Brewers Freeing Up Some Cash

GM Doug Melvin is calling it “financial flexibility.”  The Brewers have already saved $10 million by not picking up the option on Mike Cameron, now today Melvin announced the team will not pick up the $6.5 million mutual option on starting pitcher Braden Looper.  Looper led the Brewers with 14 wins last season, but also gave up the most home runs in baseball (39) and overall runs (123) in the National League.

It certainly looks like the Brewers are clearing as much cap space as possible to go after a legit front-line pitcher, or two middle of the rotation guys.  Count me as a guy who thinks the Brewers staff, besides Yovani Gallardo, already have too many “middle of the rotation” type guys.

Here is my wish-list just shy of the Christmas season. This list consists of free agent starting pitchers or pitchers heavily rumored to be available via trade.

1) Edwin Jackson- Detroit Tigers -  Former top prospect seemingly figured it all out after being shipped from Tampa to Detroit last season.  He went 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA and struck out 162 batters.  And he’s only 26.  Detroit is looking to clear cap room.

2) John Lackey - LA Angels - Probably not realistic as some of the top money players in MLB will be after him, but remember this is a wish-list.  Lackey is 31, but unlike another 30+ free agent pitcher the Brewers overspent to get a few Christmas’ ago, Lackey piles up the strike out numbers.  Only concern is that his K totals and innings pitched have dropped the past few seasons.

3) Randy Wolf - This third spot is a tough one.  I think the Brewers would love to sign a left-handed pitcher since they don’t have one that consistently throw the ball over the plate (yes, Manny Parra that’s you).  Wolf is 101-85 in his career and strikes guys out (at least 160 the past two seasons).  Once again, past injuries and age will always be a concern with signing a free agent pitcher.

The Coal in the Stocking List

1) Doug Davis - Former Brewer has a couple things going for him: he is durable and left-handed.  But he is also a career loser, and not an impact player.  The Brewers don’t need a lefty Jeff Suppan.  Oh ya, and remember how incredibly sloth-like he is with his deliberate pitching style?

2) Jarrod Washburn/Erik Bedard - Washburn was born in this area and attended UW-Oshkosh.  And he is a very average MLB starting pitcher.  See Doug Davis.  Bedard is a huge risk/reward guy but this left-handed version of the Cubs’ Rich Harden will end up frustrating you more with injuries by the end of the year, than he will frustrate opposing hitters with his incredible talent.

3) Carl Pavano - BEWARE of the player who underachieves when given a huge contract (right Yankees?) and then all the sudden turns his career around again while playing for a new long-term deal.  I’m not buying it.

By the way INF Craig Counsell and Dave Weathers elected Free Agency today.  Here’s to hoping the Crew brings back Counsell as insurance to the youth and inexperience on the infield.

Good thing the Hot Stove is cookin’ the cold weather is coming!