Brewers’ bullpen stands improved – MLB News
The Milwaukee Brewers’ move on Friday, December 21, to sign left-handed pitcher Tom Gorzelanny is considered a significant one for the bullpen after a season wherein the club struggled massively due to erratic performance of the relievers.
The inconsistency and unpredictability that characterized the performance of bullpen was to be overcome by the Milwaukee Brewers. For that, the club started doing what they thought was appropriate and ultimately rewarding at the end.
From offering to contract extension to the relievers to non-tendering a few – including, of course, Manny Parra, the Brewers have been active on this front knowing the price of being inactive.
The offseason, therefore, has seen some activity as far as filling the roster is concerned. Interestingly, Gorzelanny has faced the Brewers quite many times in his MLB career.
In his 12 starts against the Brewers, he posted 5.08 against the Milwaukee Brewers; and 7.63 ERA in the seven appearances at Miller Park.
That might have been considered by the Milwaukee Brewers before this move. And unsurprisingly, it was. Nonetheless, the general manager Doug Melvin has a different take on it.
"He won't be facing Ryan Braun, Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks anymore," Doug Melvin said.
For Gorzelanny, another thing that went to his favour in this deal is geography. Growing up in Chicago’s South Side, now living in Iowa City, Milwaukee is supposedly an ideal place for him at this point in time.
Left-handed Gorzelanny agrees with that. "I was definitely looking forward to finding a team that was close to home," said the pitcher, who also plans to head home during the summer when off-days allow. "And I was also really happy with the [Brewers] and
their direction, and that they're a good team already. It was kind of an easy choice."
All said, the Brewers seem prepared for all sorts of challenges for the upcoming season. While offensively they are a solid side, the defensive preparations will help them reverse the tide.
After all, they were third this past season in the National League Central a year after when they had won the title after decades.
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