Arbitration: Bush and Hardy

RHP Dave Bush and SS J.J. Hardy are the only players left for Milwaukee that are arbitration eligible. Bush asked for $3M, while the Brewers countered with $2.25M. Hardy, on the other hand, submitted a request for $3.05M, and Melvin countered with $2.4M. Both players must either negotiate a new contract, or they can go to arbitration to allow a third-party mediator to decide the outcome.

Tom Haudricourt reports that the Brewers and Dave Bush have had productive talks regarding a new contract. A contract will most likely be worked out soon, but Bush's agent was not quick to tip his hand. He says that they are simply talking right now, and nothing has been finalized.

J.J. Hardy's agent did not contact Tom with information regarding contract discussions, however. Many people are wondering whether or not the Brewers will negotiate a long-term deal with J.J., rather than sign him to another one-year deal. This stems from the Tulo's signing with the Colorado Rockies. With only 2 years of service, he got a lucrative multi-year deal. I don't expect Melvin to do that, however. Not with J.J., at least. I don't have palpable evidence for that assumption, but it is a gut-feeling that Melvin will not buy high on J.J. after last year. I doubt that he'll be hitting over 20 HRs this year again. If he does, great, but it seems unlikely after his previous years. After Hall's decline last year, I don't see Melvin giving another multi-year deal out so quickly.

On a side note, it sounds like Damien Miller is leaning towards retiring. He was hoping to return to Milwaukee, but the Brewers' roster is full. It sounds like Miller is only considering Milwaukee as a suitor, and if they do not knock on his door, he'll retire. Good luck to Damien. He's always been a great guy, and a fan favorite...not to mention a LaCrosse native!