I’m having a difficult time gauging the value of rental players. Sabathia is probably the gold standard, so you know Bedard’s return won’t approach that. Aside from that, I’m really not sure. Like I said, I’m not good at coming up with trade ideas when prospects are involved. Caleb Gindl, Taylor Green and my guy Zack Braddock (he’s in A+ by the way) are other good but not great prospects that I’m sure Seattle would like, though I personally don’t want to see Braddock go. Despite being admittedly not great at proposing trades, I’m still confident they could get Bedard without giving up Gamel or Escobar.

I admittedly don’t know much about either Odorizzi or Haydel. I know Haydel is supposed to be amongst the faster guys in the minors, but a .292 OBP in A ball isn’t going to excite anyone (and is obviously your type of player, sounds like Michael Bourn circa 2008). Odorizzi is also just in R ball, so who knows about him?

If you had Bedard, would you like that deal? Especially with the years those two hitters are having?

I know when I interviewed with the Mariners, they sounded like they liked him at catcher. His offensive numbers (.272-.349-.451) are decent, but he may turn out to be a Ben Davis. I don’t know if they want to give him another setback by acquiring another catcher (especially since Adam Moore is another touted catching prospect giving him a run with a .292-.336.443 line at AAA).

I just don’t think the Brewers have the bullets to pull off a deal for Bedard. I do think, depending on Jack Z’s view of those players and how much money the teams take back, that Odorizzi and Haydel would be a good starting point for Washburn.

Guthrie is another good candidate, though he has struggled some this season. I’ve mentioned him to Orioles fans in the office but I just forgot to include him in this post. I’d be pleased to get him.

I would hope most teams stop banking on draft pick compensation for free agents. I have a sour taste in my mouth after expecting high picks for Sabathia and Sheets this year. Many teams get screwed out of a first rounder and have to settle for a second, or even third rounder for their prized free agent. If I’m a GM and I know I’m not going to re-sign a player (and I’m not contending this season), I’m going to get something I know I like for that player and not leave it up to chance in the flawed compensation system.

I’m not good at this sort of thing because I don’t know other systems enough to know what their needs are, but I would think something along the lines of one of Jonathan Lucroy/Angel Salome (are they keeping Clement at catcher?) and Jake Odorizzi would be enough to get Bedard. Maybe add in someone like Lee Haydel, but I don’t think I’d give up more than that. Those are some solid prospects. Perhaps I’m undervaluing Bedard, but I think the red flags I pointed out make this a fair offer.

Jarrod Washburn is pitching in a park specifically designed for him and is essentially a left handed Suppan, a pitcher who has to mix his 5 pitches to be successful. Moving to Miller Park could kill him.

Haven’t seen Doug Davis pitch this year, but he has to pretty similar.

Can’t see the Mariners selling when Bedard’s value is so low. With the Brewers keeping their top 2 prospects, would a deal with them be better then the draft picks they could get with Bedard signing with some stupid team willing to give him A.J. Burnett money? My idea is that most teams would consider the two fairly similar, as Bedard’s stuff has never been the question, its been his want-to pitch and no team wants to give up someone who has the potential to be an ace and not get back a package that blows them away.

Of those guys you listed, I think the Brewers are better off holding onto their guys and making another run next year.

Was surprised you didn’t mention Guthrie. He seems to be the best fit of everyone avail and should be cheaper then Bedard.

Know interdivision trades are rare, but have to think one of those Pirates starters could be had for a small package.

And, finally, I leave you with a name who probably could be had on July 31st that could be a solid pick up and that you would probably hate. Bartolo Colon. He would cost one C level prospect more then likely if he returns from the DL.