Brew Moves 8/1

The Brewers made two roster moves today prior to the second game against the San Diego Padres.

In order to make room for newly acquired pitcher Claudio Vargas, the Brewers optioned Tim Dillard to AAA Nashville.

In his brief time with the Brewers, Dillard was terrible. Brewers television analyst Bill Schroeder mentioned several times that he "lacked a third pitch." Personally, Dillard was unable to show a second pitch to complement his high 80's sinker. If major league hitters are able to center on one average pitch, things are probably not going to go very well. Dillard also lacked command of that pitch. He walked five batters and only struck out one. If Dillard comes back to the major leagues any time soon, it will signal a tough time for the Brewers.

It was just reported that the Brewers have signed CF Corey Patterson. The terms of the deal are undisclosed at the moment, but it is almost certain it is a minor league contract.

Patterson is a outfielder that does have some power, but has no patience at the plate. He strikes out a ton and plays decent defense with the speed that he has. Some of you might remember Patterson when he played for the Cubs from 2000-2005.

Patterson is along the same lines as Dillard. If he is in the major leagues this season, something has gone terribly wrong.

I am having a hard time understanding the anger from the fans at the lack of moves that Melvin made at the deadline. It is very easy to force a trade and give up the farm for a rental player. The fans who criticize the front office would be the same fans that would criticize them for trading these players two years from now. If Gamel/Escobar was traded and turned into a superstar for someone else, people would be calling for Melvin's head. I guess that is the difficult part for a general manager. It seems like a lose-lose situation. I can't wait to hear the reaction when Matt LaPorta starts playing full time for the Indians. He is an excellent hitter that was traded for a rental player. Sure the Brewers won the wildcard last season with Sabathia, but was it worth giving up our top prospect?

Mike Burns takes the ball in five minutes for the Brewers. I am excited to see what he can do. I think he is a better pitcher than what we have seen thus far.