Brewers Acquire Linebrink

The Brewers acquired relief pitcher Scott Linebrink from the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitching prospects, Will Inman, Steve Garrison, and Joe Thatcher. Linebrink is considered one of the top relief pitchers in the game. Through 44 games this season he has an ERA of 3.80 and a .240 opponents batting average.

Right now I'm not sure how much I like the trade. This does strengthen the bullpen and makes the crews pen arguable the best in the national league but it came at a pretty big cost. Will Inman was the Brewers top pitching prospect now that Yovani Gallardo is in the show. Joe Thatcher was a solid left-handed relief pitcher and Steve Garrison was no slouch either. Both Thatcher and Garrison were putting up solid numbers in the minor leagues but I don't think losing either of them is that big of a blow.

Trading Inman for a relief pitcher who will be a free agent at the end of this season is kind of puzzling though. I figured if Inman were to be traded it would be in a deal that would bring the Brewers a big time corner outfielder. We will just have to trust in Doug Melvin. He hasn't been ripped off in a trade yet since becoming the Brewers' general manager. Many complained when Melvin traded Dana Eveland but Eveland hasn't done anything this season to show that it was a mistake. Linebrink does make this team's bullpen very strong and this trade definitely shows the Brewers are in it to win it this year. If Linebrink walks at the end of the season the Brewers will receive draft picks as compensation since Linebrink will be a Type A free agent.

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