Brewer Daily News for March 14th: USA faces D.R., Crew loses, Gomez extended

Good morning everyone and welcome to another edition of Brewer Daily News. On this Thursday morning, Team USA is preparing for their game tonight against the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Secondly, the Milwaukee Brewers are coming off of a loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks last night. Third and last, with the Brewers extending center fielder Carlos Gomez, what does this say for Logan Schafer‘s future?

Jonathan Lucroy (left) and Ryan Braun (right) will look to be a menacing duo in the line-up once the regular season begins. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight Team USA will play the Dominican Republic and try to avoid getting eliminated. For Team USA, the Brewers’ Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy will look to continue to their performances at the plate. So far in the WBC, Braun is batting .353 with one double and two walks and Lucroy is batting .400 with one RBI and one walk.

The game will begin at 7 PM EST / 6 PM CST at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida. R.A. Dickey will start for Team USA and Sam Deduno will start for the Dominican Republic.

Yesterday the Brew Crew had another big loss, their second in two days. Last night, the Brewers lost 7-0 to the Diamondbacks at Arizona’s home field. Yovani Gallardo started for the Brewers and pitched four solid innings. Gallardo only gave up one run on one hit, a home run to Gerardo Parra, and struck out five batters. Jim Henderson came in later for the Brewers and only pitched 0.1 of an inning and gave up four runs on one hit and walked three. Burke Badenhop pitched the 8th and gave up two runs on three hits.

Offensively, the team was limited to five hits and left seven runners on base. The team was also 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Today the Brewers have a day off before facing the Cleveland Indians on Friday afternoon.

In the last bit of news, the Brewers extended Gomez on a three-year deal worth $28.3 million. This move, while a smart and cheap decision, may limit the future for Schafer who looks to be the outfield back-up. Gomez had this to say regarding this contract:

"“Some people ask me if I’m happy. Yes, I’m happy, but I’m not going to be completely happy until I finish my job and I’m sure I deserve that money.” – via Brewers.com"

Schafer, who was not only fighting for a spot on the roster but a spot as a starter, may be limited in his chances this season. This decision however plays out favorably for Gomez who produced extremely well in 2012.