LINEBRINK TO SET UP OF FOR BREWERS
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired pitcher Scott Linebrink from the San Diego Padres for minor-league pitchers Will Inman, Steve Garrison and Joe Thatcher.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
While the Brewers' late-inning crew behind closer Francisco Cordero has been good, they've been lacking that real, time-tested, go-to guy in the eighth inning. Linebrink, though he's struggled over the past month, will fill that role for the rest of the season during their playoff run. It's surprising that they'd give up so much for a setup man, but it proves the breakthrough club is serious about contending.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres did a fantastic job here of bulking up their depth of young pitching, something they needed pretty desperately, in exchange for a guy who was just demoted from their primary setup role. All three of these pitchers ranked in the Brewers' Top 30 prospects entering the season by Baseball America. The right-handed Inman led that list at No. 3. He's an easy-throwing 20-year-old who won't overpower but has good command. However, he's still very young and somewhat unpolished down at Double-A, so he still has some growing to do before he can be considered for the Pads' rotation. Garrison is a southpaw pitching down in A-ball but doing well. Also 20 and not overpowering, he commands a deep arsenal of pitches but is a few years away. Finally, Thatcher is another southpaw, but could help the big club right away. The 25-year-old pitches somewhat side-armed and has been lights-out at Double- and Triple-A this year.
Fantasy impact
