Milwaukee Brewers Sign Doug Davis

The Milwaukee Brewers continued their offseason reformation of the 2009 pitching rotation by signing free agent pitcher Doug Davis Wednesday afternoon. The deal is pending a physical.

Davis signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for the 2011 season. He'll make a base salary of $4.25 million in 2010 and could earn up to $2 million more in incentives. Should the mutual option be picked up for 2011, the lefty will earn $6.25 million.

Davis went 9-14 in 2009 with a 4.12 ERA in 34 starts with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brewers' GM Doug Melvin tried twice last season to acquire Davis, once at the July 31 trade deadline and a second time in August when he attempted to claim him off waivers. Both times the Diamondbacks' asking price was too high for the soon-to-be free agent.

This will be Davis' second stint with the Brewers. He compiled a 37-36 record with a 3.92 ERA for the team between 2003-2006. After the 2006 season, he was traded to the Diamondbacks in exchange for catcher Johnny Estrada.

Davis battled cancer successfully during the 2008 season, missing less than two months of action. His toughness off the field translates into stubbornness on the mound; he refuses to give in to hitters. This results in a high number of walks and uncommonly long games.

Davis will likely become the team's number three starter, slotted behind fellow free agent signee Randy Wolf and young ace Yovani Gallardo.

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