Brewers Make First Big (And By Big, I Mean Really Small) Offseason Move

Today the Brewers claimed former Cubs 3B Casey McGehee off waivers and out righted Joe Dillon (who might possibly be the worst pinch hitter in the history of MLB, well not really but he was BAD in 2008). McGehee is a 26 year old right handed hitter who .296 with 12 HR and 92 RBI at AAA Iowa for the Cubs. During a September callup with the Cubs he batted .167 (4-24) in 9 games.

Not sure what this means really. I'm just glad to see Dillon gone, I wouldn't be surprised though if they signed Dillon to a minor league deal at some point. I suppose McGehee is a bit of insurance at 3B for a couple of reasons. Mike Lamb and Russell Branyan are free agents to be. Craig Counsell could be a free agent if they don't exercise his 2009 option, Mat Gamel may not be big league ready yet (might not even stay at 3B) and Bill Hall had a shitty year. At only 26 McGehee could have some upside and that coupled with the questions surrounding all the other guys they have that can play 3B is probably why Doug Melvin claimed McGehee.

That Crazy Joe D!

I like Joe Dillon. He is everything you could really ask for in a bench player. He does a good job coming off the bench in a pinch hit role. When he gets the opportunity to start he makes the most of it. He can play multiple positions: 1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF. For the second consecutive Sunday Joe got a start at 2B and batted lead off. He did what a lead off hitter is supposed to do. He got on base and scored runs. A line of 1-2 with 3 walks and scored 2 of the Brewers 3. His batting average for the season now at a very respectable .282, I mean I just love the fact that this guy is on our bench he just seems to get it done when he gets a chance. And as a guy that spent a lot of time in the minor leagues he fights and scratches for everything and never gives away an at bat. And for that I love Joe Dillon. I also have to give some major props today for this 3-2 Brewers win and salvaging of a game in Colorado to Salomon Torres. He got a 5 out save (his 7th of the season) and pitched out of a tough situation when he came into the ballgame in the 8th. Off tomorrow and then it's to Houston for 3 games. Last time we were there, we got swept. Hopefully we can get 2 of 3. Good chance with McClung, Parra and Sheets going in that order. I like our chances.