Saturday, July 12th

Hello everyone,

Well, I could write about the game yesterday where the Brewer's defense cost them the game, but I think that would be too depressing and I am in a good mood. I will tel you that Braun hit his 23rd home run of the year, and Bill Hall hit a clutch 2-run double to put the crew up 5-2 at one point. Manny Parra pitched weel enough in 6.1 innings to get the win; unfortunately, his 6 strike-outs as opposed to 1 walk didn't matter after three errors let in 2 unearned runs and took the decision out of Parra's hands. But again, that's enough about the game.

One thing that I have been looking for lately to distract myself from thinking about the Brewers after bad games is searching for relievers on the trading block. Here are the good ones that I found.

Houston Street from Oakland is on the block. Whether or not he will go is not certain, it will depend on the offers.
---upside: good young reliever who can close games effectively. He started out the year poorly, but since then he has been really sharp with an occasional off-game.
---downside: arbitration-eligible next year which could cost the Brewers some cash. Also, trading for another closer would just make another hard decision about who to use as a closer.

Jack Taschner from the Giants may be moving because of a recent change in the San Francisco pitching staff. This would be a good pickup for the Brewers because he is a good short reliever who attacks the strike zone.
---upside: Despite starting a little rough this year (a 5.40 era through the first month) he has only given up 5 earned runs in 21 innings (2.14 era). He has also, throughout his career, had a very good strikeout-to-walk ratio (career 109-63, last year 51-29, this year 24-14).
---downside: Since he has been one of the giants best relievers all year, he may come at a steep price.

The Mets' Aaron Heilman has been rumored to be obtainable recently because of a rough start to the year. Through May he had a 6.68 era, but since then he has had around a 1.75 era and has struck out 24 batters and only walked 6.
---upside: very durable pitcher who used to start.
---downside: Since he is considered key to the Met's bulpen, he will come at a high price.

Scott Schoeneweis from the Mets is considered the one player with the best chance of being traded from the team.
---upside: a 2.72 era for the year. Not to mention adding a lefty to the pen would be a nice addition for most teams.
---downside: He is currently on a 3 year +10 million dollar contract and if one thing is short on the Brewers it's money. Also, despite his 2.72 era on the year, he struggled in June allowing 8 earned runs in 10 innings.

I believe the best option would be to look at Kack Taschner and hope that the price is right. He could give the brewers that last needed piece and help them get a final boost over the cubs. Will it happen... probably not.


Mike