In the News (1/13)

Brewers News

- The Brewers once again avoid arbitration with JJ Hardy. Hardy signed a one-year deal today worth $4.65 million. It’s nice to see this out of the way. Doug Melvin and company have a good history of avoiding arbitration with their players. Hopefully they’ll do the same with their remaining arbitration eligible players: Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Dave Bush, Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks and Seth McClung.

- Brewers.com has a nice, long article about the club’s interest in reopening a permanent academy in the Dominican. The Brewers are currently the only club in the MLB without a camp in Latin America. They last had a club in 2003.

- Here is another story about the open Atlanta broadcasting positions. If you haven’t heard, Brewers’ broadcaster Jim Powell is among the finalists. Powell is the only person the article even mentions. Hate to lose Powell.

Minor Leagues

- The Nashville Sounds released their full 2009 schedule today.

- Bernies Crew lists pitcher Alexandre Periard as the Brewers’ No. 17 prospect. Between the Green Pillars lists pitcher Efrain Neives at No. 17.

- Here’s the latest Winter League update from Brew Crew Ball.

NL Central

- There’s a rumor that the Reds want Barry Bonds to man left field for them in 2009. I’m pretty indifferent. Sure, no doubt he can still hit, but he’s a liability on defense. That’s an understatement. There’s got to be at least one AL team that would sign Bonds, and you have to believe that Bonds would rather DH than have to play defense. Especially coming off that hip surgery. Good luck old man. Not!

Other News

- I’m sure this is not news to many, if any, but Ricky Henderson and Jim Rice were voted into the MLB Hall of Fame today. This was his first year of eligibility for Ricky. It’s no surprise the best leadoff hitter in history made it on his first try. 2009 was Jim Rice’s 15th year on the ballot, and it seems that everyone is very happy he finally got in.

- It’s official: Gabe Kapler will not be a Brewer in 2009. He signed a one year deal today with the Rays. Good for Gabe. Looks like he may have a shot to play every day in Tampa.

- This article has Ben Sheets as the third best available free agent. He comes in just ahead of Derek Lowe. No doubt Sheets is a better pitcher, but his injury history is obviously making teams very cautious.

- Former Brewer Gary Bennett will speak at a grade school in Libertyville, IL. So, a guy that admitted to using HGH just over a year ago because he “panicked” is speaking to grade schoolers about “not being afraid to fail”? Classic…