Milwaukee Brewers Notes, Quotes 2009-01-22

--1B Prince Fielder asked for the second-highest salary in arbitration this year. He is seeking $8 million, while the Brewers are offering $6 million. Only Phillies 1B Ryan Howard, seeking $18 million, put in a higher request.

--SS J.J. Hardy avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $4.65 million contract for 2009. Hardy made $2.65 million in 2008, when he batted .283 with 24 homers and 74 RBI in 146 games.

In the future, he could face a challenge from SS Alcides Escobar, a top prospect who batted .328 with 24 doubles, five triples, eight homers, 76 RBIs and 34 stolen bases at Class AA Huntsville (Ala.) in 2008. Escobar also is a fielding whiz.

GM Doug Melvin said at some point Escobar might force his way into the shortstop picture, with Hardy possibly being asked to move to another position, but that is not the plan for 2009.

"He only played in Double-A last year," Melvin said of Escobar. "If you ask guys to move (from one position to another), you better be sure."

--RHP Trevor Hoffman, whose contract became official Jan. 13 when he passed a physical examination, will be unveiled to Brewers fans at the team's "On Deck" fan-fest on Jan. 24. Hoffman will take part in an introductory press conference that will be open to the public.

--RHP Dave Bush avoided arbitration by signing a $4 million contract for 2009. Bush made $2.55 million last season when he went 9-10 with a 4.18 ERA in 31 appearances (29 starts).

--OF Gabe Kapler, who flourished last season as the Brewers' fourth outfielder (.301, eight HRs, 38 RBIs in 229 ABs), signed a free agent contract with Tampa Bay. General manager Doug Melvin said he spoke twice with Kapler but couldn't promise him the playing time he'd get with the Rays.

--RHP Omar Aguilar, CF Lorenzo Cain, 3B Mat Gamel and C Angel Salome were sent by the Brewers to Major League Baseball's rookie indoctrination program in Washington, D.C., a sign of their standing among the organization's prospects. All will be in the Brewers' major league camp this spring.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I had to get past some things that weren't working for me, and it was a more difficult battle than I had hoped for. I know what works for me, and I finally got back to that. Once I got there, I felt more relaxed." -- RHP Dave Bush, who went 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in his first four starts last season but rebounded to go 7-3 with a 3.23 ERA over his last 18 outings (17 starts).

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