Wednesday's Frosty Mug: Time To Extend Gallardo?

Some things to read while having less fun than you expected.

As each day passes it begins to look increasingly unlikely that the Brewers are going to make a splash in free agency, so perhaps it's time to look for a big move within the organization? Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker makes the case for a Yovani Gallardo extension this winter. He's currently under contract for two more years with a club option for 2015.

At the moment Gallardo looks like he could be the biggest key to the 2013 Brewers' success, because he projects to be surrounded by a young and relatively unproven starting rotation. Ben Badler of Baseball America characterized the Brewers' current crop of young pitching as "not an impressive group," a point J.P. Breen of Disciples of Uecker agreed with from a scouting standpoint.

At this point if the Brewers re-signed Alex Gonzalez you could make a solid case for him as their biggest offseason move. Benjamin Orr of Reviewing the Brew asks if the Brewers should bring the veteran shortstop back as Jean Segura's backup.

Meanwhile, the Brewers' biggest acquisition from a year ago had a very good first season in Milwaukee. Yesterday we remembered a long Aramis Ramirez home run into the fountains in Kansas City as part of our Brew Crew Blasts series.

In the minors:

• Jean Segura started at third base in the Dominican/Venezuelan Winter League All Star game last night to make room for Hanley Ramirez, who played shortstop. Jairo Asencio also pitched in the game.
• Mike McClendon, who became a minor league free agent this winter, has signed with the Rockies and will be a non-roster invitee to spring training.

If you'd like more Brewer coverage this morning but you're sick of reading, the View From Bernie's Chalet podcast is up and features a recap of the Winter Meetings and more.

Around baseball today the big story is yesterday's three-team mega trade involving the Reds, Diamondbacks and Indians. Instead of trying to cram the trade into one line below, I'll give you the players involved here:

Here are the rest of today's transaction notes:

Blue Jays: Signed pitchers Claudio Vargas, Rich Thompson and Juan Perez, infielder Eugenio Velez and first baseman Luis Jimenez to minor league deals.
Dodgers: Acquired infielder/outfielder Skip Schumaker from the Cardinals for a minor leaguer.
Padres: Hired Willie Blair as their new bullpen coach.
Royals: Signed pitchers George Sherrill and Dan Wheeler and outfielder Willy Taveras to minor league deals.
Yankees: Signed 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis to a one year, $12 million deal.

Today in former Brewers:

• Tony Gwynn Jr. is off the Dodgers' 40-man roster, but is still owed $1.15 million for 2013 and will be a non-roster invitee to spring training.
• Jerry Hairston Jr. and his family will be honored for their collective contribution to baseball at the Professional Baseball Scout Foundation's January fundraiser.
• Brian Harper will be the hitting coach for AAA Iowa in 2013, and Ron Villone will be the pitching coach for Low-A Kane County.

This morning's edition of Today In Brewer History marks the 32nd anniversary of the 1980 trade that brought Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons and Pete Vuckovich to the Brewers in a seven-player deal with the Cardinals. Today is also Gorman Thomas' 62nd birthday, and Plunk Everyone notes that his 18 career HBP are the fourth most ever for a player born on December 12.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a Scott Podsednik tree ornament.

Drink up.