Some things to read while deciding where to put your finger.
It sounds like Lorenzo Cain had an interesting day yesterday. For a while in the morning it was rumored that the Brewers were interested in dealing Cain, but the team quickly clarified that stance: Cain (and nearly everyone else) could be available in the right deal, but the team isn't openly seeking opportunities to part with him (FanShot). Apparently Cain heard the rumor and called a team scout to find out what was going on.
Meanwhile, the Braves are one of the teams rumored to be interested in acquiring Cain, and Jerry Crasnick of ESPN is reporting that there's some tension between the two sides regarding his availability. Crasnick also heard that the Brewers could be holding Cain to use as part of a deal for Zack Greinke, but even he seems to doubt the truth in that.
If there really is friction between the Braves and Brewers it could make it hard for this deal to get done: After hearing the rumored asking price, Jack Moore wants the Crew to make a deal for Kenshin Kawakami.
Elsewhere in things that probably won't happen:
- Tom Haudricourt says he hasn't heard the Brewers mentioned as a candidate to sign Brandon Webb.
- The Twins and Nationals are being listed as the top candidates to sign Carl Pavano.
Today could be an interesting day for Rickie Weeks: Doug Melvin told Jeff Fletcher that signing Weeks to a long term deal is the team's goal, and Toby Harrmann of Brewerfan.net pointed out this comment suggesting that the two sides are working on a deal right now. It's an anonymous source so take it with a grain of salt, but I'm seeing it as a cause for cautious optimism.
I'm also optimistic about Shaun Marcum. Marcum told Adam McCalvy he was "blindsided" by Toronto's decision to trade him, but also said this about the possibility of signing an extension:
"My agent is down there right now and he asked me [on Sunday] if I would be open to it, and I told him yes," Marcum said. "I've been to Milwaukee's stadium and seen the guys they have and know the direction they're going. I know the kind of fan support they get. It's something I'm definitely interested in."
On the other end of the spectrum, now that Brett Lawrie's gone apparently it's ok to start airing our grievances against him. Miller Park Drunk has some Facebook photos that make a pretty strong suggestion that Lawrie is a tool. With that said, I'm not sure any of them are that much worse than Mat Gamel's profile pic.
MPD's post above, though, is only the second strangest thing I've seen said about the Lawrie/Marcum deal. The strangest thing came directly from Doug Melvin, who brought up Justin Bieber in response to a question. I still have no idea why. In a more logical quote, he called the Marcum trade "the first step" in his offseason plans.
I know some of you are worried that the Brewers didn't get enough for Lawrie, and here's some fuel for your fire: Adam McCalvy talked to some rival executives who didn't know Lawrie was available before he was traded.
In Prince Fielder news, Tom Haudricourt has found a way to create a percentage that's less than zero: He says Jayson Werth's new deal with the Nationals further decreases the possibility of the Brewers finding a way to sign Fielder to an extension. Jon Heyman is saying the Brewers are still likely to hold onto him, though. There was a rumor yesterday that the Brewers were working on a deal to send Fielder to the Dodgers, but that has since been shot down.
I've never really understood why managers are at the Winter Meetings: For the most part I'd guess they just wander around and have moments like this: Adam McCalvy noticed a conversation between Angels manager Mike Scioscia, Rays manager Joe Maddon, Padres manager Bud Black and Ron Roenicke yesterday.
Back at home, Caitlin Moyer has a pretty cool interview with Deron Anderson, the Brewers' Director of A/V Production. Anderson is working with the team that's installing the new video board.
Around baseball:
Diamondbacks: Signed closer J.J. Putz to a two year, $10 million deal with a club option for 2013 and infielder Melvin Mora to a one year, $2.4 million deal.
Orioles: Acquired third baseman Mark Reynolds from the Diamondbacks for pitchers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio.
Pirates: Signed pitchers Kevin Correia (two years, $8 million) and Scott Olsen (one year, $1 million).
Rays: Signed first baseman/DH Dan Johnson to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration.
Rockies: Signed infielder Ty Wigginton to a two year, $7.5 million deal.
Tigers: Signed catcher Omir Santos to a minor league deal.
In former Brewer news: Ted Simmons (#13) and Dave Parker (#28) made Baseball Past and Present's list of the 50 best baseball players not in the Hall of Fame. Willie Randolph, Sal Bando, Cecil Cooper, Marquis Grissom, Doug Jones, Harvey Kuenn and Jesse Orosco also received votes.
The Winter Meetings had a scary moment late last night, as Rockies manager Jim Tracy collapsed and was taken to the hospital. Tracy is reportedly resting and doctors have ruled out any potentially serious causes for the collapse.
This might be the earliest I've ever seen this: Pitchers and catchers haven't even reported to spring training yet and Chuck Armstrong of the Mariners is already telling reporters his team is going to lose money next season.
It's possible the A's will lose money next year too, but at least they're doing something creative: It's been 15 years since their last scheduled doubleheader, but they're bringing the practice back for next season.
While most of us are focused on the rumors and transactions coming from Lake Buena Vista, there's actually a lot more to the Winter Meetings than meets the eye. Benjamin Hill of MiLB.com has a look at some of the other events taking place this week.
The Rule 5 Draft is scheduled for Thursday morning. As part of his preview, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has a look at the players selected in the major league phase last season. If anyone on this season's list catches your eye, the Pirates are reportedly willing to trade the #1 pick.
This day in 1992 was the end of an era, as Paul Molitor signed with the Blue Jays. Molitor had spent the first 15 years of his Hall of Fame career as a Brewer, hitting .303/.367/.444, making five All Star appearances and winning two Silver Slugger Awards.
On this day in 2005, the Brewers traded Lyle Overbay and Ty Taubenheim to the Blue Jays for Dave Bush, Gabe Gross and Zach Jackson.
Happy birthday today to 1991-93 Brewer Jim Austin, who turns 47.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to change my shoes.
Drink up.