What to do with John Axford and the Brewers?

He won the Rolaids Relief Man Award for the best reliever in the National League. He had one of the best years from a pitcher in Brewers history. He was given a nickname by fans, "The Ax-Man." Now, throw the accolades out, because that lights out closer, is a thing of the past.

Former Milwaukee Brewers closer had a record breaking dominant season in 2011. He sported a 2-2 record, had a 1.95 ERA, and went 46/48 in save opportunities while converting 49 straight straight saves all the way into 2012.

Now, just two years later, the Brewers are puzzled and are have no idea what to do with him. After a 2012 season where he posted an ERA of 4.67, saved 35 games, but blew nine and was rotated in and out of the closer's role, he has once struggled in 2013.

Having allowed just five home runs in his first 131 appearances of his career, Axford has allowed six in 15 games this year tallying 12 2/3 innings. He has gone 0/2 in save opportunities and has an ERA sitting just under 10. Yet Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, until about a week ago seemed completely content throwing him out in the eighth inning setting up new closer Jim Henderson.

Well, why? He was good in the past? Hardly logical reasoning for a guy who has cost the Brewers five games in just over a month. His fastball, although sitting at 96-97 MPH is straight. If he leaves it over the middle which he has done in numerous outings this season, it will get hit, and hit very hard. He has no command on his curveball and slider, pitches that worked for him when he was having success. When he cannot locate his curve and slider and falls behind, hitters sit on the fastball. All of a sudden that 96-97 looks about 89-90 or batting practice.

The Brewers 8th inning has been a merry go round all year. No reliever has stepped up and pitched well enough consistently to warrant a permanent set up role. Francisco Rodriguez is working his way back pitching in the minors. Maybe he can rediscover success? It is difficult to trust Tom Gorzelanny, Mike Gonzalez, Burke Badenhop, Brandon Kintzler, and Alfredo Figaro. Answer? Trade!

The offense is a non-issue. Carlos Gomez, Yuniesky Betancourt and Jean Segura have been pleasant suprises. Braun and Ramirez are a formidable 3-4 punch. Corey Hart comes back soon as well. The starting pitching will come around. Gallardo is not this bad, nor is top prospect Wily Peralta. Marco Estrada has been hit hard lately, but he will be better. Kyle Lohse is a good veteran leader, and Hiram Burgos has looked sharp in his four starts.

So, make a trade to patch up the bullpen. Maybe these 2013 Milwaukee Brewers could actually be a threat to the Reds and Cardinals. Very respectable relievers are available. Ask any World Series team how many 8th inning guys they had to go through in a season. Not many. Brewers could be just a pitcher (or two) away.