BALTIMORE — Though they were involved in two trade discussions, the 1982 trade deadline has passed, and general manager Harry Dalton and the Brewers were unable to swing a deal to help improve the team’s rotation or bullpen. There were, however, a couple of deals that were discussed but not consummated. See for yourself, but probably best that these deals weren’t made.
Deal #1: Ted Simmons to Yankees for Bucky Dent
That’s right, Bucky “Bleeping” Dent. The same Bucky Dent who, despite barely hitting his weight and being a part-timer, leads the American League All-Star voting at shortstop. How uncomfortable would it be if the Brewers were to acquire Dent and he is selected to start the All-Star Game ahead of his superstar teammate Robin Yount, the player who rightfully deserves the selection?
Of course, we’ll never know. Not only because the deal wasn’t made, but because Dent never would have stayed in Milwaukee. The discussion was to acquire Dent, waive him to the Padres and receive outfielder/third baseman Joe Lefebvre in return.
Seems like a lot of effort to acquire a utility player who is hitting .176 with a .255 slugging percentage. I understand dealing Simmons, but at least get value in return. And I don’t understand where Lefebvre would have fit on this team. He would have been the fourth third baseman, and he isn’t better than Moore or Brouhard in right. At best, he’d take Marshall Edwards‘ spot. But he’s not really a guy you’d consider a defensive replacement. Good thing this deal wasn’t made.
Deal #2: Mike Caldwell to Texas for Doc Medich
Another head scratcher. At 4-5 with a 5.79 ERA, Medich isn’t an improvement over Caldwell. It’s not even an exchange of like-valued players who may benefit from a change of scenery. Medich is a veteran pitcher hanging on with one foot out the door as he prepares to enter medicine full-time (hence the “Doc” nickname). This would be a downgrade.
I’m hoping that there were other players being discussed in these deals. It also could be they were offers from the Yankees and Rangers that were immediately shot down. Either way, Harry Dalton didn’t pull the trigger, and that’s a good thing.
Still, no improvements were made to the pitching staff. Deals can still be made through waivers, but can this team compete with the roster as it currently stands?