K-Rod gone, but Betancourt a question mark

The Brewers were expected to decline their half of a mutual $17.5 million option on the contract of reliever Francisco Rodriguez and did so. Instead, they paid a $4 million buyout -- although his former club, the New York Mets, accounted for most of that.

The club's decision to decline its option on shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt was not as clear-cut, however, mainly because the Brewers have no substitute at this point. But just because a $2 million buyout was paid Betancourt instead of the $6 million option doesn't mean he won't be back in 2012.

The Brewers will look around at the thin shortstop market and, if nothing develops, they are expected to make Betancourt a lower offer to return. Whether that works remains to be seen.

The erratic Betancourt hit .252 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI in 152 games this year. He committed 21 errors, one of the highest totals in the league.

Betancourt was one of the Brewers' most polarizing players, frustrating management as well as fans with his undisciplined approach at the plate and lack of range in the field. At the same time, he was one of the Brewers' best hitters in the postseason with a .310 average and six RBI.

Rodriguez was acquired in a trade with the Mets at the All-Star break, and the erstwhile closer was used exclusively in a setup role for incumbent closer John Axford. In 31 appearances, "K-Rod" went 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA.

But Rodriguez wants to be a closer again, so it was all but guaranteed that the option would not be exercised, allowing him to go on the free agent market to search for a new club. Realizing he wants a multi-year deal to be someone's closer, the Brewers might even offer Rodriguez arbitration to assure they would get draft-pick compensation when he signs with another club.

Whether Betancourt is back in a Brewers uniform remains to be seen.

Copyright (C) 2011 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.