Part 3: Steps to a tasty Brew

Since we embarked on our three part Brewers 2009 recap and offseason preview, much has happened in the world of Brewers baseball. Head Coach Ken Macha has been brought back for a second season, closer Trevor Hoffman has been re-signed, about 25 players have had minor surgery to clean up injuries sustained during the season and the search is on to find the next scapegoat to fire when the pitching staff underachieves (the next pitching coach). According to my offseason checklist, step one and two are already completed (or can no longer be). Step one was to fire Macha. The reason he was brought in was to develop young players. He was successful in Oakland where the small market resulted in a similar style of personnel and player development. Oakland is similar to Milwaukee in many respects- except they have always been known for stellar pitching with subpar bats, and Milwaukee has been known for poor pitching and great hitting. Macha brought his bland, old school, pitching- first style to accompany that dumb, blank expression on his face at all times. I would prefer Dale Sveum or Willie Randolph to Macha in a heartbeat, but this topic is over, as he has already been brought back for next year. If I'm still watching the Brewers in October next year, then my view will be different, but, as of right now, I have no faith in his leadership. Step two was to re-sign Hoffman. If I have to explain why to you, you're not really a Brewers fan, are you? He is back next year, with a mutual option for 2011. Step three is to let Mike Cameron go. His line for 2009 was a .250 batting average, 70 runs batted in, 24 home runs and 156 strike outs. He has been paid $10 million for his work. He is 36 years old and is only going to get worse. If you can re-sign him to a one-year deal for $3-4 million then do it but that's not going to happen. He projects as a class B free agent and should be able to do well for himself on the open market. Do not offer him arbitration, thank him for his efforts the last two years, and cut ties. If minor leaguers Logan Schafer or Lorenzo Cain are not ready to play center field next season, put Weeks there till one of them is ready. Step four is to bring back Eric Gagne. Just Kidding. Step five, swallow your pride and sign pitcher Ben Sheets. He has fallen off the map and should now be completely healthy after taking 2009 off. If the Brewers act quickly, signing him would bolster the pitching corps for pennies on the dollar. If he's healthy, he's one of the better pitchers in the game. Step six decline Braden Looper's option. Did he win 14 games? Yes. Did he give up 39 home runs and have a 5.22 earned run average? Yes. Is that worth upward $6 million? No way. Step seven trade shortstop J.J. Hardy and right fielder Corey Hart. Alcides Escobar has won the starting shortstop job, and could become Rookie of the Year in 2010. Hart is a hollow shell of the player he once was. Package together the disappointing duo to a team that needs bats and has arms to send back. Maybe the Athletics? And finally, step eight, apoint Casey Mcgehee the starting third basemen and either switch Mat Gamel's position or trade him for pitching help. The last thing the team needs is two young players platooning third next year. Over a full healthy season, McGehee should project a batting average between .300-.315, hit 25-30 home runs and over 100 RBIs. Gamel has athleticism and a good enough arm to play right field. If Hart is traded Gamel will have a spot to prove himself. In General Manager Doug Melvin we must trust. I trust he will do the right thing this offseason. He got to this spot and he will take the team even further. I hope you all enjoyed our three part Brewers season summary, and I look forward to talking Brewers baseball with you all again… in February.