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Now that the Winter Meetings are over and Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth have signed mammoth contracts, what’s next? What other impact free-agents are still out there? 

It looks more likely this winter that there will be significant player movement via trade. In this economic climate it makes sense for smaller market teams to trade players who are looking at large salary increases in the near future in exchange for younger players that they can control for a significant amount of time.

Let’s take a look at 15 of the various rumors still circulating and see if they have any juice behind them.

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According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers GM Doug Melvin confirmed that the Brewers were one of the teams that met with Carl Pavano and his agent, Tom O’Connel, on Tuesday.

Melvin was rather tight lipped about the meeting saying, “I don’t want to get into anything other than we met with him.”

According to most, Pavano is considered the next best remaining free-agent starter after Cliff Lee and that’s not saying much. This year’s free-agent class is practically devoid of impact arms and probably the next best one, Jorge de la Rosa, has already re-signed with the Colorado Rockies.

If the Brewers are serious in their pursuit of Pavano, they will have competition. There have been multiple reports that the Minnesota Twins are making a strong push to re-sign the 34 year-old right-hander. There have also been reports that the Washington Nationals have serious interest as well. I would assume that their interest may diminish if they are able to pry Cliff Lee away from his other suitors.

Many believe that Pavano and his agent are seeking a three-year deal in the $30-$40 million range. For a pitcher with a lengthy injury history like Pavano’s, the risk with that type of deal is enormous to a team like the Brewers.

The Brewers have been through this before. This stinks a bit like that massive failure that was Jeff Suppan. If Melvin is serious and spends that kind of money on Pavano, he needs to be prepared for the backlash he will receive from Brewer Nation.

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According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Brewers and Dodgers are discussing a possible trade that would send 1B Prince Fielder to the Dodgers in exchange for 1B James Loney and closer Jonathan Broxton.

The Dodgers are a team in need of power and run production which Fielder would provide. Fielder’s HR, RBI, BB and OBP numbers would all dwarf the other player’s in the somewhat anemic Dodger’s offense.

While the Brewers would not be getting starting pitching in return, they would be getting a very capable 1B and a once-dominant closer. While Jon Axford acquitted himself admirably in the closer’s role for the Brewers, Broxton would be solid insurance if Axford were to falter in 2011.

The deal makes sense for both sides. Based on what I had been hearing, I am a bit surprised the Brewers would get as much as is being discussed. If Broxton can regain his form, this could end up being a steal for the Brewers especially if Fielder walks as a free-agent.

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According to Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Brewers and Dodgers are discussing a possible trade that would send 1B Prince Fielder to the Dodgers in exchange for 1B James Loney and closer Jonathan Broxton.

The Dodgers are a team in need of power and run production which Fielder would provide. Fielder’s HR, RBI, BB and OBP numbers would all dwarf the other player’s in the somewhat anemic Dodger’s offense.

While the Brewers would not be getting starting pitching in return, they would be getting a very capable 1B and a once-dominant closer. While Jon Axford acquitted himself admirably in the closer’s role for the Brewers, Broxton would be solid insurance if Axford were to falter in 2011.

The deal makes sense for both sides. Based on what I had been hearing, I am a bit surprised the Brewers would get as much as is being discussed. If Broxton can regain his form, this could end up being a steal for the Brewers especially if Fielder walks as a free-agent.

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First off, I’d like to thank everyone who had the chance to read into our first player introduction of the offseason.  Informing the fans is our number one priority here at Bleacher Report.

Now, let’s take a look at the Milwaukee Brewers’ newly added defensive phenom, shortstop Alcides Escobar.

Although you may already believe to know enough about him to get by, let me be the first to tell you that you are indeed, mistaken.

Born on December 16, 1986, Escobar was declared early on as a future baseball star.  Growing up in the tiny town of La Sabana, Venezuela, helped in his early-life baseball pursuits.

Kniown for his extreme base-running speed and skills, Doug Melvin and the Milwaukee Brewers were severely interested from the very beginnings of his young career.

The 6’1”, 180-pound frame is clearly makes Escobar one of the most peculiar shortstops in the major leagues.  Along with not attending any college, Escobar is certainly one of the more un-prototypical players in the league.

After being signed by Milwaukee as an international free agent in 2003, Escobar split time between Single-A and Double-A.  Contributing his efforts in 63 games for Single-A Brevard County, as well as 62 games with Double-A Huntsville was Escobar’s official “commencement” time period.  Hitting for a combined .306 BA, with 1 HR and 53 RBI was one of the many reasons why his talents were initially noticed by Brewers’ personnel.

On September 1, 2008, Escobar was called up to the majors for the first time of his young, promising career as a defensive replacement for then starter J.J. Hardy.  In that same game, the growing Escobar recorded his first career hit.

In 2009, Escobar in the MLB future’s All-Star Game, as the starting shortstop for the World Team.  Let it be known he went 2-for-4, including the go-ahead run for the World Team All-Stars.

Following his impressive performance in the Future’s All-Star Game, Escobar was called up from AAA Nashville to replace J.J. Hardy, who would later be traded to the Minnesota Twins later that season.

In 2010, Escobar was able to total up 41 RBI, 4 HR to go with a .235 batting average.  However, the enphasis on Escobar is not primarily his offense, but his defense.

Formerly one of the most touted young defensive shortstops in the minor leagues, Escobar was able to maintain a .964 FPCT (fielding percentage).  

Seemingly making jaw-dropping plays left and right in only his 1st season as a regular starter, Escobar is already making a name for himself within clubhouses around the major leagues.

As for his role within the Brewers in 2011, Escobar is undoubtedly the starting shortstop until further notice.

Rest assured, Escobar’s importance to Milwaukee’s NL Central title hopes is absolutely vital.  He is certainly a diamond in the rough.

Make sure to get all your Brewers’ breaking news, articles, and updates at Brewers Daily

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Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, via Twitter, that Carlos Villanueva has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. In return the Brewers will be getting that mysterious player to be named later.

Villanueva is eligible for arbitration again this year. He struggled much of last year and was apparently deemed expendable in favor of younger, cheaper relief help.

The non-tendering of Todd Coffey seems to have started a trend. Saving money in the bullpen should free up additional money to go after some starting pitching.

My concern is that a young inexperienced bullpen may struggle to hold leads for the hopefully improved starting staff. If that’s the case, the Brewers are just trading poor starting pitching for poor relief pitching. I’m interested to see how that works out.

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The Brewers finally got the coaching direction they’ve been looking for this offseason.

Milwaukee announced its finalized coaching staff to the public Monday, including the return of “long forgotten” third base coach Ed Sedar, along with hitting coach Dale Sveum and bullpen coach Stan Kyles.

The hiring of new manager Ron Roenicke has brought a sense of urgency and aggressiveness to Milwaukee, and with it come some new faces along the way.

New to the staff next year will be pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who replaces Rick Peterson, bench coach Jerry Narron and first base/infield coach Garth Lorg.

“The new members of the coaching staff bring an energy and work ethic needed for the marathon baseball season,” Melvin said.

“Each share the same goal of getting the Brewers back to the postseason. They have experience in both the development of young players and the ability to relate and teach players who are extending their Major League careers. The returning members of the staff are also excited and looking forward to working with new manager Ron Roenicke.”

Once a former Brewers farmhand, Rick Kranitz has since been a pitching coach for Baltimore and Florida.

Kranitz was part of the resurgent Orioles ball club of late last season and now finds himself in the hands of Melvin and company in Milwaukee

Kranitz, 52, served as the pitching coach in Baltimore from 2008 through last season. Kranitz was also a pitching coach for the Marlins from 2006-2007, including administering a staff that had four rookie pitchers that each produced 10 wins or more in 2006.

Narron, 54, takes over the reins once held by Willie Randolph, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a player, coach and manager to Milwaukee.

However you’d like to put it, the Brewers will be well coached and well prepared for the start of the season. 

It looks to be quite the year for Milwaukee in 2011.

Make sure to follow Alec Dopp on Twitter: www.twitter.com/doppler9000

Get all your Brewers articles, reports and scores on Brewers Daily: www.brewersbulletin.blogspot.com

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The time is right; the demand is optimum.

With the apparent need for pitching in the Brew City already amassing to an extraordinary level this offseason, GM Doug Melvin needs to pull the trigger on a premier pitcher worthy of complementing an already explosive offense.

Although Yovani Gallardo is and will be the face of this Brewers pitching staff for many years to come, the need for a second “ace” is absolutely necessary. Fans (like myself) are sick and tired of the same expectations on a year-to-year basis for this pitching staff.

Signing Doug Davis only amounted to a pathetic injury that ended up costing the Brewers so many valuable dollars the Brewers could have used elsewhere.

On the other hand, stud RHP Felix Hernandez‘s status with the Mariners this offseason has already begun to stir questions and uncertainty within the organization.

Now is the perfect time for Melvin to step up and get this deal done. 

Trading Prince Fielder for Hernandez just makes sense in every fashion. Fielder isn’t a free agent yet, and Melvin has vowed not to look into the free-agent market for possible starting pitching.

Hernandez also isn’t a free agent. With a 2010 salary of $7.2 million, Hernandez is the perfect fit for a trade involving Fielder.

Think about it: Seattle has no talent at the 1B position, and the Mariners are more than capable of picking up Fielder’s $11 million salary.

This is the crucial time when Melvin needs to step up and make a deal. Otherwise, Brewers fans will eventually be fed up with the nonsense (I’m almost at this point).

King Felix’s stuff is a once in a lifetime talent, and the possibility of that talent being brought to Milwaukee is a superb upgrade that would rejuvenate the outlook on the Brewers.

What’s not to love about receiving a Cy Young-type pitcher, along with lowering the payout to the current players? Nothing.

If traded, Fielder would put an immediate “face” to the franchise, allowing Mariners fans to have something to actually cheer for.

We all know that a pitching staff consisting of aging vets such as Dave Bush, Randy Wolf and Chris Capuano isn’t what wins championships. Winning was never about sitting back and observing. How do you think the Yankees amounted to the league’s most storied franchise? I’ll tell you why: because they took chances.

Felix is clearly the front runner for the AL Cy Young Award (13-12, 2.27 ERA, 232 SO, 1.06 WHIP) for his overall performance on a team that doesn’t know how to hit the ball. Seattle scored 513 runs this past season, embarrassing enough to be called the worst team at producing runs.

Last season, Milwaukee was second in the NL in HR (182), third in slugging percentage (.424), second in hits (1,471) and fourth in runs scored (750).

Milwaukee is clearly capable of putting runs on the board for Hernandez, who received the worst run support in MLB.

Nonetheless, the city of Milwaukee needs a World Series title. Trading for Hernandez is the best possible move out there for the Brewers this offseason.

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The latest edition of the Brewer Nation Podcast (recorded on October 5th despite the label in the file name) is available for downloading and listening.

Click the link to launch the file or download the file first to save a copy!

Brewer Nation Podcast – 10/5/2010

We discuss the 2010 season as a whole, including a recap of some highlights and lowlights. We look to the future, give our take on the roster for next year, what we think will happen to Prince Fielder, and what we expect with the departure of Ken Macha.

Keep in mind that some of this is already outdated as we speculated on some things that Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has since clarified a bit.

So please, click the link, sit back, and enjoy the ramblings of my podcast co-host and me.

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Rumors of Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder being traded to the San Francisco Giants are nothing new. In fact, Fielder to the Giants has been talked about in both Milwaukee and San Francisco for a couple years now. However, the time for talk is over. The Brewers and Giants need to come together this winter and make a deal for the All-Star slugger.

Fielder, who is coming off a down year in which he hit only 32 home runs and drove in 83 runs, is arbitration eligible this winter before hitting the free agency market after the 2011 season. Most insiders feel he will get anywhere between $15-17 million in arbitration this winter. 

The Giants have been searching for a big bat in the middle of their lineup since Barry Bonds’ departure after the 2007 season, and Fielder would more than fill that void. In 2010, Giant hitters had a line of .257/.321/.408. Fielder, even in his down year, had a line of .261/.401/.471. He has a career on-base percentage of .385 and has slugged .535 in his five full seasons in the Majors. 

The long-standing concern for Fielder has been his durability. Critics will always voice their doubts for Fielder’s long-term health given his size, but he has more than proven his value to a club for an entire season. Since becoming the Brewers’ full-time starter at first base in 2006, he has missed a grand total of 13 games. Injuries should be of no more concern for Fielder than they are for any other big-league player. 

In return for the 26-year-old, the Brewers would want some of the Giants deep pitching. GM Doug Melvin tried to stabilize the rotation after the 2009 season by inking Randy Wolf and Doug Davis to free agent deals, but the Brewers still had little improvement over their 2009 performances. Only the Diamondbacks and Pirates finished with a worse team ERA than the Brewers’ 4.59. 

Wolf got off to an awful start, while Davis spent the majority of the season on the DL. Even team ace Yovani Gallardo struggled through a prolonged slump for six weeks in July and August. 

If anything was shown by the Giants in Game 1 of the NLDS last night, it was that Tim Lincecum can put a team on his shoulders and carry them in the Playoffs through the early rounds. However, if the Giants want to take the next step to an elite-level team and compete against a team like the Phillies, they need that big bat in the middle of the lineup. Fielder, even in a down year like 2010, would be a significant upgrade over Aubrey Huff.

What makes now even more of the right time to go after Fielder is the asking price by the Brewers. When rumors of Fielder to the Giants first surfaced in 2008, many thought Matt Cain would be the one heading to Milwaukee. While Melvin would now jump at the chance to get Cain, that ship has long-ago sailed away. 

Speculation earlier this summer had the Giants sending Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner, and a prospect to Milwaukee. If that package would still be available, Melvin should personally drive Fielder to San Francisco. He might as well pack up the Golden Gate Bridge as well, since he’d already be robbing the Giants’ organization.

The more likely scenario would now see either Sanchez or Bumgarner be dealt to Milwaukee along with a mid-level prospect. Even if Brewer fans would be unhappy with that return, Melvin should still jump at the offer. Sanchez still has two more years until he reaches free agency, while Bumgarner would be under team control until after the 2015 season. 

Either lefty would fit in quite well to the below average Brewers’ rotation and give the team three quality pitchers to depend upon. Melvin could then go after a free agent this winter, and the Brewers could suddenly have a very good rotation heading into the 2011 season.

GM Brian Sabean and even some Giant fans may be hesitant to take on Fielder’s large waistline and contract, but they shouldn’t be. Even though the organization already has committed contracts in the neighborhood of $77 million for 2011, Fielder could very well be the final piece to a championship puzzle. 

The rotation would still be well above average and teams would be forced to deal with a motivated Fielder going into a contract season. If you are inclined to look at trends, he is also slated to have a big season in 2011. In odd number seasons, Fielder has a career batting average of .293. In 2007, he hit a career-high 50 home runs, and he led the league with 141 RBI in 2009. 

If Sabean or the fan base need any other convincing for taking a chance on Fielder, they need only look at the Giants history in San Francisco. 2011 will mark the 53rd season in the city for the team, and they have yet to win a World Series while on the West Coast. I don’t know of any fan that wouldn’t trade away a quality pitcher in order to have a very good shot at immortality. Of course, knowing Sabean, the obvious isn’t always the logical choice. 

To read more by Jesse Motiff, click here. 

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