The Milwaukee Brewers agreed today to a $2.1 million deal with infielder Craig Counsell.

Counsell, who made $1 million last year, played in 130 games last season and batted .285 with four homers and 39 RBIs.

Counsell can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 50, 75, 90 and 110 games, and $100,000 each for 125 games and 75 and 100 starts.

Great to have Counsell back!!!

Time for a look at the roster + a payroll update:

In millions

Current contracts:
Jeff Suppan = 12.5
Prince Fielder = 10.5
Randy Wolf = 9.25
Trevor Hoffman = 7.5
David Riske = 4.5
LaTroy Hawkins = 3.5
Craig Counsell = 2.1
Gregg Zaun = 1.9
Ryan Braun = 1.05
---------------------------------
Bill Hall = 7.15 (dead money)
Braden Looper = 1.0 (buyout)
David Weathers = 0.4 (buyout)

Arbitration (all estimates):
Dave Bush = 4.75
Corey Hart = 4.25
Rickey Weeks = 3.25
Jody Gerut = 2.25
Carlos Gomez = 2.00
Todd Coffey = 2.00
Carlos Villanueva = 1.25

Pre-arbitration (all estimates):
Yovani Gallardo = 0.7
Manny Parra = 0.6
Mitch Stetter = 0.5
Casey McGehee = 0.5
Alcides Escobar = 0.5

Total of above = 83.9 million

Roster as it shapes up:
Catcher = Gregg Zaun
Infielders = Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Alcides Escobar, Casey McGehee, Craig Counsell
Outfielders = Ryan Braun, Carlos Gomez, Corey Hart, Jody Gerut
Starting pitchers = Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf, Dave Bush, Manny Parra, Jeff Suppan
Relief pitchers = Trevor Hoffman, LaTroy Hawkins, Todd Coffey, Mitch Stetter, Carlos Villanueva, David Riske

Looks like the Brewers are probably done spending after they add Claudio Vargas unless they shed some more payroll (Bush and/or Hart). It appears Lucroy or Salome have an excellent chance of making the 25-man roster next year. Heether or Gamel will probably be on the 25-man roster (I'd say Heether given his defensive versatility and you don't want Gamel rotting on the bench). They need to add one more outfielder and I'm not sure if they can get that from within the system. They still need one more reliever even if they add Vargas and I would think Axford or Lofgren would get the first shot at that bullpen spot. They are still really thin in the rotation with no apparent help out of the minors...looks like the Plan B's will be Chris Narveson, Chris Capuano and maybe somebody like Mark Mulder.

I'm glad to have Counsell back. The guy can still play.

I'd sure like to find another lefthander for the bullpen. Just as you need offensive balance I like to have better balance in the pen as well. We've been sneaking by for years with only one left hander in the pen and we always seem to beat the heck out of that guy.

I have a feeling Counsell will be here till 50. And after that he will manage.

Good!

I know some on this board think Craig Counsell is a god because he's a Wisconsinite but just because you're from here doesn't make you anything more than a below-average to average major leaguer. As to Diggr's point that Counsell might be the Brewers next manager I hope to God that never happens

counsell is weak

jim gantner 2.0

couldn't agree more. Hate to have a left handed bat with good on base percentage who can more than adequately man three positions on the infield for a reasonable contract.

dime a dozen

Getting Counsel back is a great thing for this club. After all the movement it settles in a little continuity. He's a hustle guy who gives 100% everyday. Good keeper!

quote:

Originally posted by Anthony Dilweed:
counsell is weak

jim gantner 2.0

You never fail to disappoint dilly. dilly, digger and boy, trio of pathetic.