Free Agents in the offseason

[mothershipconnection]

I really can't see the team spending big on free agent relievers. More likely, we'll deal from areas of organizational strength for them. If Gallardo and Villanueva are cemented into the rotation, that leaves us with them, Sheets, and Suppan as the certainties, which leaves Vargas, Bush, and Capuano fighting for the fifth spot. Of the two that miss out, one could perhaps be converted to relief and maintained as the 6th starter, while the other could be traded to fill weaknesses. We also have Parra to consider.

[sbrylski]

I really can't see the team spending big on free agent relievers. More likely, we'll deal from areas of organizational strength for them. If Gallardo and Villanueva are cemented into the rotation, that leaves us with them, Sheets, and Suppan as the certainties, which leaves Vargas, Bush, and Capuano fighting for the fifth spot. Of the two that miss out, one could perhaps be converted to relief and maintained as the 6th starter, while the other could be traded to fill weaknesses. We also have Parra to consider.

Exactly my thoughts. Hopefully Vargas has enough trade value to net (or be part of a package) to net a quality closer or set-up guy who can close, because I'd much prefer to keep Capuano and Bush.

 

Not that you were suggesting this, but Parra definately isn't ready for a full season starting, especially with his injury history. He's kind of next years Villanueva - he could go to AAA and start or he could be a solid player in our ML pen. Could he be a closer candidate?

 

[kgbaseball]

I bet Parra is thrown around in trade talks. Maybe he's enough to net the Brewers Otsuka or one of the other Rangers relievers (Wilson, Benoit, Littleton, etc).

[sbrylski]

I bet Parra is thrown around in trade talks. Maybe he's enough to net the Brewers Otsuka or one of the other Rangers relievers (Wilson, Benoit, Littleton, etc).

Why not just use Parra? Wilson isn't anything too special, and Littleton really isn't very good. Otsuka coming off injury, definate risk. Benoits okay, but if we can't get anything better for Parra than him, I'd rather keep Parra.

 

In fact, if we start throwing around Parra in trade talks, I hope its for Jeff Clement.

 

[kgbaseball]

I just say that because he's been mentioned in trade talks before, and he's probably the best trading chip the Brewers have at this point to get a solid reliever/LF/whatever.

 

I'd love Jeff Clement, by the way. Heck, even to acquire Rob Johnson, the defensive-minded young catcher the M's also have would be a fine acquisition. Speaking of catchers, how about Gerald Laird as well as a Ranger reliever.

[Baldkin]

Okay, here we go.... Jenkins option exercised... but then he'll be traded, I believe. Same with Mench (arby, then trade).

Why pay 12M for a platoon when you can get 90% of that for under 1M?

 

OFs: Hart, Hall, Gross, Gwynn

IFs: Fielder, Weeks, Hardy, Braun, Counsell

 

UT: Dillon, Rottino(?)

C: Estrada, ?

 

I really like the flexibility that having Rottino and Dillon would give the 'Crew, as they can both play so many positions. Double switches for everyone!

 

That leaves room for 12 P's.

 

I severly doubt that the Brewers will trade a starter, especially considering what happened this year (and 2 years ago) with injuries. Better to be deep in the pen.

 

Pitchers:

Bush, Capuano, Gallardo, Parra, Sheets, Shouse (arby eligible), Suppan, Turnbow, Vargas, Villanueva

 

Thats 10 that will be back, almost for sure. This is ignoring McClung, Wise, Stetter (all 3 I think are arby or under contract)

Not to mention Coco, Linebrink and King.

 

The only pitcher I could see being moved is Vargas. He's had a career year, and this off season would be the time to get the most value for him.

 

I don't see a big splash in FA.

I hope Linebrink comes back. As for a closer... who knows what may happen.

[kgbaseball]

I think a lot of the Brewers' needs can come from within. Rottino had a solid 363 OBP in AAA this season, can play a bunch of positions, doesn't strikeout much, and should be the 24th/25th man next season, along with Dillon (I really hope they give him a chance next year).

 

I'm interested to see what Laynce Nix can do with the Major League team if he's healthy. He's a possible LF candidate.

 

Callix Crabbe has a tremendous eye at the plate, can play 2b and outfield, but I doubt he gets a decent shot next year. He's got a lot of speed, but isn't a great baserunner. He'll be 25 next Spring Training.

 

 

Steve bray had a great year for the Sounds. He was mostly used as a long reliever this year, and compiled a 1.62 ERA in 77 innings. He should certainly get a shot. He'll turn 27 in December.

[sbrylski]

Wow, imagine if Rottino and Dillon both make the team and they return Hall to the "super-starter" role. Those of you who hate frequent lineup changes would be in for a rough year!

[Cyanogen5]

It is funny to me that there is no mention of a Bill Hall trade. I see him, and Cappy moving this year. Capuano doesn't have horrible stats, just could get a win, and Hall is one year removed from a monster year...and both have been replaced down this stretch run. That tells me that the manager has lost confidence in them. Hall has also started complaining about his playing time. These two should provide some good currency for filling our holes elsewhere. Could we get a big bat LF for a power hitting SS and a former 18 game winner...I think so. Probably a good LF and a RP.

[PeaveyFury]

I don't see the point in trading either Capuano or Hall while their value is low, which makes it very likely that both will be retained.

[jjfanec]

I think Hall is a good bet to bounce back. He just got in a funk and they couldnt get him straightened out. He will have all winter to figure it out. If if he doesnt become last seasons Hall, he still could bat .275ish and hit 25 home runs.

Cappy has a shot for the 5th spot in the rotation if we decide we need a lefty. It is either him Bush, Vargas, or Parra. I would guess Parra starts in the bullpen or minors. Bush to me is the best option but could get the most in a trade. Vargas should be gone. Cappy is a low sell right now, so I doubt he will be traded unless Melvin gets a great offer.

We need a closer and hopefully we can get him in a trade. I wish we had something worth trading to Minnesota for Nathan. Does anyone know what other closers would be on the market?

Outfield-wise I love Gross and maybe Dillion or another righty. Gross has be a solid on-base guy. Him and Weeks back-to-back gets guys on base for Braun, Fielder and Hart.

Catcher is a question mark. Keeping Estrada wouldnt be the worst thing, but an upgrade would be nice.