Eric Gagne and Derrick Turnbow. | Photos: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/AP

Eric Gagne and Derrick Turnbow. | Photos: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/AP

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Brewers Gameday: The Relievers

By Jay Sorgi

Story Created: Mar 31, 2008

Story Updated: Apr 5, 2008

Next game: Saturday, April 5th vs. San Francisco
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The Brewers' 2008 Roster
• Starters
• Relievers
• Infielders
• Outfielders

With a series of critical roster moves, the Brewers have overhauled the relief pitching in an effort to shore up a group that cost the team key victories in a heartbreaking 2007 stretch run.

The two most critical pieces, Eric Gagne and Derrick Turnbow, also have clouds over their heads due to their mentions in the Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing substances.

How well it comes together could determine the team's fortunes in 2008.

Pitcher Vitals 2007 Synopsis
Randy Choate RHP: Middle/Long
6-2, 220
Age 22		 (w/Arizona): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 H

He remains on the 15-day DL with a broken pitching hand. He was a bench guy for the Yankees and Diamondbacks, not getting much experience there.
Brewers relievers Eric Gagne, Derrick Turnbow. | Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Eric Gagne #38		 RHP: Closer
6-0, 240
Age 32		 (w/Texas and Boston): 4-2, 3.81 ERA, 16 saves, 51 K, 21 BB As the de-facto closer this year, he has lots to prove after he failed to do much in Boston following a trade from the Rangers, when he produced 16 saves in 17 attempts, dominating ninth-innings with a 2.16 ERA.
Seth McClung #73 RHP: Middle/Long
6-6, 250
Age: 27		 0-1, 3.75 ERA, 11 K, 5 BB

He's a borderline roster guy, but with the throw-a-bunch-of-guys-in-there-and-see-what-happens mentality of this year's bullpen, he could be key.
Guillermo Mota #58 RHP: Set-Up
6-6, 210
Age: 34		 2-2, 5.76 ERA, 47 K, 18 BB

The Brewers brought him in to spell Gagne or compete with Turnbow for a closer spot if Gagne can't get with it. Mota could play a key role in seventh innings.
David Riske #54 RHP: Middle/Long
6-2, 180
Age: 31		 1-4, 2.45 ERA, 52 K, 27 BB

Had a solid camp in Arizona, and will get lots of use as a sixth-seventh inning reliever.
Brian Shouse #51

RHP: Short
5-10, 195
Age: 39

 1-1, 3.02 ERA, 32 K, 14 BB

A highly dependable clutch reliever who only gave up 18 runs on 78 runners that he inherited. He could be a key answer to the question marks in the bullpen this year.
Salomon Torres #16 RHP: Short
6-1, 220
Age: 36 		 2-4, 5.47 ERA, 45 K, 17 BB Another one of the crew of relievers Doug Melvin brought in to shore up the patchwork bullpen. He hopefully will step up to his 2002-06 form, where his era was 3.28 or lower in four of those five season.
Derrick Turnbow #59 RHP: Set-Up
6-3, 220
Age: 30		 4-5, 4.63 ERA, one save, 84 K, 46 BB  Allowed runs to score 15 times in 77 relief appearances in 2007, but continued his "Turn-blow" reputation with a high walk-to-inning ratio. Had better be ready to get it together and return to All-Star form if Gagne doesn't himself.