Brewers Chances in 2009 Rely on 2008 Offseason
Analysis of 2008 Brewers Beyond CC Sabathia
Nov 25, 2008
Baseball talk during the offseason predominantly revolves around individuals, such as free agents like CC Sabathia and players on the trading block like Jake Peavy; however, the real decision makers focus on reviewing and analyzing their teams’ performance during the previous season before they even start thinking of players and contracts.
A critical look at the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching numbers during the 2008 season reveals precisely what General Manager Doug Melvin should be considering while he continues to build his playoff contender for the 2009 season.
In 2008, Milwaukee baseball fans responded to owner Mark Attanasio’s investment in the Brewers by coming out in franchise-record numbers to see the young and improved team make the playoffs for the first time since losing Game 7 of the 1982 World Series.
Although CC Sabathia undoubtedly carried the Brewers on his shoulders down the stretch, whether Milwaukee resigns him is only one of many issues facing the Brewers this offseason.
Brewers Bullpen
Melvin’s top priority during the 2008 offseason was relief pitching. He acquired Eric Gagne, David Riske, Guillermo Mota and Salomon Torres. Melvin’s $10 million investment in Gagne blew up (5.44 ERA), but his Torres signing turned out to be a rather effective fire extinguisher (28 Saves).
Overall, the Brewers had the fourth best bullpen ERA in the National League; however, they had the second worst ERA when games were close and late (26 Blown Saves). With that in mind, Melvin should look for one or two proven clutch relievers for the back end of the Milwaukee bullpen.
With Torres retiring, Melvin will certainly search for a closer, and the market for bullpen aces is very good this year. The Milwaukee GM might be shy to risk big bucks on a risky closer because of his mistake with Gagne last year, but he must pick up at least one clutch, shut down reliever if the Brewers are to improve heading into the 2009 season.
Despite a tremendous minor league system stuffed with a plethora of potential big league all-stars, the Brewers pitching prospect ranks are rather thin.
Brewers Starting Rotation
Doug Melvin knows that the Brewers starting rotation held their own before they signed CC Sabathia—their team ERA was better than the league average. And, despite losing Sabathia and longtime Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets, the Brewers will have the services of young stud Yovani Gallardo for a full season in 2009. Gallardo has looked brilliant in his limited time in the big leagues, and his return in 2009 will be as impactful as a major free agent acquisition.
That being said, Melvin also realizes that Milwaukee never would have made the playoffs without a dominant, experienced ace like CC Sabathia—their team ERA was best in the NL after the Sabathia acquisition. Melvin should look for one more legitimate number one or two starter to join Gallardo, Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush and company for the Brewers to compete in an extremely deep and talented NL Central in 2009.
