"What kind of season do you think Alcides Escobar will have?"

That has been a popular question this winter. I have said many times, it wouldn't surprise me if he hit .220 and made 20 errors. It also wouldn't surprise me if he won Rookie of the Year!

That's the beauty of the Alcides Escobar era, set to begin in 2010. A rookie shortstop at the wheel of what many believe will be a contending ballclub. He is coming off an impressive late season audition in '09 and most recently, a confidence boosting run in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 45 games for Cardinales de Lara, the defensive specialist made some noise with his bat, hitting .393 with 2 HR, 19 RBI, and 16 SB.

From the Milwaukee side of the fence, Escobar faces plenty of pressure. He has the responsibility of inheriting a job at a key position at a young age (24 years old). He does so while replacing a wildly popular former All-Star shortstop in JJ Hardy, a mentor and friend to Escobar who was traded to the Twins to make room for the young challenger.

From the Venezuelan perspective, Escobar's homeland, he knows his place as perhaps the "siguente" (next one). Venezuelan shortstops have made a significant impact on Major League Baseball. Chico Carrasquel, Luis Aparicio, Dave Concepcion, Ozzie Guillen, Omar Vizquel...all icons, all baseball patriarchs for Alcides Escobar. Scott Merkin of MLB.com recently penned a great story on the thread that ties the great Venezuelan shortstops together. Omar Vizquel will play for Ozzie Guillen in Chicago this season. He will wear Luis Aparicio's retired number 11.

Escobar idolized Vizquel. His big league dreams came to life every night stargazing upon a Vizquel poster on the wall at his home in La Sabana. Escobar's confidence erupted after Vizquel, then playing for the Rangers, praised him during a spring training game in Arizona last March. For Escobar, to be a Venezuelan in the Major Leagues brings about a certain kind of pressure. To be a Venezuelan shortstop in the Major Leagues takes it to an entirely different level. I asked Escobar whose "eyes" he feels are on him the most...Milwaukee or Venezuela? He said, "back home!"

The Brewers had ideas of expediting Escobar's trek to the big leagues early in 2009. In May, when Rickie Weeks required season ending wrist surgery, Escobar had first dibs at Milwaukee's second base job. After a few games at the position in Triple-A Nashville, Escobar looked as awkward as Bill Schroeder at a Hannah Montana concert. It was obvious to everyone, that Escobar was no second baseman.

But, is he ever a shortstop! He believes he was born to play the position. To carry a legacy at a position that made his country's baseball players famous. He's quick, he's fluid, his speed and arm strength allow him to envision outs from angles that most shortstops don't even consider. The last three years, Escobar has been under the wing of one of baseball's great infield instructors, former Brewer Don Money. Ask Money about Escobar, He smiles and says, "Whew, you'll see..." then laughs out loud, no doubt replaying images in a cinematic mind. Willie Randolph takes over Escobar's tutorial now. Randolph guards his comparisons but get him talking long enough and out drops comparisons to Jose Reyes and Derek Jeter. Escobar is a natural born shortstop with tools to burn.

Buyer beware, however. He's young and he's going to make mistakes. The impact of recent homegrown products like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun has created a nearly impossible standard for the next wave of prospects. And fans cannot expect a JJ Hardy-like relationship with Escobar. He's quiet and protective. He won't be nearly as visible to an English speaking public as Hardy. He's far more advanced understanding the language than he is speaking it. I was so impressed with him last year watching him prep for 30 minutes for a three question interview on FSN.  He wants to be a presence with English speaking fans away from the field, but it will take some time.

For Escobar, playing shortstop for the Brewers bears more responsibility than most Rookies. He's waited his entire life for this chance and I think he's going to do well. In 2010, Escobar has the potential to be as equally frustrating as he is exhilarating to watch. That's why I say it wouldn't surprise me if he hit .220 with 20 errors and it wouldn't surprise me if he won Rookie of the Year...and you might as well throw in a Gold Glove with that order.

Only time will tell. My message is to be patient. 

-BA

Following is a transcript of a live online chat with Brewers broadcaster Brian Anderson, who took questions from fans on Friday:

Brian Anderson: I've got a great view of a frozen Miller Park from the big bad board room ... where all the magic happens.

buck75: Brian, what are your recommendations for Spring Training in Phoenix? What are your must-hit spots (besides Maryvale ballpark, of course)?

Anderson: Now that Spring Training expansion has moved to the West Valley of Phoenix. I suggest the Glendale or Peoria area. There is a great area called Westgate in Glendale and Peoria is just a few miles North. Staying on that side of town gets you easy access to the Brew Crew, the Rangers, Royals, Dodgers, White Sox, Reds, Indians, Padres, Mariners ... and it is as far away as possible from the Cubs (in Mesa).

sagunsky: Did you ever play any baseball on a MLB team?

Anderson: There are a few Brian Andersons who have played MLB, but I'm not one of them. My baseball career ended in college. I was a catcher on an NAIA powerhouse back in the early '90s. I'm still eligible to be drafted, but 17 years have gone by and I'm starting to think nobody wants me to play for them anymore. Plan "B" was broadcasting. I started calling games in the Texas League the year after I graduated from college.

buck75: Brian, what are the chances Jim Edmonds makes significant contributions to the ballclub this year? Who do you think will see more time, him or Jody Gerut?

Anderson: 50-50. It's going to be tough to return after missing an entire season of facing MLB pitching. But, Gabe Kapler did it very well, and let's hope Edmonds can do the same. I would just caution everyone to be patient with Jim this Spring. What you see from him at the plate on March 1 might not indicate what he'll be on April 1. I wish him well. Confident, left-handed bats off the bench are hard to come by.

abdinos: As Fans, we feel sad and disappointed when a player we are attached to doesn't return to the team for whatever reason. People like J.J. Hardy, Mike Cameron, and Jason Kendall will be missed at my house! How do you deal with players leaving?

Anderson: Appreciate former Brewers for their contributions and welcome the new Brewers. As a broadcaster, I realize players come and go and know that what matters to the Brewers are the players currently in a Brewers uniform.

ran522: What everyday position is the biggest question mark for the Brewers right now?

Anderson: Shortstop and third base. Handing the reigns over to rookies at such a key position is always cause for caution. I think Escobar is ready but only time will tell. I'm encouraged by the fact that Alcides had such a great winter ball season in Venezuela. In 45 games, he hit .393, 2 HR, 19 RBIs, 16 SB for Cardinales de Lara. I'm also anxious to see how Casey McGehee follows up on an outstanding rookie year. Now that his knee is healed, I believe you'll see his true defensive talents ... he can pick it at third.

dewdeck88: It seems we may have a quality problem heading into Spring Training with Jeff Suppan, Manny Parra, Dave Bush, and Chris Narveson (he pitched great in late '09) vying for the final two starting rotation spots. Does Bush/Suppan have an edge over Parra?

Anderson: That is a quality problem. Depth was an issue last year. Too early to say who has an advantage and I'm not sure Spring Training is going to be the best gauge either. Pitchers like Suppan and Bush use the spring to "work on stuff." They might not have that luxury this year. Parra has the best pure stuff of the three, but he's been effective in the bullpen as well (remember '08 pennant race/playoffs). It's a decision Ken Macha and Rick Peterson will have to make, and I'm sure they'll take it to the end of spring.

StempDiggity: What are the chances the Brewers will keep Prince Fielder long-term? Have you ever spoken with Fielder yourself about this? What has he said to you?

Anderson: That's the hot potato this year. Doug Melvin has made it clear that negotiations will not occur publicly. Here is what I know: It's a 3-headed monster. The club, the player/agent, and the union. We'll see who has the stronger voice. One thing to remember, there are some major impact first basemen hitting the free-agent market the same year as Prince in 2011 (Ryan Howard, Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez). Mark Teixeira is locked in N.Y. long-term, so that knocks out one of the few major cash cow's. I hope Prince stays. Nobody plays the game harder every day than Prince Fielder. I know he loves Milwaukee, too.

StempDiggity: Will Rickie Weeks be able to pick up where he left off both offensively and defensively? I am concerned for both.

Anderson: I think so. Rickie is at the point of his career where he can really do some damage. My prediction is that this time next year, people will be wondering what it will take to keep Rickie Weeks in Milwaukee. What a talent! We saw a glimmer of that last year, and I'm confident you'll see more in 2010 if he can stay healthy.

da_pontiff: Yo B to the A. ... Would you consider yourself friends with Bill Schroeder outside of work? What about Bob Uecker? If so, who dominates the conversation? I bet its Schroeder.

Anderson: Yes, for sure. Believe it or not, I'm not a big talker off the air. When I'm around Uke and Rock, it's shut up and listen. I wish everyone had the chance to sit on that bus at 4 p.m. heading to the ballpark. A front-row seat to Uke's pure comedy and Rock's pure grousing. Best part of the day! We're lucky to be in the Bob Uecker era, and I think Rock breaks down a game as well as anyone in the business.

ddysart: BA, how has your job changed over the years? Specifically with the rise of fan interaction through social media and the "text the booth" stuff.

Anderson: My first year on the air was also the first year I had an e-mail address. The social networking has really picked up in the last decade. I think it's great. What people used to say in their living rooms can be read anywhere. Some folks can be pretty harsh, but overall it's a great tool to connect with the audience.

dewdeck88: Brian, when can we expect Brian Anderson bobblehead day at Miller Park?

Anderson: No chance. I try to live my life with a simple motto: "It's not about me." That applies to bobbleheads!

StempDiggity: What is your true opinion of Milwaukee and Wisconsin since you have come here? Aside from the job, do you like it?

Anderson: I love it here. I'm ready for Arizona, though. When the temp is zero and my belly is as white as my rear-end, I know it's time for some sun! Wisconsin feels like home, now. Great people, great ballpark, I love the crew I work with and hope they'll have me for a long time.

ecocd: With regard to starting in broadcasting, where would you suggest someone start looking for a job? And would you recommend sticking with something you know or any opportunity that presents itself?

Anderson: Do whatever you can to get on the air somewhere. I tell young announcers to make sure and get a stable second means of income or else you'll starve. Listen to your games and keep the faith.

Anderson: Thanks for all the questions today. Our hour is up. We'll do it again soon. Hope to see you all at the On Deck event Sunday or this spring in Arizona.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs

Hey everyone, I'm back from the abyss and looking forward to the countdown to Opening Day!

I've stayed busy this off-season jumping into family activities and calling College Hoops for ESPN.

I always consider the Brewers On Deck event as the official kickoff to a new season so I'm looking forward to Sunday at the Midwest Airlines Center. Doug Melvin and I have already made a number of appearances around the state recently. He's a smart man and allows us (media/fans) inside his thinking more than any General Manager I know. He'll be answering questions for fans Sunday so I hope you can make it. We had an incredible turnout last year and looking for a bigger and better experience in 2010. Every player on the roster is expected to be in attendance. (If Joe Inglett makes it, I'll be doubly impressed)

I like the moves the Crew made this winter. I'm going to miss JJ Hardy but Alcides Escobar has earned the shot to play everyday and Hardy is too talented to play anything but shortstop. Picking up Carlos Gomez ensures the Brewers stay on pace defensively in centerfield. Defense helps pitching and we all know the pitching had to be addressed. We are a month from Spring Training and all the major roster work is done. Impressive.

Every scout, coach, or player that I've spoken to about Milwaukee's Hot Stove agreed the Brewers did very well. Randy Wolf has posted terrific numbers the last two years and his outside the lines reputation comes with high marks. I've been told he's great with the fans and great with teammates. Hopefully he can deliver on the mound as well and bring some stability to the starting rotation.

There is plenty more to talk about. I want to invite you to join me for a webchat Friday from 10am-11am. We can talk about the team the first half hour and broadcasting the second half. If you can't make it, you're always welcome to click on the comments icon below to submit your question. 

Here's to a great 2010!
-BA

...and a tune you might enjoy currently on my iPod: click 

I hope you enjoyed our coverage of Brewers baseball this year. Televising 153 games is a gigantic task and I'd like to recognize the men and women who make up one of the best crew's in baseball. Please help me salute the individuals who work hard everyday to bring you the sights and sounds of Brewers baseball.

PRODUCER: Chris Withers

PRE-GAME PRODUCER: Brent Valenti

DIRECTOR: Michael Oddino

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Lindsey Groeschel

Brewers pitching coach Chris Bosio joins baseball's fight against cancer by hosting a charity golf tournament. The event takes place Thursday, October 8th at Ridgeway Golf Course in Neenah, Wisconsin.

YOU ARE INVITED!

Cost is $100 per player. A number of baseball celebrities will be participating. The growing celebrity roster includes: Chris Bosio, Tony Kubek, Gorman Thomas, Jim Gantner, Jerry Augustine, Don August, Brad Fischer, and Ed Sedar. 

I love promoting great events that help raise money for cancer research. Please consider joining us. Registration is 10am. The 4-man scramble begins at 11am.

To pre-register, or for more information, contact John Leopold at: jleopold@wcinet.com, or 920-831-5625.

-BA

Legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell has been in the news lately after it became public that he has inoperable cancer. While the cancer will silence the voice, it cannot touch his legacy. A legacy of character and faith that even outweighs a legendary career.

In 2007, I was in my room at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. It was only moments after I had been introduced as the new television voice of the Brewers. My mind was racing with pride and doubt, excitement and fear.  I was sitting on the bed wondering what in the world I'd gotten myself into...trying to digest just how dramatically my life was about to change. Then, the hotel phone rang. I picked it up expecting the Front Desk. Instead, a deep, booming, unmistakable voice came pouring through. "Mr. Anderson, this is Ernie Harwell calling from Michigan." I was shocked and silent. This was a voice I knew well. I had spent hundreds of hours listening to Ernie's play-by-play. I had a dozen cassette tapes of his games and had mimicked his delivery down to the "looooong gone" during my early years in broadcasting in San Antonio.

There was "the voice" on the phone. My first congratulatory call came from my broadcasting hero Ernie Harwell!

His call came eight years after I spent a memorable evening with him in Arlington, Texas. Lance Parrish, then the Tigers hitting coach, knew my admiration of Ernie and arranged a meet and greet during a Tigers/Rangers series. We met at the team hotel and five minutes into our conversation, Ernie invited me to spend the evening "shadowing" him at the ballpark. He said, "It might do you some good, if you don't mind hanging out with an old-timer." I jumped at the chance and was right by his side from pre-game prep to the post game wrap. Ernie was so gracious and willing to share. But when the day was done, our paths did not cross again - until the phone rang at the Pfister.

"Brian, I remember you." Ernie continued. "I want to congratulate you, young man!" "I'm sure you have a lot to think about but I want you to know that you belong in the big leagues. Welcome to the club!" Ernie then went on to tell me how much he loved Milwaukee and how much he missed traveling there after the Brewers changed leagues. He told me how nervous he was during his first year with the Brooklyn Dodgers and warned me that I'd be fighting some "jittuhs." He admitted that he worked his entire career with a healthy dose of paranoia about not being good enough (Crazy, I know!) and shared his affection for the Midwest despite growing up in the South, like I did. "You're going to love working up here," he said. "The people are friendly and passionate about their teams. Just be honest and be yourself and you'll fit right in. You might want to buy a heavy coat, though!"

I have always thought of Ernie Harwell as the perfect broadcaster. As I've gotten to know him, I'm finding out he's as close to a perfect man as we mortals can be. Before I met Ernie, I wasn't sure how one lives in this fantasy world without losing one's family, faith and peace of mind. He has kept all of these intact at a "hall of fame" level too while soaring to the top of his industry. As impossible as it sounds, he's a better person than he is a broadcaster.

Every time the Brewers travel to Detroit, I call him. He joined me on the air in 2007 during Justin Verlander's no-hitter against the Brewers. "That'll teach ya!" he says. I spoke to him in June and he was pleased to tell me that (at age 91) he just signed a 10 contract with a 10 year option as a spokesman for a large corporation. Classic Ernie!

Ernie asked us not to refer to him in the past tense just yet. He certainly has a lot of living to do. He is as personable and pleasant now as he has always has been. When I heard the news of his illness, I wasn't sad. I smiled. I know where his "next adventure," as he puts it, is headed.

So if you're wondering what you might say to Ernie Harwell right now? Don't tell him how much his broadcasting meant to you. Tell him thanks for setting a gold standard for character. 

Mr. Harwell, thanks for taking the time to make an impact on me. I'll do my best to follow your lead, both on the air and on the ground.

-BA

Watch Ernie Harwell address the fans and a special video tribute

This week on the blog, I want recognize a hero in our Brewers community, Principal Jim DeBroux. Mr. DeBroux is going through a tough recovery right now. It was called to my attention by Bridget Wenman of Perspectives Training and Consulting in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Bridget writes: In July, the Principal of Mosinee High School, Mr. Jim DeBroux fell off a ladder working on a project in his home. He became paralyzed from the neck down.  At this point, he is currently undergoing treatment at Froedert Hospital.  The accident has hit the small Mosinee community quite hard. Mr. DeBroux was one year away from retiring as the High School Principal and was well respected and loved by all of his students and staff.  As you read through the guestbook on his Caringbridge site you will see that he has touched the lives of so many people, both young and old. 

On the first day of school this year, Mr. DeBroux was able to dictate a letter to his students and you could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium when it was read. He was an incredibly inspiring educator/administrator and did not want to miss the opportunity to impact his students as he does every year on the first day of school.  Even in the midst of dealing with the greatest challenge of his life, he put the kids at the Mosinee High School first. 

The students and staff of Mosinee High School are putting together a fundraiser in hopes of providing the family with a van that he can utilize upon his recovery. Please join me in supporting this venture.

For more information on his story, click Jim DeBroux's Caringbridge website.  

-BA

I'm calling on my extended Brewer family to help support a fundraiser that is close to my heart.

The I Back Jack Foundation was organized to support the funding of research for neuroblastoma and related childhood cancers. The "Jack" in "I Back Jack" is my neighbor and friend, Jack Bartosz. He's a second grader still battling this brutal cancer after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2005. He's a cool kid with a great family that could sure use some support.

There is no known cure for relapsed neuroblastoma and effective treatment does not yet exist due to a lack of funding for research.

That's where we can help. On September 14, the I Back Jack Foundation will host a golf tournament and dinner at the beautiful Chenequa Country Club in Hartland, Wisconsin. Tee time is 12:00pm. The dinner and auction begins at 5:30pm.

I hope you will click the I Back Jack website for more information and consider joining us for some great golf, great food and great prizes to help raise money to support a foundation that is very important to me and my family.

All the best,

BA 

...one of the best in baseball!

My TV pards, Bill Schroeder, drops by the House of Blogs this week for a Fantasy Camp rundown. I participated in Fantasy Camp in 2008 and had a blast! Many organizations say they deliver a "big league" experience but very few do. The Brewers Fantasy Camp delivers! It runs exactly like Spring Training runs for the real Brewers...trust me, I've seen 'em both. Hope you'll join us this year, you'll have the time of your life!

-BA

You've dreamed it...Now go for it!

Hey fans, Rock here...Just wanted to invite you all to Brewers Fantasy Camp this winter in Phoenix. I have been running the camp each of the last six years and it's a great way to get the baseball juices flowing in anticipation of the upcoming season at Miller Park. The weather is great, the grass is green, and the experiences and friendships last a lifetime.

Fantasy Camp is a week long baseball experience at the Brewers spring training facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Men and women, ages 30 and over, live like a major league baseball player for the week and are coached by former Brewers players. Coaches include Gorman Thomas, Jim Gantner, Mike Fetters, Pat Listach, Chris Bosio, Rob Deer, Don Money and others.

Campers play two games daily and wear authentic Brewers uniforms that you get to take home. There is a locker with your name on it in the Brewers spring training locker room and your uniform is washed a hung in your locker each day.

The week includes roundtrip airfare to Phoenix, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and lunch, and nightly happy hour at the hotel. There is Q &A with the coaches each night plus trivia questions for prizes. One of the most popular days of the week is the coaches game on Saturday when campers get to play a game against the staff. You also get to play a game on the field at Miller Park during the summer. Imagine standing on the mound, in a big league ballpark, facing one of your favorite Brewers' legends or taking a swing at a pitch thrown by a World Series hero. 

Fantasy camp is the ultimate baseball experience for the true baseball fan.

For information: Click here, brewers.com/fantasycamp or call 262-679-3612.

Get your game face on and join us this winter in Phoenix from January 31 to February 7th.

I look forward to seeing you in Phoenix,

Bill Schroeder
Fantasy Camp Director