Tuesday's Frosty Mug: Upgraded

Some things to read while putting the two halves together.

We are four days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Maryvale, wrapping up an offseason that changed pretty dramatically in its final weeks. SI.com gave the Brewers a C- for their hot stove work on January 17, but upgraded them to a B- after the additions of Mark Reynolds, Lyle Overbay, Matt Garza and Francisco Rodriguez.

Of course, those winter upgrades came at a cost. Derek Harvey of The Book of Gorman has dissected what's likely to be the final 2014 payroll.

Ryan Braun will receive $10 million this season in the sixth year of his 2008 extension (the additional extension he signed in 2011 doesn't kick in until 2016). 2014 will also be his first season in right field, and David Schoenfield of ESPN listed him among this spring's key position switches. Braun is also the main topic in Adam McCalvy's spring training preview.

Yovani Gallardo, meanwhile, is getting $11.25 million in the final guaranteed year of his long term deal. Yesterday The Brewer Nation profiled him as part of their "Brewers By the (Jersey) Numbers" series.

Jean Segura, on the other hand, will likely get something close to the league minimum in his second full MLB season. Tom Monson dropped by the FanPosts section yesterday to ask what we can expect from Segura in 2014.

In the minors: Jason Arndt of Brewers Farm Report has an interview with 2013 18th round pick Clint Terry.

Back in Milwaukee, yesterday the Brewers announced Jim Henderson as the winner of their Fans' Choice bobblehead for July 27. The news even made the paper in Henderson's hometown of Calgary.

The Brewers are also still looking for help writing their 2014 TV ads. Yesterday I shared my suggestion.

Around baseball:

Angels: Signed reliever Brandon Lyon to a minor league deal.
Indians: Signed outfielder Michael Brantley to a four year, $25 million contract with an option for 2018.
Nationals: Avoided arbitration with pitcher Tyler Clippard (one year, $5.875 million).
Rangers: Signed pitcher Tommy Hanson to a minor league deal.
Royals: Are expected to release infielder Emilio Bonifacio.

The biggest news around baseball yesterday may have come from Minnesota, where general manager Terry Ryan announced he's receiving treatment for skin cancer. He's expected to make a full recovery.

Today in former Brewers:

• Jonathan Judge of Disciples of Uecker says the 2006 Brewers, not the 2011 team, had the best starting rotation in recent memory.
• Baseball Card Vandals had some fun with a Pete Vuckovich card.

Today in baseball economics: After two years without an agreement, Time Warner Cable and Fox Sports San Diego have finally reached a deal that will allow cable subscribers to watch Padres games.

Finally, with help from the B-Ref Play Index, we'd like to wish a happy birthday today to:

• 2006 Brewer Chris Mabeus, who turns 35.
• 1978-86 Brewer Ben Oglivie, who turns 65. We covered his birthday in Today In Brewer History last year.
• 72-73 Brewer Ollie Brown, the first DH in franchise history, who turns 70.

Plunk Everyone notes that Oglivie's 35 career HBP are the third most ever for a position player born on February 11.

Today is also the 20th anniversary of Robin Yount announcing his retirement in 1994. We covered that event in Today In Brewer History two years ago.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I forgot to cut a hole in the box.

Drink up.