Start your tradin': Carlos Lee to Rangers

I don't think Melvin did it because he was familiar with the players. I think Melvin did it because he wanted major league players in return. He feels like the Brewers are one good winning streak away from really being in the wildcard hunt and that with Sheets and Ohka coming back, that run isn't implausible. I'm sure that Lee could have been packaged with a few other players and the Crew could have raided the Twins deep farm system. But Melvin doesn't want players who can't help the team until 2008-2009. My guess is that Texas was the only contender willing to deal him a major league outfielder (Mench) and a proven closer (Cordero). From what I read, Melvin wanted Mench and Cordero straight up for Lee. Texas said they couldn't do that for a guy who might end up as a rent-a-player and demanded Cruz. Melvin said he wanted Nix then and made the deal. I wish Melvin had traded for higher ceiling prospects -- that's my disappointment.

Given Melvin's record with former Rangers in Milwaukee -- he rehabbed the careers of former Rangers Podsednik, Davis and Kolb -- I'm willing to give him some leeway.

Edit: Bubs, the third man looks like Earl Hindman -- i.e. Wilson from Home Improvement.

 

I'm hearing rumors that the Brewers are going to announce another trade after their game is done. Anyone else hearing the same?

Edit: Whoa! My man Stand Pat might be dealing David Bell to the Crew.

/phanboy

 

Melvin said it would be a deal for infield help. Also said it would not be anything exciting.

 

And he is 2-for-2 with two singles to center.

 

The Brewers website story seems to be thinking the same thing. I heard that it was Bell for a prospect. As long as it isn't Gwynn, I'll be OK with it. Bell's megadeal expires this season and Koskie is probably out for the year.

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/NA...t_id=1580362&vkey=news_mil&fext=.jsp&c_id=mil

 

After suffering through the Ed Wade years, it's nice to have a grown-up running the show at the deadline.

 

PHINALLY! Phils make a deal.

Gillick confirms Bell to Milwaukee. Wilfredo Liriano (Class A -- West Va.) to Clearwater.

 

Stark was just on BBTN saying the Rangers are close to getting Miguel Tejada.

 

Can anyone in Texas explain to me why the Rangers would want Miguel Tejada.

They need pitching. They have Michael Young. And plenty of guys to DH.

WTF?

 

Dude ... it's Orson freaking Welles. C'mon, man, you're better than that!

 

Because they know their pitching won't ever carry them anywhere?