The Philadelphia Phillies rebuilding plan continues to be problematic. After a recent announcement by general manager Ruben Amaro that start left-hander Cole Hamels is expected to be with the club come Spring Training, talks with the Brewers for closer Jonathan Papelbon are now "dormant."
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, player compensation has become a major holdup in negotiations. Papelbon is owed $13 million a season through 2016, and Philadelphia has said they're only willing to eat a large portion of that money if the Brewers part with a top farmhand.
Milwaukee has countered by offering up veteran reliever Jonathan Broxton as part of the deal in order to "balance the finances." The Phillies don't have much need for Broxton though, as they're not expected to contend anyway. They'd prefer younger players-even ones that aren't in the bullpen-that can be part of a core going forward.
The idea doesn't make much sense for the Brewers either. While Papelbon would be an upgrade over Broxton their bullpen depth would not be improved. Papelbon recorded 39 saves for the last-place Phillies in 2014, along with a 2.04 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, which was his best mark since 2007.
Acquiring him while keeping Broxton would give the Brewers two late-inning options with closing experience. Behind Broxton is Jim Henderson, who lost his closing job prior to Opening Day last season, and notched an ugly 7.15 ERA in just 11 innings of work last season.
Last year's closer, Francisco Rodriguez, remains a free agent. It's said Rodriguez is seeking a two-year deal, and despite recording 44 saves last year, the fifth-best total in baseball, the Brewers haven't warmed up to running him back in the same role.
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