Yesterday we learned of "serious talks" between the Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers over closer Jonathan Papelbon. For a while it sounded like the two teams just needed to work out Papelbon's option year money and a deal could be done. There is some doubt Saturday, however, that a deal could get done.
Tom Hardicourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports:
Things can always change with next phone call but it's my understanding there was no traction today with #Brewers trade talks for Papelbon.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) January 24, 2015
Hardicort is a prominent, trusted Brewers reporter.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin told MLB Network radio on Thursday that the team was looking for a lock-down closer as his missing piece. The Brewers used Frankie Rodriguez as closer in 2014 and he saved 44 games. Rodriguez is a free agent and the Brewers may not wish to pay his asking price. If the Brewers do not make a move, they would likely use Jonathan Broxton to close.
Listen to Melvin below:
