Brewers Rumors: Melvin, Looper

All but eliminated from the playoffs, the Brewers are focused on 2010.  A few notes about their future…

• Speculation about GM Doug Melvin being fired is "ridiculous," owner Mark Attanasio told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.  Attanasio added that he's not pressuring Melvin to make significant changes.  He'll also leave the decision on manager Ken Macha up to Melvin.
• Attanasio said trading Prince Fielder for pitching "seems like a cop-out."  He's right in saying it makes for "great Internet fodder and speculation."  Realistically, Fielder will not be on the market this winter.
• When Braden Looper made his 30th start on September 11th, his mutual option for next year increased to $6.5MM.  His 4.89 ERA matches his 4.87 xFIP, so there's no hidden story about Looper's performance.  Still, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy thinks the Brewers "will almost certainly exercise their half of the option."  Looper said returning to Milwaukee is his first choice, but notes that "the option gives me a little bit of leverage."
• My opinion: for a net of $5.5MM guaranteed, the Brewers should seek a pitcher with more upside than Looper.  Erik Bedard, Brett Myers, and even Brad Penny might fit the bill.  Looper didn't sign until mid-February this year, and the guarantee was only $4.75MM.  The Brewers can find another Looper if they need an innings-eater, so why not decline the option and see how the market plays out?