Because there aren't nearly enough dreadful jokes around here, the Brewers claimed Grant Balfour off waivers from the Reds. He seems like a typical reclamation project--and indeed, if the Reds are cutting ties with a bullpen guy, there better be a big bounceback coming if he's going to turn into much. After all, we got Allan Simpson off waivers from the Reds this spring, and look how much he contributed.
Also, the Crew released Chris Mabeus, who I didn't think was on the 40-man, but apparently was. I'm sure Mabeus is a better pitcher than this excerpt makes him out to be:
Anyway, I'm sure this is just the beginning of the offseason bullpen churn: nobody goes through replacement-level arms like Doug Melvin. Let's just hope Mike Maddux does a little more with the dross next year.