The Brewers and Mariners are reportedly discussing a deal that could send Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn, a Wisconsin native, to the Brewers, this according Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Haudricourt notes that even though Washburn is a free agent after the season because he's a Wisconsin native, he might be willing to stay another year.
Following a three game losing streak, and the placement of starter Erik Bedard on the DL, it almost makes sense for the Mariners to seriously consider dropping out. They're currently 7 ½ games behind the Angels for first place in the AL West, and all but out of contention for the AL Wild Card.
Furthermore, Haudricourt says that the Mariners are looking for a shortstop in return for Washburn, and what better place to look than Milwaukee.
The Brewers have two capable players to exchange for Washburn including current big league shortstop J.J. Hardy and prospect Alcides Escobar.
It's expected that the Mariners would demand Escobar in any deal, but because Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik was a former scouting director for the Brewers and drafted Hardy, he might be willing to take Hardy.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out for the Brewers. After being burned by CC Sabathia last year, the Brewers might be unsure about adding another starter who is due to be a free agent.
However, following recent moves by the Cardinals to acquire Mark DeRosa and Matt Holliday, the Crew might seriously have to consider taking a chance to compete with the Cards.