Suppan deal a sign they think they can win
For years, the Milwaukee Brewers were criticized for not bellying up to baseball's cash bar and paying top dollar to keep or acquire top-level talent.
The Brewers heard the moans and groans last season when they traded slugger Carlos Lee to Texas rather than pay what it took to keep him. Never mind that Lee eventually signed as a free agent with Houston at the exorbitant price of $100 million over six years.
Such criticism was not the driving force in the Brewers' dogged pursuit of free-agent pitcher Jeff Suppan, who eventually was corralled for $42 million over four years, and possibly $52.75 million over five years. But it did prove their willingness to pay the going rate for what they considered the missing piece to their puzzle for 2007.
You can debate all you want as to whether the going rate was advisable for a pitcher with a career record of 106-101 (Suppan's 44-26 record over the past three seasons is more relevant). But when the price of gas goes up, you either pay at the pump or become a hitch-hiker.
"We felt it was a huge decision but the right decision for the organization at this time," said general manager Doug Melvin, who had the full backing of owner Mark Attanasio in courting Suppan.
Why was it the right decision at this time? Because the Brewers correctly surveyed the landscape of the National League Central, which was won with 83 victories by eventual World Series champion St. Louis in 2006, and concluded that with a bit of good health and the addition of an established starting pitcher they could make a run at the division crown.
More at the link. Including this note about McGwire getting into the Hall of Fame:
As for Mark McGwire's chance of going to Cooperstown, t's anyone's guess. Hounded by suspicions of steroid use, McGwire fared badly in his first attempt, getting only 23.5% of the vote.
Others have overcome poor first showings to be elected, including Duke Snider (17% the first time), Don Drysdale (21%) and Billy Williams (23.4%). But none faced the suspicion McGwire does.
Something to think about.
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