Looking To The Future

It would be easy (and depressing) to dwell on Milwaukee's loss today in Game 4 of the NLDS, which bounced them from the postseason. It would be even easier to yell and scream about Jeff Suppan (or as I now refer to him, the constant source of disappointment). Instead I will look toward the future, with the help of Scott S., who sent me his thoughts on what Milwaukee should do this off-season.

Catcher

Scott: I think the Brewers should stick with Kendall for another year. Defensively he is sound, and is excellent at calling pitches. His arm was better than advertised. He was hot offensively at the beginning of the year but wore down. He needs to catch about 20 games less next year, so finding a solid backup is essential. For whatever reason, the Brewers didn't like or trust Rivera enough to use him, so perhaps either Rottino or a free agent pickup would be wise. Lou Palmisano is intriguing with the bat, but I don't think it will benefit him developmentally to sit on the bench 5 days a week.

tS: I agree with most of what Scott has to say. Kendall could not be depended upon to deliver a hit in the final 4 months of the season, but his defense and game-calling was a definite upgrade from Johnny Estrada (who eventually got cut by the Nationals this year!). One of the biggest mysteries of the season was why the Brewers refused to use Mike Rivera more (especially as a pinch-hitter). But it doesn't matter who the back-up is next year - Kendall needs to sit out a few more games.

Infield

Scott: This could be a complete shakeup. I'm torn on whether or not to trade Fielder for pitching. He is the most marketable commodity we possess, and the rotation needs to be completely rebuilt. I believe that the Rickie Weeks experiment has run its course. Alcides Escobar needs to play next year, as does Mat Gamel. A logical move would be to trade Fielder and put Gamel at first, since he is a disaster at 3B. The Brewers also need a leadoff hitter, so I would love to see them make a move for someone like Brian Roberts of Baltimore. In my opinion, I would have Gamel at first, Roberts at second, Escobar at SS and Hardy at 3B. Hall's contract makes him difficult to move, but his versatility makes him worth keeping when someone goes down with injury. I'd keep Weeks as the 6th infielder due to his speed for pinch running purposes, and in the hopes that maybe he can develop.

tS: It seems almost a foregone conclusion that Escobar will be a full-time player next year. That means Hardy will either have to move to 2B or 3B, or be traded. Hopefully he agrees to move to a new spot in the infield. I want Weeks off the team. He is on one of the biggest disappointments this year, and I wish Milwaukee would just cut all of the ties. It would be nice to keep Craig Counsell as the 6th infielder. He's not impressive offensively, but he does a solid job, and unlike most Brewer hitters, he knows how to work the count and take pitches. If the Brewers can get a good deal for Fielder, they should pull the trigger. As soon as he becomes a free agent he's out of here anyways, and the Brewers wouldn't want the next Mo Vaughn anyways.

Outfield

Scott: As evidenced by Sveum's desperation move of putting Cameron in the leadoff role and Hall hitting second, those two spots in the batting order are in desperate need of repair. I don't think Cameron is worth a 10 million dollar option, so he needs to go. Gwynn deserves a look, but no one in the organization seems convinced he can hit enough. My feeling is that he could potentially be a Jacoby Ellsbury type player who can work the count, get on base, and wreak havoc on the base paths. If a solid 1 or 2 hitter can't be found via free agency or trade, I'd give Gwynn a shot. Hart and Braun are fine. I'd like to see Kapler brought back as well. He isn't a terrible 2 hole hitter himself, so he would provide the Brewers with insurance should Gwynn falter.

tS: Thank goodness for Ryan Braun. I have no idea how Milwaukee got him to sign that deal earlier this year. Corey Hart had worst postseason of any Brewer hitter, and you hope that it won't carry into next year. Hart may be another player you dangle as trade bait, only because it doesn't seem like he's too interested in sticking around - I believe he already turned down one contract extension offer from Melvin. I'd also love to see Kapler back, who was good offensively and defensively and was a great option for pinch-hitting. Cameron needs to go. People talk about his glove saving runs, but I for one wasn't wowed by his defense, plus he's getting older. If the Brewers can't pick up someone in the off-season, a Gwynn/Kapler platoon could be interesting.

Starting Rotation

Scott: Assuming Sabathia and Sheets are gone, (because they are) the Brewers rotation looks something like this. Gallardo, Bush, Suppan, Parra, and McClung. Not great. Not even good. This is why I think they probably will trade Fielder. Compounding the problem is that there are no prospects that are going to be ready to contribute soon, so help will have to come from outside the organization. Pitching is at a premium, but I believe you could get at least a number 2 and 3 starter for Fielder. Gallardo has the mental makeup to be an ace, and Bush is a bulldog who deserves a spot. Bush, however, is at best a number 4 starter. Suppan is horrible, but they don't pay $11 million for long relievers. Parra is the true wild card. He's shown flashes of brilliance, but wore down this season after throwing more innings in a season than he ever had before. McClung would look good in the bullpen.

tS: Goodbye, CC Sabathia. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Ben Sheets. I look forward to watching Yovani Gallardo pitch for a full season. I think he can be an all-star in this league. Hopefully Parra will get better coming off his first full season. Maybe they can package Suppan with Fielder? Actually, Milwaukee could just cut Suppan and I would be happy. Any chance Chris Capuano comes back?

Bullpen

Scott: Ironically, the bullpen pitched extremely well during the playoffs. Sveum managed to piece this unit together and made it work. I was impressed with the way that Villanueva bounced back after being thrown out of the rotation. Torres is a set up man playing the role of closer. Shouse can get lefties out, so is worth bringing back. Obviously Gagne needs to go, and I wasn't impressed by Mota. (At least Turnbow's contract is up.) Luis Pena from AAA should join the fray next year, and Mitch Stetter deserves another look since he's left handed. The biggest off season move the Brewers made was the one they didn't, losing Coco Cordero. A suitable replacement has to be found. McClung. if he can develop more command, could potentially fit the mold.

tS: The biggest surprise of the NLDS was the performance of the bullpen (including Gagne!). The relievers only allowed 1 run in the 4 games combined. But Milwaukee needs a real closer. I think if you look back to how many games Gagne, Torres, and the rest of the relievers blew in the regular season, and count some of those as wins with a real, shut-down closer, the Brewers could have won the division. That being said, I doubt they'll find one on the free agent market this year. I agree that players named Gagne, Mota, and Turnbow, should never be allowed in the Miller Park home team clubhouse again.