Milwaukee Brewers Continue To Add Pitching, Sign Doug Davis

In 2009, the Milwaukee Brewers’ starters finished last in the National League in ERA (5.37) and last in innings pitched (891).

Determined to improve their starting rotation in 2010, the Brewers have aggressively pursued starting pitchers this offseason. Earlier in this offseason, the Brewers signed LHP Randy Wolf to a three-year contract, and today, they have signed another left-handed pitcher to bolster their staff.

According to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy , the Brewers have signed Doug Davis to a one-year, $5.25 million contract. There is also a $6.5 million mutual option for 2011.

Davis, 34, will be making his second stop in Milwaukee in his career. He pitched for the Brewers from 2003-2006, compiling a 37-36 record with a 3.92 ERA.

Last year, with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Davis was 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP in 203.1 IP (34 starts). While Davis’ WHIP was less than stellar, it’s the IP and starts the Brewers care about the most.

The Brewers desperately need their starters to eat innings in 2010, and Davis can certainly do that. Davis has made 30+ starts five out of the last six years and has pitched 200+ innings four out of those six years.

According to Fangraphs , Davis pitched like a $7.8 million pitcher last season, so at $5.25 million, this is a good deal for the Brewers.

With the additions of Wolf and Davis, along with staff ace Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers' pitching staff looks to be much improved in 2010. If the Brewers can get anything out of Dave Bush (kind of useless), Manny Parra (somewhat useless), or Jeff Suppan (completely useless), the Brewers will be back in the playoff hunt next season.

Davis will be entering his 12th season in the majors in 2010 and has a career record of 90-97 with a 4.31 ERA with the Texas Rangers, Diamondbacks, and Brewers.

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