What We Learned: Waiver claim makes the Khris Davis trade a 3-for-1 deal

Links from BCB

• The countdown to Opening Day is at 41 days. Today's countdown post focuses on #41 Jake Elmore.
• The Brewers made a waiver claim yesterday, claiming LHP Sean Nolin off of waivers from the Athletics. Nolin was originally designated for assignment by the Athletics following the Khris Davis trade. Derek has a profile of Nolin in his post on the claim.
• Third base is one of the positions that will be contested during spring training this year. Travis takes a look at the brewing battle for third base this offseason and who the top candidates are to claim the spot.
• As most of the big offseason moves are done, Kyle recaps the moves so far since the end of the season.
• There's still time to vote for #17 in the BCB Community Top Prospects poll. It's a close vote so far as several candidates still have a chance to take the spot.
• Over in the FanPosts, danhoff writes that building through the minors is more fun than the alternatives.

Other Brewers News & Notes

• Even though camp has begun, there's still rumors about trades that could happen before the season starts. Matt Goldman of MLB Daily Dish notes that the Brewers had discussions with the Astros about a Jonathan Lucroy trade, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement.
• Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that outfielder Ramon Flores has finished his rehab from a severe ankle injury and has been cleared for all drills in camp.
• There are 33 new players in Brewers camp this year, which means there will be a lot of work to bring the team together. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com reports that Counsell's plan is to let it happen organically and not force it through extracurricular activities.
• Prior to the acquisition of Sean Nolin off waivers from the Athletics, the Brewers had just three LHP in camp (Will Smith, Chris Capuano, Josh Hader). Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel spoke with Craig Counsell about the lack of left-handed depth and if it's a concern.
• The competition for the closer spot is going to come down to Jeremy Jeffress and Will Smith. Tom Haudricourt writes that the two friends will have a competition for the closer role.
• When Aaron Hill was originally acquired from the Diamondbacks, the belief was that he would be a bench player who would get some starts. However, Adam McCalvy reports that Aaron Hill is the front-runner for the starting third base job.
• The Brewers got more praise for their offseason moves, as Dave Cameron of FanGraphs rated the Brewers offseason as the second best in all of baseball, only behind the Cubs.
• Tim Dillard is back to writing in his blog. His post from yesterday discusses some of his experiences while living on the road.

Around Baseball

• As spring training begins, the Cubs currently have the best odds to win the World Series at 4-1. The Brewers currently sit with the third worst odds at 200-1.
• The Braves signed outfielder Jeff Francoeur to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Cubs signed left-handed reliever (and former Brewer) Manny Parra to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
• The Mariners have agreed to a deal with Cuban center fielder Guillermo Heredia.
• The White Sox signed shortstop Jimmy Rollins to a minor-league contract. He can make $2 million in 2016 if he makes the White Sox roster.
• The Yankees pride themselves on keeping a professional environment, though some of their choices on how to do that are questionable. Mike Oz of Big League Stew reports that, as part of their media training this spring, the Yankees are instructing players to handle disappointment in press conferences more like Russell Wilson instead of Cam Newton.