Brewers reach agreement with utility infielder Willemse for '78 season
In the midst of another strong season as the primary backup infielder for the Brewers at three positions, and with his value perhaps even a bit higher given the loss of starting shortstop Rich White to a back injury for much of the rest of the 1977 season, the Brewers announced they had reached agreement with little Joe Willemse on a contract for next season, avoiding the need for an arbitration hearing at the end of this season.
Willemse will get a healthy raise from the league minimum ($26,720) to 60K next season. The smart and slick-fielding player with the knack for getting the big clutch hit is expected to earn every penny.