Brewers GM Dean Taylor deserves kudos for working a deal that sent Tyler Houston to L.A. But, did he get enough in return?

The Dodgers gave the Brewers minor league pitchers Ben Diggins and Shane Nance for Houston and a player to be named later. Diggins was the Dodgers' top draft pick in 2000. He stands 6-7 and is said to be a true power pitcher.

Taylor said Diggins could make a good major league closer some day, and also could start. But, he was only 6-10, with a 3.64 ERA, at Class A. The Brewers assigned him to AA Huntsville.

Nance, a lefty, was 11-3, with a 4.17 ERA, at AAA Las Vegas. He is seen as a middle reliever or perhaps a lefty situation pitcher.

By dealing the 31-year-old Houston for two young pitchers, Taylor did stick with what has been a priority from the start of his tenure -- stockpiling young pitchers. The Brewers also have Ben Sheets and Ruben Quevedo in their rotation, Nick Neugebauer trying to come back from shoulder problems, last year's top pick, Mike Jones, in the minors, and other young arms.

All these pitchers have potential. If 4-5 of them reach their potential, Taylor will look like a genius. But, none have really proven themselves yet.

Taylor has indicated he is talking with other teams about deals that could include Mark Loretta, Jose Hernandez, Jamey Wright, Matt Stairs and other Brewers who could be free agents after this season.

Rather than pay too much to keep any of these veterans, who have not helped turn the Brewers into a winner, it does seem prudent to get young players who could help the club in the future.

It's just that the Brewers are horrible right now. You'd like to see Taylor pull off some deals that would provide quicker fixes, but that also might not be possible considering the fact no teams are breaking down the walls of Miller Park to get what the Brewers have available on the market.

Neugebauer reportedly was very close to a rehab assignment and could be back in the Brewers' rotation in a couple weeks.

When I questioned whether Neugebauer might be another Jeff D'Amico earlier this season, I got a couple angry e-mails, including one from Nick's mother. After an exchange of several e-mails, Nick's mom and I reached what I think is a good understanding of each other's sentiments based on our respective roles.

Nick is lucky to have a mother who sticks by him. She and he also should know that every Brewer fan is hoping he can stay healthy this time and reach his full potential.

Most of the players from the 1982 pennant team, and former GM Harry Dalton, will return for a 20th reunion of that great club on Aug. 20. The American League championship pennant will be unveiled that night and hung in Miller Park.

It some ways it's a sad comment about the current Brewers that the franchise has to keep harkening to the past, but the '82 players do deserve the honor.

When a team has a winless week, you really can't justify giving a Player of the Week award. Give it to Houston, so he has something to remember from his days in Milwaukee.

On Tuesday night, Jamey Wright walked three straight batters and then gave up a base-clearing double to Brad Ausmus. The series of misplays symbolize how Wright has pitched this season, and how the Brewers have played during the past week.

Wright, who has dropped to 2-10. Taylor would love to deal the righthander, but there aren't a lot of takers for a pitcher who has become a veteran that still makes rookie mistakes.