Wednesday's Frosty Mug

Some things to read while trying to get rid of pesky lint.

So, once again, the Brewers are publicly saying they're likely done spending. This time, at least, there's an acknowledgment of the possibility of signing a pitcher if prices continue to drop. So that's something.

Meanwhile, in an alternate universe unbound by logic, Game Stooge reports the Brewers have signed CC Sabathia to a 7-year, $203 million dollar contract in multiple simulations with MLB Front Office Manager, which isn't drawing very good reviews.

Back in the real world, Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated has repeatedly linked the Brewers to Oliver Perez, but Doug Melvin has flat-out denied it. HRF Hyatt (sorry) also has this story covered in the FanPosts.

Despite what's been widely seen as a rough offseason (with 58% of voters expressing some or full disapproval in the poll on your right), Batter's Box Interactive ranks Doug Melvin as the sixth best GM in baseball. Perhaps they were impressed by some of the lesser known terms in Craig Counsell's contract. Or his manicure.

It sounds like Eduardo Morlan will not be kept on the Brewers' roster as a project: He'll either make the team on his own or be sent back to Tampa. Kary Booher of Baseball America has a scouting report on him from Puerto Rico.

I've probably asked for it in one form or another dozens of times, and now it's finally here: Minor League Splits now has defensive stats for all players, from 2005 to present. Here, for example, is Mat Gamel's page. (Also noted in FanShots)

On the hot stove:

D-Backs: Have reopened negotiations with Jon Garland. Garland previously rejected a two-year deal believed to be worth $13-14 million. (see update below)
Dodgers: Re-signed Tanyon Sturtze to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Pirates: Are reportedly close to a deal with Eric Hinske.
Rockies: Agreed to a four-year deal with SP Ubaldo Jimenez, buying out his first two seasons of arbitration. Two option years could raise the deal's value to $22 million.
Royals: Signed Oscar Villarreal to a minor league deal. He can request his release if not on the MLB roster by May 15.
Yankees: Designated SP Chase Wright for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for Andy Pettitte.

UPDATE: Garland has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks, with an option for 2010.

This isn't directly related to any team, but reportedly Bobby Abreu has lowered his demands, and is now looking for a contract similar to the 3 years, $30 million given to Milton Bradley. Good luck with that.

Finally, obviously pitching has a lot of repetitive motion, creating the risk for stress-based injuries, but are those risks exacerbated by the pitching mound? Brewer team physician William Raasch was involved in a study looking into it.

That's all for today. Drink up.