Apologies for the lack of blogs this week, but I'm back and I got some big things to talk about on this Friday. Watching postseason baseball without the boys from the Brew City has me contemplating what they should do, so we'll start there.
It wasn't 24 hours from the last game of the season and the Brewers had already made a splash by resigning the all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2011. (You can watch this to get your Trevor Time fix until April 5) That was a move that solidifies the back end of the bullpen and could help open some guys up for moves the team seems poised to make this offseason and I must say Milwaukee is happy to see it.
Per GM Doug Melvin's and Assisitant GM Gord Ash's end of season press conference the team looks set to do some dealing this offseason with the intention of shoring up the starting rotation. Here's Tom Haudricourt's story from the Journal-Sentinel in which Tom asks flat out if that means trading either Ryan Braun or Prince Fielder. The answer: "Almost anything."
Yeah, good move. They know it was a problem and here's how I see it shaking down.
Let's start with that starting rotation.
It looks like Braden Looper is not going to be back (he had a team option for 2010). Sorry, you set a team record for home runs allowed in a season and things must change. And it sounds like Jeff Suppan and his $12.5 million salary is going to have to compete to be the No. 5 starter. The fact that he's not cemented into the rotation shows the team realizes the window is closing and has to shore things up.
That leaves Yovanni Gallardo, Manny Parra and Dave Bush and I'd have to say they should be in the rotation. The team does need to find a No. 2 and push Manny to the No. 3 and maybe find a No. 5 to keep Dave in as the No. 4 pitcher. I'd be comfortable with that.
Got a great list on MLBTradeRumors.com on the full free agent class this year (They list by each position, so scroll down and you'll see it) and it's not that impressive. But take a look and let me know what you think is out there.
I'm guessing they sign one of those guys for sure to be the No. 5 and try to get a No. 2 via trade. Can't go too crazy on who is acquired, but I'm going to make a safe guess that J.J. Hardy is on the trading list for sure and Corey Hart might be expendable. Ash and Melvin both made it clear at the press conference Wednesday they are going to have to entertain the idea of dealing some of the prospects which includes Mat Gamel and Angel Solome. If Game stays, great, but he might be learning a new position in the spring since mighty Casey McGehee has third base covered.
To position players, Braun and Fielder and definitely staying. It's been made clear that Alcides Escobar will be the shortstop to start the season and Rickie Weeks will be at second base. The rest of the lineup is in a bit of limbo.
Corey Hart struggled this year and Mike Cameron is a free agent. While he said he would take a pay cut to stay in town, the Brewers have not voiced one way or another an intent there. They did look into trading him last year to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera. I'd say if they can get him for $7.5 million, DO IT. He's a clubhouse guy and keeps everything together, plays stellar defense and you know what you are getting with him in center.
Corey looks like he's going to be bunched in with J.J. and used for trade bait. Let's hope it's for the best because he's looked lost at times at the plate. I'm not sure what you do for right field. I liked what I saw out of Frank Catalanotto at the end of the season and Jason Bourgeouis is a guy with amazing speed that can be trouble on the bases. Not to mention Section 223 does a damn good "BOOOG" ... "WAHHHH" chant every time he comes to the plate!
The infield is set except for catcher and I would like to see them do a couple of things there. I like Mike Rivera, but am not sure he's an everyday player. Why not bring in a guy, maybe a lefty to give you some diversity, and have them compete in the spring and maybe platoon them to start the year and when one gets hot, ride him for as long as you can before giving guys personal catchers. Could work and keeps both guys healthy.
I don't have all the answers. What do you guys think?
OK, moving onto my NFL picks. I was made aware my links did nothing for you guys on Fridays, so changing the format a bit. Here we go. Plain and simple, winner is in bold. These are all straight up.
Browns @ Bills
Steelers @ Lions
Cowboys @Chiefs
Vikings @ Rams
Raiders @ Giants
Bucs @ Eagles
Redskins @ Panthers
Bengals @ Ravens
Falcons @ 49ers
Jaguars @ Seahawks
Texans @ Cardinals
Patriots @ Broncos
Colts @ Titans
Jets (24) @ Dolphins (13)
Next I got a couple of videos. My boss really liked this one and the kid was on "Ellen" talking about it. He's 4 years old and was awesome with the Herb Brooks speech from the movie "Miracle."
Next up is nothing sports related, but still pretty sweet. Just watch and think, yeah, I would!
Ok boys and girls, it's time for the Nussie Hunter. Complex.com did is doing an assortment of lists recounting the "Best of the 2000s" and they just published their "Women" Top 100. The list is pretty good. But I've been looking for a reason to have Scarlett Johansson grace this space and when she ranks among the reader's Top 5, that's good enough for me. Take a look at her page, then check this! Beyonce was No. 1 on their list while Scar Jo was at No. 3. Hmmm....
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