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Wednesday's Frosty Mug: Gonzalez Back In The Fold

We're talking about the latest addition to the Brewer bench and more in today's daily news roundup.

By Kyle Lobner
Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Some things to read while using your powers for good.

We are 13 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Maryvale, although you'd never know it watching a snowstorm rage outside my office window.

When the Brewers do get to Arizona, though, one more familiar face will be in attendance. The Brewers re-signed shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with an additional $1 million in incentives yesterday. The organization is adamant that he's only coming to camp to serve as Jean Segura's backup, though, dampening speculation that the team may consider sending their young shortstop to AAA to start the season.

Here's some reaction to the Gonzalez deal from around the web:

  • Gonzalez won't undergo a physical and make the signing official until next week, but when he does the Brewers will need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for him.
  • Lou Olsen of Reviewing the Brew sees the potential end of the road for Jeff Bianchi, who now seems unlikely to make the Opening Day roster and is out of options.
  • @Mass_Haas wonders if Bianchi will be the one designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
  • Jaymes Langrehr has a reminder that Gonzalez's nickname is "Sea Bass."

While Alex Gonzalez moves back into his spring training locker, it's possible there's another one being held vacant for Lyle Overbay. The Brewers have offered Overbay a minor league contract with a big league spring training invite, and a awaiting his decision.

With all these former Brewers potentially coming back, one has to wonder if the team is interested in any of the others: Bill Hall worked out for teams in Arizona yesterday, but Brewer scouts were not present.

In the minors:

Congratulations are due out this morning to the Brewers' marketing staff, announced yesterday as winners of the "2013 National Sports Forum 'ADchievement' Overall Award of Excellence." The award committee must be big fans of Aaron Rodgers.

With spring training around the corner, it's time to kick off "season preview" season. Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker kicked things off with a look at depth charts around the division, and Colin Bennett of Reviewing the Brew is picking the Brewers to finish third.

If you'd like more Brewer coverage today but you're sick of reading, I made an appearance this week on The Amazin' Avenue Podcast to talk Shaun Marcum and the 2013 Brewers.

Around baseball:

Angels: Avoided arbitration with pitcher Kevin Jepsen (one year, $1.18 million) and hired Omar Vizquel as their roving infield instructor.
Mariners: Signed catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Mets: Avoided arbitration with second baseman Daniel Murphy (one year, $2.925 million) and signed pitcher Scott Atchison to a minor league deal.
Orioles: Signed outfielder Chris Dickerson to a minor league deal.
Padres: Signed pitchers Tim Stauffer and Arturo Lopez to minor league deals.
Phillies: Designated pitcher J.C. Ramirez for assignment.
Pirates: Signed pitcher Kyle Waldrop to a minor league deal.
Red Sox: Bullpen coach Gary Tuck will not be with the team in 2013.

Today in former Brewers:

  • High Heat Stats says Pat Listach had the best rookie season in Brewer franchise history.
  • David Schoenfield of ESPN has set the over/under at 3.30 for Zack Greinke's ERA in his first season with the Dodgers.

Today's baseball economics note shows a startling reality for the future of baseball in the Tampa Bay area: The Rays claim just 300 of their season ticket holders live in St. Petersburg, where Tropicana Field is located.

Finally, I wanted to thank Coupon Audit for ranking BCB as their #54 Sports Blog To Follow in 2013. You can see the full top 100 here.

Now, if you'll excuse me, my six seconds are up.

Drink up.

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