Sorry for the lack of updates this past week. I've had a cold that's moved back and forth between my head and chest and I'm just now starting to feel like myself again. I know it's now been over a week but here's my thoughts on what's all going on over at One Miller Park Way.

Well, we all knew that after Milwaukee was eliminated by the Phillies that the hot stove league would be an especially active on for the Brewers. Doug Melvin wasted no time in naming Ken Macha as his manager. I've written extensively on here that I was not in favor of Macha getting the job but it now does no good to complain. I will give Macha the benefit of the doubt and let him prove himself before passing judgment. I did like how he came off in his press conference, particularly describing his experience in Oakland and the reported issues he had with players as well as his belief that he's not here to be a friend to the players but rather their boss. That will be a welcome change from Ned Yost who seemed to put friendship with players above performance on the field.  

The biggest change that Macha may notice is in his pitching staff. With Oakland, he had the likes of Hudson, Mulder, Zito, Haren, Harang and Loaiza. That is a great collection of arms that Macha had at various times in his tenure. I think it's highly unlikely that CC Sabathia will return next year but think there is a small chance for Ben Sheets to come back. If either were to return, it would make Macha's job that much easier.

Dale Sveum has decided to stay with the team and will become hitting coach. He's now been hitting coach, third base coach, bench coach and manager of this team. Maybe next year he could try his hand at pitching coach. While I'm glad that Sveum has decided to stick around, I question him becoming the hitting coach. Sveum can serve as a good middle man between the players and Macha but I would have much rather have seen him return to the third base box or become bench coach again. Sveum has no experience as a hitting coach in the majors and the Brewers aren't an ideal place I would like to see someone learn on the job. I would rather see someone with several years of experience as a hitting coach work with and mentor several of the young Brewers hitters.

Mike Maddux has decided to leave the team and join the Texas Rangers as their pitching coach. Maddux was with the team for six years and will now be replaced by former bullpen coach, Bill Castro. Castro has been with the Brewers for 17 years and will finally get to serve as a pitching coach for a Major League team. Castro previously served as pitching coach for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in 2006. It's nice to see Castro finally get a chance and his knowledge of the current pitching staff will definitely serve to his advantage. 

The Brewers decided to pick up Mike Cameron's $10 million option for 2009. There are now reports that GM Doug Melvin is talking with the Yankees about trading Cameron to the Bronx. Although I'm not happy with picking up Cameron's option, I think what the Brewers would get back from the Yankees wouldn't help them for the 2009 season if the rumored names are correct. Melky Cabrera is a light-hitting centerfielder. Wilson Betemit has never had any type of measurable success anywhere in the Majors. Ian Kennedy is thought to be a future pitching star but hasn't put it together with the Yankees. Kennedy is 18-6 in his last two years in the Minors but I don't want to give up a Gold Glove centerfielder for a player that might be a good pitcher down the road. The Brewers need to make trades to help their team now, not two and three years down the road.

CC Sabathia is likely to make a counter offer to the reported $100 million contract the Brewers made to him. Sabathia probably won't make a proposal until after he gets offers from the Yankees and whatever other teams have interest. I still don't like the idea of the Brewers spending up to a quarter of their payroll on one player. Let's say Sabathia decides to sign with the Brewers for $22 million a year. Sabathia, Cameron, Bill Hall and Jeff Suppan would have a combined salary of over $50 million. That's more than half of the team's payroll for just four players. That just isn't good business for a mid-market team like the Brewers. And that's not even taking into account the raises coming for JJ Hardy, Prince Fielder and Corey Hart. 

The hot stove league has started and it will prove to be a busy winter for the Brewers. Doug Melvin needs to be creative if he's going to keep the Brewers a competitive team over the next couple years. Creativity is a great thing as long as it doesn't turn into stupidity of trading a player for the sake of making a trade.

It's now being widely reported that Doug Melvin is willing to listen to offers for Prince Fielder this winter. Hearing that leads me to believe that the Brewers aren't going to be players in trying to sign CC Sabathia or Ben Sheets. That leaves trading a young, power hitting first baseman to try and get a top of the rotation pitcher back in Milwaukee.

Fielder turned down a contract extension last spring and is now arbitration eligible this off season. I've read reports that has Fielder getting a raise anywhere from $6-$10 million a year. I tend to see him falling somewhere around $7 or $8 million. Sure, he's a great young hitter but shouldn't get Ryan Howard-type arby money. He has not  produced the same way Howard did, nor has Prince won the Rookie of the Year or MVP award like Howard did before he was arbitration eligible. 

Not only did Fielder's offensive numbers dip in 2008, but his defense also became a major issue. Prince will never be confused for a Gold Glove fielder, but his 17 errors are far too many for a team that already has Bill Hall and Rickie Weeks as defensive liabilities in the infield. Fielder's weight has also steadily increased since becoming the full-time first baseman in 2006. His rising waistline continues to have many believe that Prince will eventually turn into his father, Cecil, and be nothing more than a designated hitter. While I don't think Prince will let himself get that out of shape, I do see his progressive weight increase as a problem in the future.

I'm sure now that Prince is officially on the trading block, rumors of his departure to San Francisco for Matt Cain will once again surface. Cain is a quality middle of the rotation pitcher, but he's not the number one or two pitcher that I'm hoping to get in return for Fielder. I don't like a straight up trade of Fielder for Cain but if the Brewers could get a bullpen arm or an outfielder to possibly take Mike Cameron's place in center, then a Fielder trade would be more appealing.

Another scenario could see a package of Fielder and a player like Bill Hall for either a higher caliber starter or a package of players to plug holes on the roster. Would the Orioles trade Brian Roberts, Jeremy Guthrie and George Sherrill for the current Brewers? Roberts, Guthrie and Sherrill may be too much for just giving the Orioles Fielder and Hall but a Roberts and Guthrie package could be interesting for the Brewers.

Should Fielder be traded, the question then becomes who takes over at first base in 2009? There are a variety of possible replacements both internally and externally. Corey Hart could move from right field. Hart did play some first base in the minors. Tony Gwynn or Gabe Kapler could then play in right. Mat Gamel still has many questions about his defense at third base, namely his throwing, and a move to first base could that concern. Brad Nelson could also step in as the first baseman. Nelson was the future for the Brewers at first base before Prince Fielder came onto the scene. Nelson may not hit as many long balls as Prince, but he still will be a serviceable fill-in at the position.

The team could also look to trade for a first baseman. Would a minor league prospect or two be enough to get someone like Mike Jacobs away from the Marlins? Jacobs is a power bat from the left side and he had six fewer errors than Fielder last season.

Free agency is another avenue the Brewers could go but there aren't many viable options there. Players like Rich Aurilla, Kevin Millar and Doug Mientkiewicz could all be had at reasonable prices and would give the Brewers a big upgrade defensively but would their low offensive output justify a signing?

Prince had a slow start to the 2008 season but he finished as hot as any player on the team not named CC Sabathia. He is a proven power hitter that will get you 30-plus home runs even in a down year. Although it is always hard to trade a fan favorite and a player that was instrumental in the team's success, I think it would be in the Brewers best interest to trade Fielder this winter while he still has three years left before he hits free agency and the team could get the most in return for him.

The UFC will make their debut in Chicago tonight for UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote. The night of fights will be highlighted by the main event featuring the UFC Middleweight Champion and best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Anderson Silva as he defends his title against Patrick Cote. There are 10 fights slated to take place and it should be a great night of fights. I'm especially excited since this will be the first UFC event I will attend in person. For that, I want to send out a special thank you to Cheryl Clancy for making it possible. Thanks Momma C!!

Rich Clementi (40-12-1) vs. Gray Maynard (6-0-1) Lightweights

Rich "No Love" Clementi has been on a role lately winning his last four fights. Clementi is a well-rounded fighter and is tough to knock out. He's a very emotional fighter and sometimes those emotions get in the way of his game plan. Gray Maynard has not lost in his four fights in the UFC. Maynard is a solid striker with a strong wrestling game. Result: I think Maynard is going to take this fight. He should be able to take Clementi to the ground and finish it either by submission or ground and pound. If Maynard is unable to finish the fight, I still think he'll get the win by decision.

Fabricio Werdum (11-3-1) vs. Junior Dos Santos (6-1) Heavyweights

Werdum is coming off of an impressive win over Brandon Vera at UFC 85 in June, and he also holds a victory over Gabriel Gonzaga. He's got a very strong ground game and a win could move him to the upper echelon of heavyweight fighters. Junior Dos Santos is making is UFC debut and typically, for whatever reason, fighters struggle in their first fight in the Octagon. Dos Santos is extremely strong and a good boxer. Result: I expect Werdum to pick up the win in this one. His experience and ground game will be too much for Dos Santos to overcome. I look for a second round TKO victory for Werdum. 

Sean Sherk (36-3-1) vs. Tyson Griffin (12-1) Lightweights

This match-up could be the Fight of the Night. Sherk is the past of the UFC Lightweight division will Griffin may very well be the future of it. Sherk is strongest, best conditioned lightweight fighter in the world. His training regiment is the stuff of legend, however he's coming off a dominating loss to BJ Penn. Tyson Griffin has won 5 of his 6 fights in the UFC and a win over Sherk would vault him up the rankings. Griffin is a great ground and pound fighter. He's very aggressive and not afraid to take chances to win a fight. Result: If Sherk wins, he'd stay near the top of the rankings but I think the ass-kicking he took from BJ Penn in May was the beginning of the end for the "Muscle Shark". Griffin has the game to match Sherk and I look for a second or third round TKO win for Griffin as he continues to move up on the lightweight ladder.

Josh Koscheck (13-2) vs. Thiago Alves (21-4) Welterweights

Josh Koscheck is a late substitute for Diego Sanchez who pulled out of the fight due to an injury. Koscheck and Alves should be a fight filled with fireworks. They are two of the top young fighters in the world and the winner will be in line for a title shot against Georges St-Pierre. Koscheck is a former All-American wrestler and has improved his all-around game greatly in his three years in the UFC. Since losing to GSP in August 2007, Koscheck has had two dominating performances and a win over Alves would be the biggest of his career. Thiago Alves has won his last six fights, including a dominating win over UFC legend Matt Hughes in June. Alves is a phenomenal striker and has great jiu-jitsu. Alves already won the biggest fight of his life when he beat Hughes and a win over Koscheck will solidify his place as the number one contender. Result: If Koscheck can take Alves down and work his ground and pound, he could win a decision. However, I think Alves is just a much better all-around fighter and will be able to catch Koscheck with a punch or a kick to end the fight. I'll go with an Alves TKO victory in the third round.

Anderson Silva (22-4) vs. Patrick Cote (14-4) Middleweight Championship

Anderson Silva is hands down the best fighter in the world. UFC commentator, Joe Rogan, has called Silva's striking, "A ballet of violence". He may be the best striker in the history of MMA and he's just as strong on the ground with his jiu-jitsu. He has won all seven of his fights in the UFC and was dominant in each one. He's beaten some of the best fighters in the world and had an easy time doing so. Patrick Cote is on a roll in the UFC. After losing his first four fights with the company, he's won his last four, two of which were by knock out. Cote does have knock out power and strong submission skills. He's also not afraid or intimidated by Anderson Silva. At the very least, he'll have a puncher's chance in the fight. Result: I don't see any way how Anderson Silva can lose this fight. He's the very best in the world, by a wide margin, and shouldn't have any trouble with Cote. Title fights are scheduled for five rounds, but I don't see any way the fight makes it even half way. I like Silva winning in the first round by a knock out, barely breaking a sweat.

I've learned that UFC cards are always unpredictable and things will happen that I would never imagine. But if I were a betting man, I'd bet everything I own on Anderson Silva to win tonight. 

It should be a fun, long night in the Windy City. I'll check back in tomorrow with post fight thoughts and reactions.

The Milwaukee Admirals came into their game on Friday night with a four game losing streak and were desperate to get a victory and some momentum to carry into the weekend.

The Admirals aggressive play paid off early drawing two penalties on the Rivermen. The first came at 17 seconds of the period followed by a second at 3:19. The Admirals took advantage and scored a power play goal at 4:50. Kelsey Wilson netted the puck, assisted by Cal O'Reilly and Stephen Werner. The Ads second goal came at 12:26 and was scored by Scott Ford and assisted by Josh Gratton and Andreas Thuresson. The team's third goal of the period was scored by Antti Pihlstrom at 14:39 and was assisted by Nick Spaling and Alexander Sulzer. The following face off saw a fight between the Ads Geoff Peters and Curtis Fraser of the Rivermen. Peters delivered a nice, swift beat down of Fraser before the two received matching five minute fighting penalties.

The Rivermen took advantage of a Scott Ford penalty and scored their first goal of the night at 19:05 by Jim Jackson. The goal was assisted by Nikolay Lemtyugov and Julian Talbot. 

The Admirals added to their lead in the second period on a goal by Geoff Peters. Mark Matheson assisted on the goal. The Admirals had two more power play chances but were unable to capitalize on the Rivermen's mistakes.

After a goal by Andreas Thuresson 10 seconds into the period, Milwaukee got sloppy and took two early penalties. The second resulted in a power play goal by the Rivermen. Nikolay Lemtyugov scored on the goal at 8:41 that was assisted by Chris Connor and Julian Talbot. The Rivermen scored less than two minutes later on a goal by Nicholas Drazenovic. That goal was assisted by Justin Fletcher and Steve Regier.

The Admirals put the game away on an empty net goal by Cal O'Reilly at 18:08.

The Admirals picked up their second win on the season and the first at home. Coach Lambert spoke after the game and was proud of the way the team battled after giving up the two goals in the third and he's confident with tonight's result and thinks it will be very helpful in tomorrow's game. Special congratulations go out to Admirals goalie, Mark Dekanich. The victory was the first of Dekanich's career.

Cody Franson missed tonight's game with an injury and is questionable for tomorrow night. The Admirals will look to make it two straight on Saturday night when the host the Chicago Wolves.

 There's quite a bit about the Brewers to talk about right now, so let's get right into it:

 It sounds like GM Doug Melvin might just interview Willie Randolph, Ken Macha and Bob Brenly and just pick one of the three. Bobby Valentine's name continues to be floating out there but it sounds like there won't be an interview. Brenly appears to be the frontrunner for the job and he may turn around and offer the bench coach or third base coaching job to Dale Sveum. Sveum could serve as the buffer between Brenly and the players and play the role of "good cop" to Brenly's "bad cop". I think any of the three would do a good job but I still lean in favor of Willie Randolph. I think the Mets proved this year with a second straight collapse that the players have more to do with it than Randolph. 

Two of the team's top prospects were injured in the Arizona Fall League. Pitching phenom Jeremy Jeffress left his start on Tuesday with shoulder fatigue. Team officials said it would be five to seven days before a determination is made on the rest of his AFL season. Jeffress was named the Brewers Minor League Pitcher of the Year despite being suspended to start the year for marijuana use. Jeffress is a future big league pitcher and possible ace if he learns better command of his pitches. I'd be fine if the Brewers shut him down for the rest of the season and just start over fresh next spring. There's no need to take any chances on a shoulder that could prove very valuable to the future of the organization. Taylor Green, a top third base prospect, took a pitch off his helmet and face in the same game. Green's injury seems far less of a threat long-term and he could be back in the lineup by the end of the week. Green's biggest obstacle may be overcoming the mental part of the game to get back in the batter's box and face live pitching after taking one in the face. Although both are top prospects, I don't see either one having a significant role with the Brewers until 2010 at the earliest.

A big question for Doug Melvin after he names a manager will be the decision to exercise Mike Cameron's $10 million club option for 2009. Cameron did hit 25 home runs in only 120 games and played great defensively but his 142 strike outs are a major issue. The Yankees reportedly have interest in Cameron if he is cut. I don't want Mike Cameron back on this team in 2009. His high strike out numbers in a lineup filled with free swingers isn't a good fit. The Brewers need more players that can make contact with the ball. A strike out is a wasted out. If you put the ball in play at least you give yourself the chance for a productive out or the chance for the defense to make an error. A strikeout gives you nothing. Will Tony Gwynn Jr. finally get a chance to start if Cameron is cut? I wouldn't give Gwynn the job on a full-time basis. I would try and re-sign Gabe Kapler and platoon Kapler and Gwynn in center based on the pitching match-up. Those two would be a much cheaper option than Cameron and strike out at a lesser rate than Cameron did. 

Congratulations to Jack Zduriencik on becoming the new General Manager of the Seattle Mariners. Jack Z. is the draft guru that is credited with building the current roster of young Brewers talent. I think the Pittsburgh Pirates really missed the boat last year when the skipped over Zduriencik for their GM job. I think it's a promotion that's long overdue and much deserved for Zduriencik. I'm confident he will have success in Seattle. I do think his departure will affect the Brewers drafting in the future but Jack Z. wasn't the only one in that draft room. He had enough capable scouts he leaned on that were a big part in the drafting process. The leader may be gone but the draft team should be okay.

I read today that Mike Lowell could be on his way out of Boston if the Red Sox sign Mark Teixeira and move Kevin Youkilis to third base. Lowell has a huge contract over the next two years. Would the Red Sox be willing to take the contract of Jeff Suppan or Bill Hall in return? Joe Crede's name has also been thrown out there as a possibility at third base. If either one comes in, what would they do with Hall and his contract? I think the only was we could dump Hall's salary would be to get a low-level minor leaguer in return, unless you can maybe convince a team like the White Sox that Hall could bounce back with a second year back in the infield. I would love to see JJ Hardy moved to third and Alcides Escobar start at shortstop next year but I'm not sure if JJ would be willing to make the position switch. 

That's all for now. I hope everyone is enjoying the World Series and although I'm cheering for the Rays, I just hope for a well-played, seven game series. There is so much great young talent in this series, it makes me wonder what could have been with the Brewers had all of their young talent lived up to the hype.