If you haven’t checked out MLBTradeRumors.com I’d recommend it. They’re constantly updating the site and they’ve got links to a solid number of facts and rumors of the day.
Still, the linked post on the Milwaukee Brewers bugged me a bit. The site cites ESPN.com saying the Brewers plan to hang onto top infield prospects Alcides Escobar and Mat Gamel, calling it a “refreshing change in club philosophy from last season” when they traded a collection of prospects including Matt LaPorta for CC Sabathia.
Two things jump out at me about that post. First, the Milwaukee Brewers are hardly known for frivolously giving up prospects to sign or trade for big-name stars. Second, last year was the “refreshing change in club philosophy” as far as I am concerned. The team had a shot to make the playoffs for the first time since 1982 and they went for it full bore.
I might be a little late, but kudos to the Brewers for making last year’s ballsy move. Sure, they ended up losing Sabathia to the Bronx Bombers in the offseason, but I commend them for making the push they did. And most would say it paid off – they did make it to the playoffs before bowing out.
Smaller market teams need to make the runs when they have the chance. While it’s probably good that they’re planning to hang onto Escobar and Gamel this year (if for no other reason than they could replace Bill Hall and JJ Hardy respectively next year, if not sooner) MLB Trade Rumors is incorrect in its assessment that last year’s move was a mistake – or that this year’s approach is a change in club philosophy.
The Brewers over the past handful of years are clearly an example of a smaller market team doing it the right way – and they’re getting better at it from year to year as well.
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I’m on record for praising Doug Melvin for that move last year. He had to have known that he was more than likely only going to have Sabathia for a short time, but that team has a young core, and theyneeded to learn what the playoffs were like. I loved the move,and I think it worked. I’m also a huge proponent of homegrown talent, which is a reality for small market teams. And look at the Brewers. They’re loaded with players they developed. To say that they suddenly have this “refreshing” change of philosophy is a sign that that writer can'[t see past his own nose. It’s kind of silly.