DS: One of the major concerns of the off-season for the brewers is literally maintaining their roster. Who of the multiple free agents do you think is a, "must sign."

JB: I'm not sure what you mean by "must sign," but if we're talking about 2008 Brewers that are becoming free agents, I'm not sure there is a must sign. I would like to see Gabe Kapler back in Brewers blue. That will take a couple million dollars, however. I am sure there is a cheaper alternative on the free agent market.

CC Sabathia is NOT a must sign. In fact, if the Brewers do resign Sabathia, it would handcuff their finances for many seasons to come. Say what you want about 3 million-plus attendance, that doesn't give Doug Melvin the green light to spend 25% of our payroll on one player. That would be foolish and dangerous to our future success as a team.

If we're talking about who in the free agent pool that was not a Brewer in 2008, I think there are too many ways to go for their to be a "must sign." I'd love to see Orlando Hudson come to Milwaukee, but he desperately wants to play for the Mets. He also will command top dollar, while Rickie Weeks is an average second baseman for much less money.

You want a sleeper free agent? How about Jason Isringhausen. After losing the closer's role in St. Louis, Doug Melvin could give him an eerily similar contract that he gave to Eric Gagne. He could be given a one-year deal to see what he has left in his tank.

DS: One thing that is definite is that the prospects in the Brewers organization are some of the best. First of all, talk about some of the prospects we will be seeing more of in 2009. And Secondly, I've heard around the blogosphere that Mat Gamel could be moving to first base. You as well have covered it a bit. What would you think of such a move?

JB: Mat Gamel should start the year in Triple-A. Plain and simple. He has defensive issues to work out, and he has never sustained a solid offensive output through an entire year. Gamel obviously has the bat to play in the big leagues, but is it consistent enough at the moment? Probably not, as he hasn't seen top-notch competition too often in his young career. Give him a year in the minors and see if he can continue his improvement at third base. If Milwaukee decides he simply cannot handle it, they may give him some reps in the outfield and at first.

Alcides Escobar puts on an absolute show with the glove. I'm also higher on his offensive capabilities than most people. I see numbers trending in the right direction and a hitter who knows how to use his speed on the basepaths. Sure he strikes out a bit and does not walk all that often, but both are improving. The kid is also developing a bit more power. I think he should be Milwaukee's starting shortstop in 2009. That's simply because I think he's ready. There are differing opinions on that.

Tim Dillard is also someone you will see in 2009, hopefully with the big league all season. The right-hander has a mid-90s fastball that has a good amount of movement to it. His control is his downfall, however. The young man seemed to figure it out in Nashville after being sent down after a brief stint with the big league squad. He still has plenty to prove in Spring Training.

I'm also a big proponent of Joe Bateman. He is devastating to right-handers and could be considered for a right-handed specialists. While there are not many of those, his sidearmed delivery is very, very deceptive towards righties. Think of him as a right-handed Mitch Stetter. I'd love to see what he can do on a bigger stage. Spring Training will decide that.

Finally, pay attention to Brad Nelson. He has more power and better plate discipline than what he showed during his September call-up. If Prince Fielder gets shipped this winter, Brad may be Milwaukee's first baseman in April.

DS: It is clear that Brewers management has made Ryan Braun the franchise player. And it is also clear that Prince Fielder could be a bit too expensive in the long haul. Do ultimately see Doug Melvin making a deal this off-season. Especially with the return of picks for starters Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia?

JB: Melvin needs to make a deal, in my opinion. I don't believe that the Milwaukee Brewers are a playoff-caliber team unless some changes are made. The starting rotation needs to improve. The offense needs to have a little more plate discipline and a higher OBP overall.

Do you do that by trading Prince Fielder, however? Not unless you get someone like Matt Cain in the deal. The Brewers don't have to trade Prince, so they can sit back and shoot for the moon on a deal.

There are a couple of other deals that are intriguing. Do the Brewers trade J.J. Hardy this winter? About a dozen teams will line up for his services if Milwaukee wants to shop him. Does Milwaukee try to swap bad contracts and move Bill Hall and Jeff Suppan?

Here's a sleeper deal for the winter. Bill Hall for Juan Pierre and cash. Both teams would be swapping bad contracts, and both players have a relative upside for the respective teams. The Dodgers need power in their infield. Billy certainly has that...if he makes contact. Juan Pierre could bring the legitimate lead-off man and solve the center field problem. Of course, this would involve Milwaukee not picking up Mike Cameron's option right after the world series -- which will probably happen, making this entire conversation void.

DS: Plain and Simple, Do you think as a fan of the crew, that Dale Sveum is the man for the job? If not, give us a name that you would think could fill the role as manager.

JB: I honestly don't know. The players love him, but I don't think Milwaukee will win or lose based on the manager next season. Buck Showalter would certainly be an interesting choice.

DS: Carlos Villanueva was undoubtedly a more valuable reliever than a starter last season. In the relief role, he had a beautiful 2.12 ERA in 59 innings. Do you think he has what it takes to be a consistent set up man or closer? Or do you see him more as a mop up/starter to start the '09 season?

CV is perfect for the bullpen, in my opinion. His change-up is a plus-pitch, but only the first time through the order. After that, batters are able to center on it fairly easily. Being in the starting rotation is out of the question in my mind.

As far as being a closer, I haven't really bought that either. I'd like to see him stay as the 7th and 8th inning man, as he has far more flexibility that way. Why limit a pitcher who can go two innings to only one? Milwaukee would be much better served giving the ball to Salomon Torres once again in '09 or signing someone like Jason Isringhausen to a one-year deal.

DS: And Finally, be honest with me Jim, How bad do you wish it were possible for C.C. to make Milwaukee his home in 2009 as the ace of the staff?
Do I wish it were possible? Of course I do.

JB: Do I want to shell out the money for him? No thanks