Brewers GM Doug Melvin knows he has to move Bill Hall or eat the $10 million plus remaining on his contract. Melvin has to make a deal by Friday before he’s forced to buy out Hall and release him. Obviously, it’s in Melvin’s best interest to unload Hall for some value while he can. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Giants and Reds are both interested. While I don’t doubt the interest, I’m not sure either team can get the deal done. The Giants are pretty cheap and already acquired Freddy Sanchez to play shortstop earlier in the season. The Reds are handcuffed by the deals of Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Francisco Cordero and newly-acquired Scott Rolen. I doubt the Reds will get Hall unless they can get Melvin to take one of their dead-weight pitchers.
Then there’s the Mets. While I haven’t read they’re pursuing Hall, he would be an ideal fit in New York — at least in 2009. The Mets entire left side of the infield is currently hurt. Hall could fill in at both shortstop and third base. This year, the Mets have gotten this line from the shortstop position: 118 GP, 460 ABs, 46 R, 3 HR, 39 RBI, and a .241 BA. Hall hasn’t done much better than that, but I’m sure a change of scenery would do him well. Ask Jeff Francoeur. Hall has also played 138 career games in center field during his stint in Milwaukee and could be used as an extra outfielder. In the worst case, Hall is a slight upgrade over current super-utility-man Fernando Tatis. Hall is due $8.4 million in 2010 and $9.25 million in 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. The Mets could probably pick up Hall for some spare parts while getting the Brew Crew to cover a portion of his 2010 salary. Hell, maybe the Brewers would be willing to take a chance on Ollie Perez if the Mets pick up part of his salary.
Via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Pittsburgh — Bill Hall, who has played only for the Brewers since being drafted in 1998, might have a new baseball home before the day is done.
General manager Doug Melvin said Tuesday he is working on a trade involving Hall that he hopes to complete within “the next day or two.” Melvin said a couple of teams were showing interest but wouldn’t give any details of the talks.
The Brewers designated Hall for assignment last Wednesday, giving them 10 days to trade him, release him or have him accept a minor-league assignment, which neither side wants. With the remainder of his $6.8 million salary this season, an $8.4 million salary in 2010 and a $500,000 buyout of a $9.25 million option for 2011, he is owed some $10.5 million.
If Melvin is close to trading Hall, that means the veteran has cleared waivers. After July 31, players must clear waivers to be traded.
If Hall isn’t traded by Friday, the Brewers would have to release him and pay the remainder of his contract.
“I’m trying to work something out,” said Melvin. “There’s interest, but I don’t want to say at this point what that interest is. I’ve got a few clubs involved.
“I’d like to do something in the next day or two.”
Melvin has two ways to go in a trade involving Hall. He could eat all or most of the money and just try to get a minor-league prospect in return. Or he could acquire a major-leaguer with a big contract in return to even out the money.
The Cincinnati Reds reportedly have interest in Hall. The Reds have a couple of high-priced starting pitchers in Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang, who were reported to have cleared waivers, allowing them to be traded. Arroyo will make $11 million next year with an $11 million option for 2011 and a $2 million buyout. Harang has a $12.5 million salary for next year with a $12.75 million salary for 2011 and a $2 million buyout.
With the Brewers in dire need of pitchers, Melvin might be tempted to take on Arroyo or Harang if either is made available. Harang, a pitcher the Brewers have liked in the past, has struggled to a 6-14 record and 4.35 ERA, and Arroyo is 11-11 with a 4.74 ERA.
San Francisco is believed to be interested in Hall, as well.
Tags: anderson hernandez, baseball, bill hall, fernando tatis, milwaukee brewers, MLB, new york mets
