Random Offseason Action

It seems that your Milwaukee Brewers have a new manager. If I dig him or not is the question. The question is if he leaves "Bushy" or "Soupcan" in in the 5th with the bases loaded and no outs. Word is he, Macha, was the tool that wielded Billy's idea. I will give him a month before I start to say things that dont really matter.

The option on the Couns was not picked up, but negotiations for a cheaper deal are still going on. This guy does a much better job of explaining the numbers than I can, but it makes a lot of sense. Though I hate to admit it, the sense that is. Dislike so much that I hope a younger version is available. And David Eckstain is bad at baseball.

As an unabashed fan of Craig Counsell, I admit, I'm a bit disappointed that the Crew did not pick up his option for next year. However, I realize that is a lot to pay a reserve infielder, especially one that's about my age and does not possess even a dash of pop in his bat.

However, I am happy they want Craig back, as they said they will try and negotiate a deal with him at a lower salary...Rotoworld on the sidebar guesses about $1.5-2M, which is probably about right. However, when one looks at how little offense the average 2B/SS provides, and then when you figure in Counsell's plus defense at all three infield skill spots, as well as his OBP skills, I would make the argument that Craig may indeed be worth about $3M...especially when you consider that there is little risk in a one-year contract.

Ave 2B---------.340/.409, 749 OPS
Ave SS---------.331/.398, 729
Craig, '08-----.355/.302, 657
Craig, career--.343/.344, 687

No doubt Counsell is below average, but if he wasn't, he'd be a starter somewhere.

Some folks feel Hall may be the main IF reserve next year, and considering his financial commitment, the Brewers may feel they do not have the capability of paying $10M to a pair of reserve infielders, and are looking to go cheap with the 2nd IF backup. Looking at the list of free agents, Felipe Lopez, who Doug has expressed interest in before, is available; as is Dave Eckstein. Both are solid players, but I have to believe both will get $3M or more a season, while providing an OBP number similar to Counsell in '08, with some doubles power.

Once again, someone else does a better job than I. I will bet you a shiny paper dollar that this guy is on the bench come April 1st.