Friday's Frosty Mug

Some things to read while abbreviating.

The war of attrition that has been the Brewer spring continued yesterday, as Shaun Marcum left his start after three innings with shoulder tightness. He told reporters that he would have pitched through it if it were the regular season, but nonetheless he's added to a startlingly long list of Brewers who have missed time this month. And while Marcum downplayed the severity of his injury, Ron Roenicke sounds concerned.

In related notes, Breaking Down The Brewers notes that Mike Rivera is now one step closer to being this team's fifth starter, and Morineko is considering the possibility of a Braden Looper return.

Unfortunately, Marcum wasn't yesterday's only injury news. Adam McCalvy is reporting that Manny Parra suffered a setback in his rehab for his stiff back, received a cortisone injection and is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day (FanShot).

Meanwhile, Wily Peralta will get the start today, and an opportunity to prove he should be the fifth starter when the team needs one for the first time on April 6.

On the field yesterday the Brewers got an encouraging outing from John Axford, who pitched a scoreless inning. Adam McCalvy said Axford "looked much more like himself today, really letting the ball go."

Other notes from the field:

• The 2010 AZL and Helena Brewers were presented with their championship rings before the game.
• Big League Stew has a photo of the green M painted on the field at Maryvale for St. Patrick's Day.
• Not to be outdone, Kameron Loe dyed his goatee green.
• Brewer strength coach Josh Seligman took the field dressed as a leprechaun.
• Corie Stark of the JS talked to home clubhouse attendants Matt Smith and Ben Wilkes about the process of selecting and training a bat boy.

Adam McCalvy opened up his inbox yesterday to answer questions about Zack Greinke's recovery, Ron Roenicke and more.

On Wednesday night the Brewers faced top Mariner prospect Michael Pineda. If you missed the game (or just the early innings), Lookout Landing has gifs of some key pitches to Brandon Boggs, Ryan Braun and Luis Cruz.

In the minors:

• Matt Eddy of Baseball America listed Amaury Rivas (AAA) and Cody Scarpetta (AA) among the likely top prospects in their respective leagues to start 2011.
• Prospect Madness continues at Bernie's Crew. Here's a matchup featuring Josh Prince and Eric Komatsu.
• A warm, rainy day in Appleton really helped melt the snow at Fox Cities Stadium.

Season previews are trickling in once again: Today Batter's Box Interactive has a look at the NL Central.

It's a big day today for subscriber-only Brewer content. I'm not sure why that's the case.

• At Baseball Prospectus, Larry Granillo has a look at the defense (or lack thereof) in the NL Central.
• BP also has the Brewers' Team Injury Projection.
• Baseball America has a story about Luis Cruz.

(Almost) everyone loves the old ball and glove logo, right? Dave Gershman of Beyond the Box Score rated it as baseball's best defunct logo. The Seattle Pilots logo also made the top 30.

Most of us are spending the spring getting ready for the 2011 season, but Joe West is off on another adventure: Today he found and ejected Waldo.

On this day in 1953, the Boston Braves officially moved to Milwaukee. By doing so, they became the first major league franchise to move in 50 years.

With help from the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:

• 2005-06 Brewer Tomo Ohka, who turns 34.
• 2003-04 Brewer Scott Podsednik, who also turns 34.
• 1980-81 Brewer Rickey Keeton, who turns 54.
• 1961 and 1964-65 Milwaukee Brave Chi-Chi Olivo, who would have turned 83.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back on schedule.

Drink up.