After last year’s disappointing finish, Doug Melvin’s plan was clear.. Milwaukee needed more pitching in order to compete in the NL Central. The Cardinals had a formidable rotation and the Reds were returning a strong club.
He first traded for Toronto Blue Jays ace Shaun Marcum. A proven innings eater, Marcum can keep hitters off balance and still pitch effectively with a fastball in the high 80’s.
Next came the trade for Zack Greinke. The Brewers gave up four top prospects for Greinke and Yuni Betancourt, but Melvin wanted to win now.
Last week, the Cardinals received the unfortunate news that Adam Wainwright had ruptured a tendon in his elbow and would need Tommy John surgery.
The Brewers received some bad news of their own when Jonathan Lucroy broke his pinky finger on his right hand.
Here are five moves the Brewers can make to win the National League Central.