Be sure to check out The Case for Joe Beimel in the post below this.  Aaron will surely be posting his weekly Player Evaluation in the coming days as well.  Stay tuned.

• The Junkball Blues asks six questions about the young players of the Milwaukee Brewers.  There are a couple points that I would like to add from Radio's already fine work.  Brewers fans can almost certainly expect J.J. Hardy's walk rate to decrease a bit in 2009, as he collected a fair amount while batting in front of the pitcher early in the season.  He was getting pitched around far more often than he will be batting in front of Ryan Braun.
  
  Corey Hart's stats suggest he was victim of a bit of bad luck.  He put more balls in play than he had previously in his career, but his BABIP went down dramatically.  While that is undoubtedly slightly caused by unfortunate luck, it should also be noted that Corey was not driving the ball with any authority.  Those weak grounders to the pitcher and shortstop do not help the BABIP very much.
  
  The analysis on Rickie Weeks is spot on.  If he begins to put the ball in play more, his OBP will almost certainly regress.  Since he is most likely Milwaukee's leadoff man next season, the young second baseman should continue to walk and get on base.  Fans need to realize that while they are not as glamorous as home runs, they remain quite effective.
• Ned Yost and Wilie Randolph are not on the Seattle Mariners' short list for manager in 2009.  It seems that Jack Zduriencik wishes to hire someone with a more intimate knowledge of the American League, which makes plenty of sense.  Randolph will be coaching from the bench in Milwaukee next season.  Welcome to Milwaukee, Mr. Randolph.
• The CC Sabathia situation this offseason has gotten so much attention that an economist from Vanderbilt University determined CC's monetary value to the Milwaukee Brewers.  Is it $20-25MM per year?  That is likely what it will require to convince Sabathia to sign with the Brewers.  The study says no, not for the small-market Brewers.  Just another reason why the Crew should simply collect the two draft picks and move on with their offseason plans.
• Baseball Digest Daily believes the Milwaukee Brewers have had the fourth best offseason thus far in the MLB.  It seems that some believe that Casey McGehee has enough skill to make a positive impact on the 2009 Brewers at third base.  After all, the young man has been killing the ball during fall ball.  I also agree completely with this comment on Mike Cameron: “Bad fit for club’s left/right balance but a good, under appreciated player.” - Rob McQuown  (h/t Brew Crew Ball)
  
• Brew Crew Ball has some updates from the Fall/Winter Leagues from yesterday.  Lorenzo Cain had a monster night at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double, and a walk.  He will be attracting more attention no matter where he goes if he keeps raking like this.  Brent Brewer is actually chugging along quite nicely in the AFL.  He went 1-for-4 with a double yesterday.  Perhaps the young man is finally turning the corner.
• Brewerfan.net has a new Power 50 posted with all the top prospects in Milwaukee's organization.  I am unbelievably excited about next season's crop of players that will be playing in Appleton with the Timber Rattlers.  Expect plenty of reports from their games. 
  
  I suppose this would also be a good time to mention that LHP Chris Cody won the Brewers Organization Pitcher of the Year award for the 2008 season, which was very well deserved.  I desperately want to see what this kid can do in the higher levels of the minors.  3B Mat Gamel won the Player of the Year award.  Anyone surprised?  Didn't think so.
• Another closer will be on the open market starting Friday, as Trevor Hoffman and the Padres have officially ceased negotiations for next season.  Quite the unceremonious ending to a stellar career in San Diego.  I am disappointed in the Padre organization, as they would not even meet face-to-face with Hoffman like he requested.
• The Washington Nationals landed left-hander Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham from the Florida Marlins for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and two low-level, but high-ceiling prospects.  The Marlins have said that Dan Uggla will not be traded this offseason, so it makes one wonder if Uggla will be moved to third to make room for Bonifacio at second.  This would force Jorge Cantu to first base.  In the end of all things, Dallas McPherson is again without a job at third base.  His monstrous power and left-handed bat would be welcome in Milwaukee.  You can bet Doug Melvin will kick the tires there.
• Dugout Central names the worst hitter ever.  EVER.