In the News (12/3)

Brewers News

- It looks like Sheets will decline arbitration, which is not really surprising. Someone will offer him a decent multi-year deal. More HERE.

- KLSnow at Brew Crew Ball suggests the Brewers offer Sheets a two-year deal worth $30 million with a team option for $20 million for a third season. The third season could become a player option if Sheets can either make 30+ starts or pitch 200+ innings in both of the first two seasons of the deal. Seventy percent of voters on the site say they could live with that. It would be a risk to trust his health with his history, but if the Brewers feel comfortable his injuries won’t affect him over the next few years, I’d be OK with that deal.

- The Mariners signed Russell Branyan. I’m a little disappointed because I think Branyan would have been a nice bench player again for Milwaukee, but he’ll likely get more playing time in Seattle, especially since he can DH there. The Yost Infection goes over their favorite Branyan Brewer moments. I’d say the two home runs on opening day in Milwaukee in 2005 is a big omission. That would be my top 3TO moment. They were absolute bombs too. More HERE.

- Based on BABIP from 2008, Manny Parra’s ERA is likely to go down in 2009 and Dave Bush’s is likely to go up.

- A highlight DVD of the 2008 season will be available beginning Dec. 15.

- The Brewers clubhouse sale is this weekend.

Rumors and Speculation

- Amber Sabathia wants her husband to pitch in San Francisco.

- The Giants asked about J.J. Hardy and the Brewers seem uninterested in moving him. 

Minor Leagues

- Mat Gamel comes in at #23 on the MiLB.com top prospect list.

- The Brewers announced their minor league staffs. Former Brewer Don Money will manage Nashville with another former Brewer, Chris Bosio, serving as his pitching coach. Bob Miscik will manage Huntsville. Mike Guerrero will manage Brevard County. Jeff Isom will manage the Timber Rattler with Appleton native Matt Erickson serving as hitting coach. Erickson made his Major League debut for Milwaukee in 2004. Rene Gonzales will manage a second season with the rookie-level Helena Brewers. And Tony Diggs will return to manage the rookie-level Arizona Brewers. More HERE.

- Here’s some neat background on how the Timber Rattlers logo was created. (Hat Tip: Rattler Radio)

NL Central

- The Pirates are talking with Derrick Turnbow. I honestly hope he makes a big league comeback, but I just don’t see it… He’s such a headcase, he’s a lost cause.

- It looks as though Khalil Greene will be traded to the Cardinals. Meh… He’s been pretty bad, but a change of scenery (and getting away from Petco) could help.

- The Cardinals signed Trever Miller.

Other News

- The Orioles 7th round draft pick, Caleb Joseph, loves baseball so much he volunteered to be the Nashville Sounds bullpen catcher for free. He did it for five games before his agent called him to tell him he would likely be drafted. Interesting story…