At 39, Lackey has much more of a past than a future. While I admit that is not ideal, and not what the Milwaukee Brewers usually look for, it could be just what the doctor ordered from a free agent.
With Jimmy Nelson due to miss a portion of the season, a discounted veteran on a one year contract starts to make a little bit of sense. Lackey can fill in the middle or back end of the rotation and compete. He can still eat a lot of innings, and give his team a chance to win every time out.