Still Shopping (Worried???)

by South Side Rob

Per Dave's request (bowlhl300), I will compile a list of would-be free-agents who seem to be on Doug Melvin's radar. While we still don't know for sure if Melvin will continue to sign players, package players via a trade, etc, I will do my best to put together the packages that have been talked about in the last few weeks...

1. Package one. Standing pat. Ryan Braun to play 3rd, Bill Hall to play center, and Tony Gwynn and Joe Dillon to platoon in left field.
2. Package two. Sign Kenny Lofton to play left field, Bill Hall to play center, and Ryan Braun to play 3rd base everyday.
3. Package three. Sign Luis Gonzalez to play left field, Bill Hall to play center, and Ryan Braun to play 3rd base everyday.
4. Package four. Move Bill Hall back to 3rd base, Ryan Braun to left, and sign either Kenny Lofton, David DeJesus, or Mike Cameron to play center field.
5. Package five. Move Ryan Braun to left and trade for Hank Blalock to play everyday at 3rd base.
6. Package six. Move Corey Hart to center, Ryan Braun to left, and Bill Hall to 3rd base. Sign Shawn Green or Trot Nixon to play right field.
7. Package seven. Trade Bill Hall as part of a multi-player deal that would bring Scott Rolen to Milwaukee for everyday duties at 3rd base. Move Ryan Braun to left and Corey Hart to center. Sign either Trot Nixon or Shawn Green to play right field.
8. Package eight. Same as seven but leave Hart in right and give Tony Gwynn a shot at everyday center or hold the spot until Cameron is off suspension.
9. Package nine. Trade Hall and a pitcher or two for Carl Crawford. Play Crawford in either left or center along with Hart and Braun to fill out the outfield. Sign local Eric Hinske to play 3rd base.

Comments: I hate all of these deals. In fact, if I had to take one, I'd probably take the platooning of Dillon and Gwynn in left field for one season. That, or the thought of Shawn Green getting 81 home games at a place where he once slugged four home runs in one game is kind of cool to think about. They say they love Bill Hall, I don't believe them. They say they love Tony Gwynn Jr, I don't believe them. I only want to see them make a move that improves the team. Moving Braun to left only makes sense if they find a 3rd basemen who has more offense than any outfielder that is still available. I don't see this move taking place. I will be shocked if they sign a everyday free-agent outfielder...