uwgb96

Unfortunately, I have the feeling that the wait is just window dressing for MLB. They can then say that the player got due process, and they deliberated for a long time. In the end, I just don't think there is much chance of exoneration. Hope I'm wrong.

But that's the point. If the contract is equal, they are generally more likely to choose other destinations. Those locations aren't necessarily getting a discount, but Milwaukee needs to pay more to attract a player.

I'm sure this is just standard operating procedure, but: A spokesman for Braun issued a statement Saturday: "There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."

Which is why I'm glad the Brewers weren't put in that position. Gonzalez isn't a flashy signing, but a solid one that was sorely needed.

To be fair, we don't yet know the terms of the Gonzalez deal, and the source says about $14M for Furcal. Suffice it to say, I think Gonzo will indeed be much better value.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/st...ar-deal-worth-14-million The St. Louis Cardinals have reached agreement with shortstop Rafael Furcal on a two-year deal worth about $14 million, a baseball source told ESPN.com. The deal is pending completion of a physical exam this week.Furcal, 34, is a .282 career hitter with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cardinals. He hit .255 in 50 games with St. Louis after coming over from Los Angeles in a July trade deadline deal for minor leaguer Alex Castellanos. Furcal is a former Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star with 302 career stolen bases, but injuries have limited him to 97 and 87 games played in the past two seasons, respectively. He struggled with the Cardinals in October, hitting .194 (15-for-77) in the playoffs and the World Series. Furcal recently underwent an appendectomy, according to reports, but he is recovering in Florida and expects to be ready in time for spring training. Furcal is the third free agent shortstop to go off the board this week. Jose Reyes signed a six-year, $106 million deal with the Miami Marlins this week, and Alex Gonzalez reached agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The Furcal signing officially removes St. Louis as a potential destination for free agent Jimmy Rollins. Rollins' agent, Dan Lozano, was scheduled to talk by phone Saturday with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

From Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/s...t-7v3bdq0-135143673.html The Brewers already have limited money available to fill several holes and Rodriguez could be a budget-buster. "That hasn't really been part of our thinking but it probably should be," said general manager Doug Melvin. "Obviously, it would affect what you do in other things but he'd fill a hole that we have right now, too." The Brewers certainly don't want to invest that much in a setup man, but Melvin noted Axford isn't making big money yet ($442,500) and hasn't reached the arbitration stage.

Braun earned the MVP on Tuesday, receiving 20 of 32 first-place votes and 388 points in voting announced by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Los Angeles center fielder Matt Kemp, who came close to winning the Triple Crown, received 10 first-place votes and finished with 332 points. Braun's teammate Prince Fielder finished third with 229 points, and Arizona's Justin Upton finished fourth with 214 points.

Actually, the guy didn't get kicked out. I was about 10 rows behind. They escorted the offender, and another guy who apparently yelled obscenities at the usher, to the concourse. They both returned a few minutes later. I also witnessed a gentleman being taken in for fingerprints for selling knockoff merchandise in the Uecker parking lot.