The Brewers entered the offseason knowing they need to be better in
the late innings in 2008. First off, they were outscored by 65 runs
over the seventh, eighth and ninth innings during the 2007 season. The
seventh was the worst inning for their pitchers, as they allowed 110
runs, and the eighth was the worst inning for their offense, as they
scored just 68 runs. They scored 50 runs in the ninth inning but did
not bat in the home half of the ninth inning 46 times.

ARRIVALS: C Eric Munson (waiver claim from Astros), LHP Randy Choate
(free agent from Diamondbacks), RHP Guillermo Mota (trade with Mets),
C Jason Kendall (free agent from Cubs), RHP David Riske (free agent
from Royals), RHP Eric Gagne (free agent from Red Sox), RHP Salomon
Torres (trade with Pirates), OF Gabe Kapler (free agent, out of
baseball last season), OF Mike Cameron (free agent from Padres).

DEPARTURES: C Johnny Estrada (traded to Mets), RHP Francisco Cordero
(free agent, signed with Reds), RHP Scott Linebrink (free agent,
signed with White Sox), RHP Greg Aquino (claimed off waivers by
Orioles), LHP Ray King (free agent, signed minor league deal with
Nationals), RHP Matt Wise (non-tendered free agent, signed with Mets),
OF Geoff Jenkins (free agent, signed with Phillies).

FREE AGENTS: INF Tony Graffanino, 3B Corey Koskie, C Damian Miller, OF
Kevin Mench (non-tendered).

The Brewers might try to bring Miller back for catching insurance, but
age could work against the Wisconsin native. Koskie is gone, and
Graffanino probably is, too.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Dave Bush, LHP Chris Capuano, SS J.J. Hardy,
RHP Chris Spurling, RHP Claudio Vargas.

Bush was one of just two starters to reach 30 starts, and although
Capuano struggled miserably, he seems likely to get a chance to right
himself.

IN LIMBO: Capuano's name turned up in rumors regarding a deal with the
Cardinals for 3B Scott Rolen, although likely became a moot point with
the acquisition of Cameron.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Ben Sheets (pulled hamstring) was available in the bullpen on the
final weekend of the season, so his injury shouldn't be an offseason
issue.

LHP Chris Capuano (right shoulder surgery in October 2007) is expected
to be full-go by spring training because the torn labrum was in his
non-throwing shoulder.