Some things to read while putting your costume away.
There's not much new on the managerial search this morning, and it seems unlikely we'll hear any more before tomorrow's World Series off day, at the earliest. Mark Attanasio is saying no final decision has been reached, but both Ken Rosenthal and Bob Nightengale are reporting that Bobby Valentine is still the leading candidate. Jon Heyman says Joey Cora would be the team's second choice, and could become the guy if the Brewers decide not to shell out a big contract for Valentine.
As I mentioned above, it's possible this could all draw to a conclusion tomorrow: The World Series will be on a travel day (if it's not over), so the team would have a window to make an announcement if they're ready. Scott Segrin of In-Between Hops thinks a decision has been made and the team is just waiting.
Casey McGehee surprised many (if not most) of us with his 2010 season, where he showed very few signs of regression. Jason Hunt of FakeTeams thinks McGehee is for real, and says he "could very likely post a line of .280, 25 home runs, 100 runs batted in, and 75 runs scored" again in 2011.
Looking ahead, I think Mark Rogers has the potential to be one of the most interesting stories from Maryvale this March. I think this might be a little optimistic, though: Satchel Price of Beyond the Box Score says Rogers could potentially open the season in the Brewer rotation. I think it's possible Rogers could crack the rotation in July or so, but he'll likely open the season in Nashville where the team can better control his innings.
If the Brewers do in fact trade Prince Fielder this offseason, we'll be missing out on an opportunity to watch him climb this list: The Hall of Very Good ranked Prince and Cecil Fielder as the fourth best father-son combo in MLB history, behind the Bonds', Griffeys and Boones.
Speaking of somewhat obscure honors, Randy Wolf was recently inducted into the Pepperdine University Athletics Hall of Fame. Wolf is the 30th Wave to play in the majors and the third to pitch for the Brewers: Both Mike Fetters and Matt Wise were also alums.
In the minors:
- Call to the Pen has #40-31 in their rankings of the top 100 prospects in baseball, and Jake Odorizzi checks in at #37.
- Baseball America has a story on Logan Schafer, but it's subscriber-only.
Around baseball:
Athletics: Outfielder Gabe Gross and infielder Jeff Larish have rejected outright assignments to the minors and are now free agents.
Indians: Catcher Chris Gimenez and pitcher Anthony Reyes have rejected outright assignments to the minors and are now free agents.
This is a few years away from having any impact, but it could be interesting financially once it does: The Astros and Rockets have reached a deal to join forces on a new regional sports network. The new network will begin broadcasting Astros games in 2013.
Happy birthday over the weekend to:
- Huntsville Star Brae Wright, who turns 27 today.
- Milwaukee native Ken Keltner, who would have turned 94 Sunday. Keltner played 13 major league seasons (12 with the Indians) between 1937 and 1950, and was a seven time All Star.
- Manny Parra, who turned 28 Saturday.
- 2006-08 Brewer Laynce Nix, who turned 30 Saturday.
- 1994 Brewer Dave Valle, who turned 50 Saturday.
- 1953-62 Milwaukee Brave Joe Adcock, who would have turned 83 Saturday.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to deflate a giant cow.
Drink up.