Some deals just make way too much sense to turn down.
That's the way Craig Counsell viewed the one-year, $1 million contract with the Milwaukee Brewers that became official Monday when he passed a physical examination in Phoenix. "Sometimes, timing is the most important thing," said the veteran backup infielder. "The timing of this was the right thing for me."
Counsell, 38, thought his days with his hometown team were done when the Brewers declined to pick up his $3.4 million option for 2009. The Whitefish Bay native explored the slowly moving free-agent market and eventually received overtures from the New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.
That changed when Counsell re-established contact with the Brewers, who were in need of a veteran backup who can fill in at second base, shortstop and third base. When the sides agreed on a salary that fit the club's budget, the deal was done.
"When you put it all together - the financial aspect, the family stuff, the guys on the team and the organization - it was the best fit for me," said Counsell.
Playing his third season with the Brewers and second straight, Counsell batted .226 with 14 RBI in 110 games in 2008, with a .355 on-base percentage. The solid defender started 30 games at third base, 19 at short and 11 at second.
Counsell had one of the biggest at-bats of the season in the final game against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park, drawing a two-out, bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning that tied the game, 1-1. The next inning, Ryan Braun socked a two-run homer that decided the game and allowed the Brewers to claim the National League wild-card berth.
The signing of Counsell gives the Brewers 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Lottery details: The Brewers announced details for a lottery that gives fans the opportunity to buy tickets for the home opener at Miller Park as well as other "marquee" games prior to the sale of single-game tickets.
Beginning Wednesday at 10 a.m. and continuing through Feb. 17, you can go to Brewers.com and register for the chance to buy up to four tickets for the April 10 opener against the Chicago Cubs as well as other "marquee" games.
Following registration, a pool of randomly selected winners will be chosen and provided access to an online pre-sale opportunity, based on inventory. This will be the only opportunity to purchase single-game tickets for opening day, other than a small number set aside for fans lining up at the Miller Park box office on the first day of sales.
"The demand for opening day tickets far exceeds the supply, and our 'marquee' games are also in high demand," said Rick Schlesinger, club vice president of business operations.
"The lottery gives all fans an equitable opportunity to be chosen for a pre-sale to purchase tickets to these high-demand games."
More than 70,000 fans registered for the lottery last year.
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