The Brew Haus - Rumors Afloat Heading Into Winter Meetings
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by Corey Kempf
Though I am hesitant to write a new article and hasten kicking my other article off the front page, I feel there are too many rumors flying involving the Milwaukee Brewers that they must be addressed, but sadly none of them have to do with Miguel Cabrera.
Nonetheless, it seems the closer role is the source of much discussion now that Francisco Cordero has jumped ship for the Cincinnati Reds, and it makes a lot of sense. Nobody is expecting the Brewers to promote Derrick Turnbow back into the role he lost to Cordero, so talks are bound to spring up. Let's get to it:
- So far, I've read three articles that threw Joe Nathan's name in, as several sources have confirmed the Twins are indeed shopping him, and the Brewers consistently top the list of suitors. However, the price may be high, and GM Doug Melvin refuses to give up any of the young talent in the starting lineup, so unless a cornucopia of promising minor leaguers are attached to one major big leaguer, it won't happen, and that statement will be repeated throughout this article.
- The Brewers have also been linked with Troy Percival, who seems intent on skipping out on the New York Yankees' offer to set-up Mariano Rivera to close, but it appears the Tampa Bay Rays are the best option for Percival, as they are offering a multi-year deal rather than the Brewers' one-year deal.
- David Riske is evidently in the Brewers' plans for strengthening their bullpen, and the team apparently has an offer on the table to one reliever. He could be it. Riske posted a 2.45 ERA in 2007 in 65 appearances.
- Melvin admitted to contacting Scott Boras about Andruw Jones during the week, but the deal seems like a long shot, especially when you consider the Brewers will have to move Bill Hall somewhere to fit Jones in. Aaron Rowand talks have died down now that the price tag seems to be too high.
- Scott Rolen's name also popped up in an article on the Brewers' website today if the team does decide to move Ryan Braun to left field, but the club is once again concerned about the price, not to mention health conditions and a decline in production of late.
- Though I haven't read anything concerning anymore Ben Sheets rumors, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reported that Chris Capuano and Claudio Vargas could be traded, and Mevlin confirmed he has fielded some interest about Dave Bush.
- One name I haven't read linked with the club as of yet, but whom Ken Rosenthal says is available for trade is Pittsburgh's Jason Bay. As a left fielder with a generally low price tag at $5.75 for 2008, he seems to be a perfect fit for the Brewers. He is coming off a down year, so the price tag may not be as high as other options but would still likely have to include some young talent.
The Brewers have some bait in starting pitching and the farm system if the right trade comes along. The winter meetings could be very interesting this year.
- Corey Kempf covers the Milwaukee Brewers beat for ArmchairGM. His other "Brew Haus" entries can be found here.
