Don't expect the Brewers to acquire a top prospect like Texas' Jurickson Profar in any potential deal involving Zack Greinke. Credit: Associated Press

Cincinnati - Should the Brewers decide to trade right-hander Zack Greinke before the July 31 deadline - and odds are that they will if he passes on their latest contract offer - fans want to know what they might get in return.

The answer: Perhaps not as much as you think.

Under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement put in place last winter, free-agent compensation was significantly diminished. There no longer are Type A and B designations. Instead, teams must make a qualifying offer to their free agents to be eligible for draft-pick compensation.

If the Brewers were to keep Greinke, they'd have to offer him a salary equal to the average of the 125 highest-paid players, expected to be around $12 million this year. If they did so and he went elsewhere, the Brewers would get a supplemental first-round pick in the 2013 draft but not the first-round pick of the signing team. That team would lose its top pick but it merely would go away, not change hands.

The Brewers obviously would make such an offer to Greinke, whose 2012 salary ($13.5 million) is higher than the average of the top 125 players. But would a supplemental first-rounder pale in comparison to what they could get in a trade this month? Perhaps, but there's another catch.

Teams that trade for an upcoming free agent no longer get draft-pick compensation if that player goes elsewhere over the winter. Thus, an acquired player truly becomes a "rental" if you can't convince him to re-sign with you.

With no draft-pick compensation on the back end, many believe teams will be reluctant to surrender top prospects in a trade for a two-month rental. Thus, don't look for Baltimore to deal shortstop Manny Machado or Texas to move shortstop Jurickson Profar.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin still believes teams in need will make strong offers for players they covet.

"If you've got a chance to get in the playoffs, that's an organizational decision," said Melvin. "When we traded for CC ( Sabathia in July 2008), it wasn't necessarily about what we were giving up. It's what we were getting back.

"It's about getting in the playoffs. Our focus was to get in the postseason. We hadn't been in the postseason in 26 years. That's the attitude you've got to have if you think you've got a chance to go. You do take (compensation) into consideration. They might not give up as much. It's still up to the team.

"You think Pittsburgh wants in (after 19 years of losing)? You think they should worry about next year's draft pick? You think the Braves want in after losing what they did last year (in a September collapse)?

"You think the Angels, after the money they spent, they want in? You think the Tigers, after the money they spent, they want in?

"They just have to make their own decisions. The Rangers might not. They might say we're going to get there anyway, we're not going to give up Profar; we're not going to give up (Mike) Olt."

In other words, it's up to the motivation of each interested party as to what they will surrender in a trade. But the new rules will make you think twice before surrendering a coveted prospect for a free-agent-to-be. And that's part of the motivation for the Brewers putting a $100 million-plus offer on the table in an attempt to keep Greinke.

Melvin also scoffed at the notion that skipping Greinke's last turn in the rotation ruined his trade value. The Brewers gave Greinke an entire turn off after he appeared "out of whack" by starting three consecutive games, going into and coming out of the all-star break, and he will return to action Tuesday in Philadelphia (where you can bet a slew of scouts will be on hand).

"You've got to look at it another way," said Melvin. "If he goes somewhere, you're going to get a guy who's fresh and right, and ready. That's how I look at it. Maybe you should give your starters a rest every now and then, keep them fresh."

Larkin, Santo enter Hall

Obviously, many members of the Baseball Writers Association of America didn't think third baseman Ron Santo belonged in the Hall of Fame. He was never elected during his 15 years of eligibility on that ballot, finally given recognition posthumously 37 years after retiring by the Golden Era Committee.

Shortstop Barry Larkin had his doubters as well but didn't have to wait nearly as long, getting elected in his third year on the BBWAA ballot. Both Larkin and Santo were complete players at their positions, capable of making an impact at the plate and in the field.

Larkin admitted he wondered if he belonged when he first arrived in Cincinnati late in the 1986 season.

"There's a lot of self-doubt, a lot of questions," he said.

Seeking advice from elders such as Dave Parker, Eric Davis and Dave Concepcion, Larkin beat out Kurt Stillwell for the everyday job at short and went on to play 19 seasons, though many were injury-plagued. He had pop at the plate (.815 OPS) and speed on the bases (379 steals) and was steady as he goes at the most demanding infield position (three Gold Gloves).

Larkin was a true hometown hero, having been born and raised in Cincinnati. He went to the University of Michigan and was selected fourth overall by the Reds in the 1985 draft.

"I remember as a rookie, looking at my jersey and seeing the name, 'Cincinnati,' and understanding I was representing my hometown," he said. "I wondered if I could handle those responsibilities."

Larkin handled them just fine and will stand on a stage in Cooperstown on Sunday to take his place among the all-time greats. Santo died in 2010 after a lifelong battle with diabetes. Many believe it is an honor long overdue and deserved.

From 1963 to 1970, Santo compiled at least 25 home runs and 90 RBI a year for the Cubs, mostly for awful teams. His candidacy likely was hurt by those circumstances, which denied him even one postseason appearance.

Santo is one of only three third basemen in major-league history with at least 300 home runs and five Gold Gloves. (The others are Mike Schmidt and Scott Rolen). His credentials might be questioned by some but, just like Larkin, he deserves his place in the Hall of Fame.

Ready to shop

As Melvin noted, the Pirates find themselves in a position to finally break through. And, unlike a year ago, when Pittsburgh stayed in the NL Central race for a half-season before collapsing, it doesn't seem as flukish this year.

Accordingly, the Pirates are in a buying mode. In particular, they are seeking a bat to play either a corner outfield position or first base. They have checked in with Arizona on Justin Upton, Kansas City on Billy Butler and Philadelphia on Shane Victorino.

Pittsburgh reportedly won't surrender either of its top two pitching prospects, Gerrit Cole or Jameson Taillon, both of whom are rated among the best in the minors.

Upton, 24, has three years remaining on his contract at a reasonable $38.5 million, so the Diamondbacks wouldn't trade him without a considerable return. With shortstop Stephen Drew approaching free agency, Arizona would want a top prospect at that position, for starters.

"If we were looking to trade Justin, there is a significant market for him," said Arizona managing partner Ken Kendrick. "He is very valued. Those things don't seem remotely possible."

Rising to the top

With Los Angeles' Matt Kemp missing most of the first half with a hamstring injury and Cincinnati's Joey Votto out for at least a month following knee surgery, Pittsburgh centerfielder Andrew McCutchen is the leading candidate for NL MVP.

Entering Saturday, McCutchen was leading the league with a .372 batting average, .649 slugging percentage, 218 total bases and 65 runs scored. He was tied for fourth with the Brewers' Ryan Braun with 65 RBI and alone in second with 22 home runs.

McCutchen batted .291 in the first half last year but slumped to .216 after appearing in his first All-Star Game. This season, he came roaring out of the blocks in the second half, batting .475 with four homers in his first seven games.

"What you're seeing is special," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We started to see it in the first half last year. He was tremendous for us, and then he kind of lost his way pulling the ball and swinging for the fences in the second half. Now you're seeing him stay within himself, hit the ball to all fields."

McCutchen is more excited about the Pirates' contending position than any personal achievements.

"I've been through a lot of the bad, and this is a lot better, I'll tell you that," he said. "We've still got a long way to go, a lot of work ahead, but it's fun to be part of it."

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

MLB: Boston RF Cody Ross

Ross hit three three-run homers in a matter of 15 innings against the Chicago White Sox. His two blasts Wednesday paced the Red Sox to a 10-1 rout. On Thursday, his walk-off three-run blast erased Chicago's 1-0 lead and avoided a tough loss. "I've loved that situation since I was 5 years old," he said. "I always wanted to be the one to win the game."

BREWERS: LF Ryan Braun

Braun recorded his 1,000th career hit with the Brewers against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. He did it in his 815th game, the quickest any player has reached that milestone in franchise history. All-time hits leader Pete Rose did it in his 831st game.

WEEK AHEAD

Dodgers at Cardinals: Monday-Thursday. Playoff hopefuls clash.

Nationals at Mets: Monday-Wednesday. New York needs to close.

White Sox at Rangers: Friday-Sunday. Test for Sox's young staff.

Red Sox at Yankees: Friday-Sunday. Boston fighting to survive.

BREWERS THIS WEEK

If you think the Brewers have disappointed their fans, imagine what's going on in Philadelphia, where a highly paid, veteran club has foundered. The Brewers play three in Philly before returning home to face the new, young power in the NL East, the Washington Nationals, with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.

DID YOU KNOW?

When reliever Trevor Rosenthal made his major-league debut Wednesday in Milwaukee in the eighth inning, he became the 2,000th player in St. Louis Cardinals' history, going back to 1882. The Cards are the only franchise to have fielded that many players.

YOU FIGURE IT OUT

If you haven't been paying attention to the Oakland Athletics - and even folks in the Bay Area are guilty of that - you're missing an interesting story. Entering Saturday, they were 11-2 for the month, and it's the way they are winning games that has been captivating.

When Brandon Moss delivered a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night to beat the New York Yankees, 3-2, it marked the 10th time this season the Athletics triumphed in walk-off fashion.

They've done it so many times, the Athletics have almost come to expect winning games in their final at-bat.

"There's always that feeling when we get into the last at-bat at home," said manager Bob Melvin. "We just feel like something good is going to happen."

QUOTABLE

"I feel like myself. That’s one thing I can say I never felt like in Oakland."

Ben Sheets, who resurfaced in Atlanta after breaking down with the Athletics during the 2010 season and undergoing elbow surgery

BREWERS MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT

Class AAA Nashville

RHP Jesus Sanchez, who went 3-2 with a 1.59 ERA and 11 saves in 32 relief outings for Huntsville before being promoted, has allowed no earned runs in his first five appearances (4 2/3 innings) with the Sounds.

Class AA Huntsville

RHP Josh Stinson, claimed off waivers from the Mets in the spring, is 10-5 with a 3.24 ERA. In his last three starts, he has allowed only three runs in 20 innings.

High Class A Brevard County

LHP Jed Bradley, a first-round pick in 2011, has been scuffling. Bradley (5-7, 5.01) allowed 11 hits and seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in his last outing against St. Lucie.

Low Class A Wisconsin

RHP Chad Pierce, a former UW-Milwaukee standout, was very strong in a 2-1, 13-inning loss to Great Lakes on Friday. Pierce (3-3, 3.64) allowed only three hits and one run over seven innings while striking out five.

Rookie Helena

LHP Brent Suter, a 31st-round pick in June out of Harvard, pitched six strong innings Friday night in a 5-2 win over Idaho Falls. Coming out of the pen, Suter retired the first 14 hitters and over six innings allowed three hits and one run with six strikeouts.

Rookie Arizona

C Deivi Mejia, who had only four at-bats all season, hit for the cycle, going 5-for-5 with eight RBI, in the first game of a doubleheader Friday night against the AZL Indians. Mejia went 0 for 3 in the nightcap.

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