Brewers could consider Kyle Lohse

The Milwaukee Brewers have been eerily quiet this winter, but that's not because team owner Mark Attanasio is opposed to spending money or giving up a selection in the 2013 draft.

In fact, Attanasio hinted that the Brewers could get in on the bidding for free-agent right-hander Kyle Lohse, as MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports:

"There’s always a chance," Attanasio said. "Again, it’s a function of size of contract, length of contract. Kyle had a phenomenal two seasons the last two seasons. We just have to see if that fits in our overall scheme."

Lohse is coming off a career year for the St. Louis Cardinals, during which he pitched 211 innings, posting a 2.86 ERA and a 3.55 FIP. The 34-year-old allowed just 8.2 hits per nine innings pitched, a career best; cut his walk totals for the second consecutive year, moving from 2.0 BB/9 in 2011 to 1.6 BB/9 in 2012; and struck out 6.1 batters per nine innings, his best mark since his 2006 season with the Cincinnati Reds.

Teams are wary of giving up a first-round draft pick for Lohse, who turned down a qualifying offer from the Cardinals earlier this winter. The northpaw has a history of forearm injuries, though he last recorded a stint on the disabled list for a forearm-related injury in 2010.

Clubs might also shy away from Lohse's services due to his age; he is no longer in his prime, and he will lose velocity on his pitches, including his bread-and-butter sinkerball. However, Milwaukee could be looking for some rotation stability and a workhorse to slot in as their number-three starter.