Reports out of Atlanta are that Jim Powell is being strongly considered for the vacant Atlanta Braves radio job. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/37101704.html. He's been with the Brewer's for 13 years, but I'll always be remember him for two things: he's the guy who replaced my favorite play by play voice, Pat Hughes, and in a strange way, he sounded a little like Uke; to the point that if you weren't listening closely, you might mistake him for Mr. Baseball. It may seem like I'm not a fan of Powell, and that's not true. I did feel like he went out of his way to make excuses for the Brewers, but I recognize that, unfortunately, as an employee of the Brewers, he basically is a PR tool. Uke does the same thing, but in a way that's more digestable. I know Powell is from the south, so I'm sure he'd love a job with the Bravo's. I guess the question is, who will come out of no where to take his place should he leave? They need someone who understands, like Powell did, that you are there as set up man to Uke first and for most. But I would also like to see them find someone who had the professionalism and passion of Pat Hughes. Do not get another Brian Anderson (and I realize I'm judging him without being to familiar with his work) who overuses "Are you kidding me?!" and sounds a little over dramatic with the smalles thing.
Arbitration
The other Brewer news is what will happen with the arby elgible players like Hart, Weeks, McClung, Hardy and Fielder. Hard to believe Melvin has never gone to arby in his time with the Crew, he's always hashed things out and put a contract together. I know that won't happen with Fielder, but whatever contract Melvin draws up and pitches, I hope it includes weight incentives. At this point, I think every Brewer, Brewer fan, Prince and Melvin know that Fielder is gone as soon as he goes free agent, so the goal is to keep him happy enough to perform well so we can trade him for some studs. Early on in his career, I thought Fielder had the stuff to be the greatest Brewer ever. Now, I'm hoping we can make him into the next Richie Sexson.
