The Brewers avoided salary arbitration with their top returning setup man late Thursday, signing Wise to a two-year contract that buys out his first two seasons of arbitration eligibility. He will earn $700,000 in 2006 and $1 million in 2007.

Wise, 30, was 4-4 with a 3.36 ERA in 49 appearances last season as one of two primary setup men for closer Derrick Turnbow. A changeup specialist, Wise ranked second in the Majors with a .160 opponents' batting average.

"He's a hard worker and we feel that he can succeed in a number of roles for us -- whether that's as a setup guy or a sixth- or seventh-inning guy who can give you more than one inning," general manager Doug Melvin said. "He's flexible that way."