Some things to read while being recognized for your accomplishments.
The paperwork has been filed and Takashi Saito is officially a Brewer: His one year deal guarantees him $1.75 million in 2011 (FanShot). I was a little iffy about this signing when it was announced but I'm sold now: The Brewers picked up a reliever that projects to be more effective than Todd Coffey for less than what it would have cost to keep Coffey around.
Yesterday I posted a note about the leadoff spot, so it makes sense that today I'd have a story on the #2 spot: Nicholas Zettel of Bernie's Crew makes the case that Prince Fielder should bat there.
It's possible we'll learn a fair amount about the Brewers' status as a contender before the All Star Break: Team Wisconsin has a look at a tough June schedule that includes series against the Reds, Marlins, Mets, Cardinals, Red Sox, Rays, Twins and Yankees.
In the minors:
- The Brewers announced 2011 coaching staffs for three minor league affiliates yesterday: Former Wisconsin manager Jeff Isom is the new skipper in Brevard County, and former Brewer Matt Erickson will take his place with the Timber Rattlers. Helena's staff is returning intact. 2010 Manatees manager Bob Miscik has been reassigned within the organization. (FanShot)
- John Sickels of Minor League Ball has a preliminary, unranked list of the Brewers' top 31 prospects. He'll unveil the ranked list sometime in the next few days.
- Jim Callis of Baseball America answered a reader question about how Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress slot into the Royals organization.
- Voting is open for prospect #3 in our community prospect rankings. Please vote, if you haven't already.
A day later, a fair portion of the internet is still abuzz about the Brewers' new season ticket promotion, where 40 prizes will be given away over 40 days to fans who purchase ticket packages for 20 games or more. Adam McCalvy has the full list of giveaways, and Wezen-ball has a great reaction to it. Meanwhile, Dave Brown of Yahoo has ten more ideas to add.
Looking for something to do once you're done with today's Mug? Brian Anderson is chatting with fans at Brewers.com at 11.
Around baseball:
Blue Jays: Claimed pitcher Wil Ledezma off waivers from the Pirates.
Indians: Signed reliever Doug Mathis to a minor league deal.
Orioles: Signed infielder Cesar Izturis to a one year, $1.5 million deal.
Padres: Released pitcher Radhames Liz.
Rays: Signed first baseman Chris Carter to a minor league deal.
Red Sox: Claimed catcher Max Ramirez off waivers from the Rangers and signed pitcher Tony Pena Jr. to a minor league deal.
Rockies: Signed Hernan Iribarren to a minor league deal.
Yankees: Claimed pitcher Brian Schlitter off waivers from the Cubs.
Today's former Brewer notes:
- MetsZilla interviewed Tom Haudricourt about Chris Capuano. Perhaps not surprisingly, this story didn't come up. (h/t MetsBlog)
- Tyler Maas of Bugs & Cranks has a tribute to Marquis Grissom, B.J. Surhoff, Lenny Harris and all of the other players eliminated from Hall of Fame contention on their first ballot.
- The Hall of Very Good noted that Jeromy Burnitz, Eric Young, Jose Hernandez and Rick Helling will be eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time next year.
- Sal Bando and Ted Simmons are still on adarowski of Beyond the Box Score's One-and-Done All Star Team.
- Seth McClung has a blog for OnMilwaukee.com (possibly his last one) talking about making the transition to playing for the Rangers.
I've got two interesting baseball economics notes today, they're somewhat related, and they're both from FanGraphs. First, Jack Moore credits the Blue Jays with using the arbitration system to pick up five extra 2011 draft picks worth roughly $11 million in surplus value. Then, R.J. Anderson notes that the Padres have gained some leverage with multiple free agents by promising to decline arbitration if they reach Type A status.
Here's a fun stat note to go with those: Justin Inaz of Beyond the Box Score has a look at component park factors over the last five seasons. Miller Park still comes off as slightly home run friendly, but overall is right in line with the rest of baseball.
I couldn't find any birthdays today.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a knee to rub.
Drink up.