Some things to read while going commando.
What are your expectations for Zack Greinke this season? Jeffrey Gross of The Hardball Times considered the impact of Greinke's move to the National League and projects a pretty impressive line: 3.20 ERA, 8.92 strikeouts per nine, 2.53 BB/9, and a 1.235 WHIP.
Meanwhile, Royally Speaking takes a look back at Greinke's career in Kansas City and wonders if he'll eventually be a Royals Hall of Famer.
Acquiring Greinke was one of the reasons Jon Heyman is listing the Brewers as the offseason's biggest winner, ahead of the Red Sox, Phillies and Nationals.
R.J. Anderson of FanGraphs also looked at this winter's moves and is now listing the Brewers as one of six teams on the "legitimate contenders" tier.
Of course, all of this came with a cost: Jim Callis of Baseball America says the Brewers were baseball's 30th ranked organization even before making the Greinke trade.
With the Brewers likely done shopping, it's time to start considering the 2011 roster. Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker has a look at the 40 man roster and how this spring's position battles will likely shake out.
If you're one of many who think the Brewers could still use an upgrade in center field, here's an option to consider: Rowland's Office notes that Andruw Jones is still a free agent, likely available cheap, and hit .230/.341/.486 for the White Sox last season.
As noted at Brewerfan.net, the Toronto Sun's annual list of the 100 most important Canadians in baseball features three Brewers: Doug Melvin (#4), Gord Ash (#22) and scout Jay Lapp (#52). My first reaction was "only three?"
Ever wondered if one of your recipes could be served at Miller Park? The Brewers announced a contest yesterday allowing you to submit an idea for potential use next season. I've already started work on my recipe: I made three kinds of mac and cheese last night. If you're not sure what to make, Jaymes Langrehr of The Brewers Bar has some suggestions.
Again, no transactions today. I think it's possible we're the only ones who didn't take this week off.
It's relevant to nothing, but I spent a fair amount of time this morning reading this A's Nation post discussing the possibility that the A's and Rays could be contracted sometime in the next 15 years. It's an unlikely scenario, but it is feasible.
It's Hall of Fame season, if you hadn't noticed by the fact that it seems like everyone is obsessing over (more or less) the same debates they had last year at this time. I'm bored with it this year so I haven't spent much time on it, but this Jon Bois post from SBNation.com is one you should read.
As 2010 draws to a close, Marty Noble of MLB.com has a look at the various baseball people who passed away this year. It's sad but well worth reading.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- 2007 Brewer Grant Balfour, who turns 33.
- 2000 Brewer Santiago Perez, who turns 35.
- 1974-76 Brewer Tom Murphy, who turns 65.
- 1956-60 Milwaukee Brave Frank Torre, who turns 79.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I can't find my phone.
Drink up.