Inglett and Edmonds.

While the dreams of Frank Inglett and Tom Edmonds becoming a modern day Loggins and Messina reside in the ashbin of their Pooh Corner cover? The Brewers have smoothly made some attempts at filling out their roster with excellent skills at low costs.



Joe Inglett has been a solid righty masher (for a middle infielder) who's served time at four positions, even though he really can only defend three. A career line of .298/.351/.407 versus righties is a valuable asset to have. I know he's already in his early 30's, so this may be the exact ceiling of his usage. But here's the deal.

He's Weeks insurance. We know that he's not going to play nearly as much on the roster if Weeks can manage to get himself 500 at-bats. And to get a low cost asset to use mostly at second base as good as Inglett in back up terms? It's not a bad thing, it is most definitely a good thing.



Now, in the Wildcard category? We have Jim Edmonds comeback attempt. The guy spent 2009 in the unwanted bin of Free Agency. One would assume that he demanded to roam Center Field or a multi-year deal and no team really wanted to have to deal with all that. Because his 2008 was great as a Cub, but you know what else?

He was unlucky. For the year, his BAbip was a ridiculously low .249. But even as a Cub, when it seemed as if he was hooked up to a juvenation machine? His BAbip was .257.

But that's not where Edmonds makes his money. Where Edmonds makes his money is as a righty masher. He had a .998 OPS versus righties as a Cub. So yeah. That's where last we left him. Put it simply, if he's useful, all he has to do is slug .500 as a Brewer versus right handed pitchers.

And get 400-450 plate appearances.

But lets be honest. If Corey Hart was actually able to be trusted? I wouldn't be nearly as excited by the signing of a 39 year-old who skipped 2009.

DOUG. DAVIS. HAS. COME. HOME.

Now I know I was talking noise about the whole Doug Davis signing. I said that they needed Jarrod Washburn to form a lefthanded innings eating Voltron, right? But that was initial reaction. Doug Davis is a good soild #3/#4 guy.

Think about it like this. In context of recent Brewers starter signings? Dougie D. is a cheaper pickup than Braden Looper. And if you consider the ERA+ of Doug Davis in recent years? You actually get someone who can give you 25-30 good starts a year for a little over 5 million dollars.

Also, we know that Doug is a pitcher who can get wild. He's averaged a walk every two innings in recent seasons. The fact that he's managed to be a solid pitcher despite this glaring weakness only tells me one thing. If he can shave his BB/9 down simply to 4 walks for 9 innings? He will likely be an under 4 era starter. And considering what the Brewers had last year? Even if he's not a sexy signing, he's a real live upgrade.

With the offense that the Brewers generally have? Doug Davis could be 13-9 with a 3.80 ERA. For five and a quarter million dollars. Initial reaction? B+.

I like it. I like it a lot.

I sense doom for my feelings about Randy Wolf.

Strictly speaking, as a fan? I've always liked Randy Wolf. He was a pretty good lefty for the Phillies during the dark period in the early aughts and he holds a place in rock and jock history for his Pedro Martinezesque relief outing in the last rock and jock game in history. So yeah. I've been a fan.

That being said? If the rumors are true. I'm going to find myself losing faith in the Wolf. Randy Wolf has lost that mojo that made him good. Now, I'm not saying he didn't have a good year last season. It's just that for luck not to be a factor? His batting average on balls in play should reside between .280 and .300.

Randy Wolf had a .258 average. And a correction is not exactly going to be the sort of thing that leads to one hit a month. I'm not saying that young Randall is not a pitcher worthy of being in a rotation. Not by a longshot. But we're looking at 10 wins, a 4.20 ERA and WHIP around 1.300 sort of an average pitcher.

So what I'm saying is this is the sort of experince we had with Jeff Suppan when we first signed him. Look how well that turned out. I don't want to hate Randy Wolf, but circumstances may lead me down that road.

We got Luis Cruz y'all!

If I was a narcisstic paranoid man? I would think this was a smokescreen. Doug Melvin knows the strength and power of my 110 reader army. He wants to bring Craig Counsell back. He knows we would riot like we were watching John Cena win in the New Alhambra arena.

So? He has to find someone worse. And Luis Cruz? Fits that bill whole hog.

But that would be if I was all narcisism and paranoia? I'm lazy. I fall off the cliff for days and now weeks at a time. And this signing is merely that of a warm body.

Just try to sign someone before you return to Counsell, okay? Don't feed this fevered ego.

You know what?

I am sorry. I am. But twitter can kill your will to blog. And on that not, let's smoothly segue to Craig Counsell.

Why?



Because the Brewers are doing it wrong! I have made myself patently clear that Craig Counsell has been a blight on the Brewers roster on several occasions. But you know what? He proved me wrong last year. He had a great season. A league average season, but let's look back at the decade previously in terms of OPS+ where 100 is league average

2000: 104
2001: 82
2002: 78
2003: 61
2004: 69
2005: 89
2006: 70
2007: 65
2008: 77
2009: 105

So when you consider the fact that Counsell's age 29 season was 2000? Can you see that there's a regression to the mean afoot? I know you can. And as such? Consider yourself lucky you got the good season.

(Sure, the Brewers had to take three years of crumbs to do it? But stay with me.)

For you see? His defense was never truly great in that whole I know he sucks, but his glove keeps him being above replacement levels sort of way since he became a Brewer. Not even when you add the fact that he can play three positions.

He can take a walk. But that's it. And you can find a minor leaguer with a good eye and little else for cheap. I mean, somebody rolled up and said Ruben Gotay, get in my spring training after all. I mean, who but superfans and the hardest of the hardcore have made mention of Brock Bond or Esteban German's plate discipline?

In fact? As I research reasons why the potential Craig Counsell resigning is flat out insane? I wounder why don't we go with German instead. He's 8 years younger, comes with speed as well as plate discipline at anywhere from two-fifths to one-sixth the price, and if he sucks? You don't have to stick with him because of loyalty or defensive rep.

...George, so to speak? Is upset.

Apologies for stealing the picture go to: Right Field Bleachers

Interesting Pieces...

Rumors are flying for Doug Melvin as he looks for pitching. You know about Lackey, you're fired up for the Halamalocalypse. But amidst that are two things that interest me. People. Two people that interest me?

The first? Justin Duchsherer, or as I would call him, the Arch-Duke. 2009 was a lost year for him. He had a second hip surgery, an elbow surgery, and a bout with depression. I'm not going to speculate on the whys and wherefores of a mans head when my head can go off on its own tangent, but if he's healthy?

His approach is off the charts. Not many righthanders are deemable as crafty? But the Arch-Duke is in spades. He led the AL in ERA for most of 2008. I know staying healthy is a skill. But if he is? The Brewers would be a great for him.

I mean, the National League is the supremely inferior league right?

(You don't want to know my reaction to that opinion.)

Anyway. Kevin Correia? He's probably not going to be as good as he was in San Diego last year. But so long as he doesn't let his solid command go down the drain? He's a fine fit for the end of the rotation. He's got around a 2 to 1 K/BB ratio. Nothing wrong with that.

Not at all. And then again? When Correia has been healthy? He's been quite good in the past three years as a starter. Yeah, I'll say it. He may be able to rock out a stronger year than last year.

If you bring these home Dougie? I'll start to trust you again. I know I've been hurt by recent events. But this would be a nice way to fill out the end of the rotation and in a worst case scenario? Add kickass middle relief.

Okay. I'll say it.

Brewers aren't making the playoffs this year.

I'm going to give you a second to recover. It's as bad of news as the Abraham Washington Show. But here's the thing. Why aren't the Brewers trying to see if they can't get a prospect for their two free agents to be?

Yeah, I'm not saying there's a 5-star prospect coming back. Doesn't have to be. The Brewers could probably take two upper-level arms of a decent vointage and an A-ball prospect with upside for Mike Cameron and Felipe Lopez. Or two if a team interested in a second baseman (looking at you Atlanta) would be so inclined.

Now I'm glad they're willing to trade Bill Hall. And I'm glad somebody seems inclined to take him. But they have pieces. Pieces that bring value back. And this value would be likely better than some lame draft choice.

Dude. Later.

I hate Jarrod Washburn.

I just do. He has not committed injustice toward me in any form or fashion. Even at his worst? He has never been outright awful. He's just overrated. Especially this season.

Suffice it to say? He's in the middle of a contract drive. Luck is on his side. And he is pitching out of his mind. The team that acquires him will not be getting a pitcher who has an under three ERA. They will be getting someone whose ERA will rise. I don't even care that there will be an AL-NL swing, I will be right stunned if he ends the year with an ERA below three. Make it 3.30.

For Milwaukee? Giving up Alcides Escobar for him would be downright stupid. And I like Branden Morrow. He has a chance to have a run of closer dominance for a good 4-6 years. But asking him to start is the wrong thing to do. He doesn't have the third pitch.

So, I would honestly wait. The Deadline's Friday. The Brewers fans have a sparring partner for these next four days. If disaster strikes, stand pat. If they run the table? Let's see if we can't get Balentien and another prospect thrown in. I like Jharmidy DeJesus.

That's a name you know.

In Doug We Trust...

The news of today, despite the split series with the Reds is a big trade with the Diamondbacks. The Brewers now welcome Felipe Lopez. And this is a trade with no downside until 2013. I love this trade for the Brewers, I want you to love it too.

Here's why this deal is tremendous.

1) The Brewers don't give up a high impact prospect.

I like Cole Gillespie. He has a Mark Kotsayish vibe about him as someone who plays above his tools. But in his first exposure to Triple-A? He's hitting .242. And while Roque Mercedes is killing it in the Florida State League with a closers set of weapons, it's a bullpen guy in class A. You see all sorts of strange happen with relievers who hit double-A for the first time. See: Omar Aguilar.

2) Felipe Lopez is at his best in September and beyond...

Traditionally, Felipe Lopez has been a better second half hitter than a first half hitter. Post All-star break, his OPS is 51 points higher. This moves him from a rich man's Alex Cintron into something worthwhile. But he's shown an ability to get hot in September. Last month of the season? Felipe's gone off for a .299/.362/.438 line. Not to say lock it down by any stretch, but that is most definitely hope we can believe in.

3) The Brewers infield situation gets interesting.

For several reasons. One, Craig Counsell's nigh miraculous .280 start to the season loses the sword of damocles aspect of his final 2007-2008 lines. Two? All of the sudden, the Brewers would have to consider J.J. Hardy available if they're going to go after a starter. Three? The Billy Hall threat level is at noon.

Dumb rumor I just made up. Challege trade with Boston. Billy Hall for Julio Lugo.

Anyway, I love this deal. Blueberry Johnson style.

In Doug we Trust...

Back during the days of building the Brewers, that was the mantra. Dougie Baseball is a canny trader. And he was able to get good value from the assets that he received. Even when fans didn't believe that he got enough? He got enough. (Remember the haul for Carlos Lee? He made it work. Tim Gunn style.)

Today, while everybody is stunned at Kenny Williams rolling up and trying to grab Peavy? The Brewers snuck under the radar and got something nice for what's essentially free talent. A.K.A. Tony Gwynn Jr. for Jody Gerut. Why is this trade so good for the Brewers? Well...

1) We were offering Tony Gwynn for nothing in April.

Tony Gwynn Jr.'s skill set is twelve for ten cents. Good speed, solid defense, not a great amount of patience. Otherwise? They'd be starters. He was faster? He'd basically be Joey Gaithright. In short. He was not worth saving. So, he went on waivers. Nobody claimed him.

San Diego could have had him for nothing. But they didn't. They gave up...

2) A guy who is having a shlimazel of a May.

There's a statistic called Batting Average on balls in play. People are expected to hit somewhere between .290 and .310. Gerut was slightly unlucky in April (.280), but guess what his may number is? .179. He's hitting .223 right now. It won't stay that way.

He's moving to a more neutral park as well. He could do a Raul Ibanez season if he was healthy enough to get 500 at bats. That won't happen in Milwaukee without a slump or something akin to tragedy. But there is a reason why he will not lack for playing time in Milwaukee.

3) He is a lefty bat.

The Brewers are built to mash lefties. That's just science fact. Outside of the Fresh Prince? There's not a lefthanded bat to be seen. Until now.

He could bring 250 high quality plate appearances to Milwaukee's already high-powered offense.

Not earth-shattering. But it's a way to help replace Weeks' offensively.

Break the Brewers DOOOOOOOOOOOOWN.

Okay, I napped a little longer than expected. Sorry about that. But here's something to make up for it.

The Brewers are hot. Red hot. In fact, these are the days that make up for scouring the six-year free agent wires and saying..."Oooh, I think Carlos Mendoza would be a nice fit." I'll have more on that later.

But we will break down the Brewers into 4 categories...

The Good
1) Rickie Weeks (If he stays healthy, he might have a chance at a 30 home run season. He has stopped running though, so for fantasy purposes you may want to consider selling.)
2) Craig Counsell (For a guy who was essentially ballast during his time in Milwaukee, he does deserve propers for his start. .328/.412/.466)
3) Trevor Hoffman (Milwaukee is in love with Trevor Hoffman. I know it's in eight games, but Eric Gagne was so bad last season. So, so bad.)
4) Mark DiFelice (This is why you need a smart GM. Overpaying for middle relievers is ridiculous when you can pluck a dude out of AAA and say hey, 31 year old who hasn't pitched before? You got this.)
5) Mike Cameron (If this be a contract drive? Let the gods allow him to turn a full on Adrian Beltre season.)
6) Billy Hall (For being the lefty masher in the soft platoon, he's doing very well. Better than 2007 or 2008 to be sure.)
7) Ryan Braun (Nobody expects to have an OPS over 1.000. Braun does right now. He's helping!)
8) Mitch Stetter (In terms of ERA+, you have to be happy with what he's done. His tendency to walk hitters is a worrying thing.)

The expected
1) J.J. Hardy (The dude's always been streaky. And it's too early to call it a slump yet. He's been bad for half-seasons at a time. This too shall pass.
2) Dave Bush (His ERA will always be a touch higher than his command indicates, but he's been solid this season.
3) Braden Looper (An innings eater with an ERA in the 4's is what the Brewers paid for, and it is what the Brewers have received.)
4) Todd Coffey (In terms of solid middle relief? He's been actually what you expected. His BAbip is .353, his luck will even out.)
5) Seth McClung (But not in a good way. He's walked more batters than he's struck out. He's allowed 28 baserunners in 17 innings. Maybe he was too much a product of the Mike Maddux whisperer.)
6) Mike Rivera (Passable offense when he plays, but he does not play often enough.)
7) Yovani Gallardo (Lost in Grienkemania was the fact that Yovani has developed into an ace. Stay healthy. Please. You're awesome when you do.)

The bad
1) Manny Parra (I have to worry if Ned hurt him by overworking him in 2008. When he loses the plate it's usually a signal that he has something deeper wrong with him. I'm hopeful that this is just a bad streak. But I can't not consider the injury question. He's a Brewer pitching prospect.)
2) Corey Hart (He's also streaky. But because I want in my heart of hearts the Kentucky Ninja to be a superstar? I am disappointed. He decided to be called Corey Hart. That's the decision of a man with swagger.)
3) Carlos Villanueva (He always struggles in April. And I keep expecting him to break through to superstar levels, because he can go months at a time as a stud. He's just bad long enough to keep his stats down.)
4) The Bench (With what Casey McGheehee and Chris Duffy have done? Mat Gamel's infusion couldn't have come at a better time.)

Just release him already
1) Jeff Suppan (I know, it's still only seven starts, but the Brewers trendline is scary bad. He's walking one more batter per 9 innings, he's on pace to allow one more dinger per 9 innings. His ERA+ is at the point where he was trying to face down the next Maddux claims. Pitchers die off earlier than 34, and if you're a finesse pitcher? The line is just that much thinner.)
2) Jason Kendall (Average in the .220's. 4 out of 5 runners stealing bases on him as steals come back into the playbook. If he didn't take a walk once in a while, he would be completely useless.)
3) Jorge Julio (Electric arms don't always translate. Let someone else take their shot.)
4) Brad Nelson (Outrighted to Triple-A. So. Thanks.)

Like I said, 87 wins can win the NL Central this year. And while there will be some regression to the mean, you have to wonder if the Brewers may not have another year of October Baseball. I love it.

The Chase Wright for Eric Fryer trade?

Well? It's a lefty arm who is coming off a season where, according to his MLE? He had a 4.00 ERA. But inexplicably, his command is really bad. Like Daniel Cabrera-lite bad. So he's a 4th starter who needs a good defense to be good.

(And that left Milwaukee long ago.)

But in a world of rotational questions? A starter who could generate a 4.40 ERA in some form of reverse Dave Bush wouldn't be bad. Not bad at all.

Especially considering that Eric Fryer is a 23 year-old in High-A Ball. His defense is mediocre. He did manage a .913 OPS. But this was in the South Atlantic League. It's a long way to the top if Eric Fryer wants to rock and roll. Sure, he could be somebody. But right now?

Chase Wright is less likely to be somebody's fool.

You know what?

The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry has just become reigonal.

Huh? I know what you're thinking. Doesn't ESPN push the shit out of this rivalry as if it was the greatest thing ever? Well, yes.

But that being said? For a rivalry game to have National gravitas, there has to be an empathetic team. Or at the very least a super annoying team. This is why UNC-Duke has gravitas.

But now? The Red Sox have the fans from hell, and the Yankees? My dear sweet Yankees?

You keep hitting the Brewers with the screwjob. A part of the Sabathia trade was that the Brewers were going to get a #1 pick to otensibly replace LaPorta.

Bah.

I'm not posting tomorrow. Be Back Friday Afternooooooooooooooooooooooooon!!!

Hey Doug?

I appreciate that you are willing to roll up on the Sabathian with an extra year. That's fine. But saying that you're willing to go all the way up to 110 million dollars if you have that extra year is just intelligence insulting. I mean it.



"Yeah, we know you may not be thrilled with 20 million dollars per year. How's about an extra year and 18.3 mil per?"

Yeah. No. Offer 5/110 or 4/90 if you want it to look like a raise. That's around one million less per year than the Yankees offer. And CC would at least agonize about it.

At least he would have before that whole 6/110 bullshit.

I have absolutely no problem with the Brewers right now...

Ken Macha was a savvy move. Dale Sveum is still around. And they did not let Maddux go without a fight.

And now they re-upped Mike Cameron. Which at 10 million dollars is still a nice bargain. You think a .243 hitter is a nice bargain? You might say to that. And I will tell you this.

If you compare him to the largest centerfield free agent signings of 2007? Year one was equal offensively to Torii Hunter. Sure, Hunter was a better defender. And that's okay. The Brewers saved 12 million dollars in year one.

Now? Here's the upside of year two. He may be 36. But it's a walk year. You know the rules of the Walk Year kids. Even if he loses a step from his broad base of skills? He's still going to be worth a win or two to the Brewers.

I believe in it.

There must be a deeper story here...

Ned Yost got fired today. And during my time in search of a sufficient emoticon to celebrate my happiness on the matter, I got to thinking.

Has any playoff contender made a coaching change so close to the end of the season? And the only one I could think of would be the 1989 Michigan Wolverines. Steve Fisher got a shot at the championship because Bill Frieder thought Arizona State would be a better fit. Different circumstances entirely.

But the fact is? Something had to be done. The Brewers were 3-11 in September. Mike Lamb's veteran influence has done nothing to stop the team from being awful. There was no other real change that could be made.

And with Ted Simmons becoming Dale Sveum's trusted advisor, and the Cubs seemingly having everything turn their way? By the way, nice job WGN. Becker's freaking awesome today! Ted Lilly's working on a no-hitter again today if you didn't know.

Redepmtion is only 3 games away. And if Sabathia beats Harden and Sheets beats Dempster? This hope becomes founded. If not?

I'm going to want the deeper story.