In the News (1/16)

Brewers News

- As mentioned in an earlier post, Milwaukee agreed to terms with pitcher Dave Bush on a one-year/$4M contract, thus avoiding arbitration. Bush will almost certainly be tabbed as a starter, and is coming off a very strong second half of 2008. $4 million is a steal for a pitcher of Bush’s caliber.

Prince Fielder, Seth McClung, Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks are the remaining arbi-eligible player who’ve yet to come to terms with the almighty Brew.

- Tom Haudricourt called Dave Bush to ask him how he got his groove back.

- Brian Anderson feels optimistic about Milwaukee’s club, but thinks the Brewers need another starter.

- Brew Crew Ball reports that Ben Sheets is apparently “going in a different direction”: That direction, of course, to any team dumb enough to gamble on an expensive multi-year deal (and give up a draft pick). BCB also lists the, less-than-appealing remaining FA pitching class.

Minor Leagues

- Omar Aguilar comes in at prospect #14 at Bernie’s Crew.

- …and at Between the Green Pillars.

- Laid off, furloughed, fired or just sick of your crummy ass line of work?: The Timber Rattlers are hiring.

Other News

- The Dodgers released Andruw Jones and are still on the hook for $21.1 M of his contract: Whoops!

- The Red Sox inked Kevin Youkilis to a four-year deal worth more than $40 M: The contract buys out his two remaining arbitration years and is back-ended to pay him $12 M in the last two years. In unrelated news, Jeff Suppan will make $12 M in the final two seasons of his contract!!! Boston comes sliiightly better, if you ask me.

- Baltimore signed Gregg Zaun and, in doing so, cock-blocked Chad Moeller from any semblance of a chance to play in the majors next season. I love it.

- Bartolo Colon signed a one-year/$1M deal with up to $2M in incentives to return to the White Sox: Fellow chubby, constantly hurt hurler Ben Sheets remains unsigned.

- New HOF inductee Rickey Henderson says he’s still available.