The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired RHP Francisco Rodriguez in a trade with the New York Mets. The deal includes two players to me named later and cash considerations.
News of the trade broke literally minutes after Prince Fielder was named the 2011 All-Star Game MVP.
K-Rod will be expected to bolster a Brewers bullpen who have really struggled of late.
“Francisco has been one of the best relievers in the game for many years,” said Brewers GM Doug Melvin. “He is a high-quality arm who will be a tremendous asset to our bullpen as we prepare for the final months of the regular season and playoffs.”
In a closer role for the Mets, Rodriguez (2-2) had 23 saves and an ERA of 3.16 in 42 appearances. The right-hander also has recorded 46 strikeouts.
I wouldn’t expect Rodriguez to take over the duties of closer for the Brewers as John Axford has been a solid option in that role.
But, set-up man Kameron Loe has struggled a bit of late and has worked 44 innings already this season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rodriguez jump right into a set-up role with the Brewers.
Melvin and the Brewers are looking to invest in pitching in an attempt to make a serious push at the playoffs.
“We’re trying to get as many quality pitchers as we can for the last 2 ½ months of the season,” said Melvin. “We’re trying to get as much quality as we can.”
According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, the two Brewers players to be named will be minor league prospects and the cash considerations will deal with Rodriguez’s remaining 11.5 million for his salary in 2011.
What do you think of this shocking deal? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.