Thursday's Frosty Mug: No Regrets

Some things to read while turning out the lights.

We are 19 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Maryvale for the seventh major league spring training of Ryan Braun's career. We'll be talking about Braun in Brewer camp through at least 2020, so it's a good thing he told the D-List he has no regrets about signing a long term deal with the Brewers.

We've long suspected it, but now we can confirm that Braun won't have Nyjer Morgan as a teammate in 2013: He's reportedly signed a deal to play for Japan's Yokohama BayStars this season. It'll be interesting to see how Tony Plush translates to a new culture.

One other recent former Brewer remains available, though: George Kottaras was recently designated for assignment by the A's and It's About The Money says the Yankees aren't interested in his services.

The Brewer Nation continued their "Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers" series yesterday with a profile of reliever Jesus Sanchez, who will wear #68 in camp. Sanchez is one of 19 non-roster invitees currently scheduled to appear in Maryvale, and Curt Hogg of Reviewing the Brew has a look at all of them.

Of those 19, there's a strong chance at least one or two will still be with the team by April 21, when they're giving away George Scott bobbleheads. The team unveiled the bobble yesterday, and you can see it here.

Those extra bodies in camp will likely get some extra work during the WBC when 14 Brewers (including Yovani Gallardo and Marco Estrada) are off representing their countries. Gallardo's participation in the Classic and the risks involved are the primary topics of Adam McCalvy's most recent Inbox.

In the minors:

• Martin Maldonado went 1-for-4 last night but it was not enough as Mayaguez lost to Caguas 4-2 in the Puerto Rican championship series. You can read about that and more in today's Winter League Recap. Caguas now leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.
• As of this writing Victor Roache holds an eight vote lead over Mark Rogers and Scooter Gennett in the balloting for the #7 spot in our BCB Community Prospect Rankings. You have until 1 pm today to cast your vote, then stop back after 2 to vote again for #8.

Around baseball:

Cubs: Signed outfielder Scott Hairston to a two-year deal.
Dodgers: Pitcher Scott Elbert will not be ready for Opening Day after having a second elbow surgery.
Marlins: Signed pitchers Kevin Slowey and Mitch Talbot to minor league deals.
Rockies: Avoided arbitration with infielder Jonathan Herrera (one year, $900,000).

Yesterday we mentioned that new Phillie Delmon Young will make $750,000 in 2013. It turns out he can pocket an extra $600,000 this season if he can lose eight pounds to get under 230 before spring training and stay under 235 through the end of the season. I've seen weight clauses in contracts before, but this is the first time I've seen one nearly double the value of the deal.

Disciples of Uecker is filling the final cold days before spring training with a project to launch their own "Hall of Greatness." On the first ballot they've inducted six former Milwaukee Braves.

Finally, this morning's edition of Today In Brewer History marks the first anniversary of Prince Fielder signing with the Tigers, giving closure to his Brewer career.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm spending the rest of the day on the elevator.

Drink up.