SUCCESS IS A RELIEF Axford, Loe, and Braddock highlight the Brewers bullpen by Brian Carriveau
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n May 15, 2010, the Brewers optioned outfielder Adam Stern to the Nashville Sounds and recalled relief pitcher John Axford. On May 23, they sent left-handed relief pitcher Mitch Stetter back down to the minors, and called up fellow lefty Zach Braddock. Then, on June 1, the Brewers made a series of moves. They optioned pitcher Marco Estrada to the Sounds, designated Stern for assignment, activated outfielder Jim Edmonds from the DL, and called up relief pitcher Kameron Loe. In a span of 17 days, Axford, Braddock, and Loe answered the major league call to fill the Brewers 25man roster and bring stability to the bullpen. All would go on to play pivotal roles—exceeding expectations— and provide a silver lining to an otherwise down 2010 season. The names they replaced on the team might have been Stern, Stetter, and Estrada, but it was a group of veteran relief pitchers that languished through a difficult year––due to either injuries or ineffectiveness––that opened the door for a trio of comparatively young relievers. If it wasn’t for the hardships of Trevor Hoffman, LaTroy Hawkins, and David Riske, the youngsters might still be toiling in the minors. Hoffman’s difficulties came as somewhat of a surprise. After recording 37 saves in a 2009 All-Star season and receiving an $8 million contract to return in 2010, Hoffman still seemed like he had a lot left in