In the latest Javier Vazquez rumor, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Brewers have discussed trading for the Braves ace starting pitcher. The Brewers GM Doug Melvin later denied the rumor, but I have to think he has talked to just about every GM about any and all starting pitchers available on the trade market. The Brewers are desperate for starting pitching right now, and if the price is Mat Gamel, I think he should pull the trigger.
Tom Haudricourt from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel seems to agree:
"It's a tough market, depleted by injuries to Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard, but the Brewers need another arm to stay in the playoff race. That remains true even if [Dave] Bush and [Manny] Parra return to the rotation in the near future,"
Brewers GM Melvin tempers Haudricourt's plea to act soon:
"To make a trade, you have to have a match with another team. You can't panic and do something now, then find out somebody better is available later. We don't think we're going to fall out of the race (by the July 31 trade deadline). I think we've got a good enough team to not do that."
I have a hard time buying the fact that Melvin has labeled Gamel as untouchable, unless he does not plan on signing Prince Fielder long term, which is a possibility. He should deal Gamel now as it appears his only position is 1B or LF. But LF is currently occupied by All-Star Ryan Braun, and he won't be traded anytime soon, his recent comments about the state of the Brewers pitching staff notwithstanding.
Melvin is not shy about trading prospects for ace starting pitchers as he dealt OF prospect Matt Laporta to the Indians last year for CC Sabathia. But, this year, I think every GM may consider waiting till the last minute to make a major trade after seeing Dodgers GM Ned Colletti trade for Manny Ramirez in the 11th hour, 12th maybe, last July 31st.
What do the fans over at Brew Crew Ball think GM Melvin should do?