Melvin Stays Busy, Inks Hawkins

And here we thought the Brewers would be content with signing Randy Wolf today.

While Wolf is still the big news, he isn’t the only addition the team made today — the Brewers have also announced the signing of reliever LaTroy Hawkins to a 2-year, $7.5 million deal. Apparently, Hawkins chose the Brewers because they were one of the few (if not the only team) to offer him a second year. Hawkins turns 37 this month, but put together one of the better seasons of his career in 2009 for the Astros — he managed to post a 2.13 ERA in 63.1 innings, despite sporting a FIP of 3.97.

There’s a very good chance Hawkins’ 2009 season was a fluke — his LOB% was an astonishing 90.9% — but he should at least be a solid addition to the bullpen. Am I crazy about pouring so much money into the bullpen? Not really. But at the very worst, Hawkins will be making what Seth McClung probably would be in line for. Odds are that McClung will now be non-tendered.

So with arms being added to the rotation and bullpen today, what should Doug Melvin focus on now? Does he look to trade for another starter, or does he get into the bidding for the likes of Doug Davis or Jarrod Washburn? Does he possibly look for a bench bat? Of course, it all comes down to the real question — just how much money does he have left to spend? Judging from today’s actions, it may just be more than we were expecting.