UPDATE 01-11-08 7:02 PM - Alright folks, here's what I've got for you on the Mike Cameron signing. He will be getting a $1.25M signing bonus, along with a $5M salary for 2008. What's more is that he will not be getting paid for the 25 games for which he will be suspended for taking a banned stimulant. That comes out to $4.22M plus the signing bonus. That is much less than the $7M that he made last year with the Padres. The Brewers also hold a $10M club-option for 2009, with a $750,000 buyout.
Haudricourt also said that this move is not a precursor to any other type of trade concerning Bill Hall. Hall will be moving to 3B and Braun will be moving to LF. Both players have been informed of this move.
This move should help the Crew's defense a lot next year. Cameron is a 3-time Gold Glove winner, Bill Hall plays a very good 3B, and hopefully Braun will be solid in the corner outfield spot. I'm still wary about Cameron's lack of plate discipline and the fact that he is another right-handed batter. The Brewers' lineup his almost exclusively right-handed (except Prince Fielder), which may be an issue down the road. This move could work out, however, so I'm kind of in "let's wait and see" mode.
If there's anything else you'd like to know about the signing, let me know, and I'll get that information back to you!
________________________________________________________
Ken Rosenthal from FOX Sports and Tom Haudricourt report that Mike Cameron has signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers today, along with a club-option for 2009. The dollar amount is unknown, but he did earn $7M with the Padres last year. The deal is pending a physical.
As I've said before, Cameron hit .242 with 21 homers and 78 RBIs for the Padres last season. Rosenthal believes that these numbers will go up because Cameron has always played in a pitcher's park (like Petco last year). He has a career .251 BA along with a .341 on-base percentage. That is not great by any stretch of the imagination, but Rosenthal points out that it is above-average for a center fielder. Rosenthal also points out that this move to a midwest team will lessen the travel for the veteran, who is now 35 years old.
Of course, the Brewers do have to deal with the 25-game suspension he will face to begin the year. Let's hope that the salary reflects that ban somewhat. I'm going to do a little more research on the signing before I post my opinion on that matter. Until then, however, you all post what you think!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Great!!
I think it's going to be a good pick up to get a true centerfielder. I'd guess Billy Hall will be going back to the infield and Braun to left. All in all our defense should be better!
PJB "The DAWGS"
I am not as worried about Cameron striking out because he is essentially replacing Jenkins in the lineup, and who strikes out more than Jenkins.
However I am worried the defensive switches for Hall and Braun could effect their offensive numbers, why not just move Hall to left and let Braun work out his defensive problems, or better yet just settle on Lofton?
Post a Comment