There was so much housecleaning today I almost wonder if today was some sort of self-imposed deadline for Ned Yost and the Brewers.
The cleaning began last night when we traded Brady Clark to the Dodgers (along with $2.1 million dollars) for right-hander Elmer Dessens. Yost said Dessens will fill a middle relief role.
According to a Journal-Sentinel article, the Dodgers are mighty thin in the outfield, more-so now with injury and were looking for a solid guy. Brady fills that role and will also be the only right-handed batter in their outfield.
Heading into spring training the Brewers had 6 "starters" on the roster vying for 3 outfield spots.
As previously discussed, Kevin Mench and Geoff Jenkins are sharing left field. Corey Hart (my favorite!!!) will be in right and Bill Hall has been tagged for center, leaving Brady Clark and Gabe Gross "homeless." In addition, Tony Gwynn, Jr. and Layne Nix, who showed themselves rather well when they were called-up last season, are possible outfield choices. Nix is currently injured, but Gwynn should be given serious consideration to make the roster.
The Journal article is actually a good read with a lot of details, including Dessens' stats and the probable bullpen situation.
Yost also announced the starting rotation, though it contains little we didn't expect.
Ben Sheets will start on opening day, followed by Chris Capuano, Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush and Claudio Vargas.
The Brewers also traded AAA pitcher Ben Hendrickson to the Royals for minor league catcher Maxim St. Pierre, who will probably be sent to AA Huntsville.
The catcher position has plenty of depth now, since catcher Mike Rivera has stayed in the organization despite being put on waivers. He wasn't offered a contract by any other major league team, so he took direct assignment to Nashville. Another catcher, JD Closser cleared waivers earlier in camp and has been assigned to Nashville.
The presumption is that Rivera being in Nashville opens a finally roster spot, most likely for Tony Gwynn, Jr.
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