Word from Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, is that the Milwaukee Brewers have begun scouting Indians starter Cliff Lee.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin was on hand last night in Toronto to watch Lee pitch against the Blue Jays. If he had any concerns about Lee they probably were washed out last night as Lee went the distance allowing one run while earning the victory.
The Indians are believed to be looking for major league ready talent in return for Lee, and the Brewers are certainly one of the teams capable of fulfilling that request. However, Melvin has said in the past he doesn't want to part with top prospects Mat Gamel or Alcides Escobar, but in order to get Lee it's likely he would have to include at least one of them in any deal.
Last year the Brewers traded prize prospect Matt LaPorta in order to obtain CC Sabathia for essentially what was a three-month rental. However, with Lee that won't be the case. Lee has a very affordable club option for $8 million next year, which likely would be picked up by any team trading for him.
The Brewers have been searching for a starting pitcher for some time, and originally all reports were they were hot-and-heavy for the Diamondbacks Doug Davis, but that appears to have cooled down.
Lee would be the perfect addition for a Brewers team that is dead set on making its second consecutive postseason appearance. He has pitched much better than his overall record would indicate. He is only 6-9 on the year, but his 3.14 ERA is a lot more indicative of his overall performance.
The Brewers are currently one game above .500 (48-47), but fortunately they only remain 2 ½ games behind the first place Cardinals. Additionally, the Brewers are 3 ½ games behind the Rockies for the NL Wild Card.