The Brewers Will Have to Address Free Agent Issue for 2012

By Brewers Fanatic | Posted Tuesday, November 15

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin met with owner Mark Attanasio and manager Ron Roenicke in Los Angeles this week before heading back to Milwaukee for the league's general managers meeting. Because those talks between the general managers are designed to get some trade offers rolling, the meeting prior to that event must cover how the organization is going to look come April.

First on the agenda was a discussion about free agent Prince Fielder's chances of coming back to Milwaukee. It is rumored that Fielder (and his agent Scott Boras,) are looking for an eight year, $22 million dollar per-year deal. The team has committed to $60 million in salaries for 2012, and with a yearly budget of $80 million it would take a change of heart by Fielder and Boras to make this dream a reality. Melvin and his bunch haven't officially denied the possibility of a return of the first basemen. Following the Brewers final game of the post season, Attanasio did tell reporters that he would make an effort to see Fielder back in Milwaukee for 2012.

Brewers Free Agents that Might Stay in Milwaukee

Two other Brewers are now free agents and may (or may not) stay in Milwaukee. Veteran infielder Craig Counsell and outfielder Mark Kotsay both finished up their single-year contracts with the team in 2011. Counsell, batted .178 last season, and is a reasonable candidate for retirement, but sources indicate that he is hoping to continue his career in Milwaukee. Kotsay has also mentioned that he would like to be re-signed with the Brewers. Kotsay hit .270 in 104 games with 31 RBI’s.

It is most certain that shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt won't be playing in the infield again, considering that the final year on his contract was bought out by the Brewers at the beginning of the off-season. What isn't certain, however, is who will replace him.