What We Learned: Players preparing to compete for roster spots

Links from BCB

• We're five weeks from Opening Day now, and the countdown is down to 35 days. Today's post focuses on #35 Shane Peterson. There's also weekend posts on Jonathan Villar's 36 stolen bases in 2015 and #37 Tyler Thornburg.
• The Brewers filled the vacant spot left by Joe Block's departure by hiring Nebraska broadcaster Lane Grindle to their radio team. Grindle will help cover games where Bob Uecker doesn't travel, as well as take on some social media responsibilities.
• Is Ryan Braun's contract as bad as it seems? Kyle argues that, at the going market rate for outfielders, Braun's contract is not as bad as you would think.
• The starting rotation is basically set entering the season, but the depth behind them is still to be decided as there will be opportunities due to injuries, ineffectiveness, or other reasons. Friday's position battles post focused on the players fighting for starts in 2016.
• The 14th edition of the BCB Mailbag came out on Friday. Topics include the starting lineup, small ball, injury issues, and more.
• With the last vote in the BCB Community Top Prospects done, Travis compiled the list of the top 20 prospects as voted by the community, along with the rankings of the next 10.
• In the first weekend of promoted FanPosts, three stories were promoted on the front page: Stavid Dearns' talks about why the Adam Lind trade was his favorite of the offseason, Bayired asks about favorite Brewers uniforms, and AlDobbs23 talked about the Sean Nolin claim off of waivers.

Other Brewers News and Notes

• Jonathan Villar should be the starting shortstop for the Brewers this season, and he has his mom to thank for that. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com spoke with Villar about how his mom encouraged his move to the shortstop position.
• Zach Davies is fighting for a spot in the rotation and has already proven that he can make the adjustments to be a big-league pitcher. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel wrote about how Davies has been able to make adjustments so far at the major-league level.
• Michael Blazek still has no idea on how he broke his hand last season and doesn't want to be asked about it. Adam McCalvy notes that Blazek wants to put that behind him and focus on getting the setup role in the bullpen this season.
• Andy Wilkins has a stressful several months as he was on seven different teams in the span on nine months. Adam McCalvy talked to Wilkins, who is happy to have some stability now after changing teams so many times.
• As Rule 5 picks, Colin Walsh and Zack Jones both have to make the team out of camp or risk being returned to their original teams. Tom Haudricourt wrote about how the two are bonding in camp over being in the same situation.
• Another player fighting for a spot on the team this spring is outfielder Eric Young Jr., whose father played for the Brewers in 2002 and 2003. Tom Haudricourt talked to Young Jr. about his father's time in Milwaukee and his hope to make the roster.
• Three pitchers are in a bullpen-or-bust situation for the Brewers this year: Sean Nolin, Ariel Pena, and Tyler Thornburg. Tom Haudricourt noted that Pena will be looked at strictly as a reliever this year, and that all three have to make it in the bullpen or be exposed to waivers.
• Matt Garza is in better shape in camp this season thanks to a new workout regimen during the offseason. Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel spoke with Garza about his new workout plan and how it helped him prepare for camp this year.
• Josh Hader is getting a chance in his first major-league camp, and his really jumped up prospect lists in the last several months. Adam McCalvy has an interview with Hader, who talked about how a few adjustments have really improved his results.
• Photo Day was on Friday at Maryvale, with all of the official pictures for official uses being taken at the park, along with some photos you won't see in official uses. Cait Covers the Bases has some photos from behind the scenes of Photo Day.
• Brett Phillips has made his first impression in camp, and it's one that could stick with him for a while. Adam McCalvy notes that Phillips has a unique laugh that has gone viral since a video of it went out to Twitter during Photo Day.
• The yearly Arctic Tailgate took place on Saturday as single-game tickets went on sale to the public. Cait Covers the Bases also has pictures from this event on Saturday.
• Peanut-controlled areas will be available for six games this season as the Brewers continue to offer the special section to people dealing with peanut allergies. Cait Covers the Bases has the details on ticket prices and how to purchase tickets to the special area.
• Hank the Ballpark Pup made another appearance over the weekend, this time appearing during a show from Cesar Millan on Friday night. Cait Covers the Bases has the story on Hank's appearance Friday night.
• The Oscars took place last night, and that brought back some memories for Brewers coach Jason Lane. Cait Covers the Bases has an interview with Lane, who spoke about his "role" in the movie Boyhood and his MLB playing career.
• The Brevard County Manatees have named Chad Lovitt as their new General Manager.

Around Baseball

• The Astros signed LHP Neal Cotts to a minor-league deal.
• The Blue Jays signed RHP Rafael Soriano to a minor-league deal.
• The Cubs signed outfielder Shane Victorino to a minor-league contract.
• The Diamondbacks signed utility player Rickie Weeks to a minor-league contract.
• Indians outfielder Abraham Almonte has been suspended 80 games for a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.
• The Orioles signed RHP Sam Deduno and Nathan Adcock to minor league contracts.
• The Rangers signed shortstop Ian Desmond to a one-year, $8 million contract.