An argument for keeping Felipe Lopez
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 11:38 AM CDT
45 comments
Admittedly, I'm a fan of offering our Type A free agents arbitration. If they don't accept, you get the draft picks; if they do accept...well, you're getting a Type A free agent, so someone who's presumably pretty good. Yes, you have to pay him, but there are worse things than paying for a proven good player. (After all, a lot of good players rule out playing in Milwaukee out of hand, probably because of the placement of the goofy orange art structure in front of Betty Brinn.)
With that in mind...you know, I think offering arby to departing infielder Felipe Lopez might not be a bad idea.
The biggest reason why I think offering arby to FeLo might be prudent is because our infield will have a lot of question marks next season, and far fewer options if something goes wrong. JJ Hardy will likely be traded this offseason, as (probably) will one of Mat Gamel/Casey McGehee. That would mean that, accompanying Prince Fielder in the infield, we have Rickie Weeks (who hasn't yet played in 130 games in a season), rookie Alcides Escobar at short, and something of a question mark at third in McGamee (either a player with big numbers in the minors but limited success in the majors, or a player who hit well last season despite mediocre minor league numbers). Given that we'll be starting these three all at the same time, it would be
Moreover, we're pretty thin at infield depth as well. Our top backup, Craig Counsell, turns 40 in August, is coming off his best season in nearly a decade, and is a free agent to boot. Brett Lawrie is still 2+ years away, and is still learning second base, not to mention other infield spots. Our top AAA infielders, Hernan Iribarren and Roguejim favorite Adam Heether, aren't thought of as top prospects, and I don't think we can stash them in AAA anymore.
In other words, 2010 looks to be sporting a great amount of risk in our infield, and not much help if something goes wrong. Like Counsell, Lopez has played a lot of games at second, third, and short over the years, and is coming off a pretty nice season. Moreover, I don't think he'll be THAT expensive next season, maybe $5 million-ish. Given the risk involved (and low expense) in Weeks/Escobar/McGamee, offering arbitration to Lopez seems to be like a good idea --- even if he accepts, we'd likely have use for him.
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I think its sort of a foregone conclusion that Lopez will be offered arb
I doubt he’ll accept, and I don’t think the Brewers are going to push to keep Lopez. Although signing a guy after a career year IS The Mustache’s MO…
I don’t have a category for "washed-up guys who may or may not be dominant big-league closers sometime soon."
~Jeff Sackmann
by Charlie Marlow on Oct 18, 2009 11:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd also point out that Lopez is a Scott Boras client
And this year he was making $3.5M. Perhaps an increase to $5M would be in order via the arbitration process, but I don’t honestly see Boras allowing Lopez to accept arb. He’ll probably get at least the $5M on the open market, and a multi-year deal.
I don’t have a category for "washed-up guys who may or may not be dominant big-league closers sometime soon."
~Jeff Sackmann
by Charlie Marlow on Oct 18, 2009 12:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's an interesting point
I wonder if there’s value in trading for Scott Boras Type A clients before a FA year, just for his preference to push for free agency.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way he'd only ghet $5 mil in arbitration.
His salary this season is probably a consideration in arb hearings, but even if it is, I’d be surprised if he got less than $8 million.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
by KLSnow on Oct 18, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is going to get as much as that
Then it will be a lot harder to trade him without taking back somebody with a fairly hefty contract.
He is not worth anything like that much to the Brewers to be a back-up infielder.
by Saltire on Oct 18, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Backup?
Um, I hate to rain on the Rickie Weeks parade, seeing as how he played 20 games and all last year, but Felipe Lopez is a better baseball player. If Lopez is on the team, he’s the second baseman. Weeks can go get hurt in center field, just to try something a little different.
by ktenreb on Oct 19, 2009 6:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
Weeks career slash stats: .247/.351/.415
Lopez career slash stats: .269/.338/.400
by NoahJ on Oct 19, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You and your numbers
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
by Jordan M on Oct 19, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
I admit, I have a tough time coming up with arby numbers, but I don’t think he’ll get anywhere near 8. He might ask for it, but as late as July of 2008, he had a season OPS of .619, and that was on the heels of a season-long campaign of .659. The Brewers hadn’t made the postseason since his arrival, he hasn’t won any awards, and the Brewers played sub-.500 baseball since we traded for him, all things the arby panel takes into account. Boris might get him $8 million as a FA, but I don’t think he’d be awarded that.
At any rate, it might be a moot point: MLBTR has Lopez listed as a Type B FA, which lessens the reward of offering arbitration substantially.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Arby #s
5 for 5
Done and done
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you really think
the Brewers won’t score the George Webb Burger Run?
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DOUBLE PROMOTION!!
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Type B
Lessens the reward, but also lessens the risk.
As a Type A, Lopez could easily end up as this year’s Orlando Hudson, the guy nobody wants bad enough to part with a first-rounder. But there’s no cost to signing a Type B. Boras knows that. Boras, of course, leans towards testing FA waters whenever possible, but if he saw a Hudson-like situation on the horizon, that’s the one thing that might have steered him away from having Lopez accept arby.
Also, cheese.
by Jeff Sackmann on Oct 18, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would offer him arb with no intention of keeping him
I’d say it’s better than 50% that he would decline it. And even if he would accept, he’d be easily tradeable on a 1 year, $6 mil-ish deal. You won’t get anything of value back in a trade but you shouldn’t have to pay his salary then. So it’d be pretty foolish to not offer it if you can probably just trade him regardless. If you don’t offer it there’s no chance at that draft pick.
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
by Jordan M on Oct 18, 2009 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't mind the picks
if he declines arbitration. However, I hope that Melvin has a backup plan for our infield if something goes wrong OTHER than Craig Counsell. Counting on a healthy Weeks is risky enough, but when you’re also asking for McGamee and Escobar BOTH being healthy and productive….as Al say, oof.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't remember his name right now...
…but there’s this veteran outfielder, kind of outspoken, played for the Mets this year …he’ll be a free agent, and he started his career as an infielder…maybe we can get him.
Also, cheese.
by Jeff Sackmann on Oct 18, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bobby Bonilla?
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It'd be great to have him as a backup plan
But at some point they’re going to have to find some money. I think I’d rather have about $6 mil to use to re-sign Cam or a to go after a starter that I have advocated like Sheets or Bedard and re-sign a Heether-type guy for the minimum. I think I’d be disappointed if they let Cam walk to sign a 1 year, $10 mil deal somewhere else while paying Hoffman and Lopez a combined $14 mil. I’m fine with the Hoffman deal but they’re going to have to make a sacrifice somewhere.
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
by Jordan M on Oct 18, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although I'm not dying to bring Cameron back
It does make sense to overspend on a starter than a utility infielder.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo
It isn’t just about whether folks would like him in a vacuum. It would mean using potentially valuable resources ($$$) on a bench player while other needs potentially went unaddressed.
it is my main complaint about the Hoffman deal. They spent a decent amount of dough on a player that has little chance at earning that money at a position that is traditionally very easy to fill.
It is all about resource management with a small market team. We are not the Yankees who can just throw money at any problem.
by badgermaniac on Oct 18, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could always start Gamel and use McGehee as a super-sub.
by NoahJ on Oct 18, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not a bad idea
though I don’t think McGehee is well-suited for a supersub, in that he doesn’t play short (AFAIK) and, as we seen, he kind of butchers 3rd base defensively.
There is one thing that saddens me: if we trade Gamel, then of the three super-prospects to come up in the past few seasons, we’d have traded two of them.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lopez isn't exactly a defensive wizard, either.
Basically both players (McGehee and Lopez) value is based on their offense. They both had career years this year and will almost certainly see a regression in their stats. I would rather have the cheaper option so we can spend money elsewhere.
That being said, I did vote for yes in the poll because I think we should offer him arbitration for all the same reasons that Jordan listed above.
by NoahJ on Oct 18, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No he's certainly not
but I think he’s passable defensively. (Sort of.)
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could have a 1-4 that looks like this
Lopez
Weeks
Braun
Fielder
Yes please
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 1:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where is Lopez playing?
3rd Base or SS? or are you planning on Weeks moving to the outfield?
by Saltire on Oct 18, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not my job to figure out the defense
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if you don't, your hypothetical makes no sense.
Personally, I don't give a crap about Brett Favre.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 18, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I'm just here to figure out the offense
You booklearned folks are here for the defense and numbers
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Are you Jim Bowden?
That's all I've got for you today, unless you're interested in some Chris Capuano/Tom Haudricourt Fan Fiction.
by KLSnow on Oct 18, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe Lopez has played some outfield
could he be any worse than Gerut(who did start to grow on me towards the end of the season I wonder if there is a lotion or pill to cure that) I personally would love to have his bat in the line up imagine Braun getting to hit dingers in the first inning with runners on base
Moving on ready look forward not backwards The 2009 season is over it never happen as far as I am concerned so lets boldly look forward to the 2010 season
by WSB Chris on Oct 18, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure I had a reply Fail, there
Be cool, and relax. Take a breath, take ten paces back.
The coolest motherfunker on the planet.
by Dikembe Meiztombo on Oct 18, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His career obp is .338
This cannot be emphasized enough. And are you playing him in center?
E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).
by Jordan M on Oct 18, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough.
But don’t count me among the smart guys around here.
Personally, I don't give a crap about Brett Favre.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 18, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I thought that Lopez would be ok with the possibility of opening the season on the bench...
… I’d be a bigger fan of the idea. But having seen him periodically lollygag his way down to 1st even when he’s playing every day, I’m not so sure writing him a big check and playing him 3 times per week is all that great of an idea.
Also, he just had a career year. Well, maybe not a career year, but I think it would be a mistake to assume he’ll put up the same numbers last year. His OBP, SLG, OPS and OPS+ were all significantly above his career average, and he’s still got a bit of a negative reputation personality wise. I say we offer him arb, hope he rejects, take the draft picks and let someone else throw money at a leadoff guy with a career OBP of .338.
Personally, I don't give a crap about Brett Favre.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Oct 18, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
In other news
My 2-year-old broke off the arms of my Billy Hall bobblehead (the one where he’s holding the pink bat). Apparently she holds a grudge.
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 18, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No brainer.
If DM doesn’t offer Felipe arb I will be very, very pissed.
by klwillis45 on Oct 19, 2009 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Offer him arby
If he accepts (unlikely), trade him.
Lopez added a lot to the team this year, but I wouldn’t invest in a guy who has a tendancy to slack off and who had a career line of .262/.330/.395 before his contract year.
"A D+ Grade? That must have been a Wittardo grade"- @73_MC
by BrewHaHeather on Oct 19, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like to think
he served his punishment in Washington, and became inspired once he was freed. Since leaving the Nationals, he’s been great! :)
"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"
by roguejim on Oct 19, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm unsure whether all of the yes votes are indicative of wanting to actually keep Lopez, or indicative of wanting to offer him arb.
I think its pretty sealed that he’ll get offered arb. I happen to think that (while I disagree with KL that he’s getting $8M—perhaps $6-$7 in arb, maybe that plus a couple years on the market) he’s an expensive backup to Rickie Weeks. Why would they give up on him now? They’ve touted ‘upside’ for years with that guy. They’ll ask him how his wrist feels, then let him play. And he’ll start. Why do we need a $6M+ bench player?
That would be a terrible financial decision. Unless, of course, The Mustache moves Weeks (doubtful). Then I could get behind Lopez. Otherwise, this seems like a terrible waste of money.
I don’t have a category for "washed-up guys who may or may not be dominant big-league closers sometime soon."
~Jeff Sackmann
by Charlie Marlow on Oct 20, 2009 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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