Spring is coming

Winter in Wisconsin can be so harsh. After all, we are expecting subzero temperatures this weekend, just in time for the New York Giants to come to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game. It seems so distant, that old game of baseball, that we forget that there really is a lot of action happening.

Yet, there is always the yearning for the spring and the beginning of my life which revolves mostly around the grand old game. I completely empathize with Rogers Hornsby who once stated: "People as me what I do in the winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."

So, for me, spring comes February 14th. That's when the Atlanta Braves' pitchers and catchers report. And for the Brewers, it's the 16th.

So, with that in mind, let's review what has happened in the last month since I last blogged about my two favorite teams.

Gagne, Kapler, and Mike Cameron

Okay, so the Brew Crew didn't get Scott Rolen (who was traded to the Blue Jays for Troy Glaus yesterday). Most of the Brew Crew faithful that I talked with were a bit dismayed that Doug Melvin went after Gabe Kapler. After all, why do you bring a player out of retirement (Kapler was managing last season in the minors)? The answer: insurance. Melvin conceded that the free agent market for corner outfielders was bleak, plus he was unwilling to move too many players because he stated that he did not want to create a hole after filling a hole. The other reason for the Kapler signing is that Kapler was always known for his outstanding defense, something that the Brewers wanted to upgrade. Yet, the question of the day was always how were the Brewers going to address the infield defense, not so much how were they going to address the outfield defense.

But alas, we finally got the big signing in Mike Cameron (who will be sitting out the first 25 games). Cameron is expected to play Center and Bill Hall will be moved to third base, with Ryan Braun moving to left field. So, the outfield should be rather sound with Braun, Cameron and Corey Hart and Gabe Gross and Kapler as capable backups. This also allows Tony Gwynn, Jr. a little more time to be seasoned for next season. And, the nice thing about the contract with Mike Cameron is that there is a club option for next season, in case things aren't working well down on the farm for a replacement next seasons in Center.

As for the Gagne signing, this could be a boost for the Brewers if Gagne is actually healthy as he states. My feeling is that the Brewers may consider Shouse in the closing role if Gagne fails...maybe even before turning the ball over to Turnbow.

I'll write more shortly on the Braves' offseason moves.