Friday's Frosty Mug

Some things to read while being honest.

Now that the Winter Meetings are over, we were left with a day for quiet contemplation while everyone flew home yesterday. Most of the thinking time was spent on Carl Pavano, and here are some of the results:

• As of this writing, only 17% of you think offering Pavano a three year deal is the right idea.
• The sentiment is pretty similar over at the JS, where 25% of voters are in favor of a third year.
• Jack Moore says Pavano is "the missing piece for this team."
• Keep Turning Up The Heat! says Pavano is the answer.
• Adam McCalvy notes that the two sides only met once in Orlando, not twice.

If Doug Melvin's quotes from yesterday are any indication, the next few weeks might be pretty quiet. Here's what he told Tom Haudricourt:

"I don't have anything going at this time," said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. "There's nothing active going on. There's not many pitchers available in trades without giving up a lot of younger players."

Jon Heyman, however, might disagree: He lists the Brewers as one of five teams that are "deep in the mix" for Zach Greinke.

The team is hoping to get decisions soon from a couple of their free agents: Tom Haudricourt is reporting that Craig Counsell is expected to tell the team yes or no in the next couple of days, but Chris Capuano is still shopping around.

Meanwhile, the team has discussed the possibility of negotiating an extension with Shaun Marcum, but talks haven't actually started yet.

It's time to discuss this week's winners and losers: MLB FanHouse lists the Brewers among the winners.

Here's a little more on Rule 5 pick Pat Egan:

• John Sickels of Minor League Ball called him a "typical middle reliever who gets grounders, could help pen."
• Call to the Pen says "Milwaukee worked some wonders with mammoth-sized groundballing castoff Kameron Loe this past year, and Egan resembles Loe in size, approach and disappointment."
• Tom Haudricourt notes that new Brewer pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who spent last season with the Orioles, is probably familiar with Egan.

I'm not sure many of us out there are still holding out hope for the Brewers to sign Prince Fielder to an extension, but if you are here's another reason not to be: Alex Remington of FanGraphs has a look at some previous $100+ million contract extensions, and many of them didn't turn out well.

In the minors: The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have relaunched "The Offseason," and I think Season Two's first episode is the best one they've done so far.

Around baseball:

Astros: Signed pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith to a one year deal.
Mariners: Signed catcher Miguel Olivo to a two year, $7 million deal.
Reds: Signed Jay Bruce for a six year, $51 million deal, avoiding arbitration.

The Winter Meetings aren't officially over until the first reported "done deal" isn't actually done: Apparently the Padres-Rays trade I reported yesterday involving Jason Bartlett is on hold at the moment. Dan Hayes of the North County Times is reporting that physicals are the only thing holding it back, though.

Here's today's former Brewer note: Jayson Stark reports the Red Sox have already heard from several teams regarding Mike Cameron, who projects to be a fourth outfielder now that Carl Crawford has signed.

On this day in 1987 the Brewers acquired first baseman Greg Brock from the Dodgers for pitchers Tim Leary and Tim Crews. Brock would go on to play the final five seasons of his career in Milwaukee, hitting .261/.348/.387.

Happy birthday today to:

• Helena Brewer Brandon Sizemore, who turns 24.
• Brevard County Manatee Brandon Ritchie, who also turns 24.
• 1991-94 Brewer Doug Henry, who turns 47.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to figure out where this scar came from.

Drink up.