Some things to read while solving for Z.
It's projection season, and Tom Tango unveiled his Marcel projections for 2010 yesterday. I have the Brewer projections here. Follow the link to take a look for yourself, but the projections seem to look favorably upon Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart and Randy Wolf, and not so favorably on Gregg Zaun, Carlos Gomez and Manny Parra.
You know it's a slow news day when we're counting down to a meeting with a guy who has pitched six major league games since 2006. With that said, the Brewers are scheduled to meet with Mark Mulder and his agent on Thursday to see if they can work out a deal to bring Mulder to Maryvale on a minor league contract.
That might not be the only Brewer announcement this week: Tyler Barnes says the Brewers are getting ready to announce a new induction into the Brewer Walk of Fame.
In the minors:
- The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are looking for host families for players and game day staff for the 2010 season. Mrs. Snow and I are discussing the merits of becoming a host family: Anyone done it before and care to share their thoughts on the experience?
- Elsewhere in Timber Rattler news, the Salisbury (NC) Post has a story on the offseason and rehab of reliever Garrett Sherrill, who missed most of the season recovering from a partial tear of his UCL. (h/t Rattler Radio)
- The Nashville Sounds will have a new radio flagship and play-by-play announcer next season: click here to learn more about them.
- As of this writing, Jake Odorizzi leads Angel Salome by nine votes in the race for the seventh spot in our BCB Community Prospect Rankings. You have until 4 pm today to cast your vote.
I've been doing my best to keep you updated on the progress of Brewers in the winter leagues via our Winter League Updates, but if you've fallen behind, Baseball Brew has a quick overview.
Around baseball:
Braves: Designated outfielder Brandon Jones for assignment.
Indians: Signed Mark Grudzielanek to a minor league deal.
Pirates: Signed pitcher Brian Bass, catcher Luke Carlin and outfielder Bryan Myrow to minor league deals.
White Sox: Re-signed catcher Ramon Castro to a one year deal worth $1 million.
Meanwhile, the Marlins may be looking to make a sudden splash in the free agent pool: They announced a deal with MLB and the MLBPA to increase payroll. The Marlins aren't admitting any wrongdoing, but it's long been suspected that they were spending significantly less in payroll than they received via luxury tax and revenue sharing.
Elsewhere in free agency, we have new details on the deal Brett Myers signed with the Astros: It will pay him just $3.1 million for 2010, but includes a club option for 2011 at $8 million, with a $2 million buyout.
One former Brewer farmhand is keeping the dream alive in independent ball: Former third round pick Josh Wahpehpah has signed to pitch in the bullpen for the Kansas City T-Bones of the Northern League. He posted a 5.18 ERA in 66 innings for Huntsville in 2009.
On this day in 2005, the owners voted unanimously to approve Mark Attanasio's purchase of the team. Decades from now, I think we'll be looking back at that moment as one of the franchise's greatest turning points.
Four years later, on this day in 2009 the Brewers officially signed Trevor Hoffman. Hoffman's tenure in Milwaukee has raised questions about overspending on relief pitching and committing to 40-plus players, but Hoffman posted a 1.83 ERA and 37 saves last season, so it's hard to argue with his results.
Happy birthday today to:
- 1985-1988 Brewer Billy Jo Robidoux, who turns 46.
- Elmer Dessens, who appeared in 12 games for the 2007 Brewers and turns 39.
- 2005-2007 Brewer Jose Capellan, who turns 29.
- 2009 Huntsville Star and Nashville Sound Juan Sandoval, who also turns 29.
- 2009 Wisconsin Timber Rattler Nick Tyson, who turns 22.
That's all I've got for you today, unless you've always wanted to see Randy Wolf and LaTroy Hawkins in street clothes.
Drink up.