Episode 57 "Francisco Rodriguez Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Hart to Have Knee Surgery, Faith In Gamel? 0:00-17:00
Break
Rotation/Bullpen Take Shape 17:00-39:00
Break
Brewers In WBC 39:00-49:00
Break
News & Notes 49:00-1:00:00

VFBC Podcast Episode 36 "Mike Fetters Edition"

Breakdown of The Show:

Reaction To Fielder's Big Deal w/ Tigers 0:00-22:00
Break
Latest on Braun (Appeal, Accepts MVP Award) 23:00-40:00
Break
Aoki Signs 2 Year Deal, Expectations & Role 41:30-56:30
Break
News & Notes (Counsell Front Office, On Deck, Roster, Arbitration) 57:30-1:12:30

My Day At Brewers "On Deck" 2009

My three friends and I arrived at the Midwest Airlines Center around 8:30am, thank God we were able to wait inside unlike when they have held the event at Miller Park. The event was set to open at 10am. To our surprise there were not really as many people lined up as we thought. We knew we would easily have a chance to go for any player we wanted for autographs. My plan going into the event since I knew we were not going to get there super early was just to get a ball signed by Dave Bush. But I kind of changed my mind when I had the chance to meet and get a ball signed by the franchise Ryan Braun. It was a fun day, but a lot of standing around in lines. Which I know is the price you pay when you go to an event like this and are seeking autographs for your memorabilia collection.

I was a little disappointed that because we had to wait in line for Braun we missed out on seeing the Trevor Hoffman press conference as well as the Q&A with Melvin and Ash. But I can't complain to much since later on I was able to meet Melvin and get a picture with him, which was right up there with meeting Braun. At one of the Brewers merch stands I got a sweet Brewers "Octoberfest 2008" playoff shirt for only $5, I thought that was a steal. They had a bunch of sports card vendors there as well and at one I spent $3 on the only card made that shows CC Sabathia in a Brewers uni as a Brewer. It was from some 2008 Topps Update set. I thought it was another nice memento to remember that fantastic half a season with Sabathia as a Brewer. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Counsell To Play The "Gritty" Veteran Again For Brewers

Veteran utility infielder Craig Counsell will once again play that role for the Brewers in 2009 as he and the Brewers agreed to a 1 year $1 mill contract. Should be made official after the weekend. this will be Counsell's 4th season as a Brewer.

I like the deal overall. Counsell actually had an option on his last contract for this year at $3.4 mill which the Brewers of course declined. Sorry Craig but no way you are worth that much now or really at any point in your career. Counsell is what he is, an above average defender at three infield positions (2B, SS and 3B) to spell a starter once in awhile, a gritty veteran presence on a young club and a decent left handed bat off the bench who can draw, lay down a bunt or come up with a big base hit. It is always nice to have one guy on your club that can do the things Counsell does as long as you don't have to rely on him for anything more then that.

Basically if Counsell has to make a lot of starts or get a lot of AB's you are in trouble. But we have Rickie at 2B, JJ at SS and a Hall/Lamb platoon at 3B. So I pretty much just picture Counsell giving Rickie and JJ a rest here and there.

Tomorrow is Brewers "On Deck", I must say I'm quite excited. Like I have said before being able to spend an entire day at the end of January in Wisconsin when it's like 10 degrees out around baseball activities can give you warm feelings. I think I'm most looking forward to the Trevor Hoffman press conference and the Q&A with GM's Doug Melvin and Gord Ash. I also plan on getting a ball signed by my boy Dave Bush. Sunday or Monday I should have a post up on the happenings from the day and some pictures.

Brewers "On Deck" Event Details For 1/24

The Brewers have announced all the details for their yearly fanfest "On Deck" event. It is one week from today on January 24th. Already got my tickets, going with three of my buddies. Should be a good time. I know a lot of people complained because you had to pay to get in and have to pay for some of the players autographs, which you didn't have to do in years past. Personally I don't mind, I like that they are having it on winter instead of right before the season starts. Gives you another chance/reason to think baseball when it is freezing out here in Wisconsin. I think the Midwest Airlines Center is a good place to host the event, and really is $15 to much to pay to get into a 7 hour Brewers event AND the stub from the even gets you a FREE terrace ticket to any one of the games against the Reds April 13-15? I think not.

As for the autographs, only three people cost $25. Ryan Braun, Trevor Hoffman and Bob Uecker. You would pay much more for any of those guys at a card show or signing through a memorabilia company. Every other player is $10 or free. I'm looking to try to get a ticket for Dave Bush who is $10 and a ticket for Mat Gamel/Angel Salome who are free. There will be 250 tickets for each player/coach/personality at the event, you can only pay cash.

Mostly looking forward to the press conference that they are holding at 10:30am to introduce Trevor Hoffman to Milwaukee. Pretty cool that we the fans will be able to attend something like this. Also should be cool to see some of the Q and A sessions they are going to do with players and coaches. All in all will be a really fun day to get pumped for the 2009 season. Let's just hope the Wisconsin weather cooperates.

I Get Excited When Baseball Related Things Happen In Winter

The Brewers yearly "Fanfest" event "On Deck" will take place not at Miller Park right before the season starts but instead in January at the Midwest Airlines Center downtown. It is $15 to get in to the event. No problem, well worth it. Bought four tickets today for myself and three of my friends. I actually love the fact this year they are having it during the "dull drums" of winter. It gets me excited for the baseball season that at that point will be on the horizon as spring training will only be a month away. I just hope that there is not a awful blizzard that day that will make it difficult to get to the event for we the fans and the players. Besides autograph (ranging from free to $25 my guess $25 would get you Braun and Fielder) and picture opportunities, other events will include:

• The Q&A Stage
• FS Wisconsin Sports Desk to test your broadcasting skills
• WTMJ Stage
• Anthem Challenge
• Vendor booths with baseball memorabilia
• Kids Area