Largely in an effort to clear a space on the active roster for Rodrigo "RodRod" Rodriguez to return from the IL and to open up a little room on the 40-man roster, the Brewers today traded first baseman Sepi Koller ,AAA shortstop Kevin Flieder, and AA catcher Lance Ivkovic to the Philadelphia Mud Hens for a pair of infield prospects- 24-year old second baseman Aaron Allen and 23-year old corner infielder Jake DiCesare.
Koller has basic big league talent with a power bat but is blocked at first base by Bobby Erbakan and Andrew Kennedy and the Brewers farm system is pretty strong at his position at this time. Flieder, the Brewers first round draft pick in 1971 (19th overall), is a fine defensive middle infielder and a smart player with good base running skills but shows no indication of ever having a big league bat and was made expendable by the recent acquisition of Rich White. Ivkovic is basically just a throw in, a hard working backstop with decent defense and no bat, likely to never see action in the WPK.
As for Allen- the Brewers like his work ethic, his contact skills and his ability to turn the double play on defense. He could develop a bit of pop in his bat as well, but at his point he is far from big league ready and likely projects mostly as a future back up or league average starter. DiCesare could be an excellent defender at either infield corner spot, looks to have good gap power, and while possessing below average speed he does have some savvy on the base paths. He could develop into a pretty good contact hitter, with the potential to be strikeout resistant. Like Allen, he doesn't look like a future star but could still develop into a big league player in some capacity.
As for the other trade rumors swirling around the Brewers, indications are that Harry Lyerly and Chad Brown will likely stay put as no deals could be found for them which made much sense for the team at this time.