With the '00's almost behind us, it's time to take a look back and work together to make a BCB All Decade team for the '00s. Each day, we'll tackle a new position, and we'll have our 25 man roster complete sometime around the 1st of the year.

The concept here is pretty simple. Each day, I'll give you a list of candidates: For position players, it's the full list of players who appeared in at least 100 games at the position during the '00s. Here are the players we've selected so far:

First Base: Prince Fielder
Second Base: Rickie Weeks

Voting for shortstops opened yesterday and will close at 4 pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, we'll close out the infield. Here are the candidates at third base:

Tyler Houston

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2002
Slash line as a Brewer: .279/.326/.475
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: -5.4 runs*
WAR as a Brewer: 1.8

*- FanGraphs only has UZR data dating back to 2002, so only Houston's 2002 season is included in this total.

Keith Ginter

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2002-2005
Slash line as a Brewer: .257/.344/.458
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: -11 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 3.1

Bill Hall

Seasons as a Brewer: 8, 2002-2009*
Slash line as a Brewer: .253/.312/.446
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +8.7 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 7.3

* - Hall played third base in seven of those eight seasons, all but 2007.

Wes Helms

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2003-2005
Slash line as a Brewer: ..268/.335/.425
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: -24.6 runs
WAR as a Brewer: -1.1

Russell Branyan

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2004-2005, 2008
Slash line as a Brewer: ..248/.351/.526
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: -9.1 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 1.7

Craig Counsell

Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2004, 2007-2009
Slash line as a Brewer: .247/.341/.338
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +8.5 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 5

Ryan Braun

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2007-2009*
Slash line as a Brewer: .308/.363/.574
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: -23.7 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 9.7**

* - Braun only played third base in 2007.
** - Only 1.5 of those WAR came in 2007, when Braun was at third.

More photos » by Mike Fuentes - AP

For a guy who will turn 39 in April, Gregg Zaun still looks pretty flexible.

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Gregg Zaun will turn 39 in April, and was recently signed to be the Brewers' primary catcher. If he appears in 100 games next season, he'll be one of just four Brewers to make at least that many appearances in a season at age 39 or older.

In fact, only 16 Brewers have ever appeared in 100 games in a season at age 36 or older. How many can you name in five minutes?

Again, here are the rules: Post your score in the comments, but do not comment on any specific answer until after 6 pm Central time, so everyone gets a chance to try it out without having it spoiled for them. And, of course, there's no reason to cheat here, because there's no prizes.

Of the 16, there are several obvious ones, and one that I wouldn't expect anyone to think of. If you manage to get them all, though, post your time along with your score in the comments.

Have fun, and don't forget to post your score in the comments!

by Brian Snyder - AP

Yes, Randy Wolf is a Brewer now.

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Some things to read while remembering that "port" is "left."

Welcome to day one of the Randy Wolf era (FanShot). He'll make $29.5 million over the next three seasons, plus an option for 2010. Reaction to the deal has come from everywhere:

• Miller Park Drunk credits the Brewers for signing the best available free agent.
• Master Reid of Quevedo at the Buffet says it's a gamble the Brewers had to take at this point.
• Erik Manning of FanGraphs explains why this deal shouldn't be compared to the Jeff Suppan signing.
• Jordan also offered his thoughts on that topic, and reasonable expectations for Wolf.
• Adam McCalvy noted that Wolf's deal is the third richest for a pitcher in team history.
• Jorge Says No! says the Brewers are "going for it" in 2010.
• Babes Love Baseball thinks the Brewers overpaid for him.
• Aaron Gleeman says he'd rather have the deal Rich Harden signed with the Rangers.
• Wolf's contract inspired Rob Neyer to write a two parter on the economics of player salaries.
• Meanwhile, Diamond Leung has a quote from Wolf about the divorce situation with the McCourts that might have led to Wolf's departure from Los Angeles.

But, the Brewers weren't done there: They decided to burn a little extra money by overpaying for bullpen help. The result is a two-year, $7.5 million deal for LaTroy Hawkins (FanShot). The move ensures the Brewers will have at least three pitchers in their bullpen earning more than $3.5 million next season (Hoffman, Riske and now Hawkins), as well as two pitchers with closing experience, both of which are 37 or older. Two more links on Hawkins: one good, one bad.

• Aaron Gleeman notes that Hawkins has posted a 3.35 ERA over the last six seasons, in 379 innings. 
• Brian McTaggart quoted Hawkins as being "very disappointed" about leaving Houston, which is pretty much exactly what you don't want to hear from a guy you just threw a lot of perfectly good money at.

Both signings and a few other topics came up in Doug Melvin's MLB Network interview last night, which Tristarscoop chronicled for us, in case you missed it.

Since then, Doug Melvin's had an interesting 12 hours or so. First, a valet lost the keys to his car. Then, after presumably getting a ride back to the meetings, Melvin raised his offer to Craig Counsell. Melvin seems confident a deal will get done, and if he's saying so, that means he's pretty sure. Counsell has also spoken to the Reds, but it doesn't sound like there's much happening there.

Meanwhile, what once looked like a sure thing still isn't done: Mark Mulder remains unsigned, and now the Royals are also showing interest in his services.(h/t MLB Trade Rumors)

The Brewers also filled one more spot on their 40 man roster, selecting Indians lefty Chuck Lofgren in the Rule 5 Draft (FanShot). In a later post, Baseball America called him one of the best stories taken. It sounds like he's had a rough couple of years, but he's a big, athletic lefty who throws hard (90-93), so he's exactly the kind of pitcher the Brewers should be seeking out to work with Rick Peterson.

Can't get enough Triple G? Batter's Box Interactive has some photos from a Gregg Zaun at bat in Toronto last season. Zaun was also the starting point for today's Thursday Thinker: stop back for that at noon.

You still have a few hours to cast your vote for a second baseman on our BCB All Decade Team. Voting for that position closes at 4 today. Prince Fielder officially became the first Brewer elected to the team yesterday. Voting for a shortstop opened yesterday and closes at 4 tomorrow. Voting at third base, perhaps the most depressing interesting choice on the team, will open at 4 today.

Around baseball:

Astros: Acquired reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins for two minor leaguers and a PTBNL, and signed Brandon Lyon to a three year, $15 million deal.
Mariners: Signed Corey Patterson to a minor league deal. (FanShot) Also re-signed infielder Josh Wilson.
Mets: Re-negotiated their contract with Henry Blanco, due to concerns over the health of his shoulder.
Orioles: Acquired Kevin Millwood from the Rangers for reliever Chris Ray and a PTBNL.
Padres: Released pitcher Eulogio de la Cruz.
Rangers: Agreed to terms on a one year, $7.5 million deal with Rich Harden, with a club option for 2011 and acquired Mike Lowell from the Red Sox for catcher Max Ramirez.
Rays: Acquired Rafael Soriano from the Braves for reliever Jesse Chavez.
Red Sox: Acquired Boof Bonser from the Twins for a PTBNL or cash.
Royals: Released Mike Jacobs and pitcher John Bale
Tigers: Designated pitcher Freddy Dolsi and catcher Dusty Ryan for assignment.

Two former Brewers continue to search for work, and for once I'd rather have Jay Gibbons. Jason Kendall has received a two-year offer from the Royals, while Gibbons is drawing interest from the Dodgers.

While some players are looking for new teams. J.J. Hardy is busy making friends with his. He recently played in Harmon Killebrew's golf tournament, and the Hall of Famer had some nice things to say about him.

Easily the biggest trade at the meetings so far has been the three way deal involving the Tigers, Yankees and D-Backs. A lot of people are burying Arizona for giving up on Max Scherzer, but Patrick Sullivan of The Baseball Analysts and I agree: The Diamondbacks might come out ahead in this deal, trading a pitcher with an unsure future for two that might pitch in their rotation this season. Meanwhile, no one seems to mention that the Yankees traded two starters and a center fielder for one player.

Ever wonder what folks in minor league front offices do during the offseason? I don't know, but the Timber Rattlers' premiere episode of The Offseason would suggest they have some time on their hands.

With Jason Kendall gone, I guess we probably won't be talking about plunkings as much, and that's probably ok. With that said, Jeremy Greenhouse of The Baseball Analysts has a look at the probability of getting hit by a pitch, and what matchups and velocities make a batter most likely to get plunked.

It's been a pretty busy week at the Winter Meetings, and the flow of information has been dizzying at times. Just imagine how fast information would flow out if the internet was working.

Still looking for a gift for someone this holiday season? I might have a suggestion for you. Boys of Summer is a documentary chronicling Robert Cochrane and his father's summer long road trip to visit all 30 major league parks. The film is now available on DVD for the first time, with all proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help support research on Parkinson's Disease.

On this day in 1986, the Brewers sent Tim Crews and Tim Leary to the Dodgers for first baseman Greg Brock. Brock would go on to hit .261/.348/.387 over five seasons as a Brewer.

Happy birthday today to Doug Henry, who turns 46. Henry pitched the first four seasons of his major league career (1991-1994) as a Brewer, racking up 61 saves.

Drink up.

In Venezuela:

• Alcides Escobar went 3-for-5 and drove in two runs for Lara. He's hitting .459/.500/.568 in his last ten games.
• Mat Gamel went 0-for-2 with a strikeout. He's been held hitless in four of six VWL games.

In Mexico: Luis Cruz went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored for Culiacan.

With the '00's almost behind us, it's time to take a look back and work together to make a BCB All Decade team for the '00s. Each day, we'll tackle a new position, and we'll have our 25 man roster complete sometime around the 1st of the year.

The concept here is pretty simple. Each day, I'll give you a list of candidates: For position players, it's the full list of players who appeared in at least 100 games at the position during the '00s. You'll have 48 hours to vote. Voting for our first position, first base, is officially closed, and Prince Fielder is the first member of the team. Voting for second base opened yesterday and will close at 4 pm tomorrow.

Today, we continue to work our way around the infield. Here are the candidates at shortstop:

Jose Hernandez

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2002
Slash line as a Brewer: .261/.324/.434
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +4.7 runs*
WAR as a Brewer: 5.8

* - FanGraphs only has UZR data dating back to 2002, so only Hernandez's 2002 season is included here.

Mark Loretta

Seasons as a Brewer: 3, 2000-2002*
Slash line as a Brewer: .281/.348/.374
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: -2.7 runs**
WAR as a Brewer: 1.8

* - Loretta was also a Brewer from 1995-1999, but those numbers aren't included here.
** - Again, FanGraphs only has UZR data from 2002 forward, so only Loretta's 2002 season is included here.

Bill Hall

Seasons as a Brewer: 8, 2002-2009*
Slash line as a Brewer: .253/.312/.446
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +2.3 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 7.3

* - Hall only played shortstop in five seasons, from 2002-2006.

Royce Clayton

Seasons as a Brewer: 1, 2003
Slash line as a Brewer: .228/.301/.333
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +1.6 runs
WAR as a Brewer: -0.3

Craig Counsell

Seasons as a Brewer: 4, 2004, 2007-2009
Slash line as a Brewer: .247/.341/.338
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +8.1 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 5.0

J.J. Hardy

Seasons as a Brewer: 5, 2005-2009
Slash line as a Brewer: .262/.323/.428
UZR (Fielding) as a Brewer: +38.3 runs
WAR as a Brewer: 8.6

by Keith Birmingham - AP

Another day, another picture of Randy Wolf.

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Some things to read while making your pitch to Gatorade.

It's been roughly 24 hours since we were told the Brewers were "very close" to a deal with Randy Wolf, but said deal has yet to materialize. Both Tom H. and Buster Olney are saying the Brewers are expecting a response today, now that Arn Tellem has had a day to shop the offer around, but reportedly hasn't found anyone willing to match it. Other notes on Wolf:

• Tom H. says he "gets the feeling that the Brewers are suprised that Randy Wolf hasn't accepted their three-year offer yet."
• Jayson Stark heard that the Brewers' offer to Wolf was bigger than the three year, $28 million deal the Braves recently gave Tim Hudson.
• Jon Heyman tweeted that the Mets don't appear likely to land Wolf, and while MLB Trade Rumors lists them as showing interest in five other pitchers, Heyman says the price of mid-level pitching might drive them to spend a little more in pursuit of John Lackey.
• The Junkball Blues has a look at the average return teams get on three year contracts to starting pitchers. There are some good ones (Greg Maddux, Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett), but also some disasters (Adam Eaton, Jason Schmidt, Carl Pavano).
• Jorge Says No! wonders about the wisdom of offering Wolf a third year, but says the Brewers' willingness to do it implies they don't think they can sign Prince Fielder to a long term deal.

By the way, over two months ago Jorge Says No! predicted Wolf would get three years, $31 million on the open market. Impressive.

I feel the need to clarify my position on the Wolf rumor a bit, because I feel I was a little hard on the front office in this one act play last night. I still don't think Wolf wants to play in Milwaukee, which is why Arn Tellem has spent the last 24 hours searching for anyone on a coast willing to match the Brewers' offer. With that said, I'll give credit where credit is due to the front office for finding the guy they wanted and being aggressive in an attempt to get him here. If it turns out that the scenario I laid out is true and Tellem was just using the Brewers to raise the price for someone else, so be it. At least we're talking about the Brewers making an effort, and not hearing the reasons why they can't.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are close to a deal to bring Claudio Vargas back for another season, and are just waiting for formal acceptance from Vargas and his agent (FanShot). Conversation on the deal is probably complicated a bit by the fact that Vargas is currently in the Dominican Republic pitching in winter ball.

They're also expecting an answer sometime today from Craig Counsell, who may or may not be seeking a two year deal for next season. It sounds like Counsell and his agent spent the day yesterday checking out other options. Don't be surprised if a deal gets done relatively quickly.

Ken Macha told reporters yesterday that Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra are the only pitchers guaranteed a spot in the Brewer rotation next season, implying that Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan will have to compete to earn an opportunity (FanShot). Open competition should be good for all involved, especially if the Crew manages to bring in some high-upside pitchers to compete.

Tom H. has all of those notes (and a terrible headline) in his roundup piece today, along with this note: The 40 man roster is starting to fill up, so don't be surprised if the Brewers decide not to take a chance on a Rule 5 pick in tomorrow's draft. I think that's a poor decision. Among others, Tim Dillard and Luis Cruz could probably pass through waivers without much notice. Passing on a cheap lottery ticket to protect one of those guys doesn't seem to make sense.

In the minors:

• Project Prospect has a look at the speed of several Brewers who recently performed in the Arizona Fall League. Jonathan Lucroy appears to be in about the middle of the pack, while Taylor Green rated out way on the low end. They mustn't have had enough data to publish a ranking for Lorenzo Cain.
• Angel Salome will be the next Brewer prospect to head out for winter ball: He's reportedly leaving at the end of the week to play for Este in the Dominican League. You can keep up with him and all the Brewer winter leaguers in our Winter League Updates.

We're continuing the effort to put together a BCB All Decade Team, and if you haven't cast your first votes yet, there's still time. Voting at first base will remain open until 4 pm today, and voting at second base runs until 4 pm tomorrow. Check back later today to vote for a shortstop.

Around baseball:

Braves: Designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment.
D-Backs: Acquired pitchers Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy in a three way deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and outfielder Austin Jackson and pitchers Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth and Phil Coke to the Tigers.
Mets: Signed 1B/3B Mike Hessman to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a minor league deal.
Phillies: Signed Ross Gload to a two year deal.
Pirates: Are expected to sign Bobby Crosby to a one year deal.
Tigers: Signed catcher Robinzon Diaz, who was recently released by the Pirates.
Twins: Designated Boof Bonser for assignment.
White Sox: Signed Mark Teahen to a three year, $14 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Yankees: Will receive the #1 pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft as the PTBNL in the Brian Bruney trade.

Meanwhile, Gritty von Canthitalick Jason Kendall continues to search for work, but there's more suitors than you might think: The Rangers are reportedly strongly considering Kendall, now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia injured his shoulder playing winter ball. The Royals have also expressed interest.

From surprising news to what might possibly be the week's least surprising news: John Lackey is having a hard time finding a team willing to offer him a six year deal.

Actually, this might be the most surprising news: Kudos to the BBWAA for their decision to allow Sean Forman of Baseball Reference to join their organization.

We could have used this days ago, but Dave Cameron of FanGraphs has a guide to deciphering sources in Winter Meeting rumors. Again today, the meetings provide us with some things you might never have known without the internet, and wouldn't have missed:

• Michael Tucker, who hasn't played in the majors since 2006, is in Indianapolis and wants to play next season.
• Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson heard about a trade offer the Diamondbacks made for him and was offended by it.
• C. Trent Rosecrans gave the Meetings' Best Hat Award to Manny Acta.
• Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian gives us a look at the hotel lobby, complete with Christmas tree.
• Jonathan Mayo of MiLB.com had to step away from the meetings for a moment to help his mom figure out the TV.

On this day in 1977, the Brewers traded pitchers Jim Slaton and Rich Folkers to the Tigers for Ben Oglivie. The 29 year old Panama native would spend the last nine years of his career as a Brewer, hitting .277/.345/.461, leading the AL with 41 home runs in 1980, and appearing in three All Star games.

Happy birthday today to:

• Doc Medich, who made the final ten starts of his major league career for the 1982 Brewers, and turns 61.
• Ed Romero, who spent parts of eight seasons as a Brewer in the late 70's and 80's and later served as a minor league infield coordinator and manager. He turns 52.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some snowblowing to do.

Drink up.

In Venezuela:

• Alcides Escobar went 1-for-3 for Lara. He has a hit in five straight games and 15 in his last ten.
• Mat Gamel went 2-for-4 on Monday with a double and his first VWL home run. He then went 0-for-3 yesterday.
• Hernan Iribarren went 0-for-2 with a walk.

In the Dominican Republic:

• Erick Almonte went 3-for-4 with two runs scored for Cibao. He's reached base in 28 of his last 29 games.
• Carlos Gomez went 1-for-4 last night with an RBI for Escogido.

In Mexico: New Brewer Luis Cruz is spending his winter with Culiacan. Last night he went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Overall, he's hitting .317/.351/.407 in 153 PAs.

Ripped from a combination of the headlines and sheer conjecture, I present to you the first-ever reading of Oh S$%^, a one act play based loosely on the events of the 2009 Winter Meetings, as seen from the perspective of the Milwaukee Brewer front office staff in attendance.

CAST:

Mr. Mustache: Erstwhile GM of the Cream City Crushers. Once widely considered one of the game's top executives, a recent backslide in his team's performance has him on the ropes: He desperately needs something to show for his efforts at the meeting to prove to increasingly unsatisfied fans that he's still the man for the job.
Gore Dash: His trusty assistant/sidekick
Andy Wolf: One of the top free agent pitching talents available at the Winter Meetings. Andy is coming off a good season and hoping teams will ignore the fact that he wasn't exceptionally good in the seasons before that.
Art Nellem: Wolf's agent. He also represents Gritty von Canthitalick, a catcher the Crushers recently decided not to retain.

Scene opens with Mustache sitting at a table in a hotel suite, across from two empty chairs. Across the suite, Dash sits at a desk with the hotel phone and a laptop. He's on the phone, nodding.

Dash: We'll see you in a few minutes, then.
Dash hangs up the phone.
Mustache: They're on their way, then?
Dash: They're on their way.
Mustache: And it's the deal we discussed? Three years, $25 million?
Dash: That's the one. They just want to discuss some details.

Lights go dark in the suite, as the viewer's attention is directed outside the door, where Andy Wolf and Art Nellem are having a heated conversation:

Nellem: For the last time, Andy, I get it. You don't want to play in Milwaukee, or anywhere in the Midwest. You've made it perfectly clear you want to play on a coast. But you want three years, right?
Wolf: Right.
Nellem: And you want significantly more money than your performance justifies, right?
Wolf: Right.
Nellem: I've got a plan for you to get all those things. Follow me, and don't say anything.

Follow the jump for the rest!

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