Shaun Marcum Brewers Pitcher Looking For New Contract

Sunday wasn't only the day that the Brewers were eliminated from playoff contention, the day also marked the last time fans will see most likely pitcher Shaun Marcum on the mound for the team. The veteran pitcher will enter free agency once Milwaukee completes its final series of the year later this week, and the Brewers have already indicated their decision to not resign the thirty year-old. Marcum himself said earlier in the year that he would like to stay with the organization, but that it was up to Milwaukee.


At his age, Marcum enters the free-agency pool at a less-than-ideal time. Being both too young to retire, though too old to carry the leverage he once did at the bargaining table, the Missouri native and his agent may find it difficult to find a long term contract. With the Brewers this season, Marcum enjoyed an eight-million dollar contract, comparable to his compensation with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he played the majority of his major league career.
Beyond his age, Marcum is wading into one of the deepest agency-pools in baseball this time of year. Rookie and veteran pitchers are a dime-a-dozen in leagues across the country, and Marcum's past nine years in the league have not set him apart. Ending with fifty-five career wins and thirty-six losses, and a 3.78 ERA, the starter proved to be impressive throughout nearly 1000 innings, though his numbers won't standout on the scouting reports.

Marcum Battles Injuries During 2012 Season

Another thing working against the veteran is his tendency towards injuries. After a breakout 2007 season, Marcum had a mid-season breakdown in 2008, blowing numerous starts, and suffering an elbow injury that ended his season. He sat out the entire 2009 season due to the elbow, returning for the 2010 season opener, replacing Roy Halladay. However, the returning pitcher was unable to reach the same caliber of play that he was at pre-injury, resulting in his trade to the Brewers in December of that year. In Milwaukee, Marcum's physical ailments continued to haunt him, as arm trouble at the end of 2011 seriously impeded his performance. An off-season sore shoulder kept him from participating during most of 2012's spring training. And, the Brewers, weary of the pitcher, took notice.

Marcum started just twenty-one games in 2012, the second-lowest single-season starts of his career, and more than ten less than the amount he played in 2011. He managed just seven wins over the twenty-one games, though was only credited with four losses. His ERA also continued to climb, jumping to 3.70; yet another reason for potential buyers to be skeptical.

Brewers Take Serious Approach to the Pitching Situation

Milwaukee Brewers fans know that pitching and defense wins baseball games. It's nice to have hot bats, and the Brewers certainly have that already. When the pressure is on, you need pitchers that can shut down a team, or a bullpen that can keep the game close. The Brewers now have both.

Brewers Sign Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke

First, we see that the Brewers signed Shaun Marcum. That was a nice start as Marcum was happy to land in a city that was closer to his home town of Kansas City. He finished 2010 with a record of 9-7. From there, the rumors were that the Brewers would use prospects to fill the final starting rotation. To the surprise of everyone, Milwaukee signed Zack Greinke. Greinke was supposed to go to a big market, big city team. He might find Milwaukee to be a forgiving and baseball loving city. The night that Greinke signed the deal, Brewers tickets started selling at a brisk pace.

With two spots open in the bullpen, the Brewers signed Takashi Saito. Saito is one of the best set up men in the game, and he signed a one year deal. From here, one would expect that the Brewers will see which of their nine prospect pitchers will shine in spring, and win that final spot on the roster. Could this be the year that Milwaukee goes deeper into the playoffs? My fingers are crossed.