MILWAUKEE - With a month until spring training, the Brewers are minus a workhorse starting pitcher and their All-Star closer.
[b]Jan Vertonghen Belgium Jersey[/b] .Milwaukee seems committed to staying in-house and turning to young right-hander Jimmy Nelson to fill the spot in rotation that opened following the trade of Yovani Gallardo to the Texas Rangers.The bullpen, though, could still be a work in progress.Francisco Rodriguez, who had 44 saves in 49 opportunities in 2014 remains a free agent. For now, Jonathan Broxton would be the favourite to close if the Brewers dont make another move.We have an opportunity to add a reliever, general manager Doug Melvin said this week. Were having some conversations with a few people. Theres a chance of possibly adding a reliever.Maybe even Rodriguez.The right-hander known as K-Rod has spent all or parts of the last four seasons in Milwaukee. Last year, Rodriguez signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Brewers about 10 days before spring training began.Rodriguez didnt take over the closer role last year until the season opener. He got the job at the last minute when presumed stopper Jim Henderson struggled out of spring training.Rodriguez ended up having his best year out of the bullpen since saving 47 games in 2006.You think at the end of the year somebody would jump on him but hes still out there, manager Ron Roenicke said at the Brewers On Deck fan event. I know hes had some conversations, like he does with everybody.The Brewers had also spoken to the Phillies about potentially trading for closer Jonathan Papelbon, who signed a four-year, $50 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2012 season. The contract also includes an option for 2016.The team is keeping tabs on Papelbon, Rodriguez and other potential relief options, though no moves were imminent.On the current roster, Broxton has the most closing experience. He had seven saves last year with Cincinnati before going 0 for 2 in save opportunities following a trade in August to Milwaukee.Broxton has 118 career saves in a career spanning 10 seasons. Left-hander Will Smith and right-hander Jeremy Jeffress are hard throwers who could also be in line for saves.I think if we need them to close some games, they can. Weve got some arms good enough that, I think, were OK late in the game, Roenicke said.They appear comfortable, at least, with the rotation, even with the trade of Gallardo. The durable veteran who owns the Brewers franchise record of 1,226 strikeouts was dealt to Texas for right-hander Corey Knebel, infielder Luis Sardinas and a minor leaguer.Kyle Lohse, Matt Garza, Wily Peralta and Mike Fiers take up Milwaukees first four rotation spots. Nelson, a right-hander who went 2-9 in 2014 and struggled down the stretch during his most extensive season in the big leagues, will be counted on take a jump as a consistent fifth starter.He struggled with command last year. His stuff is awesome. He has great stuff; a power slider, a sinking fastball and now all he needs to do is be able to locate the strike zone, catcher Jonathan Lucroy said. If he can execute and locate for strikes, hes going to be just fine. Thats all we need from him right now.Gallardo was eligible to become a free agent after the 2015 season, though Melvin has said there was a need to also give Nelson a bigger role than just as a long man out of the bullpen or spot starter.When asked about a reliable third pitch, Nelson pointed to a changeup to go with his fastball and slider.The problem was I got away from my game plan when I got to the big leagues. ... I got away from the things I was doing in Triple-A to be successful, Nelson said. I have to get back to that and stick with what is working.Brewers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training in Arizona on Feb. 20.
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[b]Romelu Lukaku Belgium Jersey[/b] . -- The Minnesota Twins have granted relief pitcher Matt Guerrier his unconditional release, making the 35-year-old right-hander a free agent.SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings have signed first-round pick Nik Stauskas to his rookie contract. Kings general manager Pete DAlessandro made the announcement late Tuesday night. Sacramento selected the Etobicoke, Ont. native out of Michigan with the eighth overall pick in Junes draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 6-foot-6 Stauskas averaged 17.
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