Brewers in talks with Francisco Rodriguez

With trade talks for Jonathan Papelbon seeming to be "on life support", the Brewers appear to be turning elsewhere for late-inning relief help. As reported by Buster Olney of ESPN.com, Milwaukee is in talks with right-hander Francisco Rodriguez about a reunion.

Rodriguez, 33, has been a late-winter signing in each of the last two offseasons for the Brewers, and has notched 57 saves in his four seasons with the team. His market has been quiet so far this winter, though the Dodgers, Nationals, Blue Jays, Indians and Rockies have all been rumored as fits. If he returns to Milwaukee, he will likely take over once again as the team's full-time closer, behind relievers Jonathan Broxton, Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress in the team's bullpen.

The potential addition of a reliever was made possible by the Brewers' trade of Yovani Gallardo, in which they saved $9 million and acquired three prospects from the Rangers. Milwaukee has also been thought of as a potential destination for Rafael Soriano, who is also a free agent.

In thirteen major-league seasons, K-Rod has posted a lifetime 2.73 ERA while notching 348 saves for the Angels (2002-2008), Mets (2009-2011), Brewers (2011-2013, 2014) and Orioles (2013). He is a five-time All-Star who has finished within the top four in Cy Young voting on four occasions.