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For most of us, baseball’s trading deadline is among the more exciting times of the year. In a span of a few weeks teams can truly reshape their roster in a variety of ways. Some teams look to “sell” off key parts that can, and should, bring plenty back in return. On the other hand, there’s always a few teams that try to make that blockbuster move to give themselves a legitimate shot to win it all. Now, where do the Brewers fall in this mix? Honestly, I have no clue.
Despite a rough July, the Brewers are still in contention for the division crown. The wild card, however, is looking tougher & tougher each day due to the amount of teams the ‘Crew would need to leapfrog. So, with all that said, I believe Doug Melvin when he says the team is still in a “buying” mode. The problem facing the front office right now, though, is at what price? What the Brewers did last year was amazing. Nothing short of that. Acquiring Sabathia was risky, but the team can still see positives from that trade nearly a year later. The buzz that’s been hovering over this team all year had a lot to do with what Sabathia and the Brewers accomplished last year. However, as great as that was, you have to be careful how often do it.
Trading away key prospects each year can put an organization in trouble if you can’t sign big name free agents during the off-season. The Brewers’ payroll is around $82 million dollars. Which in this day and age is pretty impressive. Is it worth it right now for the Brewers to acquire a Roy Halladay when there’s no guarantee he’ll be here for more than a year or two? And, what will it take to get him? Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar, Manny Parra, etc? Would all the Brewers’ problems right now be solved by making a trade like that? The Brewers have some terrific young players in their system. Some difficult times in the last 10 years led to some important drafts, and the Brewers made some outstanding choices. But if you keep trading away your youth, and can’t make some big moves in the free agent game, is it worth it in the end?
Again, the trade deadline is a fun time for fans, broadcasters, etc…However, I’m not so sure the men & women working in front offices around the country agree.
Cory
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