In Defense of Not Signing An Expensive Pitcher

[mrn1ceguy]

Once again, Haudricourt tweeted saying that Stearns says the reports of Brewers interest in the pitching market is exaggerated. I believe this to be posturing, but let's say its true and that the reports are exaggerated. I think there are going to be a lot of ticked off fans if the extent of their signings is Chacin, Gallardo, and Miley. Woodruff is still unproven and Guerra/Nelson are big question marks that may very well never regain what they had in the past. Brewers would be taking a big risk going into the season with a rotation of:

 

Anderson

Davies

Chacin

Woodruff/Suter/Guerra/Gallardo for the final two spots

 

As well as hoping for Nelson to regain his form. I think there has to be more moves...because if there is not, it could be a bit of a disaster...

 

I think the likelihood of Hader being given a shot in the rotation goes way up if we don't sign anyone else. Assuming has a good spring, we could possibly see:

 

Anderson

Davies

Chacin

Woodruff

Hader

 

And a bullpen of Knebel, Albers, Logan, Barnes, Suter, Jeffress, Guerra and Gallardo (with Williams/Houser as next in line)

 

Then midseason, one of Nelson, Burnes, Wilkerson would move to the rotation letting Hader finish in the bullpen (allowing him to pitch all year with his likely ~150IP limit. I probably leaning towards signing someone (Cobb/Arrieta) because a bullpen for Hader doesn't exist in FA at this moment but I wouldn't be oppose to running with the scenario above.