Brewers, Axford likely to settle for one-year deal

Talk about it

PHOENIX - The Milwaukee Brewers have been trying to reach a long-term deal with closer John Axford. But the deadline for renewing 2012 team contracts is tomorrow – so assistant general manager Gord Ash said the two sides might have to settle for a one-year package now, while talks continue for something longer.

The Brewers say they’re open to keeping those talks going, and so is Axford’s agent Dan Horwitz. Horwitz says the negotiations have not gotten serious yet, but he expects that to happen in March. Still, he says there’s no pressure to get something done.

Regardless of what happens, Axford will get a decent raise. He made $442,000 last year, and the Major League minimum has increased to $480,000 for this year. And the Brewers have a formula for going beyond that amount, based on previous performance. Axford tied for the National League saves title last season with 46 – and he won the fifth-and-deciding game of the Division Series against Arizona, giving Milwaukee its first playoff series win in 29 years.

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