Some things to read while maintaining a singular focus.
Yesterday was a pretty big day for managerial news, so let's jump right into it:
- Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Brewers plan to interview about ten candidates, and Dodgers AAA manager Tim Wallach and former Indians manager Eric Wedge have already been in for interviews.
- Tom Haudricourt is reporting that former Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin is expected to interview next week. Jon Heyman says Melvin is still the favorite to get the job.
- Haudricourt also reports that they're believed to have interviewed Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke. Bill Plunkett of the OC Register says Roenicke has also received permission to interview with the Blue Jays.
- The Chicago Tribune (via Jordan Schelling) is reporting that the Brewers will interview White Sox bench coach Joey Cora.
- Tyler Kepner of the New York Times is reporting the Brewers are also interested in Bobby Valentine. Valentine has interviewed with the Mariners and Cubs this week and removed himself from consideration for the Marlins job.
- It's hard to tell at this point if the feeling is mutual, but Cecil Cooper has called to let the Brewers know he's interested in the job.
- Tom Haudricourt says Bob Brenly is not being considered.
Meanwhile, the Pirates' managerial search is going to have a strong Brewer flavor, as Dale Sveum interviewed for the job yesterday. They've also interviewed Ken Macha. Bucs Dugout has a review of Macha's candidacy that includes a few thoughts from me.
So, after getting a couple of months to evaluate Lorenzo Cain, what do you think? View From Bernie's Chalet has a look at the parallels between him and Carl Crawford.
In the minors:
- Toby Harrmann of Brewerfan.net notes that this might be the end of the road for Tim Dillard in the Brewer organization: Dillard will be eligible for minor league free agency since the Brewers haven't added him back to the 40-man roster.
- It was another rough day to be a Brewer pitcher in the Arizona Fall League, as Michael Fiers and Brandon Kintzler combined to allow six earned runs over 2.2 innings. You can read more about that in today's AFL Update.
- Baseball America unveiled their list of the top 20 prospects in the Pacific Coast League yesterday, and Mat Gamel (#12) is the lone Brewer.
Around baseball:
Cardinals: Claimed pitcher Bryan Augenstein off waivers from the Diamondbacks.
Tigers: Declined outfielder Magglio Ordonez's club option for 2011, making him a free agent.
If the Brewers do trade Prince Fielder this offseason they'll need to come up with a new plan for first base. I doubt they'll go this route, but it's worth noting that Lyle Overbay is expected to be available.
If the Brewers decide to move Casey McGehee to first base, they could follow Ryan Topp of Bernie's Crew's advice and bring in A's third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff.
Happy birthday today to:
- Seattle Pilot and 1970-71 Brewer Tommy Harper, who turns 70.
- 1953-57 Milwaukee Brave Dave Jolly, who would have turned 86.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm stuck on step two.
Drink up.