Some things to read while recording the dog show.
We're one day away from pitchers and catchers reporting to camp, and preparations are underway: Adam McCalvy and Tom Haudricourt flew out to Arizona yesterday. Meanwhile, Haudricourt has a story on Ron Roenicke's aggressive style and McCalvy talked to new pitching coach Rick Kranitz about the pitchers in camp early.
Elsewhere in camp stories, Jim Henry of MLB FanHouse talked to Brewer catching instructor Charlie Greene about his job and the importance of good catchers in pitcher development.
The Brewers have until Thursday to work out a deal with Rickie Weeks, unless of course they have longer: I didn't realize it was possible to do this, but the Blue Jays have postponed their arbitration hearing with Jose Bautista so the two sides have more time to work out a long term deal. If the Brewers and Weeks are close to a deal, it's possible they could do the same.
Sometime in the next few days it's possible we'll get actual photos of Brewers taking batting practice in Maryvale. If you can't wait that long to see them, though, here's a link where you can see every team's 2011 BP jerseys.
This seems unlikely, but I guess it's possible: Tim Kurkijian of ESPN suggested the Brewers could trade Prince Fielder this spring. I'd guess they'd have to be blown away by an offer at this point. (h/t Howie Magner)
When the Brewers and Reds meet on Opening Day, these players will be ready: The Cincinnati Enquirer listed Randy Wolf, LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Kotsay as Reds Killers. Yovani Gallardo, Jonathan Lucroy and Corey Hart have struggled against them in the past.
In the minors: Prospect Madness continues at Bernie's Crew: Today's matchup features D'Vontrey Richardson and Jose Pena.
Here's today's "Shameless Self Promotion" section: Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker has a preview of the Maple Street Press Brewer Annual, featuring he and I and many other Brewer writers you'll recognize. Click here to pre-order it, or watch for it on newsstands around March 1.
In predictions, projections and power rankings: PECOTA has the Brewers averaging 85.5 wins and making the playoffs 40.8% of the time. (h/t The Brewers Bar)
If you're checking in for the first time this morning, you might have missed the announcement for our final Spring Training Countdown giveaway: Four sets of undated ticket vouchers from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Follow that link to sign up for your chance to win, and if you haven't yet you can also sign up for a team-autographed ball from the Huntsville Stars and a prize package featuring a Prince Fielder bobblehead from the Nashville Sounds.
Chris Mehring also reports that the Timber Rattlers may have an announcement later today.
Around baseball:
Cubs: Signed pitcher Carlos Marmol to a three year, $20 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Giants: Announced that their minor league deal with pitcher Elmer Dessens has fallen through and signed pitcher Brian Lawrence to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Pitcher Chien-Ming Wang is expected to open the season on the DL as he rehabs from shoulder surgery.
Rockies: Signed pitcher Jesus Colome to a minor league deal.
Yankees: Designated pitcher Brian Schlitter for assignment.
In former Brewer notes:
- Jim Edmonds's spring training saga continues. As of yesterday, he still hadn't reported to camp or taken a physical with the Cardinals. Now he's in camp, but he has a left foot injury.
- Trevor Hoffman is one of 22 coaches in camp with the Padres.
- Bernie's Crew has a look at Ted Simmons' Brewer career.
- Plunk Everyone notes that Paul Molitor is 18th all time with 23 HBP as a DH. John Jaha, Frank Catalanotto and Gary Sheffield all also have more than ten.
- The Olympian (Olympia, Washington) has a profile of former Brewer prospect Tom Wilhelmsen, who's working to resurrect a troubled career with the Mariners.
It's the time of year when we start having conversations about visa issues: Jorge De La Rosa, who just got a three year, $31.5 million deal from the Rockies this offseason, is going to be late reporting to camp.
Elsewhere in spring training: Big League Stew has ten photos of baseball players doing baseball things.
I know Gorman has been hogging the computer lately, but now I know why: Carson Cistulli of NotGraphs discovered that dogs are really into sabermetrics.
With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to 1971-73 Brewer Rick Auerbach, who turns 61.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to The Great Gatsby NES game.
Drink up.