Brewers release RHP Vargas

[brewcrew82]

In a somewhat surprising move and a definite commitment toward youth, the Brewers just released veteran right-hander Claudio Vargas.

The move paves the way for two young pitchers, Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva, to make the starting rotation, along with Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush.

"This will let us keep them both (Parra and Villanueva) for the time being, unless something changes," said Manager Ned Yost. "You don't back yourself into a corner.

"In our evaluations, (Vargas) was the seventh guy on our staff," said Yost, also including Yovani Gallardo, who is expected to join the rotation in mid-April after recovering from knee surgery.

"We feel, in all fairness to him, we didn't see him pitching in Triple-A. We feel like he's a big-league pitcher."

SNIP

Vargas, 29, spent most of the 2007 season in the Brewers' rotation, going 11-6 with a 5.09 ERA in 29 games (23 starts).

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[brewcrew82]

I must say I'm surprised to see the news about Vargas' release, though I have no doubt some other team will sign him before the season starts.

I wish him all the best, where ever he lands.

[neqquah]

I didn't like this move at first, but I somehow forgot about Yovanni Gallardo (i don't how lol). If they had've kept Vargas, they probably would've sent Villanueva to AAA and gave the 5th spot to Parra because he's now the only lefty they have since Cappy is probably done for the year. The opening day rotation would've been

Sheets
Suppan
Bush
Vargas
Parra

Somebody would've had to go when Gallardo comes back, and it most likely would've been Vargas.

I just wish they could've gotten something for him

[THE OX]

Damn shame that they had to let him go, but I hope he ends up in the AL where he won't have the opportunity to make the Brew Crew wish they hadn't let him go!