The Brew Haus - Jenkins' Option Declined, Cordero Files
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by Corey Kempf
It appears as if Geoff Jenkins will not be returning to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008. Jenkins' agent, Damon Lapa, said the Brewers gave the 33-year-old left fielder verbal notice that the team would not exercise his $9 million option for next season.
The Brewers instead will chose to pay Jenkins a $1 million buyout.
The news comes a day after closer Francisco Cordero officially filed for free agency, along with a short list of other players that included relievers Ray King and Scott Linebrink.
In all likelihood, the news of Jenkins' departure means the Brewers will be among the leaders in the pursuit of the several free agent outfielders on the market this winter and will likely mean Matt LaPorta will be invited to Spring Training.
The Brewers could be big players in this offseason's free agent market. Depending upon how much Cordero demands to remain in Milwaukee and how much they spend on arbitration deals, the Brewers could be looking at close to $15 million to work with, assuming they do not raise their payroll for 2008.
They also have several trade options, one being current center fielder Bill Hall, who has several teams interested in using him to fill infield holes.
Ideally, Hall could be baited for a left fielder to fill Jenkins' shoes, and the Brewers could sign Aaron Rowand. The problem is that Bill Hall's stock is not high after a disappointing 2007, but teams banking on a return to his 35 home run year of 2006 could still be willing to part with a big name to get him.
Pitchers Dave Bush and Claudio Vargas are also possible trade items, but the Brewers lack of pitching will likely keep them from trading either of them unless the perfect deal comes along.
The Brewers finished with their first winning record in 15 years in 2007 and are looking at this offseason to be the catalyst for their first playoff appearance in what will be 26 years in 2008. Don't count them out in any deal this winter.
