This year both players and manager are on the same page which should make year two much more positive. Ken Macha has a great baseball mind and he has certain things he wants done. In year one he got his point across which should make year two much easier for his players and himself. Macha knows he will be judged by the performance of his ball club on the field. Now that his players know how he manages year two should be much easier for him to get things done.

Edmonds was a good player in his prime, but he is past that. When Melvin had a chance to sign Kenny Lofton a few years back who was still a base threat and good outfielder he passed. Now he gives Jim Edmonds a one year contract with a spring training invite. Really makes no sense to me at all, but I guess we will see how this works out. I just feel there are plenty of other players who could help the Brewers more, but of course I am sure Melvin could not get them as cheap either.

Hart was injured part of the 2009 season and is looking to make up for lost time.  Corey Hart had to deal with that his name came up in trade rumors as well.  The Brewers almost had a clean slate this off-season as they were able to avoid arbitration on almost every player except Hart.

The Milwaukee Brewers have announced on Aug 24 they will be unveiling a seven foot statue of Bud Selig outside Miller Park. Bud Selig bought the Seattle Pilots in bankruptcy court in 1970 and moved them to Milwaukee and renamed them. Selig has done a lot for the Brewers, but he also has many die-hard Brewer fans who are  not fond of Selig either.

The statue is a nice touch for a man who did bring baseball back to Milwaukee. During his tenure as owner for the Brewers many fans felt he did not do enough as far as bringing players in when he had a chance. Being a small market had something to do with it. When he sold the team in 2005 to a group headed by Mark Attanasio many fans rejoiced. No matter what a statue is a very nice touch as he is part of Milwaukee Brewer history the good and the bad.

Carlos Gomez is a young player who is still a work in progress. Brewer fans will have to understand that he is only 24 years and has only  played three years in the Major Leagues. He has appeared in 348 games logging time between New York Mets and the Minnesota Twins. He is a contact hitter with tremendous speed. He also has a good glove, but being young he still is a work in progress. Carlos is talented and could patrol centerfield a long time for the Brewers. The big key for Gomez is will the Brewers give him some time or will they  ship him off like they did Tony Gwynn Jr. I hope they give Gomez some time to prove himself. I think over time he could  surprise a lot of people.

Prince Fielder right now is the cornerstone of the Brewers offense, but how much longer will that be the case. Yes, the Brewers have him until 2011 after that who knows. His agent is Scott Boras and you can be sure he will advise his client to take a wait and see approach. Prince Fielder has hinted that is exactly what he probably will due.

Other free agents such as Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols also will be available the same time Fielder will be. Fielder though will be the youngest and command a lot of attention. The Brewers are hoping that Fielder will choose to stay with them after the 2011 season, but I am not so sure that will happen. You’ve probably found yourself thinking about this quite a lot as well, maybe at work or at home while you play a game or two of online casino (www.casino.com) your mind turns to think about this. I also think that Fielder was not happy with Brewers management taking so long to give him a raise on his last contract. He was underpaid for the longest time and that did not sit well with him.

Major market clubs will try and sway Fielder to leave Milwaukee with big money. You also have to toss in super agent Scott Boras as you never know what he is thinking.  The key could come down to if the Brewers are contending for a title. Fielder probably would be inclined to stay if the Brewers had a shot at a title. If they slide look for Fielder to bolt when given a chance.

The Brewers added versatile Joe Inglett off waivers from the Rangers. He will give the Brewers another left-handed bat in the line-up.  Joe Inglett has appeared in the Majors with the Indians and Blue Jays and can play just about anywhere which makes him a perfect fit in Milwaukee.  You never know what can happen in a baseball season and having a guy like this a plus.

The one thing about baseball that I love is reflecting back on some of the past players that you have watched or met. For me Charlie Moore was never a name that struck fears in pitchers, but he was still a special player. Many times, you cannot judge a player by sheer numbers  he produces as there is much more to it. Charlie Moore played for the Milwaukee Brewers starting in 1973 and lasted to 1986. He was a catcher that did his job. His numbers were not something you really counted on. Moore never hit over six home runs during his career and never reached 50 RBI’s in one season either, but it does not mean he was not a valuable part of the Brewers teams. In 1983, Moore did get 150 hits, but his best ability was as a defensive catcher. You always knew when Charlie Moore was behind the plate he would block most anything and do the things you needed from your catcher.

Oct 1, 1980 Charlie Moore batting ninth hit for the cycle. He also had 13 assists in 1982 as he also played outfield in his later years. It just showed you that Charlie Moore was a team player and just wanted to contribute to the Brewers success. Charlie Moore always made time for the fans as well. Every time I seen him at the park he always would sign autographs and talk with the fans. It seems today’s baseball players have forgotten about the fans and why you play baseball. Charlie Moore was not the greatest catcher in the world, but he had the right attitude and played the game he loved with passion and dignity. You really cannot ask any more of a player.

This leaves just three players left to try and get a deals done with.  Right fielder Corey Hart filed Tuesday for $4.8 million, $650,000 more than the club’s $4.15 million offer. Dave Bush filed for $4.45 million and the club offered $4.125 million and Carlos Villanueva filed for $1.075 million and the team offered $800,000. I look for the Brewers to try and get deals done with all three.

Doug Davis a left-handed pitcher has agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option in 2011. Davis will earn 5.25 million and could make upwards of 12.75 million if option is exercised and Davis happens to reach incentives. If you ask me, I think that is a high price to pay for a pitcher who for his career has nothing outstanding on his resume. I think the Brewers should have looked in other directions than Davis, but only time will tell if it works out for them. I just do not see it or the sense this signing makes. Davis was just 9-14 with the D-Backs last year. He will give you plenty of innings and starts, but if it does not transfer into wins, it really does not matter.