Monday's Frosty Mug

Some things to read while finding TruTV.

Another day, another set of injuries: Yuniesky Betancourt and Caleb Gindl left yesterday's game early. Betancourt was complaining of tightness in his right quad and Gindl twisted his knee crashing into an unlocked gate in foul territory. Gindl did say he felt much better after getting some ice on it. Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar says the team has enough injured players to cast its own remake of M*A*S*H. Miller Park Drunk has a guide to spring injuries.

At least we have some good news, though: Ryan Braun told reporters he's feeling better than ever and the intercostal strain that pulled him out of Saturday's game shouldn't be an issue. Adam McCalvy also has a medical roundup featuring good news for Jonathan Lucroy (ahead of schedule), Corey Hart (starting to resume baseball activities), Mat Gamel (could debut in games this week) and LaTroy Hawkins (expected to throw a simulated game this week).

The frustration over Zack Greinke's injury continues: MLB.com columnist Terence Moore compares it to some other notable non-baseball related injuries from years past.

The Brewers made their first cuts of the spring yesterday, sending pitchers Amaury Rivas, Dan Merklinger, Cody Scarpetta, Robert Hinton and Roque Mercedes and catcher Anderson De La Rosa to minor league camp. None of the cuts are really all that significant, although Rivas and Scarpetta had outside chances to open the season as the fifth starter.

As cuts continue, this list will likely become more important: MLB Trade Rumors shows the Brewers with eight players in camp who are out of options: Brandon Boggs, Luis Cruz, Sean Green, George Kottaras, Kameron Loe, Chris Narveson, Wil Nieves and Manny Parra.

Speaking of Cruz, Adam McCalvy is still picking him to win a roster spot over Erick Almonte.

Eric Farris remains in big league camp, but his future is still somewhat uncertain. He's playing some shortstop for the first time in camp, but Adam McCalvy says he doesn't think the Brewers plan to start him there in AAA. With Rickie Weeks under contract long term, Farris is unlikely to make the majors as a Brewer second baseman.

On the field yesterday Carlos Gomez was one of the offensive heroes yet again, hitting a two run home run. Through 33 spring training ABs, Gomez is hitting .364/.364/.727 with four doubles, a triple and two home runs. Tom Haudricourt says Gomez has been getting extra work in with Dale Sveum this spring.

Other notes from the field:

• Takashi Saito has had a long weekend. He left Brewer camp for a while to try to track down family members after Friday's earthquake in Japan, but everyone appears to be ok and he was able to start yesterday's game.
• Andrew Gruman of the JS has a profile of new Brewer pitching coach Rick Kranitz.
• By now, you've probably seen the handiwork of new Brewer bench coach Jerry Narron, who writes out the lineup card each day. Corie Stark of the JS talked to Narron about the practice.
• The Honky Tonk Man made his annual appearance in Brewer camp yesterday, and had some fun with Jadyn Fielder.

If you missed MLB Network's "30 Clubs in 30 Days" feature on the Brewers last night (like I did), Breaking Down The Brewers has a recap for you. I'm sure it'll also be replayed at some point.

Our own Hangwith'em Rach just got back from a trip down to Maryvale. You can read about Day 1 and Day 2 of her travels at those links.

In the minors: Prospect Madness continues at Bernie's Crew: Today's matchup features Cody Scarpetta and Cameron Garfield.

We're only a couple of weeks away from Opening Day, so it's time to start our Community Projections. Jordan jumpstarted the project this morning, and wants your opinion on Brewer first, second and third basemen.

Around baseball:

Blue Jays: Claimed pitcher Cesar Cabral off waivers from the Rays.
Diamondbacks: Pitcher Zach Duke will open the season on the DL with a broken hand.
Phillies: Released infielder/outfielder Robb Quinlan.
Reds: Signed catcher Ryan Hanigan to a three year, $4 million contract extension.
Rockies: Pitcher Aaron Cook will likely open the season on the DL after slamming his hand in a door, and the team has released catcher Chad Moeller.
Royals: Claimed pitcher Robert Fish off waivers from the Yankees.

Today in former Brewers:

• Brett Lawrie is having a great spring for the Blue Jays. The Mockingbird has a list of reasons for the team to call him up now.
• Minor League Ball has a career profile for Frank Catalanotto.
• Catalanotto is one of two players in major league history to make a pinch hitting appearance in each of his team's first eleven games. The other, John Vander Wal, is also a former Brewer.
• The B-Ref Blog also has a list of pitchers who compiled at least 1000 career innings with a 1.5+ WHIP. There are 51 pitchers on the list and seven of them (Jimmy Haynes, Jamey Wright, Jason Bere, Doug Davis, Randy Lerch, Scott Karl and Ron Villone) are former Brewers.

Larry Granillo of Baseball Prospectus' celebration of Pi Day didn't involve any former Brewers, but I wanted to link to it anyway.

On this day in 2003, the Hall of Fame announced that Bob Uecker would be inducted into its broadcasters' wing that summer.

With help from the B-Ref Play Index and Brewerfan.net, happy birthday to:

• Brevard County Manatee Mark Willinsky, who turns 24 today.
• Former Brewer hitting coach Butch Wynegar, who turns 55 today.
• AZL Brewers Dan Britt and Jason Rogers, who both turned 23 on Sunday.
• 2002 Brewer Jorge Fabregas, who turned 41 on Sunday.
• Non-roster invitee Eulogio De La Cruz, who turned 27 on Saturday.
• 1997 Brewer Greg Hansell, who turned 40 on Saturday.
• 1991-95 Brewer Mike Ignasiak, who turned 45 on Saturday.
• 1977 Brewer Jim Wynn, who turned 69 on Saturday.

A quick, non-baseball side note: Just like many of you, I spent a small chunk of this morning printing and filling out my NCAA tournament bracket. If you're still looking for one to print off, SBNation.com has you covered. I'll likely start a BCB picks contest later this week.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm getting my Magic Dragon degree.

Drink up.