Well, the stakes went up this afternoon.
Yovani Gallardo, the Brewers' standout 24-year-old right-hander, agreed to a five-year, $30.1 million contract extension that will keep him with the Brewers through 2014 with an option for 2015.
"I'm glad we got this worked out," Gallardo said at a press conference at Miller Park. "I enjoy playing here. It's a great feeling for me knowing I'm going to be here for the next five years."
Gallardo led the team with a 3.73 earned run average and 204 strikeouts last season, posting a 13-12 record in a career-best 30 starts.
"We've gotten criticism for not developing our own pitchers," general manager Doug Melvin said. "Well, here's one sitting up here that we're proud of. It's one hole we don't have to worry about for a few years."
After his contract was renewed during spring training, Gallardo was slated to make $450,000 this season. Under the new deal, that figure will rise to $500,000, with a $1.25 million signing bonus payable in three installments this year.
"It's rather unique in how the deal is structured," said Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash, who negotiated the deal with Gallardo's agents, Bobby Witt and Scott Pucino, who attended the press conference Thursday.
Gallardo will then make $3.25 million in 2011, $5.5 million in 2012, $7.75 million in 2013 and $11.25 million in 2014. The Brewers hold a $13 million option for 2015, with a $600,000 buyout, but Gallardo will be able to bypass that option if he earns enough points on a Cy Young ranking system prior to that year.
The Brewers' deal with Gallardo is similar to one lefty Jon Lester signed with Boston last season. Lester's deal was for five years and $30 million.
Ash said that the Brewers looked at that deal, and that subsequent pitchers will look at Gallardo's deal.
In 52 career starts, including an opening day loss to Colorado on Monday, Gallardo owns a 22-18 record and 3.58 ERA. One of the Brewers' best prospects in recent seasons, he made his major league debut on June 18, 2007, allowing three runs on four hits in just over six innings of a 5-4 victory over San Francisco.
"We as an organization consider him a top of the rotation guy," manager Ken Macha said. "The poise that he shows. He never gets flustered. He's always in control of his emotions. The rest of his teammates think when he's out there it's going to be a 'W.'"
Gallardo has had injury problems in the past, but not related to his arm. He suffered a torn meniscus in spring training, undergoing surgery and opening the season on the disabled list. He went on to make four starts before suffering another knee injury -- a torn right ACL -- making a play at first base during a May 1 game at Wrigley Field.
Brewers pitching coach Rick Peterson expects big things from Gallardo this season.
"(Looking at film) the way hitters reacted to his stuff was most impressive. We made a couple of minor adjustments in his mechanics and I think he's going to drive that walk total down. I think we're looking at a huge year. Those little adjustments go a long way. He's possessed to be the best. You're looking at a fierce competitor."
