the complete game he threw against his former team early in 2007. I really thought we made a good decision at that point. Remember that? See ya, Soup.

[DougJones43]

Not that it necessarily should make Suppan feel better, but I think a lot of that booing was indirectly meant for Melvin and company. Suppan just became the poster boy for the sad state of the organization, which is due in no small part to all of the money wasted on marginal players who are past their prime.

 

Most organizations would not have let things get as far as they did with Suppan. Common sense would have told them that the ill-will from the fans was not worth whatever production (and to a greater extent, pride for themselves) they were trying to squeeze out of Suppan these past few months. They let Suppan become the lightning rod for a frustrated fanbase, rather than admit their mistake -- and for that Doug Melvin and Mark Attanasio should be embarrassed.

[TheCrew07]

How many times was it mentioned in that article that Suppan was Mark A's favorite player? 2 or 3? I'm really curious what's been said/happening with the pitching since 2006. How much was Mark A truly involved with Suppan? What about the other FA signings?

[davemakovec]

I've played with a number of organizations, and the Brewers are one of

the classiest.

The Cardinals do not approve.

[hawing]

I've played with a number of organizations, and the Brewers are one of

the classiest.

The Cardinals do not approve.

Well, he didn't say the Brewers were THE classiest.

[sheethead]

Jeff Gordon: STLTODAY.COM SPORTS COLUMNIST

 

In the same post in which he suggests the Cards should pick up Suppan, he has this gem to offer. Unfortunately, he hits the nail right on the head.

 

"Suppan gained lifetime financial security by signing that $42 million

deal in Milwaukee. But anybody halfway familiar with baseball knew he

could NOT pitch to that level.

 

That was an idiotic contract, another sad example of why the Brewers

have failed to get ahead. Does that franchise even have scouts?"

[monty57]

Ask Mr. Gordon if he thinks Matt Holliday will be earning his $17MM / year when he's 37.

[Funketown]

I wonder what that guy thought of extending Lohse...

[sheethead]

Cardinals sign Jeff Suppan

 

Haha, I bet he DOMINATES. If he does, I might just give up on MLB. Gross.

[crewcrazy]

The Cardinals signing Randy Winn and Jeff Suppan in the past week? I don't get it, but I approve.

[PrinceEatMeat]

I don't get why a contending team would wanna risk throwing Suppan out on the mound right now.

[steve267268]

Great move by the Cards. If Suppan gets it turned around they have a very cheap, experienced pitcher. It makes sense that he'll do slightly better in St. Louis. He is a guy who pitches to contact and the Cards defense is built around that philosophy. Ours is not. Good luck, Soup... except.. not.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

If the Cards want to throw Jeff Suppan out there every 5 days instead of some of their young developing pitchers with more upside, then sign me up.

[RayKingsForemanGrill]

Does this change anything about what we owe him for the remainder of the year?

[And That]

The Cardinals will be on the hook for the pro-rated minimum, we owe the remainder. In other words, we save somewhere in the neighborhood of $250,000 if he stays on the major league roster for the rest of the season.

[drezdn]

Here's hoping Dave Duncan is over-rating both his and Suppan's abilities.

[Funketown]

This is awesome. Why didn't they release him earlier?