Thursday's Frosty Mug: Davis' Day

Some things to read while searching for a ball and glove logo.

Day 24 of spring training 2013 is all about Khris Davis, who homered for the second straight day as the Brewers beat the red hot Mariners 7-6 on Wednesday. Noah has the recap, if you missed it. Bernie Pleskoff of MLB.com said Davis "has a sweet swing and the ball makes that 'special sound' off his bat." Adam McCalvy has a story on the pair of outfielders in Brewer camp sharing a last name.

Unfortunately, even if he does get hot this spring Davis is a long shot to make the Opening Day roster. A weak throwing arm limits him to left field defensively, and Adam McCalvy says that he tried to play first base in instructional leagues and it didn't go well. Nathan Petrashek of Cream City Cables has a look at how defensive liabilities are keeping Davis' bat out of the lineup.

Mike Fiers started yesterday's game on fire but eventually limped home with two runs allowed on three hits and a walk over 3.1 innings. Fiers told Adam McCalvy he's working on a two-seam fastball this spring and wants to throw 200 innings this season.

Other notes from camp:

• As is usually the case, Lookout Landing's recap of yesterday's game has gifs and comedy and is well worth a read.
• ASU student Justin Marshall of the JS has some pictures from yesterday's road trip.
• Reliever Travis Webb has been held out of Cactus League games to this point with a shoulder strain but could be ready to go soon.
• Mat Gamel's knee surgery has been scheduled for Friday and will be performed in Scottsdale.
• ASU student Edmund Hubbard of the JS talked to Hunter Morris and Scooter Gennett about the conversations between players that happen at first base.
• Gennett, by the way, has been getting compared to Justin Bieber in the Brewer clubhouse.

The Brewers return home today to host the Diamondbacks, with Mark Rogers taking on Wade Miley. We talked to Jim McLennan of AZ Snakepit for the latest installment in our "Better Know A Cactus League Opponent" series.

Meanwhile, across Arizona and Florida Brewers are playing for their WBC teams in tuneups for this weekend's pool play. Here's yesterday's update:

• Ryan Braun went 0-for-4 and Jonathan Lucroy went 2-for-4 with a double in Team USA's 8-7 loss to the Rockies last night.
• Taylor Green entered the game as a defensive replacement for Brett Lawrie and went 1-for-3 in Canada's 12-2 loss to the Reds.
• Martin Maldonado played first base and went 0-for-2 with a walk in Puerto Rico's 8-7 win over the Twins.
• Hiram Burgos will not start Puerto Rico's opening game against Spain on Friday, but may pitch in relief.
  

Earlier this week the Brewers denied interest in Aaron Harang after a scout was seen watching him pitch a minor league game for the Dodgers, so I wonder if we'll soon see a denial for this too: Craig Calcaterra noticed a Brewer scout in attendance for Indians pitcher Scott Kazmir's B game Wednesday morning. The Brewers were one of several teams present. (h/t @Mass_Haas)

Kazmir probably wouldn't help the Brewers here: Justin Schultz of Reviewing the Brew has a look at the Brewers' slightly elevated percentage of home runs per fly ball in 2012, and says it could go up a little more in 2013.

As things stand right now, Wily Peralta has a pretty good shot to make the Opening Day rotation. Baseball America has him as an honorable mention on their list of baseball's top 20 rookies for 2013.

Looking at the big picture for the 2013 season, Jaymes Langrehr of The Outside Corner has the Brewers' dream scenario and nightmare for the year ahead.

In the minors:

• Nashville broadcaster Jeff Hem has a list of players included in Nashville's 2013 media guide, an implication of who the team thinks will play there at some point this season.
• The Brewers Player Development Twitter feed (with their unfortunate @BrewersPD Twitter handle) has pictures of Greg Hopkins' eye test, Danny Ray Keller's blood pressure check and Will West's dental exam from physical day in minor league camp.

If you'd like more Brewer coverage today but you're sick of reading, Wednesday's Home Stretch Hangout has been archived and features a conversation on Norichika Aoki. We'll be back later in the afternoon today to preview the Pirates with Charlie Wilmoth of Bucs Dugout.

Around baseball:

Rangers: Signed pitcher Derek Lowe to a minor league deal.
Yankees: First baseman Mark Teixeira will miss Opening Day with a wrist injury.

Today in former Brewers:

• Francisco Rodriguez wants to return to the Mets, but it doesn't sound like they're too interested.
• Jeff Cirillo was in attendance as a scout at yesterday's Brewers/Mariners game.
• Jorge De La Rosa is one of several Rockies pitchers already telling fans not to worry about their rough spring training outings.

Today in baseball economics: ESPN Chicago has a look at how a transit project will impact attendance at White Sox games in May.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have games to play.

Drink up.