What we learned: January 8, 2015

Brewers News and Analysis

• Who commented the most on Brew Crew Ball last year? That's the question Noah answers as he looks back at the most active Brew Crew Ballers of 2014.
• Our Brew Crew Blasts series continued by looking at the shortest home runs hit in the 2014 season.
• Adam McCalvy looks at two milestones from Randy Johnson: The only home run he hit (off of former Brewer Doug Davis), and the only home run he ever gave up to a pitcher (hit by Yovani Gallardo).
• With Bill Schroeder getting a place on the Brewers Wall of Fame, Enrique Bakemeyer of The Brewers Bar asks if any other broadcasters deserve to be on the Wall of Fame.
• Steven Jewell of Reviewing the Brew takes an early look at what the Brewers batting order could look like in 2014. He also takes some time to defend Khris Davis.
• Sometimes a team goes too far with the merchandise it offers for sale. Nick Michalski of The Brewers Bar looks at some items available for sale on the Brewers website that are just a waste of money.

Around Baseball

• The Padres signed starting pitcher Josh Johnson to a one-year deal, with a base salary of $1 million and an additional $6.25 million available in incentives. Jake Goebbert was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster.
• Gaby Sanchez is heading to Japan. He has signed a deal with the Rakuten Golden Eagles worth approximately $2.5 million with incentives.
• The Braves signed reliever Josh Outman to a one-year deal with a max value of $1.4 million. They also designated infielder Tyler Pastornicky for assignment.
• The Diamondbacks signed infielder Nick Punto to a minor-league deal. He is still receiving $2.75 million from the Athletics this season, and the Diamondbacks will only pay him the major-league minimum if he makes the roster.
• Mike Axisa of CBS Sports notes that John Smoltz is the first pitcher to make the Hall of Fame after having Tommy John surgery.
• Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker takes a look at some Hall of Fame candidates who missed the cut despite hitting a home run milestone.
• Reuters has an exclusive interview with Bud Selig as he prepares to leave his post as commissioner later this month.