Some things to read while changing the game.
It was a quiet holiday weekend, so we continue to look back at the Greinke trade: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe ranked the deal as the second best of the offseason, behind the deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. Pine Tar and Pocket Protectors says the Brewers have had baseball's second best winter, also behind the Red Sox.
In any other offseason he'd probably be the Brewers' biggest acquisition, but the Greinke trade has overshadowed Shaun Marcum a bit. Baseball In-Depth noted that Marcum was one of only eight pitchers with more than 3.75 walks per strikeout, a WHIP under 1.15 and 160+ innings pitched last season.
If I had to guess right now I'd say Mat Gamel is probably ticketed to open 2011 in AAA so he can play everyday, but it's certainly possible he'll make the team. Ray Guilfoyle of Minor League Ball wants to know if you think Gamel or Orioles prospect Josh Bell is more likely to reach his potential.
Even when there's nothing else going on, there's almost always a link about Yuniesky Betancourt: It took some searching (and maybe some crayons), but Dan Szymborski has found the only Royals fan who was sad to see Yuni go.
Now that Christmas is over, this is probably the last batch of holiday-themed posts:
- The Brewers Bar is still celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas.
- At The Platoon Advantage, The Common Man had strikeouts as the #1 entry on the Brewers' Christmas list.
- Bernie Brewer noted that Christmas and Opening Day are only 100 days apart.
It's been a while since we've talked about Ron Roenicke: MLB FanHouse notes that this was an exceptionally busy offseason for managerial change.
In the minors: Deep Leagues released a list of their 101st-250th ranked prospects in the minors and five Brewers (Scooter Gennett, Cody Scarpetta, Kentrail Davis, Wily Peralta and Kyle Heckathorn) were mentioned.
Nostalgia makes our brains do funny things sometimes: Faith and Fear in Flushing ranked the 34 ballparks they've visited, and put County Stadium (#13) ahead of Miller Park (#18). Anyone else feel that way?
Around baseball:
Blue Jays: Are expected to sign reliever Octavio Dotel to a one year, $3.2 million deal.
Padres: Signed outfielder Brad Hawpe to a one year deal.
Phillies: Re-signed reliever J.C. Romero to a one year deal.
Today in former Brewer news:
- Adam McCalvy talked to Trevor Hoffman, who still hasn't decided if he'll play next year but appears to be leaning against. MLB Trade Rumors wants to know what you think he'll do.
- Paul Molitor will speak at the Beloit Snappers' annual banquet on January 25.
- Jim Edmonds, Russell Branyan, Grant Balfour and Felipe Lopez all make appearances in Jayson Stark's list of 2010's strangest injuries.
- John Strubel has an interesting read on former Brewer Tim Leary, and his struggles while coming up as a phenom in the Mets organization. (h/t BBTF)
Via the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday to:
- 1996-2001 Brewer Jeff D'Amico, who turns 35 today.
- 1976 Brewer Ray Sadecki, who turned 70 on Sunday.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to settle an argument.
Drink up.