Travis Ishikawa

[Warning Track Power]

Don't know why I would even mention this because Kotsay isn't going anywhere but...

 

Travis Ishikwawa looks like he is going to be released as Brandon Belt will be the Opening Day 1B for the Giants. Ishikawa is IMMENSELY better than Kotsay is and would not cost much. Additionally, his role on the Giants (pinch hit, defensive sub, pick it at 1B) fits perfectly with what Kotsay is supposed to do for the Brewers. Plus his glove is awesome.

 

I know it wouldn't be the best business practice in that Kotsay just made the team, but Ishikawa would be a significant upgrade immediately and could fit the role for the Brewers for the next 5 years. I would be extraordinarily tempted if I were Melvin to cut Kotsay, even with his guaranteed contract, play Nyjer in RF until Corey gets back and pick up Ishikawa.

[derflotr]

I don't think Ishikawa is as good as you're letting on. Maybe he's a slight upgrade over Kotsay power-wise, but he's never played a major league inning anywhere else except first base. I just don't see him getting any playing time on this team in 2011 without an injury to Prince. Strict pinch-hitting duties. Kotsay might have had a rough 2010, but he still managed to only strike out 36 times in 359 plate appearances. I realize an out is an out but putting the ball in play would seem like a preference to a manager like Roenicke.

Bench players come and go, Ishikawa isn't so special that you drop everything and sacrifice anyone to get him.

[dadofandrew]

Ishikawa can only play 1B and gets out 68% of the time. He's a dime a dozen good defensive 1B, who has no use on a team that has Prince playing 160 games.

[Warning Track Power]

Kotsay defenders? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/laugh.gif

 

Fielder is gone in November or December. We will likely need some help at 1B if Gamel is the plan. He could very easily be I am expecting him to be a butcher on D and having a backup like Ishikawa would prove useful for the future. Ishikawa is more for the future than the present.

[Invader3K]

Ishikawa is already 27 and fairly mediocre. I think we can find something better on the FA market next year, or go with Gamel at 1B and hope someone else steps it up in the minors if he falters.

[Warning Track Power]

For clarity's sake:

 

I fully expect Gamel to be the starter at 1B in 2012 and hit fine.

 

I am suggesting Ishikawa ONLY as a backup option for D and PH. Not as a starter. This position is apparently what the Brewers have in mind for Mark Kotsay and I am speculating we can expect a backup 1B and PH as a position on RR's bench moving forward. Ishikawa fills that specific role in 2012 and moving forward.

 

Invader: As for finding something better on the FA market after the season, keep in mind this is only in a backup role for 1B. I am not sure who would be better suited as a D replacement and PH.

 

EDIT: For what it's worth, Ishikawa was 7th in the NL in PH last season hitting .319 (15-47)

[JohnBriggs12]

Ishikawa is a guy they could look at bringing in to compete with Gamel next year. He's probably as good as Overbay and considerably cheaper (allowing them to spend in other areas) and he's less than 2 years older than Gamel.. He'd likely be a more productive hitter in Miller Park too but I don't see him with much value this year as a bench player behind Fielder.

 

Gamel has to put up big AAA numbers (something he's yet to do) to go into 2012 as the front runner. If he doesn't, I'm sure they'll look at an Ishikawa among others.

[dadofandrew]

If they bring in a guy to use with Gamel, it can be a RH hitter, and one that can play elsewhere, 3B/LF/RF/C. A good defensive 1B is dandy, but one that hits like a SS is filler.

[GormanHarvey]

Ishikawa cleared waivers today and was outrighted to AAA Fresno

[HiAndTight]

Kotsay defenders? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/laugh.gif

 

Fielder is gone in November or December. We will likely need some help at 1B if Gamel is the plan. He could very easily be I am expecting him to be a butcher on D and having a backup like Ishikawa would prove useful for the future. Ishikawa is more for the future than the present.

Poor defense at 3rd, mainly the result of bad footwork and throws does not in any way mean a guy will struggle at 1st.

 

I full expect him to be a fantastic defender at 1st after 3-4 months of big league time.

[logan82]

Gamel should be good on defense at 1B. Everything I have seen or heard suggests Gamel's defensive problems are throwing the ball across the diamond.

[JohnBriggs12]

If they bring in a guy to use with Gamel, it can be a RH hitter, and one that can play elsewhere, 3B/LF/RF/C. A good defensive 1B is dandy, but one that hits like a SS is filler.

Good point. That's why given Melvin's recent history, I fully expect to see Troy Glaus in a Brewer uniform next season. Glaus reportedly "isn't necessarily retiring" but according to his agent he weighed offers and decided he wanted to spend more time with his wife and family (translation: he wasn't offered enough money). We all know a year off spending time with your wife and family generally re-ignites the desire to play more baseball and get away from home.

 

The opportunity to play half your games in a park where you've just raked (.341/.517/.659) plus a couple million should be enough to entice a comeback.