MILWAUKEE -- The baseball world is about to find out whether Brewers manager Ron Roenicke's off-the-field hobbies include juggling.
Roenicke plans to sit down separately Thursday to discuss roles with incumbent Brewers closer John Axford and the newest member of the bullpen, Francisco Rodriguez. The Brewers acquired Rodriguez, nicknamed "K-Rod," in a late-night trade Tuesday that gives Roenicke two established closers -- three, if you count a healthy Takashi Saito.
In a telephone conversation Wednesday afternoon, Roenicke said he intends to use both Axford and Rodriguez in save situations and both in setup situations. The reason is twofold: Axford has been exceedingly successful since taking over Milwaukee's closer role last May, and Rodriguez becomes exceedingly expensive if he finishes 21 more games this season and kicks in a $17.5 million option for 2012. If he falls short of that total, the Brewers can buy out Rodriguez's option for $3.5 million.~MLB.com
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