Bottalico DFA

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Retooling continues
Struggling Bottalico designated for assignment
By TOM HAUDRICOURT

Posted: July 27, 2005
The retooling of the Milwaukee Brewers' bullpen continued Wednesday when struggling Ricky Bottalico was replaced by another veteran right-hander, Rick Helling.

Unable to trade Bottalico after possible suitors backed off in recent weeks, the Brewers opted to designate him for assignment, giving them 10 days to find a taker or release him.

"It leaves the door open," said general manager Doug Melvin. "We'll go day by day. Teams can see where we're at.

"We talked to three or four clubs; we couldn't work anything out. He hasn't performed as well lately but he can bounce back and pitch better."

Signed as a free agent over the off-season, Bottalico, 35, was used regularly as a late-inning setup man by manager Ned Yost. He fell into a deep pitching slump this month, however, allowing 12 hits, four walks and nine runs in eight innings (10.13 ERA) over eight outings.

"He just hit a rough spot," said Yost, who stopped using Bottalico in close games. "He wasn't producing. It's always tough when you have to (cut a veteran). He gave it all he had when he was here and we appreciate that."

Bottalico has $280,000 remaining on his $800,000 contract, and the Brewers will be responsible for that if no team trades for him.

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Well teams looking for bullpen help can look this way. Bottalico is a decent pitcher who may just need some help. The right pitching coach should be able to get him back on track. May be worth a shot as he is not too expensive either.