Tom Haudricourt

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

If some Brewers fans had their way, Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel both would be wearing Milwaukee uniforms today. After all, it’s not their money, right?

Of course, if those fans conducted their personal finances in such a manner, they’d be spending much of their time in bankruptcy court. Or, at the very least, putting their credit card debt into a new orbit.

The Brewers opened the season with a $122.5 million player payroll, which they calculate at a higher figure by including costs such as call-ups, incentive bonuses, etc. That didn’t leave a lot of wiggle room to add a contract of any note, much less both Kimbrel and/or Keuchel.

As principal owner Mark Attanasio put it before the season opener, his ownership group is “all-in” in terms of procuring players, with some spare change set aside for trade-deadline acquisitions if needed.

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Don’t forget that Kimbrel and Keuchel turned down $17.9 million qualifying offers from Boston and Houston, respectively, to become free agents. That means both figured to do much better on the market, which to this point hasn’t happened. If either was inclined to do a one-year deal and test free agency again next winter, he probably wouldn’t go much lower than that figure.

This is how Yasmani Grandal became the Brewers’ catcher. He turned down the $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers, didn’t find a multi-year offer to his liking and eventually took a one-year, $18.25 million deal from Milwaukee, with the willingness to go back on the market next winter if necessary.

But the Brewers don’t have another $18 million in this year’s budget to do a one-year deal with Kimbrel or Keuchel. They probably don't have even half that figure at the ready for an addition at this stage.

Kimbrel, obviously, would be a better fit for the Brewers after the news that Corey Knebel will have Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery and not pitch in 2019. As one of the most accomplished closers in the game today, Kimbrel reportedly was seeking a six-year, $100 million deal at the outset of the offseason, which would have been the biggest payday ever for a relief pitcher.

So, unless Kimbrel changes his mind and is willing to take something the Brewers can afford, which probably would have to be back-loaded in some way, this is the group they will take into battle. This, and the inevitable call-ups from the minor leagues.

At some point in the not-too-distant future, the Brewers expect to have reliever Jeremy Jeffress and starter Jimmy Nelson back, which should provide big boosts. In the meantime, the roster is certain to remain in flux, particularly on the pitching side.

“You know going in that your roster is going to evolve and change,” general manager David Stearns said Saturday night before the Brewers' game against St. Louis at Miller Park. “We’ve seen that over the past couple of years, and I expect we’ll see that again this year.

“How exactly that evolution is going to occur, we don’t know at this stage. We try to do our best to prepare for each and every scenario, and have backup plans. But, which of those backup plans we’re going to have to implement is anyone’s guess.”

You’re only allowed 25 players at a time, until September, but the Brewers look far beyond that number as they prepare to open a season. Last year, for example, only right-hander Marcos Diplan did not see action in the majors among those on the initial 40-man roster who stayed healthy for the entire season.

“I know we talk a lot about depth, so much so that sometimes there’s laughter, but it’s needed,” Stearns said. “This is such a challenging season to get through – 162 games in 180-plus days. It’s enormously taxing. We’ve already had some unforeseen things happen before getting out of spring training.

“We’ll stay prepared and adjust as we go through the season.”

Unfortunately, the spring casualties came in the same area of the club – the bullpen. Bobby Wahl, acquired from the New York Mets over the winter, figured to be in the mix at the back end but tore his right ACL throwing a pitch in an exhibition game, a freak injury if there ever was one.

Jeffress threw only three pitches in a game before being shut down with shoulder weakness. Shortly afterward, Knebel experienced discomfort in his elbow, which led to the announcement Friday that he will undergo Tommy John surgery.

So, it’s going to take some time to sort this relief thing out, but that’s usually the way it goes in any event. Don’t forget, Knebel missed six weeks at the outset of last season and the bullpen covered his absence. Getting a healthy, effective Jeffress back will be key.

In baseball, it's best to never say never. But, unless Kimbrel changes his negotiating stance, I wouldn't look for help there.