Monday, June 18, 2007

Gwynn to the Minors

In a move that makes some sense, even to a pea brain like me, the Brewers just sent down Tony Gwynn, Jr. to AAA to make room for Rickie Weeks.

People will be screaming, saying why not send Gross down to AAA instead of Gwynn. In fact, that was my first reaction too. However, it has become clear in recent weeks that Gwynn needs more consistent at bats to become a productive player. Gwynn has looked completely lost in his last dozen or so plate appearances. In an unscientific review of his recent at bats, (unscientific mostly because I didn't take the time to look) Gwynn has struck out a lot lately.

It's actually a back-handed compliment to Jr., because they're basically telling Gross "we know you suck, so you're going to continue to suck on our bench while Tony can get some at bats and consistent playing time in the minors." With Hart entrenched in right, there wasn't going to be much playing time for Gwynn. So it makes sense.

Unfortunately, this doesn't change the fact that Gross and Mench are still on the roster...but one thing at a time.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I heard Gwynn has a split contract that pays him minor league money when he is in the minors and major league dollar when he is up with the club. So economically it makes sense to stick him down there not to mention some consistent ab's

Goldy said...

I hope Mench goes on a two week tear so someone will be stupid enough to trade for him. That team will also have to special order some size 8-1/4 hats.

Anonymous said...

I agree with all of that Matt, and I was the same; I was angered at first but I kind of understand it now. My only problem with this move that I can't get over is that it seems we are "looking to the future" with this. We know Gwynn is going to get better "eventually." I just kind of feel that moves like this don't usually happen from a team 7 games up in their division. I think Gwynn does more for this team RIGHT NOW than Gross does, so i would think the best player should get the job. Whatever, I'm sure TGjr. will be back for the September call ups, and possibly before that if they can deal one of their remaining useless outfielders. But it's not exactly like Gross has looked great over his last dozen plate appearances either.....