I didn't realize it but the Brewers can keep him through next year at the minimum with the Twins liable for his contract. As he's only 1 year removed from back to back .800+ OPS seasons with Houston, I think this could be a good pickup. It accomplishes several things besides adding a much needed lefty bat. It basically eliminates a need to pickup Counsell's option. Now Counsell might still make a decent backup in the middle infield, but he's not worth $3 million. It also allows Gamel up to a year at AAA which after he struggled in the 2nd half, he might need both offensively and defensively. Early in his career, Lamb, fittingly enough, was a butcher in the field but he progressed to adequate. If he returns to his 06-07 offensive form, he's a nice addition. As for Palmisano, he got passed up by half the catchers in the organization in one season: Salome, LuCroy, Fryer, and I'd even throw in Corporan who had a decent season too.