Jim Goulart

Toronto's GM discusses Brett Lawrie in detail in this additional audio interview.

Based on how their winter seasons have gone, these stat lines fall right into place -- Venezuela -- SS Alcides Escobar with an 0-for-5 "effort" and 4th fielding error in 16 games; .440 OPS in 64 AB's (box). Mexico -- SS Luis Cruz contributed often again with two singles, a walk, a sacrifice fly, a run scored, and three driven in; .878 OPS in 99 AB's (box). Venezuela -- Brendan Katin 0-for-3 with three K's (box); all four of his hits in Venezuela (24 AB's) have been for extra bases -- and 14 of his 20 outs have been via K. You can see both his Mexican League and Venezuelan League numbers via the prior link of his name.

Early action Tuesday: Erick Almonte had a nice afternoon in the Dominican, batting 6th and playing left field, he went 1-for-2 with two walks, the hit being a HR (box). In Puerto Rico, RHP Hiram Burgos pitched a perfect inning of relief (box). Carolina Bottom of the 5th Pitcher Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Bill Simas. Edgard Clemente grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta. Orlando Mercado called out on strikes. Wilberto Ortiz grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta.

Rotoworld:The Brewers, Marlins and Phillies have shown interest thus far in free agent utilityman Delwyn Young. The news comes via Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Young was designated for assignment by the Pirates in mid-November and elected free agency after passing through waivers. He posted a pitiful .236 batting average and .286 on-base percentage over 191 at-bats in 2010, but he would make for fine organizational depth at a variety of positions. Source: Tom Haudricourt on Twitter

Audio interview with Shaun Marcum on Toronto sports radio Wed. AM. He was at the Broncos - Chiefs game when notified of the deal. He'll be in Milwaukee on his birthday next week, along with his family. Interview a lovefest between Marcum and the city via the radio hosts... Also -- Ron Roenicke interview via WSSP as part of their Hot Stove Weekly show Tuesday 12/6

Rotoworld: According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, "a number of teams" have checked in on free agent right-hander Rich Harden. The Yankees, Twins, Rays, Diamondbacks, Brewers, Mariners and Rockies have all expressed interest in Harden, though some view him as a starter and others view him as a reliever. The 29-year-old posted an ugly 5.58 ERA in 2010, but he is one of the nastiest pitchers in all of baseball when everything is working. He can probably be had with a one-year contract. FOXSports.com

Light Monday in Latin America -- In Puerto Rico, Sergio Miranda hit an uncustomary third and also changed it up by playing third base, he was 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt. In that game (box), Miranda's teammate, LHP Efrain Nieves, made the start and took the loss in a 3-1 game. All the real damage came in his final inning. The 21-year-old's line -- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, 7-to-3 GB-to-FB, two of his runners were stranded with good bullpen work Mayaguez Top of the 1st Irving Falu grounds out, pitcher Efrain Nieves to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Norris Hopper grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Johan Limonta walks. Eddy Martinez-Esteve walks. Johan Limonta to 2nd. Fernando Cortez grounds out, first baseman Phillip Cuadrado to pitcher Efrain Nieves. Mayaguez Top of the 2nd Donny Leon flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Roberto Perez grounds out, shortstop Ivan De JesusJr. to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Miguel Negron grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Mayaguez Top of the 3rd Angel Sanchez flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Irving Falu singles on a fly ball to center fielder Henry Mateo. Norris Hopper walks. Irving Falu to 2nd. With Johan Limonta batting, wild pitch by Efrain Nieves, Irving Falu to 3rd. Norris Hopper to 2nd. Johan Limonta grounds out to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Eddy Martinez-Esteve pops out to second baseman Jayson Nix. Mayaguez Top of the 4th Fernando Cortez grounds out, first baseman Phillip Cuadrado to pitcher Efrain Nieves. Donny Leon reaches on throwing error by shortstop Ivan De JesusJr. Donny Leon to 2nd. Roberto Perez walks. Miguel Negron triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Donny Leon scores. Roberto Perez scores. Angel Sanchez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Henry Mateo. Miguel Negron scores. Irving Falu singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Angel Sanchez to 3rd. With Norris Hopper batting, Irving Falu steals (5) 2nd base. Norris Hopper strikes out swinging, catcher Wil Nieves to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Pitcher Change: Eddie Camacho replaces Efrain Nieves. Johan Limonta walks. Eddy Martinez-Esteve pops out to second baseman Jayson Nix.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti shot down the Fielder/Loney/Broxton rumor. Thank goodness -- whew!

Now that this rumor involves a trade with both Fielder and Loney involved, we'll close this thread as the topic has migrated back to the the Team by team analysis of possible Fielder trade partners thread. The link points to the specific post.

Braves showing interest in Cain

According to Fox Sports: The Cubs and Brewers also have inquired on Dodgers' first baseman James Loney, sources said. The Brewers would want him only if they traded first baseman Prince Fielder, which is unlikely. Discuss Loney on his own merits, and use either the Team by team analysis of possible Fielder trade partners or the Prince not going anywhere? for Fielder perspectives outside of that.

Let's Go Rattlers unveils their Top Ten Rattlers for 2010.

Rotoworld via the Baltimore Sun: Six teams have expressed interest in free agent right-hander Koji Uehara, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Orioles are one of them. Uehara posted a stellar 2.86 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over 44 innings in 2010 for Baltimore and is probably hoping to cash in on a market that produced a lucrative multi-year deal for a guy like Joaquin Benoit. The Mariners, Twins, Red Sox, Brewers and Cardinals are among the other teams that have expressed interest in the Japan native.

Interesting blog post from Mike Wilner, who covers the Jays -- read it in full here -- He fielded his position like a champ - he’s the rare pitcher who is actually a fifth infielder and the Jays will miss that every fifth day, for sure. And he took on a position of leadership with the young rotation from day one of Spring Training. I’ll tell you this - they are absolutely going to love Shaun Marcum in Milwaukee. He’ll pitch great, with that fearless attitude and incredible change-up, he’ll likely win a Gold Glove or three in the National League, and he immediately becomes one of the league’s best-hitting pitchers - right there with his new teammate, Yovani Gallardo.

Sunday's action: Alcides Escobar was busy in Venezuela, playing in both ends of seven-inning games in a doubleheader. In Game One, Escobar was 2-for-3 with a triple, single, and sacrifice fly, and drove in three. He committed a throwing error, his 3rd error in 15 games. Again leading off in Game Two, Escobar singled and scored a run in three AB's. Brendan Katin hit his 3rd HR in 44 winter AB's -- he also was HBP. Playing LF and batting 7th (box), Katin scored twice and fanned once -- he has an .827 OPS in the small but productive and adventurous (21 K's) sample. In Mexico, Luis Cruz' hit streak was ended at 13 games. He did walk in four trips. Erick Almonte was 2-for-4 with one K in his Dominican League team's 2-1 loss (box). Again hitting cleanup and splitting time betwen LF and 3B, the veteran Almonte is all the way up to 125 AB's (.735 OPS).

Toronto Sun Lawrie is a pugnacious player, who plays like a hockey puck. For example, in 2009 he and fellow Canadian Chris Dennis of Amherstburg got into a pre-game scrap around the batting cage at class-A Wisconsin. I don't consider this an issue, but the Brewers managed to keep that quiet, denying he was suspended by the organization (even if informally) when we had reason to believe it was something like this. Don't make a deal of it -- two 19-year-old Canucks got in a scrap, big surprise... Here's our Transaction Rumor thread from June when this discussion came up. Interesting to go back and review our comments. Would folks feel better if it were Brett Cecil today one-for-one? Loved Marcum in June, very pleased with this trade today as a fair gamble on both sides. Lawrie's north-of-the-borderness made Brett more valuable to the Jays than any other organization. They have a real chance to break through the Yankee-Red Sox barrier within the next two years, and stimulating their fan base and future ticket sales with Lawrie is something Doug and Gord, in effect, took advantage of. Not great advantage of as in a (R.J.) swindle, but it was a factor to be sure. Fair trade, as should be suggested by the approximate 50-50 discussion going on here.

Another save for RHP Zach Segovia, his 7th, in the Dominican, he's tied for 2nd most in the DWL -- Licey Bottom of the 9th Defensive Substitution: Andres Rodriguez replaces first baseman Chris Davis, batting 4th, playing first base. Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome. Willy Aybar singles on a ground ball to right fielder Victor Mendez. Brad Snyder called out on strikes. Jake Fox grounds into double play, second baseman Argenis Reyes to shortstop Michael Martinez to first baseman Andres Rodriguez. Willy Aybar out at 2nd.

Thanks, And That. Actually this is season # 8 coming up for David. He had earned his minor league free agency after seven previous seasons in the Brewers' chain.

Saturday -- Alcides Escobar 1-for-3 with a non-intentional walk! Our obsession ends -- read about it in some detail here. Escobar's teammate in Venezuela, catcher Anderson de La Rosa, made his season debut. He grounded out as a pinch-hitter. Also in Venezuela, Brendan Katin drew a bases-loaded walk as a 9th inning pinch-hitter in his team's 9-8 loss. Luis Cruz' hit streak in Mexico extended to 13 as he went 2-for-5 with a double. He played second base and hit 5th. Erick Almonte walked twice in four plate appearances, scored after each, and struck out once. Hitting cleanup, he saw action at both left field and third base. Sergio Miranda had a rare 0-for-4 day in Puerto Rico.

On a lighter note, the Rattlers look ready to debut Season 2 of "The Offseason", their takeoff on "The Office". Rattlers' YouTube Home

RHP Darren Byrd got the win in his start Friday, but it was his roughest outing since his initial relief stint this season -- to review all his efforts click his name in this post -- the overall K rate isn't happening at all, both here and with Brevard County. As an FYI for those wondering, when you add Byrd's independent league innings, his work with the Manatees, and his Puerto Rico innings, you're now at 117.2 frames. His Spanish is also probably pretty good by now... 5.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 1 HR, 2 BB, 0 K San Juan Top of the 1st Jesus Feliciano walks. Sergio Miranda singles on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd. Leslie Anderson singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Jesus Feliciano scores. Sergio Miranda to 2nd. Luis Terrero flies out to center fielder Norris Hopper. Sergio Miranda to 3rd. Alex Fernandez out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Miguel Negron. Sergio Miranda scores. Jorge Padilla grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Johan Limonta. San Juan Top of the 2nd Jayson Nix grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta. Emmanuel Quiles pops out to first baseman Johan Limonta in foul territory. Edwin Maysonet grounds out, second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Johan Limonta. San Juan Top of the 3rd Jesus Feliciano flies out to center fielder Norris Hopper. Sergio Miranda flies out to left fielder Miguel Negron. Leslie Anderson grounds out to first baseman Johan Limonta. San Juan Top of the 4th Luis Terrero doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. Alex Fernandez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Luis Terrero to 3rd. Jorge Padilla out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Luis Terrero scores. Jayson Nix grounds into a force out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to second baseman Irving Falu. Alex Fernandez out at 2nd. Jayson Nix to 1st. Emmanuel Quiles pops out to second baseman Irving Falu. San Juan Top of the 5th Edwin Maysonet homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Jesus Feliciano grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Johan Limonta. Sergio Miranda singles on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. Leslie Anderson doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Sergio Miranda scores. Luis Terrero grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Johan Limonta. Darren Byrd intentionally walks Alex Fernandez. Jorge Padilla flies out to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve. San Juan Top of the 6th Jayson Nix flies out to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve in foul territory. Emmanuel Quiles singles on a ground ball to shortstop Angel Sanchez. Edwin Maysonet doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Miguel Negron. Emmanuel Quiles scores. Fielding error by left fielder Miguel Negron. Pitcher Change: Nelvin Fuentes replaces Darren Byrd. Jesus Feliciano singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Edwin Maysonet to 3rd. Sergio Miranda walks. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd. Leslie Anderson out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Miguel Negron. Edwin Maysonet scores. Luis Terrero grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Irving Falu. Sergio Miranda out at 2nd.

Luis Cruz ran his hitting streak to 12 games in Mexico Friday, although it was a 1-for-5 effort. Alcides Escobar singled in four trips in Venezuela, scoring a run, and fanning twice. That lifts his average to .140 (7-for-50) and he remains on pace to draw zero non-intentional walks all winter season, even though he's been hitting at or near the top of the lineup in most games. BOX FYI -- Escobar's old running mate, Hernan Iribarren, is his Lara teammate (.587 OPS, CS four times in nine tries). Sergio Miranda has been locked into second base and the # 2 spot in his Puerto Rico League's club for a while now, and with good reason -- another fine day Friday, 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored.

If you click on any of the features above the forum (Power 50, Player Index, etc.) -- you'll then see the left-side sidebar all the team choices and such. Under the "Milwaukee Brewers" section, you'll find the Salaries page, the 40-man roster page (which includes option info), and more. Please keep in mind that the salaries page is meant to represent those who have made big league appearances thus far. So you won't see Amaury Rivas, Dan Merklinger, and others yet. It's very unscientific. There are some arby year decisions based on possible Super 2 status that could change things. The minimum salary amounts might vary by a tiny margin. In other words, it's a general snapshot, but represents a decent guage of future commitments on the larger numbers. If there's an egregious error, please bring it to our attention here, thanks.

This is not an audio link, but just a programming reminder MLB Network Radio provided. Happened to hear that interview with Santo on my workday commute via XM Radio the day after Thanksgiving. His passion, even via his baseball sufferings following his own club, seemed to allow him to overcome the many very real and severe physical sufferings he dealt with in "real" life.

By the way, if reverse psychology means anything, here's to Alcides kicking butt in Milwaukee in 2011, because here's a reminder about what he did last winter -- Escobar clinches Winter Ball Batting Title -- great line of .393/.440/.491 and OPS of .931 So we all know what winter ball numbers mean, yet you all check daily anyway http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif.