Overbay Traded to Toronto!
Brewers Bolster Bullpen
Re-sign Kieschnick, Sign Ricky Bottalico
The trade-depleted bullpen received an upgrade today when the Brewers announced that they resigned Brooks Kieschnick for $550,000 and veteran Ricky Bottalico for $800,000. Both are one-year contracts with bonuses tied into Kieschnick's contract based on offensive and pitching performance.
Kieschnick has been a valuable players on both sides of the field in the past 2-years for the Brewers. In 32 games last year Brooks ate up 43 innings while posting a 3.77 ERA. He has become a valuable filler in the staff to save some tired arms as well as provide some pop from the plate. He has 38 hits and 8 home runs from the plate over the past two years and has endeared himself to fans by playing both ways.
Bottalico bounced back in 2004 but was still let go by the New York Mets. Opposing hitters has a .215 average against him while he posted a 3.38 ERA in 60 relief appearances last year.
A former all-star with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bottalico spent most of the 2003 season in Arizona where he appeared in just 2 games for the Diamondbacks that had him in their minor league system. In May of 2004 the Mets purchases his contract and he became one of their most dependable relievers.
Ricky is a journeyman and should fill in nicely as a set-up man or could take over the closer role if Mike Adams falters.