645
03-15-2006, 02:10 AM
Drew Olson answers your questions about the Brewers and the upcoming season.
Q: Kevin of St. Paul, MN - If Carlos Lee decides he wants to re-sign with the Brewers, how much $ do you think it'll take - $12M/year, more, less?
A: Drew Olson - Kevin - Based on Randy Winn signing for $7 million, I think Carlos will be justified to ask for at least $10 million. I don't think he'll have interest in signing early with the Brewers, because players wait a long time to be able to test the market. Given his contract status, he'll be a prime candidate for a deadline deal, but not if the Brewers are still contending.
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Q: Scott of Madison - Drew, is it true Bob Brainerd won't be a part of the TV games on FSN this season? What's the deal anyway? I love baseball, but I enjoy when Bob, Daron and Bill have some fun during the games.
A: Drew Olson - Scott - It's true. Bob won't be part of the broadcasts this year and you aren't alone in thinking that's a bummer. I've never heard an explanation for the move.
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Q: Fred Gwynne of 1313 Mockingbird Lane - I heard Tony Gwynn Jr. on TV Sunday and he sounds exactly like his dad. Grandpa was a huge baseball fan and I know he was a big Tony Sr. fan. Does Jr. have a future?
A: Drew Olson - Fred - They are definitely sound-alikes. I think Tony's stock has gone up this spring. If he shows he can take his walks, bunt a little bit and slap the ball around I could see him being a regular CF at some point. One thing Ned Yost likes is when players capitalize on opportunity. Gwynn is seeing more playing time because Dave Kryznel is out and he's playing well.
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Q: Edd of Layton, UT - I saw Zach Sorensen play in the minors and thought he was a good infielder and the type of player that does alot of little things well. What are his chances of sticking with the team?
A: Drew Olson - Edd - I think Sorensen is a long shot to make the roster, but I agree with your assessment. He's a solid player.
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Q: Edd of Layton, UT - Justin Lehr has started and pitched relief. What's his future role in the majors?
A: Drew Olson - Edd - I think they like him as a reliever. The fact that he can start, is a good athlete, controls the running game, fields his position and can handle the bat also work in his favor.
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Q: Scott of St. Francis - While jersey numbers are probably not as hotly contested in baseball as they are in football (not as much "bling" with diamond-encrusted numbers) Koskie joined the Brewers, and already gets #47... I think Jorge de la Rosa had it last year, what number will he sport this season? Are these things usually settled by seniority in MLB? What was the most vicious behind the scenes battle over a jersey number that you have been privy to?
A: Drew Olson - Scott - De La Rosa was assigned No. 48 this spring. I'm not sure he was too attached to No. 47. I've never really seen a heated debate about numbers. Cirillo probably would have liked to have No. 26 back, but Damian Miller had it so he switched to 6.
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Q: Karen of Cudahy - Hey Drew! Love your columns and of course, the D-List... now that spring training is a couple weeks old, have there been any surprising performances by any relatively unknown Brewers? Or are the players we're already familiar with the only talent we'll see this season?
A: Drew Olson - Karen - Thanks for the question and thanks for listening to the radio show. Surprises to date include Zach Jackson, Carlos Villaneuva and a host of others.
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Q: Chris of Sussex - Do you think that Bill Hall has turned sour on the Brewers? they gavce him the one year contract with hopes of signing him to along term contract during the season, and i read talks have altogether broken off. I think Koskie was a good move, but I think Hall will get some good money if he decides to leave Milwaukee. I think they should try to keep him. He's proven himself.
A: Drew Olson - Chris - I don't think Bill Hall is sour at all. His agents also rep for Chone Figgins of Anaheim. Figgins signed for three years, $10 million. I think they consider Bill to be in that class. The Brewers weren't ready to go that deep yet, but I don't sense any hard feelings on either side.
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Q: Trevor of Glendale - How is Billy Hall looking in the outfield? Is this his future with the Brewers?
A: Drew Olson - Trevor - Bill hasn't seen much action in the outfield in games yet, so it's hard to tell. he's a good enough athlete to handle it, though, and Robin Yount is here to help. As for his future, it's hard to say. But, it won't hurt him to be able to play out there.
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Q: Ryan of Milwaukee - How are the guys in the rotation looking so far? It seems like Dave Bush is impressing some folks already. Could he move past Ohka to the number four spot?
A: Drew Olson - Ryan - Bush has looked good so far. Don't put too much stock into the No. 4 or No. 5 designations. Ned Yost and Mike Maddux certainly don't.
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Q: Pablo of Bayside - What one player (not necessarily a Brewer) has grabbed your attention so far this spring?
A: Drew Olson - Pablo - I'd say Barry Bonds when he dressed in drag!
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Q: Kelly Key of Wausau, WI - I have standing room only tickets for opening day, any chance I'll be able to see much of the game.... Also I was wondering who you think in the cutest Brewer???
A: Drew Olson - Kelly - Go easy on the bloody mary's on Monday morning and you'll be able to see quite a bit of the game. As for the cutest Brewer, I'd have to go with Bernie.
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Q: Tim Klingman of Glendale - What, if anything, should Bug Selig be doing in regards to Barry Bonds' approach of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record? Does Selig owe the Black athletes (pre and post Jackie Robinson) anything to secure their legacies against ungrateful cheaters like Bonds?
A: Drew Olson - Tim - Until someone invents a time machine, I don't think there is much Bud can do. You can't ask guys for urine samples from 1996. He can order an investigation, but it shouldn't just focus on Bonds. In fact, I kind of agree with what Ben Sheets said recently: it's almost unfair that the focus is on Bonds, McGwire and Sosa. Other guys who could also be in the media crosshairs - Bagwell, Piazza, Bret Boone and many others - seem to fly under the radar.
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Q: Matt of Burlington - The Brewers are now experimenting with Bill Hall in the outfield for him to get more playing time. How many games do you see him being in the starting lineup this year?
A: Drew Olson - Matt - It's impossible to say. It depends on how much Koskie plays and how healthy he and others are. I know the Brewers would like to get Hall between 450 and 500 at-bats, however and wherever they can.
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Q: Bob of Lake Geneva - Does Tony Gwynn Jr. stand any chance of making the roster this year?
A: Drew Olson - Bob - He won't make it out of camp, but I could see him playing on a September callup (earlier if there is an injury and they need an influx of speed/defense.
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Q: Boomgoesthedynamite of Milwaukee - Do you think Vinny Rottino is overrated by a lot Brewer fans, possibly because he is from Racine?
A: Drew Olson - Boom - I'm not aware of how fans rate Vinny. But, I know the coaching staff thinks highly of his versatility, work ethic and all-around pleasant personality. The guy can hit a little bit. He might not be an all-star, but it's not a stretch to think he could play in the big leagues some day.
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Q: Bruthie of Milwaukee - We're constantly hearing about how Brady Clark is such a hardworker and how he is always the first one at the ballpark. Isn't anyone concerned that he might not be getting enough rest?
A: Drew Olson - Bruthie - That was raised last year by my colleague Tom Haudricourt and others. Brady proved indefatigable. But, the plan is to give all three outfielders a little more rest. Maybe 151 games instead of 159?
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Q: Josh of Madison - Has Dan Kolb looked as bad as his stats are this spring, or is he just working on some adjustments?
A: Drew Olson - Josh - It hasn't been pretty, but he is working on things. If he's scuffling in a couple weeks, the level of concern may go up.
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Q: TOM of PALATINE, IL - I AM A BREWER SEASON TICKET HOLDER, LIVING IN SUBURBAN CHICAGO. I THOUGHT THE BREWERS PROMOTION OF TAKE BACK MILLER PARK WAS EMBARRASING, AND JUST RE-ENFORCED THE BREWERS SMALL MARKET MENTALITY. I REALIZE THE BRAINCHILD OF THIS WAS A LOCAL SPORTS ANCHOR WHO IS BETTER SUITED FOR MAYBERY, NC
A: Drew Olson - Tom - I wasn't really a fan of the promotion, either. The bottom line is that Brewers officials don't care who buys the tickets - as long as the turnstiles spin. The best promotion in baseball is winning games.
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Q: Brock of Ashwaubenon - Drew, What do you envision for Dan Kolb this season considering his struggles last season and now early in spring? Will Yost and Melvin stick with him if he continues to struggle or could he find himself on the hot seat and out before summer?
A: Drew Olson - Brock - I think the big contract will keep Kolb off the hot seat, but he'll have to pitch well to get into big situations. Ned has a track record of being patient, but the primary thrust this year has been "the bar has been raised.'' We'll see.
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Q: Schnackenpfefferhausen of Cedarburg - Is it a foregone conclusion that Chad Moeller will be the backup catcher? The Brewers let go of Javier Valentin a few years ago, and he has turned out to be a very capable catcher in Cincinnati. They now have a very similar player in Mike Rivera in that Rivera and Valentin both had 30HR seasons in the minors. Barring a Moeller injury, is there any chance of Rivera sticking as the backup?
A: Drew Olson - Great question, Schnack. At this point, I would say that Chad Moeller's contract is guaranteed but his spot on the roster might not be.
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Q: Shtiny of Dallas - What is the likelihood of the Brewers trading Ohka early in the year to go with a rotation of Sheets, Davis, Capuano, Bush, and Jackson?
A: Drew Olson - Shtiny - Given Sheets' health questions, I don't think trading Ohka is a pressing concern at this point.
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Q: Tim of Milwaukee - Drew--Love the D-List. How is Vinnie Rottino looking this year in spring training? Any chance that he'll make the move up?
A: Drew Olson - Tim - Thanks for listening. See previous answer about Vinny.
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Q: Jason S of NYC - Drew - Thank you for the continued excellence on covering of the Brew Crew. Your reports seem to get better year after year. Um, are you on the 'roids too?
A: Drew Olson - Jason - Unless Diet Mountain Dew is regarded as a performance-enhancer, I think I can pass just about any test.
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Q: Jeff of Brookfield - As a devout DList listener (#144), I am encouraged to hear the increased enthusiasm when discussing the Brewers. How many pitchers do you think the Brewers will start the season with 11 or 12 and who will comprise the bullpen as the starters seem to be pretty set?
A: Drew Olson - Jeff - Good to hear from a D-Lister. Be sure and beg Spider for a bump in class. I think the Brewers will end up carrying 12 pitchers. To me, that has become the industry standard. Obviously, Turnbow, Kolb and Wise will be in there. I think De La Rosa will, too. Helling, Lehr and others are in the mix.
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Q: Matt (D-Lister 159) of Milwaukee - How does the Brewers starting pitching stack up to the rest of the National League Central? (With the understanding Sheets is healthy and the #1 starter)
A: Drew Olson - Matt - It's hard to answer that until we know whether Clemens is going to pitch this year. But, I'd say - at full strength - the Brewers' rotation matches up favorably. The Cubs probably rank at the top of the list, but Wood is hurt. On paper, the teams are pretty close, don't you think?
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Q: Steve Z. of Irving, TX - Drew - Greetings again from North Texas! Most players in Barry Bonds' position would quietly retire due to a certain sense of shame and guilt. My feeling is that he will continue to compartmentalize the media glare caused by his steroid usage and keep playing. Have you ever interviewed or at least been around Bonds and if so, do you agree? Thanks.
A: Drew Olson - Steve - I don't think Barry plans to retire any time soon. He's got a reality show in the works and it probably would lose some sizzle if he spent his days on the couch with a remote in his hand. I actually have enjoyed my handful of encounters with Barry. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say that he probably took a whole bunch of steroids. But, I'd also say that he's the best player I've ever seen. It's a fascinating situation.
Q: Kevin of St. Paul, MN - If Carlos Lee decides he wants to re-sign with the Brewers, how much $ do you think it'll take - $12M/year, more, less?
A: Drew Olson - Kevin - Based on Randy Winn signing for $7 million, I think Carlos will be justified to ask for at least $10 million. I don't think he'll have interest in signing early with the Brewers, because players wait a long time to be able to test the market. Given his contract status, he'll be a prime candidate for a deadline deal, but not if the Brewers are still contending.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Scott of Madison - Drew, is it true Bob Brainerd won't be a part of the TV games on FSN this season? What's the deal anyway? I love baseball, but I enjoy when Bob, Daron and Bill have some fun during the games.
A: Drew Olson - Scott - It's true. Bob won't be part of the broadcasts this year and you aren't alone in thinking that's a bummer. I've never heard an explanation for the move.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Fred Gwynne of 1313 Mockingbird Lane - I heard Tony Gwynn Jr. on TV Sunday and he sounds exactly like his dad. Grandpa was a huge baseball fan and I know he was a big Tony Sr. fan. Does Jr. have a future?
A: Drew Olson - Fred - They are definitely sound-alikes. I think Tony's stock has gone up this spring. If he shows he can take his walks, bunt a little bit and slap the ball around I could see him being a regular CF at some point. One thing Ned Yost likes is when players capitalize on opportunity. Gwynn is seeing more playing time because Dave Kryznel is out and he's playing well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Edd of Layton, UT - I saw Zach Sorensen play in the minors and thought he was a good infielder and the type of player that does alot of little things well. What are his chances of sticking with the team?
A: Drew Olson - Edd - I think Sorensen is a long shot to make the roster, but I agree with your assessment. He's a solid player.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Edd of Layton, UT - Justin Lehr has started and pitched relief. What's his future role in the majors?
A: Drew Olson - Edd - I think they like him as a reliever. The fact that he can start, is a good athlete, controls the running game, fields his position and can handle the bat also work in his favor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Scott of St. Francis - While jersey numbers are probably not as hotly contested in baseball as they are in football (not as much "bling" with diamond-encrusted numbers) Koskie joined the Brewers, and already gets #47... I think Jorge de la Rosa had it last year, what number will he sport this season? Are these things usually settled by seniority in MLB? What was the most vicious behind the scenes battle over a jersey number that you have been privy to?
A: Drew Olson - Scott - De La Rosa was assigned No. 48 this spring. I'm not sure he was too attached to No. 47. I've never really seen a heated debate about numbers. Cirillo probably would have liked to have No. 26 back, but Damian Miller had it so he switched to 6.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Karen of Cudahy - Hey Drew! Love your columns and of course, the D-List... now that spring training is a couple weeks old, have there been any surprising performances by any relatively unknown Brewers? Or are the players we're already familiar with the only talent we'll see this season?
A: Drew Olson - Karen - Thanks for the question and thanks for listening to the radio show. Surprises to date include Zach Jackson, Carlos Villaneuva and a host of others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Chris of Sussex - Do you think that Bill Hall has turned sour on the Brewers? they gavce him the one year contract with hopes of signing him to along term contract during the season, and i read talks have altogether broken off. I think Koskie was a good move, but I think Hall will get some good money if he decides to leave Milwaukee. I think they should try to keep him. He's proven himself.
A: Drew Olson - Chris - I don't think Bill Hall is sour at all. His agents also rep for Chone Figgins of Anaheim. Figgins signed for three years, $10 million. I think they consider Bill to be in that class. The Brewers weren't ready to go that deep yet, but I don't sense any hard feelings on either side.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Trevor of Glendale - How is Billy Hall looking in the outfield? Is this his future with the Brewers?
A: Drew Olson - Trevor - Bill hasn't seen much action in the outfield in games yet, so it's hard to tell. he's a good enough athlete to handle it, though, and Robin Yount is here to help. As for his future, it's hard to say. But, it won't hurt him to be able to play out there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Ryan of Milwaukee - How are the guys in the rotation looking so far? It seems like Dave Bush is impressing some folks already. Could he move past Ohka to the number four spot?
A: Drew Olson - Ryan - Bush has looked good so far. Don't put too much stock into the No. 4 or No. 5 designations. Ned Yost and Mike Maddux certainly don't.
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Q: Pablo of Bayside - What one player (not necessarily a Brewer) has grabbed your attention so far this spring?
A: Drew Olson - Pablo - I'd say Barry Bonds when he dressed in drag!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Kelly Key of Wausau, WI - I have standing room only tickets for opening day, any chance I'll be able to see much of the game.... Also I was wondering who you think in the cutest Brewer???
A: Drew Olson - Kelly - Go easy on the bloody mary's on Monday morning and you'll be able to see quite a bit of the game. As for the cutest Brewer, I'd have to go with Bernie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Tim Klingman of Glendale - What, if anything, should Bug Selig be doing in regards to Barry Bonds' approach of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record? Does Selig owe the Black athletes (pre and post Jackie Robinson) anything to secure their legacies against ungrateful cheaters like Bonds?
A: Drew Olson - Tim - Until someone invents a time machine, I don't think there is much Bud can do. You can't ask guys for urine samples from 1996. He can order an investigation, but it shouldn't just focus on Bonds. In fact, I kind of agree with what Ben Sheets said recently: it's almost unfair that the focus is on Bonds, McGwire and Sosa. Other guys who could also be in the media crosshairs - Bagwell, Piazza, Bret Boone and many others - seem to fly under the radar.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Matt of Burlington - The Brewers are now experimenting with Bill Hall in the outfield for him to get more playing time. How many games do you see him being in the starting lineup this year?
A: Drew Olson - Matt - It's impossible to say. It depends on how much Koskie plays and how healthy he and others are. I know the Brewers would like to get Hall between 450 and 500 at-bats, however and wherever they can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Bob of Lake Geneva - Does Tony Gwynn Jr. stand any chance of making the roster this year?
A: Drew Olson - Bob - He won't make it out of camp, but I could see him playing on a September callup (earlier if there is an injury and they need an influx of speed/defense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Boomgoesthedynamite of Milwaukee - Do you think Vinny Rottino is overrated by a lot Brewer fans, possibly because he is from Racine?
A: Drew Olson - Boom - I'm not aware of how fans rate Vinny. But, I know the coaching staff thinks highly of his versatility, work ethic and all-around pleasant personality. The guy can hit a little bit. He might not be an all-star, but it's not a stretch to think he could play in the big leagues some day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Bruthie of Milwaukee - We're constantly hearing about how Brady Clark is such a hardworker and how he is always the first one at the ballpark. Isn't anyone concerned that he might not be getting enough rest?
A: Drew Olson - Bruthie - That was raised last year by my colleague Tom Haudricourt and others. Brady proved indefatigable. But, the plan is to give all three outfielders a little more rest. Maybe 151 games instead of 159?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Josh of Madison - Has Dan Kolb looked as bad as his stats are this spring, or is he just working on some adjustments?
A: Drew Olson - Josh - It hasn't been pretty, but he is working on things. If he's scuffling in a couple weeks, the level of concern may go up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: TOM of PALATINE, IL - I AM A BREWER SEASON TICKET HOLDER, LIVING IN SUBURBAN CHICAGO. I THOUGHT THE BREWERS PROMOTION OF TAKE BACK MILLER PARK WAS EMBARRASING, AND JUST RE-ENFORCED THE BREWERS SMALL MARKET MENTALITY. I REALIZE THE BRAINCHILD OF THIS WAS A LOCAL SPORTS ANCHOR WHO IS BETTER SUITED FOR MAYBERY, NC
A: Drew Olson - Tom - I wasn't really a fan of the promotion, either. The bottom line is that Brewers officials don't care who buys the tickets - as long as the turnstiles spin. The best promotion in baseball is winning games.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Brock of Ashwaubenon - Drew, What do you envision for Dan Kolb this season considering his struggles last season and now early in spring? Will Yost and Melvin stick with him if he continues to struggle or could he find himself on the hot seat and out before summer?
A: Drew Olson - Brock - I think the big contract will keep Kolb off the hot seat, but he'll have to pitch well to get into big situations. Ned has a track record of being patient, but the primary thrust this year has been "the bar has been raised.'' We'll see.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Schnackenpfefferhausen of Cedarburg - Is it a foregone conclusion that Chad Moeller will be the backup catcher? The Brewers let go of Javier Valentin a few years ago, and he has turned out to be a very capable catcher in Cincinnati. They now have a very similar player in Mike Rivera in that Rivera and Valentin both had 30HR seasons in the minors. Barring a Moeller injury, is there any chance of Rivera sticking as the backup?
A: Drew Olson - Great question, Schnack. At this point, I would say that Chad Moeller's contract is guaranteed but his spot on the roster might not be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Shtiny of Dallas - What is the likelihood of the Brewers trading Ohka early in the year to go with a rotation of Sheets, Davis, Capuano, Bush, and Jackson?
A: Drew Olson - Shtiny - Given Sheets' health questions, I don't think trading Ohka is a pressing concern at this point.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Tim of Milwaukee - Drew--Love the D-List. How is Vinnie Rottino looking this year in spring training? Any chance that he'll make the move up?
A: Drew Olson - Tim - Thanks for listening. See previous answer about Vinny.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Jason S of NYC - Drew - Thank you for the continued excellence on covering of the Brew Crew. Your reports seem to get better year after year. Um, are you on the 'roids too?
A: Drew Olson - Jason - Unless Diet Mountain Dew is regarded as a performance-enhancer, I think I can pass just about any test.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Jeff of Brookfield - As a devout DList listener (#144), I am encouraged to hear the increased enthusiasm when discussing the Brewers. How many pitchers do you think the Brewers will start the season with 11 or 12 and who will comprise the bullpen as the starters seem to be pretty set?
A: Drew Olson - Jeff - Good to hear from a D-Lister. Be sure and beg Spider for a bump in class. I think the Brewers will end up carrying 12 pitchers. To me, that has become the industry standard. Obviously, Turnbow, Kolb and Wise will be in there. I think De La Rosa will, too. Helling, Lehr and others are in the mix.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Matt (D-Lister 159) of Milwaukee - How does the Brewers starting pitching stack up to the rest of the National League Central? (With the understanding Sheets is healthy and the #1 starter)
A: Drew Olson - Matt - It's hard to answer that until we know whether Clemens is going to pitch this year. But, I'd say - at full strength - the Brewers' rotation matches up favorably. The Cubs probably rank at the top of the list, but Wood is hurt. On paper, the teams are pretty close, don't you think?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Steve Z. of Irving, TX - Drew - Greetings again from North Texas! Most players in Barry Bonds' position would quietly retire due to a certain sense of shame and guilt. My feeling is that he will continue to compartmentalize the media glare caused by his steroid usage and keep playing. Have you ever interviewed or at least been around Bonds and if so, do you agree? Thanks.
A: Drew Olson - Steve - I don't think Barry plans to retire any time soon. He's got a reality show in the works and it probably would lose some sizzle if he spent his days on the couch with a remote in his hand. I actually have enjoyed my handful of encounters with Barry. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say that he probably took a whole bunch of steroids. But, I'd also say that he's the best player I've ever seen. It's a fascinating situation.