Trusty Tom Haudricourt reports that Aquino and McClung have avoided arbitration and signed new contracts for the 08 season. He speculates that Melvin told the two that they would be non-tendered had they not signed a new contract. It has not been released how much the contracts are worth though.
Catchers Eric Munson and Mike Rivera have both signed new contracts as well.
The big arbitration-eligible players will be: SS J.J. Hardy, RHPs Dave Bush and Claudio Vargas, and LHPs Brian Shouse and Chris Capuano. I still look for a couple of these 5 to be moved in the coming weeks.
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I don't know how much Dave Bush is making right now as a Brewer, but he led the team in in wins in 2006 and led the team in strikeouts in 2007. These aren't the most revelaing categories, but it does show some durability. I think Bush is a newcomer to the pitching world having been a catcher during most of his high school and college career. I hope the Brewers continue to give him a chance to develop.
Also, I wanted to ask about Braun's defense. It seemed that most of his errors were botched throws. He showed decent range when I was watching with an occassional spectacular play. Maybe, it's too risky, but I think Braun will improve defensively....Then again, I forgot to consider the Fielder leaving situation and all the required adjustments. Could the Brewers offer Prince a multi year deal right now?
In regards to Braun's defense I believe that he took too long to set up and throw. I am assuming that in the minors the runners were a step slower, so Braun had more time to set up his throws to first. In the majors, everyone moves a little quicker, so his mechanics were off and he wasn't able to set his feet and throw like he was used to, but instead of changing his technique, he just tried to speed it up and lost his accuracy
There's no shot that the Crew will trade Hardy. Out of these other four I think the Brew would be most willing to move Vargas, Shouse, Bush then Capuano...in that order.
I don't think Melvin will move any unless the move addresses 3rd base or the outfield.
I think Cappy is the most likely to get traded and maybe Bush second, juts because they have the most value to others, Vargas has some value, but he is more of an unsung guy
I think that Vargas and Cappy would be traded first. Cappy is going to cost the most money to keep...so I can see him being moved first. Vargas is terrible, and I just hope he gets moved...
I've heard numerous rumors about Bush being involved in a trade with the Rangers for Blalock, but nothing concrete enough to post.
In regard to Braun's defense, i agree with the comment about him moving too quickly. His arm strength and range are very good. His footwork is just being rushed a little bit. I think he'd be fine at 3B if the Brewers give him a chance.
And yes, Steve, I heard that Melvin is going to try to lock up Fielder this off-season to a multi-year deal. Let's hope he can get that done!
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