Jeff Chiu/AP
After displaying their resourceful supremacy over the Cubs for the last 6 1/2 seasons, the defending National League Central champion Brewers actually did their rivals a favor by not picking up the $5.5 million option on pitcher Colin Rea.
That enabled the Cubs to sign Rea for the same amount to help stabilize a rotation after ace left-hander Justin Steele suffered a season-ending injury
And not re-signing Rea, as well as not protecting Shane Smith - who has a 2.