Imagine you're Milwaukee

[Tim]

And you have a history of being able to find CF's on the scrap heap that can lead off, post a good OBP and play at least credible defense out there. Now that you've built up Brady Clark's trade value, would you move him and try to get as much value as you got for Podsednik? Clark is 32 years old, has played in parts of six MLB seasons and has been productive for the past year and a half. While Clark was definitely an asset, the same could be said of Scotty before they moved him.

 

As another part of this, I'm not sure if Nelson Cruz is CF-capable. He's a five tool guy that merited a Sept call up this season. If he could play CF (he's been on a corner, but has good speed), this would seem like a relative no-brainer. They've also got Anthony Gwynn, Jr. who played at AA this season and posted a .370 OBP in the southern league with 34 steals.

 

I'm not thinking of Brady as a Corey replacement (I don't think he'll repeat his numbers), but just looking around baseball at what might transpire and who might get moved.

[USSoccer]

On SoSh, they've bandied about Brady Clark as a CF replacement, and mentioned Shoppach and pitchers (?) named Cruz and Arroyo as trade bait for him.

 

That would be a good haul. Shoppach and Miller would be a good C tandem for the Brewers.

[RockTheIvy]

On SoSh, they've bandied about Brady Clark as a CF replacement, and mentioned Shoppach and pitchers (?) named Cruz and Arroyo as trade bait for him.

 

That would be a good haul. Shoppach and Miller would be a good C tandem for the Brewers.

 

I read that as well. I also read they wanted Overbay too. They would give up some good talent I imagine, so if Prince is ready, it might not be a terrible idea for the Brewers. Arroyo, Lester and a few others perhaps?

[RockTheIvy]

And you have a history of being able to find CF's on the scrap heap that can lead off, post a good OBP and play at least credible defense out there. Now that you've built up Brady Clark's trade value, would you move him and try to get as much value as you got for Podsednik? Clark is 32 years old, has played in parts of six MLB seasons and has been productive for the past year and a half. While Clark was definitely an asset, the same could be said of Scotty before they moved him.

 

As another part of this, I'm not sure if Nelson Cruz is CF-capable. He's a five tool guy that merited a Sept call up this season. If he could play CF (he's been on a corner, but has good speed), this would seem like a relative no-brainer. They've also got Anthony Gwynn, Jr. who played at AA this season and posted a .370 OBP in the southern league with 34 steals.

 

I'm not thinking of Brady as a Corey replacement (I don't think he'll repeat his numbers), but just looking around baseball at what might transpire and who might get moved.

 

They also have a pretty good trading chip in Bill Hall. His numbers this year were fantastic. I wouldn't mind him if all other SS options fail.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hall could be a huge trading chip for them. If they are committed to go with Hardy and Weeks in the middle which they are, then Hall's only other position is thirdbase. They already have Helms there, so Hall becomes a very talented utility player. They could use some pitching, and Hall could be the means to getting some.

[abuck1220]

the brewers are in a great position. they have two position players (overbay and clark) that could be moved and replaced by young, cheap, capable guys. they've developed a pretty good young, cheap, productive pen, and they have sheets locked up.

[CoolHandLuke]

the brewers are in a great position. they have two position players (overbay and clark) that could be moved and replaced by young, cheap, capable guys. they've developed a pretty good young, cheap, productive pen, and they have sheets locked up.

 

And with new ownership they will have a little bit of money to spend this offseason.

[Outshined_One]

Alternatively, if they want to add a talented player who would cost them a decent amount of dough, they have the depth in terms of prospects to make a few trades if they so desire.

 

The Brewers are kinda hard to predict now that they're no longer run by a bunch of cheapskates.

 

Couple that with '05 first round draftee out of UMiami FL 3B Ryan Braun looking terrific in limited action down in the Sally League...yikes...

[Jazz]

The brewers are in need of one more big bat, and they have the trading chips to do it. I think they would like to move sheets though, as his contract jumps from 6.5 to 11.5 in 2006. I could see a deal to a team such as Baltimore, or Texas could see a need for him, in a package for one of the players mentioned in this thread. A Sheets+Clark to the Yanks for Posada maybe?

[CoolHandLuke]

The brewers are in need of one more big bat, and they have the trading chips to do it. I think they would like to move sheets though, as his contract jumps from 6.5 to 11.5 in 2006. I could see a deal to a team such as Baltimore, or Texas could see a need for him, in a package for one of the players mentioned in this thread. A Sheets+Clark to the Yanks for Posada maybe?

 

Jim Bowden is not their general manager.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

The Brewers will not move Sheets. They aren't looking to move Sheets. I don't know where anyone would get the idea that they would be looking to move him. They'd move Jenkins long before they would even consider moving Sheets.

[CoolHandLuke]

The Brewers will not move Sheets. They aren't looking to move Sheets. I don't know where anyone would get the idea that they would be looking to move him. They'd move Jenkins long before they would even consider moving Sheets.

 

And if they did it would be for a lot more than a 34 year old declining catcher who himself makes quite a lot.

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

And you have a history of being able to find CF's on the scrap heap that can lead off, post a good OBP and play at least credible defense out there. Now that you've built up Brady Clark's trade value, would you move him and try to get as much value as you got for Podsednik? Clark is 32 years old, has played in parts of six MLB seasons and has been productive for the past year and a half. While Clark was definitely an asset, the same could be said of Scotty before they moved him.

 

As another part of this, I'm not sure if Nelson Cruz is CF-capable. He's a five tool guy that merited a Sept call up this season. If he could play CF (he's been on a corner, but has good speed), this would seem like a relative no-brainer. They've also got Anthony Gwynn, Jr. who played at AA this season and posted a .370 OBP in the southern league with 34 steals.

 

I'm not thinking of Brady as a Corey replacement (I don't think he'll repeat his numbers), but just looking around baseball at what might transpire and who might get moved.

 

The Brewers are very high on David Krenzel, he is groomed to play CF and I wouldn't be suprised if they moved Clark. That being sad, living in Milwaukee, all you hear is Cub hate, I would be SHOCKED if they ever trade another MLB player to the Chicago Cubs. Literally I am hated for being a Cubs Fan (don't think they hate me for other reasons:)

[nilodnayr]

If Im the Brewers FO, I continue with the youth movement. I trade Overbay, Clark, and Hall for some one season/half season proven young cheap starter (think Chacin/Santana) and/or try to get multiple nearly there starters. Invest any money the owners want to spend on signing some big time talent in the draft, NOT free agency. Try to get some college pitchers that might make it to the majors when their core position players will still be arbi eligible. Depending on talent I focus mostly on pitching this draft and then start phasing in more high level position players over the years. I think their track record has shown that they are successful at it, and it can really pay dividends. Down the line they are going to need to replace their talent when they because free agents/when they trade them away the year before their free agency to replenish the org with top prospects from foolish teams who will overpay.

[CoolHandLuke]

If Im the Brewers FO, I continue with the youth movement. I trade Overbay, Clark, and Hall for some one season/half season proven young cheap starter (think Chacin/Santana) and/or try to get multiple nearly there starters. Invest any money the owners want to spend on signing some big time talent in the draft, NOT free agency. Try to get some college pitchers that might make it to the majors when their core position players will still be arbi eligible. Depending on talent I focus mostly on pitching this draft and then start phasing in more high level position players over the years. I think their track record has shown that they are successful at it, and it can really pay dividends. Down the line they are going to need to replace their talent when they because free agents/when they trade them away the year before their free agency to replenish the org with top prospects from foolish teams who will overpay.

 

The mets need a 1b. I would try to get Petit.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Back to the original principals first posed....a Boston/Milwaukee deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Brady Clark and Lyle Overbay to Boston for Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and Hanley Ramirez. You can't hang on to Youkilis and Ramirez forever if you're never going to play them, and with Ramirez at least, he doesn't play when Edgar Renteria is making $10MM/year. Youkilis might be the 3B for 2006 for Boston as of now, but you have to move talent to get talent, and Overbay is someone they could desperately use to replace the awful Kevin Millar.

 

With Youkilis on board, the Brewers could then easily make Hall available for more pitching help. Package him with JJ Hardy (Ramirez > Hardy) and the Brewers could get themselves some very nice pitching.

 

Looking 2 to 3 years down the road, I fear Milwaukee.

[NorthsideAvenger]

The brewers are in need of one more big bat, and they have the trading chips to do it. I think they would like to move sheets though, as his contract jumps from 6.5 to 11.5 in 2006. I could see a deal to a team such as Baltimore, or Texas could see a need for him, in a package for one of the players mentioned in this thread. A Sheets+Clark to the Yanks for Posada maybe?

 

Didn't they signed Sheets to BE PART OF THEIR YOUTH MOVEMENT? I seriously doubt they sign him to a generious 4 yr deal to move him. And even if he did, I think they would Varitek over Posada any day.

[Mark_R]

Back to the original principals first posed....a Boston/Milwaukee deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Brady Clark and Lyle Overbay to Boston for Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and Hanley Ramirez. You can't hang on to Youkilis and Ramirez forever if you're never going to play them, and with Ramirez at least, he doesn't play when Edgar Renteria is making $10MM/year. Youkilis might be the 3B for 2006 for Boston as of now, but you have to move talent to get talent, and Overbay is someone they could desperately use to replace the awful Kevin Millar.

 

With Youkilis on board, the Brewers could then easily make Hall available for more pitching help. Package him with JJ Hardy (Ramirez > Hardy) and the Brewers could get themselves some very nice pitching.

 

Looking 2 to 3 years down the road, I fear Milwaukee.

 

That is the most ridiculous trade proposal I think you've ever made. Why would the Red Sox give up on their most promising young pitcher, an OBP Machine who will probably take over at third next season, AND Hanley Ramirez for two guys who are overrated?

[nilodnayr]

Back to the original principals first posed....a Boston/Milwaukee deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Brady Clark and Lyle Overbay to Boston for Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and Hanley Ramirez. You can't hang on to Youkilis and Ramirez forever if you're never going to play them, and with Ramirez at least, he doesn't play when Edgar Renteria is making $10MM/year. Youkilis might be the 3B for 2006 for Boston as of now, but you have to move talent to get talent, and Overbay is someone they could desperately use to replace the awful Kevin Millar.

 

With Youkilis on board, the Brewers could then easily make Hall available for more pitching help. Package him with JJ Hardy (Ramirez > Hardy) and the Brewers could get themselves some very nice pitching.

 

Looking 2 to 3 years down the road, I fear Milwaukee.

 

Even though the bosox have jerked him around Boston isnt stupid enough to trade Youkilis for Overbay and Clark straight up, let alone throw Papelbon and Ramirez in.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Back to the original principals first posed....a Boston/Milwaukee deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Brady Clark and Lyle Overbay to Boston for Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and Hanley Ramirez. You can't hang on to Youkilis and Ramirez forever if you're never going to play them, and with Ramirez at least, he doesn't play when Edgar Renteria is making $10MM/year. Youkilis might be the 3B for 2006 for Boston as of now, but you have to move talent to get talent, and Overbay is someone they could desperately use to replace the awful Kevin Millar.

 

With Youkilis on board, the Brewers could then easily make Hall available for more pitching help. Package him with JJ Hardy (Ramirez > Hardy) and the Brewers could get themselves some very nice pitching.

 

Looking 2 to 3 years down the road, I fear Milwaukee.

 

That is the most ridiculous trade proposal I think you've ever made. Why would the Red Sox give up on their most promising young pitcher, an OBP Machine who will probably take over at third next season, AND Hanley Ramirez for two guys who are overrated?

 

Overbay is overrated? The guy is an OBP machine too, and a great defensive 1B. Clark may fall of this year's numbers, but he's not a terrible(especially considering cost) replacement to Damon. I didn't think the proposal was that out of hand at all.

[nilodnayr]

Back to the original principals first posed....a Boston/Milwaukee deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Brady Clark and Lyle Overbay to Boston for Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and Hanley Ramirez. You can't hang on to Youkilis and Ramirez forever if you're never going to play them, and with Ramirez at least, he doesn't play when Edgar Renteria is making $10MM/year. Youkilis might be the 3B for 2006 for Boston as of now, but you have to move talent to get talent, and Overbay is someone they could desperately use to replace the awful Kevin Millar.

 

With Youkilis on board, the Brewers could then easily make Hall available for more pitching help. Package him with JJ Hardy (Ramirez > Hardy) and the Brewers could get themselves some very nice pitching.

 

Looking 2 to 3 years down the road, I fear Milwaukee.

 

That is the most ridiculous trade proposal I think you've ever made. Why would the Red Sox give up on their most promising young pitcher, an OBP Machine who will probably take over at third next season, AND Hanley Ramirez for two guys who are overrated?

 

Overbay is overrated? The guy is an OBP machine too, and a great defensive 1B. Clark may fall of this year's numbers, but he's not a terrible(especially considering cost) replacement to Damon. I didn't think the proposal was that out of hand at all.

 

However, Boston has put a lot of money into "the greek god of walks", he can put up Overbay numbers now and has a much higher ceiling, AND is 2 years further away from free agency. I dont think the Bosox would value Clark a ton as he really hasnt shown anything until recently. A straight up youkilis for overbay trade is somewhat reasonable, but highly unlikely, however throwing in ramirez and papelbon brings it to the ridiculous level. I would not consider Overbay overrated at all though, I like him, hes a fine player.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

That is the most ridiculous trade proposal I think you've ever made. Why would the Red Sox give up on their most promising young pitcher, an OBP Machine who will probably take over at third next season, AND Hanley Ramirez for two guys who are overrated?

 

If Youkilis is so great, why has Boston had him on ice for 3 years now? C'mon...he can't beat out ex-Cubs Bill Mueller or Mark Bellhorn, but somehow he's so valuable you wouldn't trade him for Brady Clark or Lyle Overbay? Ridiculous. He's an "OBP machine", terrific--in the minor leagues. Mark Bellhorn was an "OBP machine" too, ask him how that gig is working out.

 

You think including Papelbon is over the top, OK, I can maybe see that. But keep in mind Clark and Overbay have established major league numbers, regardless of whether you think they are "overrated" or not, while all three of Papelbon, Youkilis and Ramirez are still prospects, albeit good ones. In general, you have to trade more in prospects to get proven major league production, you'll have to give me examples where that is NOT the case.

[Outshined_One]

Even though the bosox have jerked him around Boston isnt stupid enough to trade Youkilis for Overbay and Clark straight up, let alone throw Papelbon and Ramirez in.

 

Eh, it all depends. I agree that the BoSox would not pull the trigger on a deal like that unless some one like Sheets was involved.

 

However, right now the key to this offseason for Boston hinges on what the heck they are going to do with Manny Ramirez. I simply cannot see them retaining him for another season, especially given the fact that he's putting up gaudy numbers, is due a heck of a lot of money, and that it seems as if all sides have soured on one another. Yes, it could well be that they retain him, but that's unlikely.

 

At the moment, it seems like the Mets are the most likely to end up with Manny, but things might change. If this happens, I predict he is traded for some package involving Lastings Milledge, Petit, and one of either Mike Cameron or Carlos Beltran. Adjust contracts accordingly or throw in some prospects on Boston's end if you don't think it's even.

 

If that happens, that should address their need for a CF, but open up a hole in LF to go along with their hole in RF whenever they are facing a left handed pitcher. Geoff Jenkins doesn't particularly hit lefties well, so I think he could be ruled out of trade speculation here.

 

Now, given that the White Sox managed to put a (s)crappy leadoff type of guy in left field for most of the season, I'm curious as to whether the Red Sox would be willing to do the same with Brady Clark in LF.

 

They definitely would be upgrading hugely from a defensive standpoint, but I wonder if they would be able to absorb the hit or not with Clark in LF.

[CuseCubFan69]

I'm jealous of the Brewers. If they do this right they will have the team I thought the Cubs would have had.

[rawaction]

I'm jealous of the Brewers. If they do this right they will have the team I thought the Cubs would have had.

 

Yep. So many ways they can go. I would even try to trade Carlos Lee if I were them.