Assessing the Brewers’ trade of K-Rod

While it really came as no surprise that the Milwaukee Brewers’ trade of Francisco Rodriguez was imminent, it still shows us how good of a general manager Doug Melvin proves to be. Last season was when the Brewers traded for Jean Segura, that move has continued to work wonders.

Now we have to wait and see how this trade will affect the team in due time.

Francisco Rodriguez was lights out as a closer this season, which increased his trade value. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Right off the bat, we see that the Brewers were clear sellers for some pitchers and as of now, K-Rod might be the only one. Of course, trading Rodriguez really was bound to happen at some point with his success this season and the Brew Crew had a pretty nice hauling. In the trade, the Brewers received third baseman Nick Delmonico, who was ranked fifth out of the prospects in the Baltimore Orioles’ organization. Will this trade eventually become a steal like what happened last season with Segura? Only time will tell how Delmonico’s role plays out in Milwaukee.

Taking a look at Delmonico, he’s a 21 year-old left-handed batter who has a lot of time to grow. Last season, Delmonico began his professional career with Single-A Delmarva and hit .249/.351/.411 in 95 with 11 home runs, 54 RBIs, 49 runs and stole eight bases. This season, Delmonico finds himself now in the Brewers’ advanced Single-A affiliate the Brevard County Manatees.

Before being traded to Milwaukee, Delmonico had started the 2013 season with the Orioles’ advanced Single-A Frederick Keys where he hit .243/.350/.469 in 61 games with 13 home runs, 30 RBIs and scored 33 runs. From what can be gathered about the young prospect is he seems to have power, given his decent slugging percentages and can find ways to get on base, but struggles with contact. However, it was unsure days before the trade if the Orioles even wanted to part ways with him, but it seems Melvin may have worked his magic again.

Would the Brewers ever part ways with John Axford if the timing was right? Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As for the aftermath of the K-Rod trade, there now has been speculation on whether or not the Brewers will trade John Axford. After Rodriguez, it seemed that the majority of teams were interested in Axford, Mike Gonzalez and Jim Henderson, though the focus has really shifted to Axford. Since May 15, Axford has only allowed one earned run in 28 innings of work and has just been flat out impressive, looking like his old self. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed their interest in him, but it’s unknown if the team will trade the right-hander.

Beyond Axford, the Brewers’ trade value has really gone downhill. Starter Yovani Gallardo has not been doing as well as he had in late June, Gonzalez has had quite a few blow ups out of the bullpen, and Henderson really is the last late inning dominant force the team has. Lately, some teams have stepped forward, like the Atlanta Braves, and announced their interest in starter Kyle Lohse.

The Rodriguez trade may be the only move we’ll see the team make this year as it doesn’t look like they’re gearing up for another one. Even if the Brewers don’t make another trade, they received a piece they can work with in the coming years and hopefully focus on rebuilding.