Some things to read while getting your needs met.
The team officially introduced Ron Roenicke as their new manager yesterday, signing him to a two year deal with a club option for 2013. There were a few interesting notes from the press conference, but here's the big one: Roenicke apparently plans to run. A lot. Adam McCalvy called this "the money quote" on Roenicke's aggressive plans, and I tend to agree with him:
"At times, you're going to say, 'Why are you running so much? Why are you getting thrown out trying to take extra bases?' It's going to happen, but that's the style I like to play. I've seen it win a lot of ballgames over the years. We're going to be aggressive from third base scoring, we're going to be aggressive from first to third and, at times, we're going to get thrown out. But over the course of the season, I guarantee we will score a lot more runs being aggressive."
Here are some other tidbits from the announcement:
- Tom Haudricourt noted that it makes sense for Roenicke to get a two year deal, as Doug Melvin only has two years left on his contract.
- Roenicke has also interviewed for jobs in Seattle, Cleveland and Toronto over the last two offseasons.
- Doug Melvin confirmed that Bobby Valentine, Bob Melvin, Joey Cora, Don Wakamatsu, Tim Wallach, Eric Wedge and Pat Listach were the other seven candidates considered.
- Howie Magner characterized Roenicke's first impression as "Engaging, thoughtful and aggressive."
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The Brewers Bar has more quotes from and reactions to the press conference.
- Roenicke will wear #10.
- Morineko noted that he looks a lot like Craig Counsell.
- TheJay remembers some similar thoughts from Davey Lopes' introductory press conference.
- Dale Sveum remains the only Brewer coach guaranteed a position on Roenicke's staff. Rick Peterson remains under contract for next season but could be reassigned.
Adam McCalvy says we could know the details of Rick Peterson's future sometime today. Anthony Witrado talked to Peterson, who said this:
"I had conversations with Doug and (assistant GM) Gord Ash immediately after the season and they expressed pleasure with the progress made, especially with the guys coming up from the minor leagues," Peterson said. "The feedback was very good.
"I signed a two-year contract. When you come in in that regard, you're not coming in to have a cup of coffee, especially when you bring in a vertical system. . . . That's an organizational commitment."
Meanwhile, Colin Fly of the AP got this quote from Roenicke about what he's looking for from his coaching staff:
"I'm a little strong-headed at times, people can convince me of things, but yes, I don't want a bunch of coaches that just say yes to me. If they're always saying just, 'yes, Ron, yes Ron,' they're not helping me out."
One has to wonder what's going through Bobby Valentine's mind over the last week or two. Valentine interviewed and was considered a candidate for openings in Seattle, Florida, Toronto and Milwaukee this offseason but Ian Casselberry of Big League Stew notes that he didn't get any of those jobs.
The Brewers have been relatively outspoken about their plan to avoid this offseason's free agent market and apparently Ben Reiter of Sports Illustrated believes it: The Brewers aren't listed as the likely destination for any of his top 50 free agents.
Here's today's Prince Fielder note: View From Bernie's Chalet reviewed Keith Law's chat from this week and noticed a potential fit for a Brewers-Giants deal involving Fielder, top prospect Brandon Belt and Jonathan Sanchez.
The Baseball Analysts has an interesting note this morning: They've broken down 2010 hitting by field and found that Rickie Weeks was baseball's sixth best hitter to center field this season, while Casey McGehee was the eighth best opposite field hitter.
In the minors: John Steinmiller is still in Arizona following the Surprise Rafters, and talked with Eric Farris about his recovery from injury, his time in the AFL and his plans to bulk up a bit this winter.
Around baseball:
Blue Jays: Acquired catcher Miguel Olivo from the Rockies for a PTBNL or cash, then declined his and reliever Kevin Gregg's options for 2011.
Dodgers: Re-signed first baseman/outfielder Jay Gibbons and announced that outfielder Scott Podsednik has declined his option for 2011 and is now a free agent.
Giants: Declined Edgar Renteria's option for 2011. He is now a free agent.
Mariners: First baseman Casey Kotchman rejected an outright assignment to the minors and is now a free agent.
Rangers: Signed manager Ron Washington to a two year contract extension.
Royals: Claimed infielder Joaquin Arias off waivers from the Mets.
Tigers: Pitcher Eddie Bonine rejected an outright assignment to the minors and is now a free agent.
The Olivo trade mentioned above was easily the day's most interesting transaction: As Jordan Bastian notes, by trading for Olivo and immediately declining his option the Jays put themselves in position to receive an extra compensation pick in the 2011 draft. The Jays have two Type A and three Type B free agents this offseason: If they get compensated for all of them they could end up with three first round picks and five sandwich round selections.
Today in former Brewer notes: Jaime Navarro will be the Mariners' bullpen coach next season.
Today in obscure roster rules: It looks like the cutoff for "Super 2" status this offseason will be two years and 122 days of service time. I did a quick check at Cot's Contracts this morning and I don't think any Brewers will be affected.
By now you've probably heard that legendary Tigers and Reds manager Sparky Anderson passed away this week. Beyond the Box Score has a graphical look at the best players Anderson ever managed.
I struck out on birthdays today, but it is the 13th anniversary of the Brewers' move to the National League. So there is that.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a less evil lunch.
Drink up.