Milwaukee Brewers: 3 Things the Brew Crew Will Do If out of Contention

The Milwaukee Brewers are currently 10-12, four games behind their hated rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Although they are only two games below .500, the Brewers have some major problems. If these issues are not resolved soon, the Crew will find themselves out of playoff contention as the trade deadline approaches.

If Milwaukee finds itself out of contention, they will be looking to make a few moves. They will attempt to free up some money to spend on free agents during the offseason. Significant changes could be made if the Brewers fail to reach their goal this season.

Here a three things the Milwaukee Brewers will do if they continue losing.

1. Trade K-Rod

The Brewers were surprised when Francisco Rodriguez elected to return to the team in the offseason. Milwaukee was happy because it solidified their bullpen, but they were also uneasy because it cost them a lot of money.

K-Rod will be the first to go if the Brewers fall out of the playoff race. General Manager Doug Melvin will eagerly look for trade partners, hoping he'll free up some money by letting Rodriguez go. Rodriguez is being paid $8 million in 2012. That's a lot of money for a setup man.

Although K-Rod (0-2, 6.10 ERA) has struggled to open the gate, a variety of teams will be interested in the hard-throwing reliever. Milwaukee will most likely trade him for a couple minor-league players and cash considerations.

If Francisco Rodriguez is traded, Milwaukee's bullpen will be significantly weaker. But who cares? They're already looking towards next season.

2. Call Up Wily Peralta

Wily Peralta will be the first new face that arrives in Milwaukee if the Brewers' playoff hopes are dashed. Peralta, who has a 3.68 ERA in Triple A this season, is the Brewers' top pitching prospect. He made his major league debut early in the year but was quickly sent down again. If Peralta is going to be in the rotation in 2013, the Brewers would be smart to give him some major league experience this year.

The 22-year-old would not only gain valuable experience by being called up, but it would also keep fans in Miller Park. In five games last year in Triple A, Peralta went 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA. In 31 innings, he struck out 40. Many are excited for Peralta's future and feel that he is full of promise.

There's no better time to give a prospect playing time in the majors when there is no pressure whatsoever. If the Brewers realize that the playoffs are out of reach and call up Peralta, he would be pitching with almost no pressure.

Plus, Peralta could make his case to be in the starting rotation in 2013.

3. Sign Zack Greinke to Extension

The Brewers may sign Zack Greinke to an extension even if they are in the playoff race, but the Brewers will be more desperate to sign an ace like Greinke if they falter.

Milwaukee should be willing to pay almost anything to bring back Greinke. If they fail to make the playoffs, they need think about what's best going forward. Having both Yovani Gallardo and Zack Greinke in their rotation is what's best.

Greinke has never lost at Miller Park. He's a perfect 13-0. The fans absolutely love him, and he's arguably the best pitcher on the Brewers. Milwaukee cannot afford to lose him. If Greinke demands Matt Cain type of money, they should give it to him. Pitching wins ball games. Without it, teams are nothing.

Greinke might even take a pay cut to remain in Milwaukee since he enjoys it there. But Greinke wants to play for a winning team, and if the Brewers don't make the playoffs this season, he might want to go somewhere else. That is why Milwaukee should do everything in its power to keep him.