Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Bonds, Dunn

I think that with all of the analysts saying that Bonds "is not a consideration for Boston" as well as it coming straight from Theo's mouth, that all the so called "experts" (ie. Sox Haters) should stop trying to prove it will happen.

I think the only prospect/young player that makes sense for the Os is SP Manny Parra. But a Parra-Weeks FOR Roberts-Sherrill sounds a little thin for the highly patient MacPhail. Again the details are very similar to the Bedard trade earlier. The Os would be in the driver's seat since both Roberts and Sherrill are at least more than a season away from Free Agency. MacPhail has no urgency to trade either of those guys unless the package is right.

Weeks' value right now is at an all time low for him. I think the Brewers would need to part with their best pitching prospect AND throw in another pretty solid one. Sherrill has 21 SAVEs before the break. He's not been just another closer. He's been among the best ones in baseball this year.

"I think that with all of the analysts saying that Bonds "is not a consideration for Boston" as well as it coming straight from Theo's mouth, that all the so called "experts" (ie. Sox Haters) should stop trying to prove it will happen."

It just makes too much sense for people to throw the idea out the window. I don't think it'll happen either, but nobody can argue Bonds wouldn't be an adequate replacement for Ortiz.

If the Brewers want a 2B, why not take a look at Robinson Cano? Not having a great season himself, but he's still young, and has already battled for a batting title.

seems to make more sense than Roberts because he's younger.

why not a blockbuster-ish trade for all of us to enjoy, and package Cano, Hughes, and a couple other prospects for Prince Fielder, who the Brewers wont pony the cash up for anyway?

The Oriols should trade Roberts and Sherill for Weeks, Laporta, and a solid pitching prospect. Laporta would play in left if the Oriols get a 1b, or play at 1b if they don't. They would have a great young nucleus of Markakis, Weeks, Jones, and Laporta.

"I guess it depends on which of the two players the Brewers deem to be their future 3B? Is it Braun or Gamel? I'd take Gamel"

Wow! Gamel is at AA. Braun was the rookie of the year last year in the league that's above AAA, posting the highest SLG in history for a rookie!

"Rowell hasn't shown much with the bat mainly because he hasn't had a fullyear yet due to health. His last couple seasons have been eeked out in between nagging injury DL stints. I only mentioned Rowell because the Os invested a 1st round draft pick in his high potential. Does it make sense to trade for a player who is playing at the same level, high A?"

Gamel has put up a 1117 obp in double-a...not single a. I was not blasting Rowell or saying he would not be a player eventually...I just wouldn't go after a lesser player in return since Rowell has a .657 ops in high-a. I realize he is 19 but he has a ways to go where as Gamel is dominating double-a to the point where I bet anything he could outperform Mora right now (no major feat...just saying he is likely mlb ready now. Since Gamel may not be able to stick at third base anyways for defenisve reasons I would not let Rowell's presence keep me from taking Gamel.

Not that I think Mora is an above-average 3B, but I actually don't think Gamel's likely to outperform Mora right now. Not that I don't think Gamel isn't a quality ballplayer but only that he hasn't seen ML-quality secondary stuff yet so you can't count on him being able to adjust that quickly. Even the best discipline hitters need some time. He has proven that he can hit quality fastballs and is a patient hitter. In the long run Gamel has a chance to be the better ballplayer than Mora by a long way but not necessarily right now.

That being said, with the Os investing in future performance, I can't think this would be a bad trade. My only issue is that Rowell has the ability to explode through the minors and they are a little close in development. It's not as far as you think. If you consider Rowell's age, he'd have been a Top 10 pick this year and not be considered an old prospect at that.

Perhaps, but Ryan Braun had a .956 ops in double-a in 256 at bats to close out 2006 and then in 2007 put up a 1004 ops in the majors. The fact Gamel has put up a 1117 ops in 227 at bats in double a thus far makes me believe he could be pretty good now in the majors. Either way, he is not far off.

If Rowell does explode then that does not effect much since Gamel is a marginal 3b defensively anyways ...you could try him at 1b, lf or just DH him to keep the bat in the line-up. It really is an enviable issue to have to deal with.

But Jared, your comments are very much on point. It doesn't have to be Gamel for the Os. I was just wondering out loud who would be a good fit. Parra is a nice fit but I'm not sure of what the Brewers lilihood of trading any kind of pitching is like.

Geez, the Brewers don't need MORE hitting. Roberts does nothing for them. They need starting pitching, and desperately. Yeah, the bullpen stinks, but it's moot if the SP can't even get you to the point in the game where the BP comes into play.

Ryan Braun and Weeks for Clayton Kershaw and Delwyn Young. If Young really CAN'T play 2B, Brewers could probably plug Bill Hall in there.

I am assuming Melvin will play his hand for 2009 with this deal, and have Gamel and LaPorta ready for the bigs at that time. Dodgers get their slugger.