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Could Derrick Turnbow be on his way out of Milwaukee? According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, it could be happening soon. The paper speculates that the Brewers are considering all options, which could include a demotion to the minor leagues or an outright release.

The role of the relief pitcher has truly become a what have you done for me lately, position. A pitcher can have a great season in the closer role, then start off with a struggle, get dealt or moved out of his role, and the talent never returns. Turnbow in 2005, was lights out, a money closer, showing the talent that could possibly make him an elite closer. He saved 39 games with a 1.74 era that season. Then comes 2006, he did save 24, but all of a sudden he was hittable, well not much more then the previous season, but the catch is those guys found their way home leaving him with a 6.87 era.

Now, he’s the Milwaukee Brewers mop-up reliever. With the off-season acquisitions it was known he’d drop in the bullpen pecking order. Eric Gagne, David Riske and Salomon Torres have all closed, and also had success in the role but much more recently then Turnbow. In the 2007 season, Turnbow was setting up for Francisco Cordero and was actually pretty successful, save the era, 4.63. But to be demoted all the way to a mop up role?? Not even Kyle Farnsworth has been treated that badly yet. But then again, Farnsworth doesn’t have the 15.63 era like Turnbow does so far.

A couple weeks ago, Turnbow and his agent, met with manager Ned Yost and Brewers officials to make it known he wasn’t happy with his role on the team. “I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t bother me,” Turnbow said “It bothers me a lot.” He does take the move in stride thou, and did take blame based on his performance. “You’ve got to earn your right every day you’re here to be in that set-up role. I’ve got to go out there and prove I’m worthy of doing it.” At that point, Turnbow did say he was told by Yost and GM Bob Melvin that he was wanted by the team.

Then again, that was a couple weeks ago. May 1st is when a lot of teams do start to evaluate their players, as the sampling of games has an increased, and could be a better indicator of what type of season the player will have. While this, isn’t completely accurate, it does give a GM an idea of how all the parts will fit. “We’ll talk about the team. The month is over now. We’ll take a look and see. I know he has struggled,” said Melvin.

Turnbow is currently out of minor league options, which would mean he’d have to clear waivers before he can join the AAA boys. He also has a right to refuse a minor league assignment. His salary plays a major role thou in both scenarios. His salary is $3.2 million which would make it highly unlikely any team would claim him off waivers. With that salary, its also unlikely he refuses a minor league stint, if he did that he’d forfeit that money.

Another possibility, an outright release.