Gagne Named in Mitchell Report

George Mitchell released his report on the illegal use of steroids and performing enhancing drugs in baseball and the name that sticks out most to Brewers fans is Eric Gagne. The Brewers made a huge splash recently by signing Gagne to a 1 year $10 million dollar deal to become the teams new closer.

According to the report Gagne had two shipments of HGH sent to him. One was sent to his home in Florida and the other was sent to Dodger Stadium. He received the shipments in 2004. In 2004 HGH was not listed as a banned substance by Major League Baseball.

Commissioner Selig said he would take disciplinary action on a case by case basis. I don't see Selig taking action against Gagne. This was already three years ago and HGH was not a banned substance by the MLB in 2004. It would be a disaster for the Brewers if their prized signing misses time.

Other notable names listed in the report include Rogers Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Miguel Tejada. Former Brewers listed include Fernando Vina, David Bell, and Gary Bennett. You can read the entire report here

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The Winter Meetings

Baseball's winter meetings started on Monday and after two days the Brewers haven't made any noise. There are plenty of rumors floating around though.

One rumor in particular that has garnered a lot of attention is the Brewers possible interest in Scott Rolen. That deal appears to be dead though. The Cardinals reportedly did not want to pick up any of Rolen's salary. While Rolen would provide a big upgrade defensively at third base he's an aging player who's battled injuries the last few seasons. He seems like too much of a risk compared to what the reward would be.

The other trade being rumored is a Ben Sheets deal. What's new? Sheets is supposed to be traded every year. There was a rumor the Red Sox were interested in Sheets but according to Doug Melvin the team that asked about Sheets was not on the east coast. Many believe that team to be the Los Angeles Dodgers. Some names being thrown out in a trade for Sheets are Matt Kemp and Jonathan Broxton. Sheets has 1 year left on his contract and I'd rather not see him traded but if he went to the Dodgers I would like to see both Kemp and Broxton involved as well as another pitcher. Broxton would become the Brewers closer and Kemp could take the vacant outfield spot. As this point though I don't see Sheets being traded when Johan Santana, Dan Haren, and Erik Bedard are available. The Dodgers apparently want Bedard badly too.

It would definitely be nice to see Doug Melvin find a closer. That doesn't appear like it will happen as of now though. Earlier in the week the Nationals offered Chad Cordero straight up for Rickie Weeks but Doug Melvin isn't looking to trade any of the Brewers young infielders. Other than Cordero there doesn't seem to be much out there. Right now Derrick Turnbow is the closer and David Riske, who should be signing soon appears to be next in line.

The next few days should be interesting for the Brewers as they still are still looking for someone to play left field. Doug Melvin hasn't made a move yet but looking at previous years the Winter Meetings are a place where Melvin makes trades. Expect something to happen before the meetings are over.

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