Worst ERA & Ticking Clock Force Brewers to Call Boras

 Randy Wolf and LaTroy Hawkins should walk into the Brewers ticket sales office when they arrive in Milwaukee and thank the ticket sales force by scheduling a meet and greet with the Milwaukee faithful.  Attendance at Milwaukee Brewers games was strong this year.  So much so they are writing checks for $37.25 million for two pitchers.

“I think 27 teams came here looking for pitching….., you got to do it.” Ken Macha, Brewers Manager said.  The Brewers tied the Orioles for worst ERA in the majors last season.

Wolf (11-7, 3.23ERA, 160K, 1.10WHIP) signed a three year deal for $29.75 million with an option for a fourth.  Wolf got his first multi-year contract since 2002.   If you’re a Pirate fan, you have to love that sentence.    Sorry, we don’t see this turning out as a deal for the Brewers at all.  Wolf is 33 years old.

Overpaid?  No question.  The Brewers had no choice.  The Brew Crew has two years to be aggressive with Prince Fielder under control and Doug Melvin (more below on him) may have overpaid, but he wants to get back to the postseason. 

Refreshing isn’t it?  Think Ryan Braun is happy tonight?

Durability concerns?   The Brewers will need to be cautious with Wolf and Hawkins, or these deals will be doomed.

A three year deal for Wolf is positive for the Pirates.  In three years, the Pirates will be in a much better should be in a much better position as an organization and to see Milwaukee strapped to this deal will warm our hearts.

Guess who Wolf”s agent was?  Scott Boras said,   “A year-and-a-half of health has brought him a three-year contract. I think that illustrates a very aggressive market for pitching,” said Boras.   What a freaking joke.

Wolf has held the Bucs to a .214 average.  In two September starts against the Bucs this season, he pitched well (13.1IP, 9H, 5ER) but didn’t factor in the decision of either game. (Both Dodger victories)  Ronny Cedeno has had four hits in six PA , Andy LaRoche and Steve Pearce each have went deep twice off the lefthander.  Here is the breakdown of Wolf v. Pirates 

Hawkins (19 Holds, 63.1IP,  1.20 WHIP) got $7.5 million over two years.  The deal is pending a physical.  Reports had it at $3 million with a $500K signing bonus, $4 million in 2011 with $275K in incentives.   Hawkins is 36 years old, a 14 year veteran who took advantage of  a strong season in 2009 for the Astros.

The Pirates have hit Hawkins to the tune of .304 BA in 23 appearances against him.    Ryan Doumit has three hits in five PA.  Here is the breakdown of Hawkins v. Pirates.

Please let Hawkins close a few games against the Pirates.  Please?

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If you missed MLB Network last night, you have to check out the recap of the appearance by Doug Melvin.  He said some interesting things especially in terms of Hawkins and the bullpen situation with Hoffman.  Brew Crew Ball does an excellent job in the recap.

BCB also thinks its not a wise move to protect Luis Cruz if it means not picking a player in the Rule 5 draft today.  Amen.  Amen.  Brewers expect to sit out Rule 5 today

Jonathan Mayo gives you a few more names for Rule 5 Picks today.

Posnanski is picking on the Royals looking at Jason Kendall with this tweet of the day.

Derek Lowe anyone?  The Braves no longer need a veteran bat, will accept prospects.  Yippee!  Have you seen this Bixler kid hit?

Craig Counsell to the Reds tweets Mark Sheldon.  Please get him out of the division!  More Reds news here on Counsell from MLB Trade Rumors.

[Reviewing the Brew]takes his look at the latest Brewer headlines.