Brandon McCarthy

[JohnBriggs12]

McCarthy refused an assignment and elected FA. His major league numbers (1.363 career WHIP, 4.56 career ERA in 2 hitters parks in AL), suggest that when healthy, at worst he could be a younger, cheaper version of Bush. Not suggesting he'd be a high priority, but the Brewers do have 2 rotation spots open, and if they can garner a number 2 somewhere to fill one, McCarthy might be an option for the 2nd, at least until Rogers, et al. take over.

[gregmag]

This is a really good thought, worth a detailed analysis. He appears to have been hurt over the past couple of seasons, and he's arby eligible, so he isn't without risk. His K rate went up last year, but it still isn't great, and the increase could have been a fluke. But maybe he's finally tapping into his potential, and your Bush comparison seems pretty solid on the low end (assuming McCarthy is healthy).

[dadofandrew]

Still young too. Half the teams in MLB will probably have some degree of interest. He might end up with a 2 year major league deal.

[JohnBriggs12]

Mlbtraderumors is referencing a JonPaul Morosi article that indicates Brewers are one of at least 6 teams heavily scouting McCarthy in the Dominican Winter league. McCarthy has "thrown the ball very well" in the DWL, posting a 2-0 record and 1.96 ERA in 4 starts.

[dadofandrew]

Tom H seems to think he'll get a minor league deal, I think he might get 2 guaranteed years. He'll probably just get one with a buyout.