I'm throwing in the towel. I'm raising the white flag. I am giving up on the Milwaukee Brewers in 2012.
Playoffs are just not in the cards this year for the defending N.L. Central champs. One could argue that their season's demise began back in January, when the mighty Prince Fielder returned to where he spent his childhood days.
Others could contend that it started when general manager Doug Melvin failed to resign Jerry Hairston Jr., and let reliable relievers like LaTroy Hawkins and Takashi Saito depart. This has proved fatal to their bullpen. As of June 24, the Brewers' bullpen has an ERA of 4.56, which ranks 14th in the National League.
In all honesty, it's not imperative what began the Brewers downfall. What matters is the season that many fans were desperately looking forward to has become a bitter disappointment.
Milwaukee will be sellers at the trade deadline, a sure sign that the season is lost.
Because they acquired Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum during the 2010 offseason, Milwaukee's minor league system is unequivocally depleted. They will look to retool and rebuild for next season.
Here is the four players that the Milwaukee Brewers will trade before the deadline.
1. Zack Greinke
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Zack Greinke will be traded to a team on the brink of the postseason. The team will be in a "win now" mindset and will give up valuable prospects, as the Brewers did to acquire Greinke. Milwaukee will strengthen their farm system and most likely receive cash considerations.
But don't fret, Brewers fans. If the stars align correctly, Greinke will be a Milwaukee Brewers yet again in 2013.
Greinke is a free agent after the 2012 season, and the Brewers should do whatever they can to resign him.
Before the Brewers trade the former Cy Young winner, they should sit down with him and enlighten him with their plan. Greinke will jump at the idea because not only will the Brewers bring in more talent, he will be able to play for a team and an owner that he loves.
Doug Melvin has the chance to pull of an extremely rare feat. How many times has a player re-signed with the team who traded him the previous year? I bet not too many.
If the Crew play their cards right, Greinke will become a Brewer once again and finish his superb career at Miller Park.
2. Shaun Marcum
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Aside from Greinke, Shaun Marcum has been the most consistent starter for the Crew.
In 13 starts, the former Blue Jay has compiled a record of 5-3 with an ERA of 3.39. He will be highly targeted by teams ready to make a playoff push.
The Red Sox could be one of the teams that will show interest in Marcum. Their pitching has been less than stellar, posting a 4.33 ERA, which ranks 12th in the American League. Adding Marcum to their rotation could be the boost that is needed.
There is risk with Marcum, however. The Brewers just recently placed him on the 15-day disabled list in light of elbow soreness. This brings bad news for Milwaukee. It will make trading him more difficult and the return might be less than what they would like.
Marcum's situation could be problematic. In 2009, Marcum underwent Tommy John surgery. Since the operation, he has been dealing with elbow soreness every year. Last year was the first season where he didn't miss a start.
If Marcum bounces back nicely, numerous teams will be interested. Marcum is an extremely good three starter and can also fit in nicely as a two starter.
Milwaukee is hoping this injury isn't anything too serious. If it is, dealing Marcum will not be as simple.
K-Rod
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Francisco Rodriguez will be the first Brewer to be moved.
While they were pleased, Milwaukee was taken aback when K-Rod decided to accept the Brewers' $8 million arbitration offer.
K-Rod hasn't been himself this season. He's been getting into constant trouble and even deemed his performance as embarrassing. Still, teams will be interested in the hard-throwing veteran. He can bring stability to a struggling bullpen and be a bona fide closer.
The New York Mets have the worst bullpen in the major leagues. Wouldn't it be something if the Brewers traded K-Rod back to his former team? K-Rod is even open to returning to the Big Apple. It could happen.
The Mets are only 3.5 games out of first place in the N.L. East. Rodriguez has made it no secret that he wants to close again. Closing for a playoff contending team would be icing on the cake.
I doubt the Brewers will be overwhelmingly sad to see him go. He is costing them too much money to be a set up man, especially an under-performing one.
4. George Kottaras
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George Kottaras is just a waste of space for the Brewers right now.
 The backup catcher will soon be completely unneeded when Jonathon Lucroy returns from his D.L. stint. Martin Maldonado has been the starting catcher and should become the backup.
Milwaukee will desperately try to trade Kottaras, or they will inevitably designate him for assignment.
Kottaras could draw interest from team who are in need of a left-handed hitter. He could be valuable in pinch-hitting roles. He draws plenty of walks and hits for power. In his first nine at bats this season, Kottaras hit three home runs.
There is a slight chance that Milwaukee will choose to trade Maldonado instead. If that road is taken, the Crew will receive better prospects than they would for Kottaras.
I don't see that happening, however. Maldonado is a very reliable catcher. As a backup, he's already one of the best defensively.
Even though the return won't be great, Brewers fans can start waving good-bye to George Kottaras.
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