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.

Posted in: News