The Brewers would want a young ace as the primary return for Fielder, but Ellsbury, the major league leader in steals this season, would fit nicely. As is, the Brewers would have to spend about $20 million to bring back Fielder and free agent Mike Cameron next year. They could plug Mat Gamel and Ellsbury into those holes, and since both are making the minimum, use the savings to bring in a pair of quality veteran starters this winter. Plus, they'd get a legitimate rotation option in Bowden, who had a 3.13 ERA in 24 starts as a 22-year-old in Triple-A this year. He projects as more of a No. 4 starter in the AL, but he may be a legit No. 3 in the NL.
I might be completely wrong in the market value of Prince Fielder (or of Ellsbury) but shouldn't Fielder be worth a slightly more marquee player than these two? I'd also balk at any idea that involves the Brewers using the saved money to go after veteran arms. The free agent pitchers available, besides John Lackey, leave a lot to be desired. With Suppan having reached the end of his, uh, usefulness I'd hate to see Melvin give too much money to Joel Pineiro or Jason Marquis only to witness another Suppan-like deterioration.
Either way, since the Red Sox have shown interest in JJ Hardy before, it might be possible to pick up Bowden anyway.
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