:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45553458/usa-today-8079578.0.jpg)
Brewers News and Analysis
- After an aggressive initial push, it appears that the rumors of Jonathan Papelbon coming to Milwaukee are near dead. Scott Gelman of MLB Daily Dish has an update on the discussions, which are currently "on life support". Meanwhile, over on Reviewing the Brew, Kyle Lesniewski believes that money shouldn't stop the trade from happening
- With the Papelbon rumors nearly dead, the new rumor is that the Brewers are looking at Francisco Rodriguez again. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel notes that Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, has been trying to convince Mark Attanasio that a return would be good for the Brewers. Meanwhile, Matt Goldman of Beyond the Box Score put together a defense in support of Francisco Rodriguez.
- Yesterday's Brewers On Deck event also provided us with some updates on injured players as we approach the 2015 season. Ryan Braun, Tyler Thornburg, and Jim Henderson are all making progress as the start of spring training approaches.
- With Yovani Gallardo gone, the pressure is now on Jimmy Nelson to perform as the #5 starter in the rotation. Tom Haudricourt also has quotes from Jimmy Nelson from yesterday, who is preparing to step into a full-time starting role.
- Over on Brewers.com, Adam McCalvy talked about the state of the team with Mark Attanasio, who says that the roster is not set and there will be another signing.
- The Brewer Nation blog was at Brewers On Deck yesterday, and posted several interviews in audio form following the event.
- Cait Covers the Bases has a list of the t-shirt winners for the all-fan giveaways.
- David Schoenfield of ESPN SweetSpot has a list of breakout candidates for 2015, with Khris Davis among the candidates he lists as a "long shot".
Around Baseball
- Rob Manfred officially took over as MLB commissioner on Sunday, and it didn't take long for him to say something controversial. After making a comment that he is open to eliminating defensive shifts, Noah posted a very strong opinion of his take on that possibility.
- As he stepped down as MLB commissioner on Saturday, Bud Selig mentioned in a report to the Associated Press that he could see MLB expand internationally one day.
- We finish today with some some sad news from over the weekend. Hall of Fame player Ernie Banks died on Friday night at the age of 83.