Mike Cameron; Latest: One-year deal "on the verge" of happening according to ESPN and Fox

[reillymcshane]

Cameron in CF, Hall in LF?

 

I don't think Hall would have any trouble in LF - he'd probably be a quality player there. Problem is you leave Braun at 3B.

 

You're probably best off moving Braun to LF and Hall to 3B - with Cameron in CF. I think Hall would be fine at most any position - but Braun's limitations are what's the key to any moves. That's assuming the club really feels they need to get him off 3B - which I probably agree with.

[reillymcshane]

How about signing Cameron, move Braun to LF, then deal package a deal headlined by Hall for Ian Stewart with Colorado. We get a left handed hitting 3B (and cheap), Colorado gets a reasabily priced 2B.

[MNBrew]

Twins: I am skeptical of Rosenthal's reports the Twins are exploring a potential signing of Cameron since they have Mike Cuddyer and recently acquired Delmon Young from the Tampa Bay Rays. How high the Twins have their current Centerfielder, Craig Monroe, will determine if they want an upgrade.

Monroe is not a CF and the Twins remain active in trying to find a CF for this year. That's why Melky Cabrera from the Yanks, Ellsbury from the BoSox, and Gomez from the Mets are always involved in the Santana trade discussions. The Twins are fairly loaded on corner OFs.

 

[crewcrazy]

The Cubs giving up on Felix Pie would be like the Brewers giving up on Rickie Weeks. Pie is still extremely young and was rushed through the Cubs' system...he's still a very, very talented player and I wouldn't be surprised if he surprises a lot of people with his production next year. He might not develop 30 HR power like some thought he might, but he's a demon on the basepaths and could rack up a ton of doubles and triples. If he ever develops some strike zone discipline he could be scary good.

 

 

 

With that said, I really think Piniella has something against Pie because it seems like he tried everything to keep him out of the lineup last year -- starting the year with Soriano in center, then screwing around with Pagan and Jones there all year after giving Felix less than 200 AB's to prove himself. I could see Piniella making a push for a guy like Cameron or another veteran centerfielder, but I think most Cub fans would be pretty mad if Hendry went out and signed another centerfielder before replacing Theriot at SS and Dempster/Marquis in the rotation first. Fortunately for the Brewers, Hendry seems to be so intent on getting Brian Roberts that he might be too distracted to put together a decent offer for Cameron. I'm not convinced Hendry can walk and chew gum at the same time, let alone orchestrate a trade for Roberts while trying to sign Cameron and Jon Lieber.

[Gopher74]

I don't know if Pie was rushed through the minors. Maybe he could have benefited from more time, but he spent a year at every level, and part of 6 years(last year in AAA was the 6th) in the minors.

 

I honestly think part of Pie's notoriety is that he plays in the Cubs org. Don't get me wrong, I think he'll end up being a find pro player, but I don't think he's anything to worry about, and they made it sound like he was going to be the next Ernie Banks.

[twobrewers]

How about signing Cameron, move Braun to LF, then deal package a deal headlined by Hall for Ian Stewart with Colorado. We get a left handed hitting 3B (and cheap), Colorado gets a reasabily priced 2B.

Stewart is the apple of my eyes. Trading Hall and getting Stewart would help free up some money as well. But what is Colorado going to need Hall for?

 

They have a shortstop, 3B and too many outfielders.

[aracko]

I had not seen the comments where Melvin mentions moving Hall. Peronally - if your going to go ahead and decide to move Hall, well then lets put him back to a utility position - heck now that he can play the OF I think it makes him even more valuble.

 

 

 

2b,ss,3b,CF, 40 doubles, 25 HRs, 80+ RBI? Id give big boy a raise.

[Gopher74]

I had not seen the comments where Melvin mentions moving Hall. Peronally - if your going to go ahead and decide to move Hall, well then lets put him back to a utility position - heck now that he can play the OF I think it makes him even more valuble.

 

 

 

2b,ss,3b,CF, 40 doubles, 25 HRs, 80+ RBI? Id give big boy a raise.

That's exactly what they want to get away from and NOT do. And they have mentioned speaking with him about possibly moving him back to 3rd base.

 

[RU Rah Rah]

I'm trying to think of scenario in which the club makes no move in the offseason but rather just lingers around with the status quo until June-ish, when teams might start thinking about the trading deadline. But I'm not sure how you'd start the season. I mean, if Braun is going to move to LF, you might as well get him out there ASAP, but that leaves you with 3B-by-unproductive-committee -- potentially for the entire season, if no one turns up via trade during the season. But then if you start Braun at 3B in April and try LF-by-committee, you're basically deciding that he's going to stay there and kick grounders all season -- which will lead to more calls to move him to the OF.

[aracko]

I had not seen the comments where Melvin mentions moving Hall. Peronally - if your going to go ahead and decide to move Hall, well then lets put him back to a utility position - heck now that he can play the OF I think it makes him even more valuble.

 

 

 

2b,ss,3b,CF, 40 doubles, 25 HRs, 80+ RBI? Id give big boy a raise.

That's exactly what they want to get away from and NOT do. And they have mentioned speaking with him about possibly moving him back to 3rd base.

 

 

You know this how? I cant understand WHY you would want to get away from that. I would bet that the majority on this board and "baseball people" would agree - Bill Hall brings the most value by moving all over the infield and now the outfield. I would have no hard time finding playing time for him every single night and getting him 500 Abs. IF he learned how to play the corner OF spots, thats SEVEN positions that he can play. That makes Billy Hall a VERY VERY Elite talent.

 

Keeping the locker room happy is Ned Yosts job. I dont think that Bill Hall would become a cancer if he were told he is going back to that roll. His Versitility and character is what made the majority of us fall in love wtih him in the first place.

 

Bottom Line is that if Ned Yost has to manage an irritated Hall in order to make the playoffs, I would hope that this major league manager can handle it. He took a big step last year by platooning Jenkins and Mench. I remember the boards saying the same thing - "Geoff doesnt want to platoon". Well Ned did it. Managers have to be good Salesmen.

 

Id sign Mike Cameron, have Hall learn the corner OF spots, have Braun learn LF, have weeks take some fly balls in CF, Have Hardy take some ground balls at 2b and 3b - stop coddeling these guys. Versitility and becoming more rounded players. If the team gets in a Jam or is in the playoff hunt, who are these guys to say "No" to a position change? Nomar did it. Yount did it. ARod did it. John Smoltz did it. Jeff Kent did it. Albert Pujols. Craid Biggio. This list can go forever. Hall of Famers who did what it took to help their team and be the best player possible.

 

Again, I ask WHY would they want Hall to play one position, other than the fact that it is Bill Halls Preference?

[Ennder]

Again, I ask WHY would they want Hall to play one position, other than the fact that it is Bill Halls Preference?

 

 

 

Why would there be another reason? You aren't going to attract free agents or retain young talent by making players take on a role they don't want to be in.

 

 

 

As for Pie his closest comp by age is Corey Patterson so he could easily be a flop and I question whether or not he'll be able to hit lefties or not. However his BB's are better than Patterson's, he makes just as good of contact and hits more ground balls which should help him use his speed more so I bet he is at least productive against righties.

[aracko]

Again, I ask WHY would they want Hall to play one position, other than the fact that it is Bill Halls Preference?

 

 

 

Why would there be another reason? You aren't going to attract free agents or retain young talent by making players take on a role they don't want to be in.

I guess to me, WINNING attracts Talent. WINNING puts money on the table. Fans Spend money on a winning atmosphere. Like I said - Bill Hall was a special player when he moved all over the diamond. He has even more versitility now - and if he could learn the corner OF spots, even more. IF he could do that and put up 25 HRs, .275 80 RBI and 80 Runs - throw in some SBs - that to me is a Superstar player. Bill Hall at 3b putting up those #s is just a player.

[lukevan]

We don't really need a supersub anymore. We need a starting 3B. Hardy will be at SS every day. Weeks will be at 2B every day. We have Craig Counsell and Joe Dillon to back up every infield position. In fact, I'd probably be ok with Joe Dillon at 3B Braun in LF and Hall in CF to start the season.

 

 

 

I really like the idea of Cameron in CF, Braun in LF and Hall at 3B, but this Yankees' news has me thinking it will not happen.

 

 

 

Melvin's comments are extremely interesting. I would bank on something going down in the next couple weeks.

[brewmann04]

Cameron,Lofton,Feliz are your top 3 to be a brewer very soon just a thought

[jhpc12]

Just a question. If Mike Cameron is the player, which means we give up nothing to aquire him. What does this do to our defensive line up.

 

Cameron has to set out 25 games. So until he is available to play do we go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy, & Braun and an outfield of Dillion/Gross, Hall, & Hart? Do we move Hall to 3rd and go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy , & Hall and move Braun to left, Gynn to center, & Hart in Right?

 

I don't like either one of these options. I think we need someone that can be in the starting line up opening day, Green, Lofton or whoever for the outfield or Ballock at 3rd. This allows us to hit the season off and running.

 

By signing Cameron and him being out for 25 games we could possible be out of the race before we get started. And by adding him to the line up 25 games in it will require some sort change in the line up. So do we shift line ups now or after the 25 game suspension?

 

Is there anyone else that this concerns?

[cheezscott]

So if we sign Cameron at lets say 8m and extend our current arby guys with a modest increase that'll put us around 80 million for 08...Wow!! Never thought I'd be writing about the Brewers with an 80m payroll....

[twobrewers]

Do we move Hall to 3rd and go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy , & Hall and move Braun to left, Gynn to center, & Hart in Right?

I am pretty confident that Hart would start in center and Gross/Dillon would platoon in a corner spot until Cameron is ready.

[lukevan]

Cameron has to set out 25 games. So until he is available to play do we go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy, & Braun and an outfield of Dillion/Gross, Hall, & Hart? Do we move Hall to 3rd and go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy , & Hall and move Braun to left, Gynn to center, & Hart in Right?

 

 

 

 

 

Under that scenario, against RHP I'd plug Gross into CF, start Braun in LF, Hart in RF, Hall at 3B . Play Hart in CF and Dillon in RF v LHP. I really don't think it would hurt us that much for 25 games.

[Tbadder]

The longer it takes for Melvin to do something the more likely we won't do anything until the All-Star break. If we don't come up with an everyday 3B then Melvin has to take responsibility for failing to solve multiple problems. I wish he'd consider AAA or AA prospects who are blocked at the major league level as well as major leaguers. Now he may already have thought and explored this issue but my gut tells me no. If we stand pat I'd go with Gywnn in CF, move Hall to 3B, and put Braun in LF, all the while searching for a CF or 3B. I can't see Dillon or Gross or Hart in CF mainly because they would totally suck there. I'm not a real big believer in Dillon, nice story, but if he was really more than Brady Clark he would've been up a long time ago. If we keep Hall in CF then I'd make Counsel my full time 3B, saving Dillon to pitch hit for him at the most part of the game.

 

I still think Melvin will do something, but I'm also starting to get that small vomitty feeling at the back of the throat.

[Dmiles23]

Cameron has to set out 25 games. So until he is available to play do we go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy, & Braun and an outfield of Dillion/Gross, Hall, & Hart? Do we move Hall to 3rd and go with an infield of Prince, Weeks, Hardy , & Hall and move Braun to left, Gynn to center, & Hart in Right?

 

I doubt many people would like this option, but I think it would be fine for 25 games. Dillon has only played 1 game in right in his career(majors and minors). And with Braun starting at a new position in left, defense may be an issue in the OF to start the season. So if we do sign Cameron, a roster spot would be opened for those 25 games. If this is the situation, I'd break camp with Kapler and let him play right against lefties. Our offense is good enough as is, it's our defense that could be shaky to start out. Move Hart to center, and platoon Gross and Kapler in right. That's probably 10 starts for Kapler, and maybe he can prove he's worth something in that time, who knows.

[TooLiveBrew]

I'm not a real big believer in Dillon, nice story, but if he was really more than Brady Clark he would've been up a long time ago.

Except that he had a serious back injury that forced what was at that time his retirement. He got back to ball after being away for a year iirc, and seriously got back on track with the Brewers' minor-league system. Brady Clark dreams of being able to hit like Joe. Not a good comparison.

[brewerfan82]

Cameron,Lofton,Feliz are your top 3 to be a brewer very soon just a thought

Ah heck, let's just sign them all and have a great defensive team and the best bench in the league! I'd be good with the following:

2B Rickie Weeks

CF Mike Cameron/Kenny Lofton

LF Ryan Braun

1B Prince Fielder

RF Corey Hart

3B Pedro Feliz/Bill Hall

SS JJ Hardy

C Jason Kendall

 

C Eric Munson/Mike Rivera

IF Bill Hall

IF Craig Counsell

OF Kenny Lofton

OF Gabe Gross/Gabe Kapler

 

[Gopher74]

I had not seen the comments where Melvin mentions moving Hall. Peronally - if your going to go ahead and decide to move Hall, well then lets put him back to a utility position - heck now that he can play the OF I think it makes him even more valuble.

 

 

 

2b,ss,3b,CF, 40 doubles, 25 HRs, 80+ RBI? Id give big boy a raise.

That's exactly what they want to get away from and NOT do. And they have mentioned speaking with him about possibly moving him back to 3rd base.

 

You know this how?

Maybe because every single time Doug Melvin's talked about it the last couple years he's said as much. It's not hard to figure out his opinion on the matter. He does not want Bill Hall to continue to move around. There are no lines to read between. He comes out and says it, and it makes perfect sense. His best offensive year was once he settled into a position for a full season(06).

 

[twobrewers]

As has been stated many times before...

 

"I think Billy's tired of moving and I'm not big on continuing to move guys around, either," said Melvin. "But I think he would do it if it made our club better overall. He'd still be a regular player."

[Gopher74]

The longer it takes for Melvin to do something the more likely we won't do anything until the All-Star break. If we don't come up with an everyday 3B then Melvin has to take responsibility for failing to solve multiple problems.

The level of panic on this board is amazing. First of all, he didn't "fail to solve multiple" problems, IF he doesn't get someone, which is an unreasonable assumption at this point in time, then he failed to solve ONE problem. We've got one hole left, not multiple.