Fresh off of their trade for New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, which MLB Daily Dish covered extensively, the Milwaukee Brewers may not be done adding pieces to their hopefully World Series puzzle.They are going "all in" in 2011 like I went all in at the buffet at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC.
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers are looking to upgrade at both the shortstop and third base positions. Rosenthal cites that Wilson Betemit and Jamey Carroll could be possibilities for the Brew Crew.
I can see why the Brewers would want to upgrade at the hot corner. Current third baseman, Casey McGehee has really struggled in 2011.McGehee is hitting .223/.279/.315 with five HR's in 358 PA's. His .092 ISO is fifth worst amongst all major league third baseman and unless McGehee goes on a Jose Bautista like hot streak, 2011 will represent the third year in a row McGehee's OPS has declined.
However, I believe the Brewers should stick with McGehee for the time being. Yes, he has been terrible, but I find it hard to believe he will be this bad for the rest of the season. McGehee's .253 BABIP will most certainly improve as the season moves along.
If the Brewers are going to make another move, it should be to improve at the shortstop position. Yuniesky Betancourt is one horrific major league player. I'll go on record and say he is the worst everyday position player in baseball.
Rosenthal mentioned Carroll as an option for the Brewers, but if they can't get him, I am going to throw a couple of other names out there. How about Seattle Mariners SS Brendan Ryan or Houston Astros SS Clint Barmes?
The Brewers are looking for a plus defensive shortstop and Ryan has always been one since he entered the majors back in 2007. His 4.9 UZR ranks fifth amongst all shortstops in 2011.
And as mediocre as Ryan is at the plate, he is still an upgrade over Betancourt, which is scary. Ryan's .621 OPS is about 30 points higher than Betancourt's. That should give you an idea how bad Betancourt has been.
Barmes, like Ryan, is having a stellar year in the field as his 5.2 UZR indicates. He also has a .703 OPS, which again isn't great, but is an extreme upgrade over Betancourt.
Whatever the Brewers decide to do, one thing is clear; they are not messing around. With Prince Fielder facing free agency, they clearly believe this is their best shot to win a title and are going to do whatever it takes to get there.