| If you’re already a fan of the Milwaukee | | | | Hoffman recently signed a one-year contract with |
| Brewers, you may like them even more knowing | | | | the Brewers to come on board as their closer. |
| that all of the proceeds from Brewers on Deck | | | | Hoffman, who is 41, is MLB’s all-time leader |
| this year are going to the Make-A-Wish | | | | with 554 saves. Hoffman departs the Padres, |
| Foundation of Wisconsin and Brewers Charities. In | | | | who have wished him well with the Brewers. |
| addition to these charitable acts, the event will | | | | Hoffman’s career began back in the summer |
| receive non-perishable food items from fans to | | | | of 1990 with Jim Lett and so the deal to join the |
| benefit the Hunger Task Force. | | | | Brewers will represent something of a reunion for |
| The lineup of players, coaches and club members | | | | Hoffman and Lett. “He’s going to be an |
| that will be on hand include: Ryan Braun, Trevor | | | | incredible influence on our younger pitchers in |
| Hoffman, Corey Hart, Tony Gwynn, J.J. Hardy, | | | | Milwaukee,” Lett said. “That’s the kind |
| Yovani Gallardo, Todd Coffey, Manny Parra, Dave | | | | of guy he is. No one works harder than him.” |
| bush, Jeff Suppan, Carlos Villanueva, Rickie | | | | Brewers on Deck is the last major event the |
| Weeks, Mike Cameron, Mat Gamel, Angel Salome, | | | | Milwaukee Brewers will host before beginning |
| Taylor Green, Casey McGehee, Mark DiFelice, | | | | Spring Training next month. Maryvale Baseball |
| Brad Nelson, Ken Macha, Vinny Rottino, R.J. | | | | Park will host the Brewers in Phoenix Arizona, |
| Swindle, Bob Uecker, Tim Dillard, Mitch Setter, | | | | offering 7,000 seats along with an outfield berm. |
| Mike Rivera and Eduardo Morlan. | | | | On a fortunate arbitration avoidance note, pitcher |
| Players won’t be swinging any bats during | | | | Dave Bush signed a $4 million, one-year contract |
| autograph signings but some may prefer the bat | | | | with the Brewers recently. Bush, whose contract |
| once day since each player can sign up to 250 | | | | reflected an increase from the $2.55 million he |
| autographs. Brewers on Deck promises to be a | | | | made last season, was the second player to sign |
| wealth of activities to give fans a chance to take | | | | recently. J.J. Hardy, who is a shortstop for the |
| pictures, get autographs, attend question and | | | | Brewers, also signed to the tune of $4.65 million |
| answer forums, an anthem challenge, vendor | | | | for one year. Only four more players are eligible |
| booths, a FS Wisconsin Sports Desk where fans | | | | for arbitration and they are Seth McClung, Prince |
| can test their broadcasting skills, the Brewers | | | | Fielder, Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks. With Spring |
| Charities Rummage Sale and many other events. | | | | Training right around the corner, one can hope |
| As you may already know, Trevor Hoffman will | | | | that the four additional players will also avoid |
| be introduced to Milwaukee in a press conference | | | | arbitration, get the contract business out of the |
| during the Brewers on Deck, which will be held at | | | | way and head down to Maryvale Baseball Park to |
| the WTMJ Stage at the Midwest Airlines Center. | | | | get started on the training. |