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The Brewers Make Their Free Agent Pitch

By Dan O'Donnell

Story Created: Nov 18, 2009 at 11:58 AM CST

From my weekly column at SportsBubbler.com:

 

One of the worst-kept secrets in Major League Baseball (other than steroids) is that the Milwaukee Brewers need starting pitching...desperately.  With a 5.37 ERA that ranked last in the National League in 2009, the rotation is in dire need of an upgrade or Milwaukee risks another generation of missed postseasons and second-guessing.

 

The first priority will be replacing Braden Looper, whose $6.5 million option was declined last week.  His 5.22 ERA and team-record 39 home runs surrendered won't be missed, but his 194.2 innings pitched and team-high 14 wins surely will.

 

But how will the Brewers replace him?  With a potential 20-game winner or a serviceable starter who will come at a much more affordable price?  Milwaukee stands at the unenviable crossroads of high-priced quality and low-cost quantity, and the road they travel could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

 

That road will probably lead them to one (or maybe two) of these five pitchers:

 

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  1. Tom - Nov 18, 2009 3:02 PM

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    Good article, but one kinda big error in your breakdowns. Another somewhat well kept secret is that due to a new rule, the teams who finished in the bottom half this year do NOT have to give up a 1st round draft pick to sign Type A free agents.

    So, the only thing keeping the Brewers from signing Lackey is his preference, the money he'd cost, and the injury history as of recent years.

  2. John - Nov 18, 2009 3:24 PM

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    I think they still have to give up a draft pick, but it's after the second round, not the first.

  3. e val - Nov 18, 2009 10:46 PM

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    People really, really need to stop evaluating pitchers by ERA and wins. Those are more reflecting of the team than of the individual, and the reason that got the Brewers in the Suppan mess. Not only should Washburn's knee give the Brewers pause, but his peripherals and dependence on defense as well. There is no upside here. As a BOR, he would be ok if he took a cheap contract (unlikely given his agent), but the Brewers don't need more of that kind. Please, Brewers, pass.
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