Melvin’s Claudio vision clears up

March 25, 2008

Nevermind this.

I’m in love with Doug Melvin right now for choosing talent over depth, choosing to eat a partial contract over playing it out, choosing Villanueva over Vargas.  It should mean that Carlos gets the fifth start for the Brewers this year. And it should mean that Claudio is walking the bases loaded for Pittsburgh by Monday.

To be clear, I never had a problem with depth. Eight was a lot of starting pitchers, but the Brewers injure a lot of starting pitchers. I’m proud of Doug for taking the whole spring, seeing who was left with an arm and picking the best five.

Now, before Gallardo comes back, something else will have to happen. An injury in the bullpen could probably save Villanueva from being sent to Triple-A; otherwise, he’s probably out. I wish he didn’t know that, too. I wish he could go out and pitch like a starter with a guaranteed job, rather than a guy who’s still trying to impress management.

Major holiday passes without news from Doug Melvin

December 26, 2007

It was almost a trend. Doug Melvin’s last three major off-season moves had come on major holidays, which had me thinking something would happen around Christmas.

  • Thanksgiving 2006: The Doug Davis, Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas trade.
  • Christmas 2006: The Jeff Suppan free agent signing.
  • Thanksgiving 2007: The Jason Kendall signing.

I started to notice this because I was never at home when I first heard about the deals. I was always away with family.

So, does Doug have some motivation? Does he want to capitalize on the buzz and get people talking about the Brewers at all of their get-togethers? Or does he think the holidays are a time when people are away from their computers and newspapers, and maybe he can slide some unpopular announcements by without anyone seeing? As a Canadian, does he even recognize Thanksgiving and Christmas?

(And no, Gabe Kapler doesn’t count as news.)