Looking at the 2009 Free Agent Class, I see these somewhat "under the radar" guys as good fits for the Brewers. I'm sure these guys are on the radar of baseball people, but they're guys we don't talk about everyday.
Joe Biemel - He's a left reliever who can replace Shouse and be an upgrade to Mitch Stetter. His 2.02 ERA was very impressive and he has the ability to get righties out as well. If the Dodgers are going to throw tons of money at guys like Sabathia and Manny, maybe he slips through the cracks.
Felipe Lopez - I know I mentioned him in an earlier post, but I am very big on him being a Brewer. He was stuck in Washington for a couple of years, but he batted .385 while playing 6 positions after being traded to the Cardinals. That's the kind of depth and versatility that Championship teams have. He could be insurance at all of the infield positions and play the outfield in a pinch.
Joe Crede - A one year deal could be the perfect situation for Crede and the Brewers. It's a no risk move and you could be getting a fantastic third basemen defensively with a powerful bat when healthy. He could be a stopgap before either one of the Brewers young third basemen are ready or JJ Hardy is moved to third to make room for Escobar.
Mark Kotsay - Showed in the playoffs the ability to play multiple positions. Played both center field and first base and played first pretty well. At 33, he will probably come relatively cheap, especially if the Brewers don't resign Gabe Kapler.
Jon Garland - With all the talk about CC being showered with money by all of the big market teams, the Brewers may have to look at a backup plan. Garland would be a solid 3 guy behind Gallardo and Parra.
Also maybe consider: Mark Prior, Oliver Perez, Freddy Garcia
In my opinion, stay away from: Casey Blake, Mike Cameron, Paul Byrd, Mark Loretta
Prince Trade Idea of the Day - Say that the Yankees don't land Mark Texiera and cut ties with Jason Giambi. They could be in the market for a 1B/DH type. How about Prince Fielder to the Yankees in exchange for Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy (assuming you can't wrange Phil Hughes from them) and either another prospect or a guy like Wilson Betemit. That a young pitcher with tons of upside, an outfielder with loads of talent who may just need a change of scenery and a utility player to take the place of Counsell/Dillon.
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3 comments:
Stay away from Cam? Imagine the numbers he will put in 2009 playing a full-season? 27-30 HR's...I will take that any day.
SI.com pointed out Brian Fuentes (LHP/RP) as an ideal fit for the Crew. I REALLY like that idea.
What about courting Orlando Hudson? Ditch Weeks and go with someone who has bonified wheels and could do damage in the lead-off w/ stellar OBP (.800 park)!
You could add Ben Sheets as a player to stay away from as well. I think that he is destined to sign with Texas and they will bring Maddux down there too. Warm weather year-round and no at-bats would make him a smilin' cajun.
OPS, not OBP. My bad.
A full season for Cameron also approaches 200 strikeouts. I don't want to see that.
I like the Funetes idea. I saw that on SI.com today too. I would rather they throw that money at Biemel though. But I wouldn't complain.
I don't think it's time to ditch Weeks yet. He's got too much upside and I think he's bound to break out one of these years! 2009 is the year.
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