The 3rd Man In

Time to unload Rodriguez

With the MLB Trade Deadline less than two weeks away, the Milwaukee Brewers have been dead silent on the trade market despite possessing the fourth worst record in baseball.

The Brewers have been out of the playoff race since the first few weeks of the season, but general manager Doug Melvin has yet to make a move.

With the deadline approaching, don’t be surprised if the Brewers only trade one or maybe two of their veteran pieces in order to acquire some prospects to begin the rebuilding process.

While they could easily deal Carlos Gomez, Aramis Ramirez, Mike Fiers, Adam Lind or Gerardo Parra, closer Francisco Rodriguez is the likeliest player to be dealt.

An All-Star selection this season, K-Rod ranks as one of the better closers in the National League, posting a 1.32 ERA while tallying 21 saves in 32 innings of work.

Despite being 33 years old and not possessing overpowering stuff, Rodriguez has put together a sold season. He has averaged over a strikeout per inning while also registering an impressive 0.82 WHIP.

Although his contract may cause some teams to shy away from him, contending teams are always searching for dependable late inning relievers and Rodriguez definitely fits the bill.

Rodriguez is owed at least $9.5 million after this season – $7.5 million in 2016 and a $2 million buyout on a $6 million club option in 2017.

It is hard to predict whom the Brewers will move before the deadline, but K-Rod seems like the obvious player that could be dealt. While teams will have to get past his contract, Rodriguez continues to perform at a high level and is capable of making an impact for a contending club.

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