Jerry Royster has brought a more open, relaxed atmosphere to the Brewers' clubhouse, but will it lead to winning?

Catcher Paul Bako, who played with the Atlanta Braves, one of the most successful franchises in baseball, thinks there's a chance it will.

"In Atlanta, they have a relaxed, yet professional approach to the game," Bako said. "You are expected to get your work done and do your job, but the managers and coaches don't put negative pressure on you.

"I think Jerry and our staff here is trying to do the same thing. Both Jerry and Davey (Lopes) know baseball. Jerry is more approachable, easier to communicate with. I think it has led to a different feeling in the clubhouse."

Other players will tell you the same thing. They go out of their way to say, "I don't want to say anything bad about Davey," but then will admit they feel more relaxed.

Lopes emitted intensity. He wasn't a yeller and screamer, at least not in public. But, he was all business and wasn't a natural people person.

After he was fired, Lopes said that those in his "inner circle" knew he was a sensitive, good person. But, it's questionable whether his players ever broke into that circle. Those of us in the media certainly never did.

Royster, who considers Lopes a close friend, is much more open and friendly. He seems to genuinely like dealing with people.

Will a relaxed team mean a winning team? Who knows? So far, the Brewers have only won under Royster at Miller Park. They are 0-6 on the road since he took over.

Ultimately, the Brewers will only win, under Royster or any manager, if they add some talent. But, until GM Dean Taylor does that, maybe Royster's open style will be more effective. He'll have the rest of this season to try it.

The Suttons are having a family reunion in their favorite town this week. Daron Sutton, the Brewers' new TV announcer, and his dad, Don, former Brewer, Hall of Famer and a Braves' announcer, are working only two booths apart during the series, which ends Thursday.

Don has been staying at his son's home. He jokingly said, "I'd have to stay there a lot more times before I got paid back for the first 18 years of his life. Man, that kid could eat."

When he gets serious, Don will tell you, "I look over there with a great deal of pride. I'm glad he is able to stay in a game he loves at the big league level. I'm proud of his work ethic. Few in our business go about their research and preparation harder than Daron."

For Daron, "It's been a lot of fun. Also, it's nice to go down and get the scoop on the opposing team from your dad. We've been talking a lot about family and baseball."

The elder Sutton always has been open about his affection for Milwaukee. He calls his years with the Brewers "the best years of my career."

Don't be too surprised if you someday see Don join Daron in the Brewers' TV booth.

The Brewers will pay tribute to members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, Negro Leagues and Wisconsin-born Major Leaguers on May 15 with a special ceremony prior to the club's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Walls of Honor display, located in the Hot Corner area of Miller Park, will receive six new inductees during a special luncheon ceremony. The inductees will be presented to fans during the pre-game events that evening.

All-American Girls standouts Annastasia "Stash" Batikis and Ellen Tronnier will be honored, as well as Negro League stars Jesse Mitchell and Gordon "Hoppy" Hopkins and
Wisconsin-born Major Leaguers Jerry Augustine and Paul Wagner.

Nelson Figueroa gets the nod for his pitching and clutch, two-run single in the Brewers' 4-3 win over the Braves on Tuesday.

Figueroa's single and Tyler Houston's clutch hit in the same inning, deserve to share this designation.

Eric Young can't be faulted for a stomach virus that hit him this week, but he went only 4 for 23 on the miserable road trip and has to get going at the top of the order if the Brewers are going to improve.