Some things to read while speeding up the process.
This could be interesting: Adam McCalvy talked to Ken Macha yesterday, and the Brewer manager told him he's considering batting the pitcher eighth this season, with either Alcides Escobar or Carlos Gomez in the ninth spot and Casey McGehee batting #2. I think that lineup looks pretty good, but it would be heavily reliant on Corey Hart's ability to protect Prince Fielder in the lineup.
Speaking of Hart, Miller Park Drunk thinks fans are being too hard on him over his recent arbitration victory.
While pitchers and catchers aren't required to report to spring training until Saturday, Rule 5 selection Chuck Lofgren is already there and took a moment to chat with Right Field Bleachers about his offseason, scouting reports and singing on stage with Garth Brooks.
Don Money's offseason wasn't quite as exciting, but his six questions with Brewers.com is still worth reading.
How close was Randy Wolf to not being a Brewer? Dodgers GM Ned Colletti thinks Wolf would have accepted arbitration if the team had offered it, which is why they didn't offer. Based on Wolf's disappointment regarding leaving LA, I'm inclined to agree.
The possibility of trading Prince Fielder became a hot topic once again in the comments of yesterday's Mug. If you still want to discuss it, Wezen-ball has a take you should read discussing the various types of Brewer fans and their reaction to a potential deal.
Jayson Stark of ESPN has his spring training preview up, and lists the Brewers as the NL's third most improved team. He also has notes on the Brewers' free agent spending, Jim Edmonds and Felipe Lopez.
In the minors: Minor League Baseball Prospects has their list of the top 40 Brewer prospects: They're very high on Kentrail Davis (third) and low on Zach Braddock (25th).
The Nationals have the only notes in today's transaction log:
Nationals: Won their arbitration case with Brian Bruney, who will earn $1.5 million in 2010, and signed Ron Villone to a minor league deal.
As pitchers and catchers begin to report, we're getting our first reported injuries:
- Giants infielder Travis Ishikawa has torn ligaments in his foot from slipping on a staircase several weeks ago.
- Kelvim Escobar, who has pitched five major league innings over the last two seasons, is complaining of a sore shoulder in Mets camp.
Elsewhere in spring training, Big League Stew has a collection of pictures that will make you feel warmer.
David Weathers is entering his 20th major league season and has pitched for nine major league teams, including appearing in over 100 games for four different teams. But did you know he's also the last active player from the 1992 World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays?
For the first time today, I'm comfortable calling the proposed Cactus League ticket surcharge idea "dead." Commissioner Bud Selig spoke out in opposition of the plan yesterday, and it's hard to believe any legislation to raise funds for a spring training park would go forward without his approval (FanShot).
Speaking of the Cubs, Wisconsin Sports Tap previewed them as part of their week long tour of the NL Central. There are a lot of reasons not to be optimistic about their chances.
Yesterday I posted a Create-Your-Own Spring Training story, but today I'm realizing I forgot one element: No boilerplate spring training story is complete without a mention of the author's favorite spring training restaurant. Over the coming month you'll hear dozens of testimonials from beat writers and reporters across Arizona and Florida, and Walkoff Walk has a way for you to cash in on them.
Happy birthday today to 2004-2006 Brewer Chad Moeller, who turns 35.
Don't forget to sign up to win one of ten WhatifSports Gift Certificates in yesterday's Brewer Advent Calendar.
That's all I have for you today, unless you wanted to read about the plight of college basketball officiating.
Drink up.