Arziona Spring Break

Jason Kendall had a lifetime batting average above .300 prior to 2007, and since then he has certainly declined offensively. The Brewers knew this when they signed him prior to the 2008 season. They didn't sign him for his bat, they signed him for his veteran leadership and game calling skills, which are second to none.

Much ballyhoo was made in the off-season about the Brewers picking up the $10 million option on camera, then a trade that never happened with the New York Yankees. And I'm glad that it didn't, because Cameron has been great both offensively and defensively, and from what I hear, he is the leader in the clubhouse.

The home and visiting clubhouses are located in the right field corner, and this fence is all that separates you from the players. After the starters get their work in (so like after 4 or 5 innings) they head back to the locker room to change. Most of them stop to sign autographs, and although a few came over, I was only able to get one from "Big Red" Seth McClung. But it was a good one to get.

Chris Duffy has been filling in for Braun while he has been away, and he has taken advantage of the extra playing time. With the emphasis on left handed bats and defense, Duffy looks like a shoe-in to break camp as the 4th outfielder. It's a nice comeback story for the former Pirate who has struggled with injuries the past few years.

This year would be the make or break year for Rickie Weeks. With the addition of Willie Randolph to the staff (who was a fantastic defensive 2nd baseman) his defense was sure to improve. Everyone hoped that his bat would follow as well and he would become the player he was supposed to be when we drafted him.

Prince Fielder signed a 2 year $18 million contract in the off-season, buying out 2 of his arbitration years. With the money disputes out of the way, Prince would just have to focus on baseball, which could mean another huge year for the big slugger.

JJ Hardy is a fan favorite, and one of the best shortstops in the National League, both which are obstacles for the ascension of Alcedes Escobar. But thankfully no decision has to be made this year, and Hardy will be playing almost every day at shortstop.

Corey Hart had a dream first half of 2008, and a nightmare 2nd half. I'd look up the numbers, but anyone who watched the Brewers last year knew how lost he looked at the plate after being selected to the NL All-Star team. He's been having a great Spring Training, and good 2009 for Hart would be huge for the Brewers.

Bill Hall wins games. Or at least he used to in 2006. 2009 would also be a big year for Hall because he had Lasik eye surgery, lost some weight and returns to the hot corner for a 2nd year in a row. If he returns to form, we're looking at a lineup without any holes in it. Bill Hall will win games again. I believe more than anyone else.

Dave Bush was the pitcher today, and I was excited to see him because he's a great pitcher that doesn't get due credit. I've always been a fan of Bush, and like Weeks and Hall, I've supported him when everyone else was booing him. Funny how people come around as soon as he started pitching well. Brewers fans are the most fair-weather of fans that I have ever encountered in all my years.

Since we were right behind the on-deck circle, I decided to take a picture of each of the Brewers starters. With the exception of Ryan Braun, who was playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and the pitcher, these players would be the starting 9 on Opening Day. Heads up - even though I am posting this right around the half-way point of the 2009 season, I wrote these comments a while back. Some players (like Weeks) are injured and out for the year, some (Duffy) are in the minors and some (Hall, Hardy) are underperforming. These comments are preseason observations, and obviosuly a lot has changed since then. So read them in context before you get on my case.