The Brewers won 90 games last year, and their offseason has revolved around one major loss (C.C. Sabathia) and one major gain (Trevor Hoffman).
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Brewers lost Sabathia to free agency and expect to lose RHP Ben Sheets in the same manner, so they are in search of starting pitching help prior to spring training. They've shown interest in a number of free agent pitchers, including RHP Braden Looper, but were not close to signing any as the Christmas holidays arrived. ARRIVALS: RHP Jorge Julio (free agent from Braves), LHP R.J. Swindle (free agent from Phillies), RHP Eduardo Morlan (Rule 5 selection from Rays), RHP Trevor Hoffman (free agent from Padres).
DEPARTURES: INF Joe Dillon (claimed off waivers by A's), RHP Salomon Torres (retired), 3B Russell Branyan (free agent, signed with Mariners), LHP CC Sabathia (free agent, signed with Yankees), RHP Derrick Turnbow (free agent, signed minor league deal with Rangers), OF Gabe Kapler (free agent, signed with Rays), RHP Guillermo Mota (free agent, signed with Dodgers).
FREE AGENTS: RHP Ben Sheets, 2B Ray Durham, RHP Eric Gagne, LHP Brian Shouse, INF Craig Counsell.
Sheets has been so injury-prone that he'll probably be allowed to leave. Counsell's contract option was declined by the Brewers.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 1B Prince Fielder, RF Corey Hart, 2B Rickie Weeks, RHP Seth McClung.
Fielder is due for a huge raise in his first year of arbitration after hitting 114 home runs with 312 RBIs in his first three seasons in the majors. His contract could jump to as much as $8 million. Hart also is in his first year of arbitration eligibility.
IN LIMBO: LHP Brian Shouse filed for free agency, and the Brewers were showing no signs of trying to keep him, primarily because the 40-year-old reliever was looking for a two-year deal and the club wasn't interested in going beyond one year.
MEDICAL WATCH:
2B Rickie Weeks (left knee surgery in September 2008) is expected to be full-go by spring training.
RHP David Riske (right elbow surgery in September 2008) should be completely healthy by spring training.
