More good news for the Brewers bullpen after signing Gagne today. Haudricourt reports that Torres told Doug Melvin today that he is going to report to Milwaukee for 08 rather than retire. This is great news for Brewers fans, as it gives us another power arm in the bullpen. Anyone else think that the Gagne signing influenced this decision?
Gagne put on the No. 38 jersey during the press conference today. Does that number sound familiar? It should. Matt Wise had that number last year. That seems to mean that Wise's career is done in Milwaukee. Look for him to be traded soon.
Another thing that is simmering on the Hot Stove season. Seems like things are progressing for a Brewers-Rangers trade that seems to be a mainstay every year. Haudricourt says that he gets the vibe that the Brewers are going to trade for Hank Blalock. This would only make too much sense as the Rangers are looking for some starting pitching, and the Brewers obviously have an excess of pitching. It would also give Melvin the left-handed bat that he is looking for to add to the line-up. Melvin also seems dead set on moving Braun to LF, no matter what he says. He is not talking about any LF options, simply 3B options.
Here's what I see:
Brewers get - 3B Blalock and mid-level prospect
Rangers get - OF Tony Gwynn Jr., RHP Matt Wise, and LHP Chris Capuano
I've also heard reports that the two teams had discussed a trade of Alcides Escobar for Blalock straight up. That seems a little steep for the Brewers, I think. Escobar is one of our top prospects (read below). Perhaps Mat Gamels would be a better fit. He's blocked in the system with Braun and potentially Blalock at 3B.
Thoughts anyone?
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4 comments:
Wow...this news about Blalock is a shocker. Trading players is always a risk, but I applaud the guts. The big question I have involves the conflicting visions of Melvin. Last year we listened excited that the Brewers had drafted a replacement for Jenkins....an eventual replacement. De La Porte was moved to LF and it was rumoured that he would rise through the system quickly. And now this year, we are hearing that one of our most productive players, Ryan Braun, might be moved to LF. Has the feeling about La Porta being a Brewer withing 2 years changed directions?
I completely understand about the LaPorta situation. It is a bit confusing why we would move Braun to LF if one of our top prospects is supposed to be there. I have a couple thoughts about that:
One, perhaps they are not convinced that LaPorta is going to be a star. This seems unlikely, but it is a possibility.
More likely, perhaps they are concerned about losing Prince Fielder to free agency because we will not be able to afford him in a couple years. If that's the case, LaPorta could slide into his old position at 1B, and the Brewers would be set everywhere.
Im not a fan of trading Mat Gamel, I know his defense makes Braun look like a gold glover, but his offense is great. Blalock is a good player, but he is/was injured. Plus Blalock can not hit left handed pitching. I could see Blalock here for two years, then move Braun back to 3B and Gamel in LF with LaPorta at 1B. I agree that Fielder will leave via trade in a couple years.
The only problem with that situation is that I think if we eventually want Braun to play 3B, he should learn now...not go through another learning curve later.
Gamel's offense is great, but 53 errors in one season is terrible. The problem is his footwork. I suppose he could learn that, but I don't see him becoming a solid 3B. Perhaps LF like you said.
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