MARYVALE, Ariz. -- The lockers of Alex Ochoa and Matt Stairs are side-by-side in the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training clubhouse.
Even though the two outfielders are competing for playing time in right field, they also are going out of their way to stand side-by-side as teammates this spring.
{INSERT_RELATED}"I told Mattie just the other day that if we both do our jobs, and the team wins, we'll all get our at-bats and everybody will win," Ochoa said. "It's a very friendly combination."
Stairs echoes Ochoa. "Alex has been swinging the bat real well down here, but I think I've done my job too. I think we'll both be able to contribute to this club," he said.
Ochoa has indeed been swinging the bat very well, at a .439 clip with three home runs and 11 RBI through 15 games. Stairs was hampered by tight hamstrings early in the camp, but now is fine. He started the week hitting .269 in 14 games.
Manager Dave Lopes has said he would consider giving the right field job to one of the players, if one "steps up and takes it," but he also is ready to go with a platoon. Ochoa, a right-handed batter, would play against lefties, and Stairs, who swings from the left side, would start against right-handed pitchers.
"I'd like to play every day, but also am willing to platoon if that's what they need," said Ochoa, who was obtained from Colorado in the three-way deal that also brought pitcher Glendon Rusch to the Brewers and sent Jeromy Burnitz to the New York Meets.
"Last season, I didn't have my swing in the second half and faded," said Ochoa, who hit .251 for the Reds and Rockies. "I worked a lot on my swing, and conditioning, over the winter, and I think it's paying off this spring."
Ochoa hit an even .300 in 119 games for the Brewers in 1999, but was traded for veteran Mark Sweeney. He hit .316 with a career-high 13 homers and 58 RBI in 118 games for the Reds in 2000.
"I was disappointed when I didn't stick with the Brewers in '99 because I thought I had done a good job," Ochoa said. "But, I got an opportunity to learn from two of the best with the Reds in Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin.
"It turned out to be a great experience. I always believe things happen for a reason and try to make the most of situations. I think I did that, and meanwhile I'm happy to be back with Milwaukee.
"I know many of the people in the front office and the players. I'm looking forward to playing in Miller Park."
Ochoa, who is 30, has long been looked at as a potential star, but has never quite reached that potential. Stairs, meanwhile, has his best years behind him at 34, but believes he can still help the Brewers.
"I worked out this winter and came to camp in my best shape in years," said Stairs, who has his best season in 1999 when he hit 38 homers and drove in 102 runs for Oakland. "My hammies gave me a little trouble early, but I'm fine now.
"This team could surprise a lot of people if the key guys stay healthy. We need (Jeffrey) Hammonds and (Geoff) Jenkins, and Richie Sexson to play 150 or more games. We also need myself, Alex and the others to put some good numbers up in support.
"I'm looking forward to playing behind some of these young pitchers. They look to have great stuff."
Both Ochoa and Stairs know some fans will scrutinize their play even more because they are replacing Burnitz, who had four straight seasons of more than 30 homers and 100 RBI for the Brewers.
"We can't be Burnie," Ochoa said. "He had some productive years here. I think we can contribute in our own way."
