Milwaukee Brewers Trade Rumors

Brewers begin negotiations with Fielder
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March 5
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The process of making an offer for a long-term contract extension to first baseman Prince Fielder began Wednesday for the Milwaukee Brewers. Just don't ask club officials to admit it. Fielder confirmed Thursday that Brewers general manager Doug Melvin and assistant Gord Ash had met the previous day in Los Angeles with his agent, Scott Boras. Fielder said no initial contract offer was made, however. "I would know if they did that," Fielder said after coming out of the Brewers' exhibition opener against San Francisco at Scottsdale Stadium. "Scott would have told me. I didn't hear anything about that." Melvin and Ash were noticeably missing from the Brewers' training camp Wednesday, prompting ..."
Mulder opts to retire, ending comeback bid
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February 15
MLB.com
 
"Rather than try a Minor League comeback with the Brewers or another team, two-time All-Star left-hander Mark Mulder has decided to retire, according to his former pitching coach in Oakland. New Brewers pitching coach Rick Peterson received a text message on Monday morning confirming Mulder's decision. Peterson had been trying to convince Mulder to take a Minor League contract with the Brewers to continue his rehabilitation from a rotator cuff injury. "It doesn't surprise me," Peterson said. "He really had to think about whether he wanted to go through this." Lance Allan of Today's TMJ4 television in Milwaukee first reported Mulder's decision on Sunday night. Mulder's agent, Gregg ..."
Hart wins arbitration hearing over Brewers
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February 12
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Milwaukee Brewers rightfielder Corey Hart left his arbitration hearing Thursday morning in St. Petersburg, Fla., figuring he had lost. It wasn't that Hart thought his side presented less than a compelling case. He just wasn't sure the panel would rule for him after a down 2009 season. "When I got off the plane last night (back home in Arizona), I told my wife, 'I think we lost,' " said Hart. "Our side did a good job but you just don't think you're going to win. "It was good to get that phone call this morning." That phone call came from Hart's agent, Jeff Barry, informing him that the three-person panel ruled in his favor, awarding a $4.8 million salary instead of the club's offer of $4.15 ..."
Brewers sign Jim Edmonds
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January 28
Foxsports.com
 
"The Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday signed Jim Edmonds to a minor-league contract. Under terms of the deal, Edmonds can become a free agent on March 25 if he is not on the Brewers' major-league roster. If Edmonds is on the big-league roster, he will earn $825,000 in 2010, with the chance to earn between $2 million and $2.5 million based on performance incentives. Edmonds, 39, did not play in 2009 after having a strong second half of 2008 with the Cubs."
Oakland A's sign free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets
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January 26
Contra Costa Times
 
"The A's have agreed to terms with right-hander Ben Sheets on a one-year contract, with a press conference called for 1 p.m. today at the Oakland Coliseum to introduce the four-time All-Star. SI.com is reporting the deal is worth $10 million plus performance bonuses. That would be the largest one-year contract the A's have ever given a free agent they signed from outside their organization. That would also be a significant investment for a pitcher who missed all of last season because of elbow surgery, but the A's have been zeroed in on Sheets, 31, since he impressed scouts last week with a throwing session in Louisiana. Sheets reportedly hit the low-90's with his fastball and looked ..."
Rumor of Brewers' relocation 'ridiculous'
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January 24
MLB.com
 
"A report from an Orlando, Fla., television station that the Brewers could someday move to central Florida is "ridiculous," the team's chief spokesperson said Saturday. The story from WFTV said Armando Gutierrez, a Florida real-estate developer who is running for Congress, is assembling a group of investors to begin discussions about luring a Major League franchise to Orlando. Gutierrez did not specifically mention the Brewers as a target, but WFTV reporter Mark Boyle did, speculating that "one team that could possibly relocate is the Milwaukee Brewers." Brewers vice president of communications Tyler Barnes said that speculation is false. "The reporter or whoever else is putting that out ..."
Weeks, Gomez agree to deals with Crew
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January 19
MLB.com
 
"Minutes before teams swapped contract proposals with their arbitration-eligible players, the Brewers agreed to terms on one-year contracts for second baseman Rickie Weeks and center fielder Carlos Gomez, leaving only four eligible players unsigned. Terms of the new deals were not immediately available, but Weeks earned $2.45 million in 2009, when he spent most of the season on the disabled list following wrist surgery, and Gomez earned $437,500 with the Minnesota Twins. The Brewers acquired Gomez on Nov. 6 for shortstop J.J. Hardy and installed him as the starting center fielder. He was arbitration-eligible for the first time as a "Super 2" player after batting .229 last season with three ..."
Talks continue between Mark Mulder, Brewers
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January 16
MLB.com
 
"The Brewers will wait until next month to consider making a Minor League offer to rehabbing left-hander Mark Mulder, general manager Doug Melvin said Friday. Melvin and Brewers pitching coach Rick Peterson met with Mulder in Phoenix on Thursday night and there remains mutual interest in striking a Minor League deal at some point. But Mulder, who has been limited to six Major League appearances since 2006 because of shoulder injuries, is still too early in his throwing program for the Brewers to commit even to a Minors deal, Melvin said. "He continues to throw but he's doing long tossing and flat ground," Melvin said. "We just haven't had a chance to see him throw [off a mound]. As soon as ..."
M's-Brewers discussing deal for Morrow
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December 15
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mariners, who remain active on multiple fronts, are discussing a trade that would send right-hander Brandon Morrow to the Brewers, according to major-league sources. However, the deal appears unlikely due to the reluctance of Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik to move Morrow, one source said. It is known what the Mariners want in return for Morrow, whom the Brewers would add to a revamped rotation that has been bolstered by the addition of free-agent Randy Wolf."
Crew agrees to tentative deal with Counsell
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December 13
MLB.com
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Saturday that he'd reached a tentative agreement with infielder Craig Counsell on a 2010 return. Melvin told the newspaper that the contract will be finalized on Monday. That meshed with comments late last week from Counsell's agent, Barry Meister, who said that he expected to have an answer either way on Counsell by Monday. Meister had a number of in-person discussions with Melvin at last week's Winter Meetings and followed up with a series of telephone conversations on Friday."
Counsell wants to stay in Milwaukee
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December 13
Foxsports.com
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"Free-agent infielder Craig Counsell is leaning toward staying with the Brewers, according to a major-league source. The two sides are deep into negotiations, and Brewers officials are confident that they can re-sign Counsell, a Milwaukee native and resident."
Brewers sweeten Counsell offer
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"The Brewers upped their offer for free agent infielder Craig Counsell on Thursday morning and departed the Winter Meetings feeling good about Counsell's chances of returning to Milwaukee in 2010. "I'm confident we'll get it done," general manager Doug Melvin said. "Craig is a big part of our organization, a big part of our city. I'd like to have him back." Counsell, who grew up in Milwaukee and still lives there, turned 39 in August but enjoyed his best season since he helped the Arizona Diamondbacks win the 2001 World Series, batting .285 for the Brewers in 2009 with 34 extra-base hits, a .357 on-base percentage and a .408 slugging percentage. Counsell also went 5-for-16 as a ..."
Latroy Hawkins agrees to terms with Brewers
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December 9
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"On the heels of signing starting pitcher Randy Wolf, now comes word that the Brewers have agreed to terms with reliever LaTroy Hawkins on a two-year deal. Haven't seen the numbers yet but Hawkins made $3.5 million with Houston last season. In 65 games with the Astros last season, Hawkins, 37, was 1-4 with a 2.13 ERA and 11 saves. In 63 1/3 innings, he allowed 60 hits and only 16 walks with 45 strikeouts."
Brewers zeroing in on Hawkins
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December 9
MLB.com
 
"The Brewers are considering veteran reliever LaTroy Hawkins as an extra late-inning option, and according to one report are the front-runner for his services. USA Today's Bob Nightengale said via Twitter that the Brewers were "moving fast" on Hawkins and "could sign him [Wednesday]." Hawkins is in Indianapolis to meet with teams, including his former employer, the Astros. He will turn 37 on Dec. 21, but he is coming off his best season since he saved 25 games for the Cubs in 2004. In 65 appearances for Houston, Hawkins posted a 2.13 ERA and 11 saves as a fill-in for closer Jose Valverde. Astros GM Ed Wade said that Hawkins' agent, Larry Reynolds, would like a multiyear deal. Hawkins could ..."
Brewers reach agreement with Wolf
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December 9
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Milwaukee Brewers got their man. Once the Brewers decided they had no shot at signing the top pitcher on the free-agent market this winter, John Lackey, they pinpointed left-hander Randy Wolf as the pitcher who best fit their budget and need. And they went hard after him. That aggressive pursuit culminated Wednesday morning in a three-year deal with a club option for a fourth year that will pay the 33-year-old Wolf $29.75 million. The Brewers did not announce the agreement because Wolf has to pass a physical examination to make it official. The deal was consummated on the third day of baseball's winter meetings when general manager Doug Melvin finalized the details with Wolf's agent, ..."
Brewers meeting with Wolf's agent Wednesday
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December 9
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Brewers have scheduled a meeting with agent Arn Tellem today during which they should get a response to their offer for free-agent lefty Randy Wolf. As I reported late last night, the Brewers have offered three years and $27 million for Wolf, 33, who went 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA for the Dodgers last year. I have seen no reports of another club matching that bid, so the Brewers probably are confident that they will get Wolf. I've also been told that if the Brewers get Wolf, instead of immediately going after another starting pitcher, they'll try to sign an established late-inning reliever to provide set-up help for closer Trevor Hoffman along with Todd Coffey and Claudio Vargas, who is ..."
Crew eyeing pair of closers, Mulder
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Right-hander Kevin Gregg and left-hander Mike Gonzalez are among the relievers being at least internally discussed by the Brewers, who were also reportedly to meet Tuesday with representatives of free-agent starter Mark Mulder. Gregg or Gonzalez are among a number of names being debated by Brewers officials as they look to bolster a bullpen that will be without injured right-hander Mark DiFelice next season. The Brewers already have their closer in all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, who finalized a one-year deal in October to return for a second year in Milwaukee, and a reliable setup man in Todd Coffey, who posted a 2.90 ERA while leading the National League with 83 2/3 innings of ..."
Brewers mulling Mulder, plus relief
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December 8
MLB.com
 
"Two sources said that right-hander Kevin Gregg and left-hander Mike Gonzalez are among the relievers being at least internally discussed by the Brewers, who were also reportedly to meet Tuesday with representatives of free agent starter Mark Mulder. Gregg or Gonzalez are among a number of names being debated by Brewers officials as they look to bolster a bullpen that will be without injured right-hander Mark DiFelice next season. The Brewers already have their closer in all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, who finalized a one-year deal soon in the days following the regular season to return for a second year in Milwaukee, and a reliable right-handed setup man in Todd Coffey, who posted a ..."
Waiting on Wolf
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December 8
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"I just spoke with manager Ken Macha, who said the Brewers have no deal with free agent lefty Randy Wolf -- or any other pitcher, for that matter. The Brewers apparently are waiting while Wolf's agent, Arn Tellem, shops their offer around. It is my understanding that they offered Wolf three years and $31 million, which certainly would rank as top dollar for a pitcher of his stature. Tellem reportedly talked to the New York Mets today about Wolf but their beat writers don't think the Mets would go past two years. While waiting on that front, the Brewers are conducting other business. They are meeting today with Greg Clifton, agent for left-hander Mark Mulder, who has been sidelined for a ..."
Wolf still in play
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December 8
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Don't put Randy Wolf in the Brewers' starting rotation just yet. I just learned that the New York Mets are meeting with Wolf's agent this morning. So, if Wolf's reps are still talking to teams, the Brewers haven't locked him up yet. The reason many have assumed the Brewers will get Wolf is they apparently have made him the biggest offer thus far -- three years at close to $30 million. I saw that ESPN's Jayson Stark reported that the Brewers topped the three-year, $28 million deal the Braves recently gave Tim Hudson. But Wolf's reps apparently are shopping that offer around. Realizing that stuff happens, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has declined to even admit he is pursuing Wolf. So, ..."
Mets, Brewers trying to make trade work
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Talk of a John Maine-for-Corey Hart trade is legitimate, but a deal cannot happen unless the Mets first add another starting pitcher, creating the depth to move Maine. The discussions, first reported by the New York Post, are contingent on the Mets — and possibly the Brewers — making other moves, sources said. The Mets are shopping for an upper-level free-agent starter such as left-hander Randy Wolf or righty Joel Pineiro. They want to add a free-agent innings eater such as right-hander Jon Garland or Jason Marquis. They also are looking at possible trades. Wolf, major-league sources say, has received a three-year, $27 million offer from the Brewers. However, his agents are continuing to ..."
Catcher Kendall eyes Royals
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent catcher Jason Kendall is focusing on a possible contract with Kansas City. There is a gap in the financial discussions, but the Royals offer what Kendall wants most -- a chance to play every day. Kendall, 35, has appeared in at least 130 games in 13 of his 14 big-league seasons, including each of the last 10. He is a career .290 hitter, but the grind of a heavy catching load has begun to show."
Wolf pursuit heating up
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December 8
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"On Monday afternoon, Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin characterized his search for starting pitchers as "tough." By the end of the first day of the winter meetings, it appeared to be looking up. Word started to spread that the Brewers had emerged as the leader in their pursuit of free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf. They appeared willing to go the three years it would take to sign Wolf, 33, leaving only the financial details to be worked out. Melvin declined to name any pitcher he was trying to sign, noting that offers can be shopped to other teams. "It hurts us in negotiations (to reveal names)," said Melvin. But it was no secret that the Brewers had serious interest in Wolf, a ..."
Brewers making bid for lefty Wolf
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Brewers, in need of starting pitching, are making a strong push for free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf, according to major-league sources. "They've shown they're very interested," according to one source with knowledge of the discussions. Wolf, 33, went 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA for the Dodgers last season, pitching a career-high 214 1/3 innings. The Dodgers did not offer him salary arbitration, so any team that signs him will not forfeit a draft pick as compensation. The Brewers, who are looking for multiple starting pitchers to go with right-hander Yovani Gallardo, might be reluctant to give Wolf anything beyond a two-year deal. General manager Doug Melvin has indicated that he would not ..."
Sources: Tigers close to trading starter Jackson
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December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are close to trading right-hander Edwin Jackson, according to major-league sources. The identity of the team is not known, but both the Diamondbacks and Mariners are known to have interest. The discussions have been more serious with Arizona than Seattle, according to one source. The Angels, meanwhile, are still pursuing both Jackson and Detroit center fielder Curtis Granderson. The Brewers, Mets and Dodgers are not on Jackson, sources said."
Source: Brewers unlikely to lure Betancourt
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December 7
Foxsports.com
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"The Brewers have mild interest in reliever Rafael Betancourt, one major-league source said late Sunday, but their offer is unlikely to be big enough to persuade him to refuse salary arbitration with the Rockies. Our Tracy Ringolsby first reported Sunday that Betancourt is ready to accept Colorado's offer of arbitration."
Brewers GM ready for market to open
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December 2
MLB.com
 
"Last year, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin reported to the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas focused on one pitcher: CC Sabathia. He will travel to this year's gathering in Indianapolis with a much wider net. Melvin and his staff are still spending most of their energy looking for ways to improve a starting rotation that ranked worst in the National League in 2009 and cost the Brewers a shot at repeating as playoff participants. That remains Melvin's priority as the baseball world comes together in Indy. "Last year we were waiting for [Sabathia's] decision and couldn't do much else," Melvin said. "This year, we're still focusing on pitching. I've been a GM for 14 years, and it seems like ..."
Arbitration out this year
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December 2
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Nobody gets an offer this year. The Milwaukee Brewers decided Tuesday not to offer salary arbitration to any of their five Class B free agents - centerfielder Mike Cameron, catcher Jason Kendall, infielder Felipe Lopez, right-hander Braden Looper and reliever David Weathers. The team feared at least one of those free agents would accept arbitration and almost be guaranteed a pay raise from last season, which the Brewers are unwilling to give in an attempt to stash cash for pitching this off-season. The Brewers are still able to negotiate with any of those players, possibly at a lower price. However, the Brewers give up any supplemental draft picks they would have been awarded had they ..."
Sources: Several teams eyeing Mets OF
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of clubs have shown interest in Mets outfielder Angel Pagan, major league sources said Wednesday, but it doesn't appear that he's close to being dealt. The Royals have inquired about Pagan, 28, but one source insisted that the Mets don't have interest in Kansas City outfielder Jose Guillen. Pagan, who is arbitration-eligible, probably has greater value to teams searching for an everyday center fielder than he would in New York. He batted .306 in a career-high 88 games this year, but he wouldn't see as much playing time with the Mets in 2010 if Carlos Beltran stays healthy. Pagan should earn a reasonable salary next year, so the Mets aren't obligated to move him. Milwaukee is ..."
Brewers eyeing Pavano
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November 24
MLB.com
 
"Here's another name for the long list of pitchers drawing interest from the Brewers this winter: Carl Pavano. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirmed the Brewers' interest in the veteran right-hander on Monday after a chat with agent Tom O'Connell, who told the newspaper he has had informal chats with general manager Doug Melvin. "He's definitely on their radar," O'Connell said, according to the report. Melvin has said he's open to all options as he looks to bolster a pitching staff that struggled mightily in 2009. The Brewers have been linked in various reports to John Lackey, Randy Wolf, Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Jarrod Washburn and Mark Mulder, among others."
Mets eyeing Sheets
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November 23
New York Post
 
"Ben Sheets hasn't pitched in the majors in more than a year, but that will not keep the Mets from keeping an eye on the former All-Star right-hander this winter. The oft-injured Sheets, who last pitched with the Brewers in 2008, has been sidelined since February because of surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his forearm, but he expects to be healthy by spring training. A major-league source confirmed that Sheets, 31, would be among a group of second-tier, relatively low-cost starting pitchers the Mets will consider this offseason while continuing their pursuit of top free-agent starter John Lackey."
Brewers on lookout for starting pitching
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November 19
MLB.com
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's been working the phones all week to express interest in free agents, but baseball rules have prevented him from doing any negotiating. After 11 p.m. CT on Thursday, the shackles come off. That's when the exclusive negotiating window between teams and their own free agents is set to expire, meaning Melvin is free to make offers to any of the dozens of players who filed for free agency over the past two weeks. Likewise, the Brewers' nine free agents are free to look at hard offers from other teams. "I'll be touching base again with some agents," Melvin said. Since the Brewers are set at every position but catcher and already have closer Trevor ..."
Cain and Rivas added to 40-man roster; Kottaras claimed
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November 18
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Brewers added outfielder Lorenzo Cain and right-hander Amaury Rivas to the 40-man roster today to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft that will take place at the winter meetings in December. The roster now stands at 35 players. Cain was drafted out of high school in 2004 and Rivas was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005. Players signed at 18 years old or younger are protected for five years before a team must protect them or lose them in the Rule 5 Draft. Players older than that are protected for four seasons. Rivas, the organization's minor league pitcher of the year, went 13-7 with a 2.98 ERA in 133 innings with Class-A Brevard County. He also finished in the top five in ..."
No lack of interest in Angels pitcher
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November 15
MLB.com
 
"All eyes were on John Lackey as a 23-year-old rookie when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, and all eyes are on him seven years later now that he's finally a free agent. The big Angels right-hander is in the enviable position of being the top name in the pitching category of the Hot Stove season, and already the clubs are lining up to have a word with his agent, Steve Hilliard. As a busy Friday turned into a relatively quiet Saturday, Hilliard and Lackey could take a weekend to reflect on the interest that's already white-hot even before the Angels lose exclusive negotiating rights next Friday a minute after midnight. The Red Sox, Mets and Brewers have already had discussions with ..."
Source: Brewers wanted starter from Pirates
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November 15
Foxsports.com
 
"The Brewers did not want Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit for shortstop J.J. Hardy. They also did not want another player the Pirates suggested, right-handed reliever Matt Capps. No, the Brewers' preference from the Pirates, according to a major-league source, was one of two left-handed starters, Zach Duke or Paul Maholm. The Pirates said no, and the Brewers wound up trading Hardy to the Twins for center fielder Carlos Gomez. Both Duke and Maholm, like Hardy, are under club control for two more seasons. Maholm's contract also includes a club option for a third year. Doumit, 28, has caught 100 games in a season only once in his career; he also plays first base and right field. His contract ..."
Sheets' plan: 100 percent by spring
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November 13
ESPN.com
 
"Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin caught reporters slightly off-guard at the GM meetings in Chicago this week when he observed that "no one has heard from" former Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets. More than one media outlet took the comment as a sign that Sheets might be backing off an attempted comeback in 2010. According to Sheets' agent, that interpretation couldn't be further from the truth. Agent Casey Close said that Sheets is doing "very well" in his rehab from flexor tendon surgery and plans to be 100 percent by the start of spring training. Close also anticipates no shortage of interest from clubs in the coming weeks. "We have already heard from a number of teams inquiring ..."
Joining the arms race
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November 12
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"As badly as the Milwaukee Brewers could use a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, it's unlikely they will be able to get into serious bidding for right-hander John Lackey, the top starter on the free-agent market. "It depends what they're asking for," said the Brewers' Doug Melvin, who headed home Wednesday after the annual general managers meetings wrapped up at the O'Hare Hilton. "I don't know if it could fit or not. I might have to make some other moves to make it fit." Lackey, who went 11-8 with a 3.83 earned run average in 27 starts for the Los Angeles Angels, is expected to seek a contract similar to the five-year, $82.5 million deal the New York Yankees gave free-agent right-hander A.J. ..."
Source: Jays, M's discuss Overbay deal
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November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Jays and Mariners have discussed a trade that would send Lyle Overbay to Seattle, a major league source said today. The Mariners could also re-sign Russell Branyan to play first base. Overbay, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, would welcome a trade from Toronto, where his playing time declined this year. The Jays are discussing Overbay with multiple teams, the source said. They came close to a deal with Arizona in recent days."
Brewers GM: We're not listening to Fielder offers
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November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's made clear to other GMs that he's not listening to offers for first baseman Prince Fielder this offseason. Fielder is due to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Melvin said he'd like to pursue a long-term extension with Fielder before Opening Day. Fielder, though, is represented by agent Scott Boras. A hometown discount appears highly unlikely."
Kendall may not return to Brewers
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November 11
MLB.com
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin made more comments on Tuesday hinting that Jason Kendall won't be back with the Brewers in 2010. For the second time in five days, Melvin touted prospect Jonathan Lucroy as at least a part-time starter in Milwaukee next season, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "We paid $5 million for [the catching] position in the past. I don't know if we can do that again." Melvin was to meet Tuesday night with Kendall's agents to wrap up the brief General Managers Meetings in Chicago, according to the newspaper. Kendall signed with Milwaukee as a free agent prior to the 2008 season and earned $4.25 million that year while playing enough to trigger a $5 million ..."
Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez
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November 10
SI.com
 
"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."
Brewers unlikely to land Lackey
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November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"The Brewers badly need starting pitching. They bid $100 million for left-hander CC Sabathia last winter. But they do not expect to be a serious player for righty John Lackey, the top free agent available this offseason. Lackey, Brewers officials believe, would prefer to go to a larger market. The Brewers almost certainly would not make the best offer, and Lackey might only use their proposal to persuade other clubs to bid higher. The Brewers' most pressing decision involves whether to exercise the $6.5 million option on right-hander Braden Looper or pay him a $1 million buyout. They are likely to pursue mid-rotation starters such as left-handers Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
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November 9
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Brewers add Heether to 40-man roster
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November 9
MLB.com
 
"The Brewers added infielder Adam Heether to the 40-man roster on Monday while reinstating second baseman Rickie Weeks and right-handers Mark DiFelice and David Riske from the 60-day disabled list. Heether turns 28 in January and could be a right-handed utility option for the Brewers next season because he can play any infield position and also saw action in left field in 2009. He spent most of the year at Triple-A Nashville, batting .293 with 16 home runs, 59 RBIs and an outstanding .400 on-base percentage. He's currently playing for Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League. The Brewers selected Heether in the 11th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft and he would have been a Minor ..."
Trade of Fielder or Braun unlikely, Melvin says
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October 8
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Milwaukee Brewers are willing to do most anything this winter to improve their pitching staff. Anything except trade Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. Despite continuing speculation - mostly from national pundits - that the Brewers will have to trade one of their two sluggers to acquire a quality starting pitcher, general manager Doug Melvin made it clear Wednesday he isn't entertaining such thoughts. At his annual season-review news conference at Miller Park, Melvin said he might have to sacrifice some offense to improve his woeful starting pitching. Melvin then was asked if that meant sacrificing either Fielder or Braun. "That would be a tough one," said Melvin. "I didn't mean it that ..."
Hoffman to re-sign with Brewers
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October 5
ESPN.com
 
"Trevor Hoffman has agreed to another one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Hoffman, who turns 42 next week, had 37 saves and a 1.55 ERA with the Brewers this season, pushing his career saves total to 591, the major league record. Hoffman will earn $8 million next season, and Hoffman and the Brewers will share an option for another deal in the 2011. Doug Melvin, the Brewers' general manager, raved about Hoffman's work ethic and leadership this season, saying that he viewed Hoffman as the Cal Ripken of pitchers."
Brewers want new pitching coach quickly
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October 5
MLB.com
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin plans to move fast in his search for a new pitching coach. "I hope to do the pitching thing within 2-3 weeks," Melvin said Sunday, when he announced that interim pitching coach Chris Bosio and bullpen coach Stan Kyles had not been offered contracts for 2010. "I don't want this thing to drag out." Melvin did not attend the Brewers' season finale against the Cardinals because he had an afternoon flight for what he called an "assignment" that was in some sense related to the pitching search. "It's more important than anything at this point," Melvin said. Including Jeff Suppan's two-inning courtesy outing Sunday, which gave him 11 straight seasons with at ..."
Hoffman not far from deal with Brewers
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October 5
MLB.com
 
"Trevor Hoffman's season might have ended on a low note, but there were plenty of high ones in his first season with the Brewers. He said after Sunday's season finale that he's nearing a deal to return in 2010. "I think we're pretty close," Hoffman said. "I think we're getting something done." Hoffman suffered his fourth blown save after walking three batters in the ninth inning on Sunday, but the Brewers rallied in the 10th for a 9-7 win and Hoffman was the pitcher of record. He finished with a 3-2 record but more importantly had 37 saves and a 1.83 ERA, his best mark in 11 years. He signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the Brewers in January after 16 seasons with the Padres. ..."
Hoffman close to new deal with Brewers
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October 5
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Trevor Hoffman was unable to convert his final save opportunity of the year Sunday for the Brewers, but it looks as if he'll be getting plenty more chances in the future. After the Brewers topped St. Louis, 9-7, in 10 innings, Hoffman revealed he is in the final stages of negotiating a deal to return to the club in 2010. "I think we're pretty close," said Hoffman, who suffered only his fourth blown save of the season by allowing a run to the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth. "We're in discussions. The fact that we're discussing things is good." Assistant general manager Gord Ash confirmed that the club is in talks with Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman of the Beverly Hills Sports Council. ..."
Disappointing Brewers weighing changes, but Macha appears safe
Comment
September 23
SI.com
 
"Brewers general manager Doug Melvin is said to be seriously weighing important changes after the talented team's surprisingly mediocre performance this season (74-77 through Tuesday), a year after the Brew Crew's first playoff appearance since 1982. But people familiar with Melvin's current thinking believe that while the GM is likely to hire a third pitching coach since well-respected Mike Maddux departed for Texas a year ago and has all but decided not to give manager Ken Macha a contract extension, Melvin also appears likely not to make the biggest change. That is, Melvin is said by people in the know to be planning for a second year with tough taskmaster Macha at the helm -- a decision ..."