Estrada likely done for season

[SeriesFinale]

Has Estrada's attitutde truly proven to be a problem this year? There was the dust-up with Ned, but I thought he wasn't the only person to get involved, and it was really in defense of his teammate...not really a "cancerous" action.

[bklynbrewcrew]

I was the one who brought up Gerald Laird as he would be a terrific replacement for Estrada. Laird has had a bad year offensively but he is one the best defensive catchers in the game. With Saltalamacchia around Texas has no need for Laird. I would love to see a deal like Gwynn, Zach Jack and fillers for Laird and Otsuka if he proves to be healthy.

[JohnBriggs12]

Laird killed the Brewers in that June series. He had one of the key hits off of Cordero in that 9th inning collapse.

[dadofandrew]

I have a lot of doubts there will be an upgrade to Estrada available over the offseason. I would compare him a lot to Belly, people insisted he wasn't very good, and half a decade later, Ronnie is still a decent option at 2B. Average or close to average won't win you titles if you have it at every position, but most every championship team has several guys that are middle of the pack.

[PeaveyFury]

There's some dude named Posada available that's putting up a .969 OPS this year, so if he hits the market as he probably will, that should remove your doubts, Al.

[Fatter than Joey]

It could be his injury is related to his inability to throw anyone out.

 

It could also be that his lack of conditioning is what caused the injury.

 

Posada > Estrada

[And That]

From Cot's Baseball Contracts blog, here's the list of catchers who will currently become FA at the end of the season:

 

Brad Ausmus HOU

Paul Bako BAL

Michael Barrett SD

Gary Bennett * STL

Ramon Castro NYM

Wiki Gonzalez WAS

Jason Kendall CHC

Jason LaRue KC

Paul Lo Duca NYM

Damian Miller MIL

Chad Moeller LAD

Jose Molina NYY

Josh Paul TB

Jorge Posada NYY

Ivan Rodriguez * DET

Yorvit Torrealba COL

Javier Valentin * CIN

 

The "*" indicates that player has a 2008 option. All three guys have club options, not player or mutual options.

 

Estrada is going to make around $4+ mil next season, and is a liability behind the plate. However, I can't see the Brewers getting rid of him unless they are able to get a team to give back really good value, and are able to obtain another viable option. Damien Miller might well be back, but he's not an option to start 100-120 games a year. Mike Rivera is a dubious option, and Rottino is a long shot at best.

 

As far as that list of free agents, you could make an argument for bringing in Ramon Castro. Barrett would be intriguing offensively, but defensively we'd be in almost the same boat, and he'll make a bit more than Johnny. If Jason LaRue would accept a minor league deal, I'd hop on that train.

[dadofandrew]

Heh. Needless to say, I do not see Posada being a realistic option.

[PeaveyFury]

But Michael Barrett probably is.