TRADING THE FARM
The Brewers have been willing to trade their top minor leaguers for established pitchers in recent years. Three examples:
JULY 7, 2008
Acquired soon-to-be free agent CC Sabathia from Cleveland for Rob Bryson, Zach Jackson, Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley. Result: Sabathia went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA for Brewers before leaving for the Yankees via free agency. But Milwaukee claimed a wild-card playoff berth thanks largely to his work. LaPorta and Brantley are regulars for the first-place Indians.
DEC. 6, 2010
Acquired righthander Shaun Marcum, 34-21 the previous three seasons for Toronto, for former first-round pick Brett Lawrie. Result: Marcum is 7-2 with a 2.95 ERA this season. Lawrie, a third baseman, is considered one of the Blue Jays' top prospects, but he won't be able to play until August because he can't grip a bat.
DEC. 19, 2010
Acquired 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt from Kansas City for Jake Odorizzi, Lorenzio Cain, Alcides Escobar and Jeremy Jeffress. Result: Greinke is 7-2 with a 4.77 ERA in 10 starts after starting season on disabled list. Escobar is Kansas City's starting shortstop, and Jeffress, a former first-round pick, began the season in the Royals bullpen before being demoted.
