Carlos Gomez extension struck at right time for Brewers

If you had told me prior to last season the Brewers would extend Carlos Gomez into his free agent years, I would have said they were crazy. Well, that's exactly what the team did today in tying up the center fielder through the 2016 season.

After last season's success, which was Gomez finally realizing what the Twins, Mets and Brewers had all hoped for, it's a move that is very telling of a Brewers franchise, finally gaining financial stability and gaining credibility along with the ability to sign players long-term.

Signing Ryan Braun through the 2020 season makes sense because he's an MVP. Signing Yovani Gallardo makes sense because he has the potential to be the ace of a pitching staff. Signing Gomez initially seems like a stretch, but actually makes sense, too. The 27 year old had already cemented himself has a stellar defender, but the Brewers were waiting for him to emerge as the type of offensive player they could rely on to play every day.

Baseballreference.com shows they finally have that player. Gomez had his career best output last season in many key offensive categories. His batting average (.260), on-base percentage (.305), slugging percentage (.463) and OPS (.768) are reasons why he now has a $24 million contract. He also had career highs in doubles, homers and stolen bases.

While he still showed signs of that player who seemingly had a bet going with Yuniesky Betancourt as to who could be worse at the plate (he struck out 98 times and walked just 20 times last season), the offense was livable consistently for the first time since he arrived in Milwaukee last season.

As Gomez told Adam McCalvy in his story on Brewers.com, he knows he has work to do. Manager Ron Roenicke agrees, but likes the direction Gomez is going and should be part of a solid team that will remain together until at least 2015.

The contract extension for Go Go comes just in time for the year he gets his first bobblehead. Fittingly enough it is of him making a catch. It's what he does best. Plan for it June 9!

Brewers unveil Corey Hart bobblehead

Did somebody say bobblehead? Oh baby! This year of the bobblehead thing has got me even more excited about the upcoming season. Just think, every two weeks Sunday Funday at the ballpark will include a bobblehead giveaway at Miller Park!

Today the Brewers released the Corey Hart bobblehead. It's a little different than the one released a few years ago. This one, the Brewers say, is to honor the 100-year anniversary of the Minor League Brewers first American Association championship, and will be given out May 5.

Early reviews of the bobble are that it looks nothing like Corey. Well, this isn't the first time and it probably won't be the last a bobblehead looked nothing like the person it was representing. Some have noted the tattoos are missing. Well, they're kind of ugly anyhow. Plus, this bobble looks healthy and Corey will not be active when this day comes after his knee surgery last week. That said, it's a different idea to have a player in this uniform. How many times could they have a player that's been with the team longer than anyone in the current uniform and still have people interested in it? I get it. It should be fun.

Bobblehead days have always been a great way to have a draw for the team. When the Brewers announced they were going to have 10 bobblehead giveaways I figured they would have some weekday giveaways to help draw attendance. I know they lost millions last year with payroll and regardless of when these days were scheduled it would draw gate revenue. Sunday is not a hard day to draw until September so a weekday would make sense.

Here is the full schedule of bobbles from Brewers.com and below are the first two released bobbleheads. Pretty sweet!


The Nori Aoki bobblehead giveaway is set for April 7 (yes the first weekend of the season) when the Diamondbacks are in town. This is a great likeness to Nori and maybe one of the closest ones to a player in along time.


The George Scott bobble will be given away April 21 in a game against the Cubs. I love the gold gloves and his gold chain. Totally late 70s and early 80s.