Some things to read while singing your favorite carol.
Zack Greinke is still our top story today: Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker looks at Greinke in comparison to some of the team's other recent front line starters.
Greinke is also the gift that keeps on giving at the box office: On top of 1500 new season tickets, The Biz of Baseball notes that the Brewers are getting increased interest in 2011 suites.
Greinke isn't the only Brewer pitcher to be excited about, though: Daniel Moroz of Beyond the Box Score considers the possibility of Yovani Gallardo as a break-out candidate.
For the first time since the trade, I don't have a single link about Yuniesky Betancourt. I do have one about Carlos Gomez, though: Vaughn's Valley has a look at the Brewers' situation in center field and decides there's not much to be done about it.
The bullpen situation will likely be one of the more interesting stories from Maryvale this spring. Tom Haudricourt says that five spots (John Axford, LaTroy Hawkins, Zack Braddock, Manny Parra and Kameron Loe) are likely locked up, but there are eight more pitchers competing for the final two.
With Hawkins coming off of offseason shoulder surgery, I'd say there are actually three spots available: If Hawkins is ineffective or slow returning this spring, he'd be a strong candidate to open the season on the DL. Even so, it'll be an interesting and likely wide-open competition.
It's been a while since we've had power rankings to discuss: Yahoo moved the Brewers up from 25th to 9th.
Around baseball:
Pirates: Signed infielder Garrett Atkins to a minor league deal, claimed pitcher Aaron Thompson off waivers from the Nationals and designated pitcher Wil Ledezma for assignment.
Rangers: Signed reliever Arthur Rhodes to a one year deal with a vesting option for 2012.
Rockies: Acquired pitcher Matt Lindstrom from the Astros for two minor league pitchers.
As you might imagine, most of the baseball sites out there are taking the holiday off. Craig Robinson of Flip Flop Fly Ball isn't, though, and he posted three great things yesterday:
- A graphical representation of CC Sabathia's weight loss.
- This look at how the postseason schedule has evolved over time.
- This chart showing the number of players employed by every major league team.
Happy birthday today to 2000-02 Brewer Jamey Wright, who turns 36.
Now, if you'll excuse me, it appears I'm doing this wrong.
Drink up.