For those waiting for some declaration by Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell on how some roster spots might shake out, well, you'll be waiting for a while.
Although most players have been in camp for days, Counsell said he and the coaching staff are not using this time to evaluate but rather allow the pitchers and players to "get their feet underneath them." In the case of pitchers, that means getting into a routine with bullpen and side sessions.
Besides the bullpen, though, one of the bigger questions for Milwaukee will be who will start in center field. Again, Counsell isn't about to ordain anyone at this point but he did explain how the process will unfold.
It's the center field job and then the roster puzzle that you're trying to figure out, and they are related certainly," he said. "There's a number of players... to go through all the scenarios now seems like kind of a waste of time. You let it go and I think it kind of narrows itself a bit. Roster decisions become a little more clear. There's a number of players that have an opportunity there. A couple of them haven't been primary center fielders, and is center field doable for them?"
Counsell did deflect the notion that Milwaukee has a majority of inexperienced players in camp, noting part of the plan last year was to give some players big-league experience in September with the thought it would help them come spring training.
"This spring it creates a little different feel for them, comfort level, expectations," Counsell explained.
For the love of the game: Counsell had high praise for prospect Orlando Arcia, who reported to camp Wednesday. In spying on the shortstop from the back fields, the Brewers manager said you can tell he "love the game... he plays the game with his heart."
In addition, Counsell said Arcia isn't rattled by any pressure or expectations in being Milwaukee's top prospect.
"He welcomes the spotlight. He enjoys the competition," Counsell said. "It's not all talent that gets you to the top of those lists. His personality and his makeup that enhances his tools."
First-timers: For those who are in a big-league camp for the first time, there's a lot to learn. Your first big-league camp is a transition, it's a window into the major leagues, it's a window in the level of preparation and the consistency of preparation that is required," said Counsell, who played 16 years in the majors. "It's exposure to something new. That's all steps that players take."
Hello, again: Milwaukee has acquired several former Houston Astros over the past year. That makes things at least a little easier for newcomers to the Brewers. "It's a good feeling having that comfort going to a new team and knowing half the guys here," said one of the former Astros, first baseman Chris Carter, in what we think was a slight exaggeration.
