Looking forward to 2008 (roster projections & needs)

[homer]

"I may take some heat for this, but I dont think championships are won with players like gross and dillon starting. "

 

Role players are a part of many championship teams. It's really rare to run the same eight position players out there night after night.

[RobertR]

AROD will start at 3B and Braun will move to LF. Wait, that's a dream, not a prediction.

 

I suspect that most of the turnover is going to occur in the bullpen. The Brewers will make a run at Cordero and they'll try to shore up the 7th and 8th inning roles. I suspect that Turnbow is going to get a "change of scenery" trade, Tampa might be a good place for him, and Gwynn is going to be shopped, San Diego, Florida, and Texas being the most likely destinations, in an effort to shore up that area. The Brewers may also enquire after a Dioner Navarro type, but I doubt they'll be able to pull off anything.

 

I also expect that the Brewers are seriously going to pursue a corner outfielder to replace Jenkins. Probably someone in their last year of arbitration/contract. Or maybe they'll see how silly the Dodgers can be with apparently the veterans scapegoating the younger players.

 

Robert

[bigredrobbo]

I'd like to see us have a go for Yorvit Torrealba. He's decent defensively, has about as much pop in his bat as Estrada does, and with 10 career triples he obviously doesn't run like he's carrying a piano - unlike a certain chunky catcher I could mention.

 

The Rockies seem high on Ianetta, even though he got off to a slow MLB start. At 1-2 million, Yorvit'd be a decent pickup IMO.

[twobrewers]

*Bush/Villy will not be the closer

Villy was lights out as a relief pitcher early in the season. If we have too many SP - he might very well be relegated back to the pen. I think he would make a very good closer.

 

Bush was a closer in college.

 

I don't think either is ideal - but I think either could do the job as well as Linebrink. And why would we pay extra money to keep Linebrink around (instead of taking the picks) when we have players who can do just as well.

 

I am just saying don't rule them out. I think either would be better than Turnbow/Aquino/McClung.

[colbyjack]

Some good thoughts, and I think everyone agrees that a stronger bullpen and a stronger bench will be key for 2008. The bullpen really needs an overhaul, and losing Cordero would really hurt as much as I don't want to see a reliever given a huge wad of money.

 

I really want to see the team improve the corner OF spot that Jenkins will likely be leaving open with someone that has a propensity for getting on base. While I would prefer an everyday option, I'm not opposed to a platoon. Either way I would gladly trade power for on-base abilities for at least one of our positions on the field. I have no suggestions for who this could be (outside of my own personal favorite, Japanese free agent to be Kosuke Fukudome), but I hope the Brewers brain trust has the same thing in mind.

 

Gross gets on at a decent enough rate, but Kevin Mench does not, so maybe it is just a matter of finding the right platoon mate for Gross (and while I like Dillon as a bench player, I don't think I want him as part of that proposed platoon scenario). I know he's ancient, but maybe Reggie Sanders could be that player.

 

Robert made a good suggestion about contacting the Dodgers about some of their perceived extra outfielders.

[theavrock]

I'm not sure why Dillon doesn't get any respect around here. His AAA numbers are actually as good as most of our prospects have been for the past few years. I know that AAA numbers dont always translate into MLB stats. The fact that he performed well since day one in the big leagues (with us at least) and his AAA stats over the past few years makes me want to at least give him the RH part of a platoon with Gabe Gross. He batted over .300, hit 20+ HR's, an OBP of .400+ had a an OPS of 1.000+ in '04, 05 and 07 (i can't find any stats for '06). He would get maybe 250 ABs and if he performs well he could spell guys on our IF and OF. I can see him taking the role of super sub ala Bill Hall.

So that being said Gross and Dillon should be a platoon until LaPorta is ready in '09. We really need to improve our defense. the best way to do this is to put Braun in the OF with Hart (CF) and Gross/Dillon. Next get rid of Estrada for someone who is at first a defensive catcher. We have tons of bats in the lineup and if someone can play plus defense with an average bat I am more than OK with that.

Our rotation should be Sheets Gallardo Villy Suppan Bush Suppan isnt going anywhere and Bush was our best starter from June - September. When used as a 5th starter he is much better than most 5th starters out there. Pen needs an overhaul but I think that will come from replacing some of our starters with young guys and swapping their roles Closer: Linebrink SU: quality FA veteran 7th inning guy: Vargas if he cant be moved (he touched the mid 90's when pitching out of the pen) MR: Parra LR: Cappy Lefty's: King and/or Shouse

[homer]

"outside of my own personal favorite, Japanese free agent to be Kosuke Fukudome"

 

I second that. He's a stud.

[Team Canada]

LF: Gross/LaPorta

 

 

Clancy, I don't know how you can say that with a straight face.