March 25
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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It appears the rumors are starting to spread that the Brewers have interest in trading for San Diego ace Jake Peavy, so I just gave general manager Doug Melvin a call to see what was what. Melvin assured me that those rumors are false, that he has not inquired with the Padres about Peavy. "We haven't talked to them," said Melvin. "There's nothing to it." Melvin has always been a straight shooter with me, particularly with trade rumors, so that's good enough for me. A couple of things to keep in mind. Peavy has some $60 million and four years remaining on his contract, and owner Mark Attanasio is on record as saying his budget already is stretched pretty thin. Also, Peavy has a no-trade ..."
January 8
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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A reliable source familiar with the negotiations just told me that the Brewers have reached agreement with closer Trevor Hoffman on a free agent deal. It should be announced very shortly. I don't know yet if they settled on the Brewers' initial offer of one year plus an option for 2010 or if they had to guarantee a second year to beat the Dodgers for Hoffman's services. And I don't have financial details yet but I'll get them to you ASAP. So, the Brewers have their closer. And he's baseball's all-time saves leader. He might be 41 but he still converted 30 of 34 saves last year and is the best ever in conversion rate (89%). I'll post more details as I get them. But the deal is done. Hoffman ..."