what can we expect from Dave Bush in 2009 and beyond?

[Yeti73]

I think he is a good #3. He has been pretty healthy and his delivery leads me to believe that he won't have the health issues that plague so many starters. I see him as a poor man's Maddux. Ignoring April and May he had a really solid year and gave us one heck of a ride during that no hit 'bid.' I think we extend him very soon.

[davego]

I'm still curious about how he might succeed in the closer's role...understood he has move value as a solid starter...still wonder if he could be an effective late-inning guy.

[joepepsi]

This is why I'd offer him to a 3 year/$15-16 million deal this winter. Or some such figure, maybe with a 4th year option for another $8-9 million.

IMO, that offer is too low. I think 4.5-5M is about right for '09 with any sort of success meaning conservatively 6-7M in '10. So, he'd give up a year of FA for about 4M? Taking into account contracts like Suppans and Silvas, I'd think 3yrs/$20M, perhaps with an option year at around 8M is probably more on target. Is he worth it?

I think he is. That's probably the upper range I'd be willing to go for right now.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

There's no reason to offer any kind of contract to Dave Bush. Ride him out for 2 more years of arby and then we'll go from there.

[Tbadder]

I'm still curious about how he might succeed in the closer's role...understood he has move value as a solid starter...still wonder if he could be an effective late-inning guy.

I don't know. I don't want my closer letting too many balls in play.

 

On another topic. Wouldn't Bush be the number 1 recipient of the Brewers improved defense considering how many balls he does allow in play? And wouldn't that make him more likely to repeat last year's fine season.

[Ennder]

I think Suppan was the #1 recipient of the Brewers improved defense since he puts a lot of balls in play and is a GB pitcher. Probably why is ERA was so good before he got hurt even though his K/9 and BB/9 weren't abnormal at all. Obviously the defense couldn't help with Suppan's 20 HR allowed in under 80 IP after the injury.