The Brewers, and Geoff Jenkins and Richie Sexson, demonstrated commitment this past weekend -- to each other but most importantly to the fans and community.
Certainly, the Brewers have two young players who should be their cornerstones for the next four years. Jenkins and Sexson will be about $16 to $18 million richer each because of the four-year deals they inked with the Brewers Saturday.
But, the fans and community also are winners in the deal. By investing in the two players, the Brewers have told their fans they are serious about trying to bring a winner to Miller Park.
Jenkins and Sexson have shown a commitment to Milwaukee, a commitment to helping the Brewers grow into a winner in a new era. They have shown an understanding of the fragile franchise financial status by not demanding ridiculous salaries.
There is a lot of Paul Molitor and Robin Yount in these two guys. Both are smart, humble, well-suited for Milwaukee.
Both let their play on the field do their talking for them. Both are developing leadership skills through serving as examples.
Milwaukee has traditionally needed a different kind of athlete to make its teams winners. A player looking for big endorsements and publicity is better off looking elsewhere.
Athletes like Molitor, Yount, Jim Gantner, Sidney Moncrief, Junior Bridgeman, Bob Lanier are the ones who have produced winners here. They have done so by forming a bond with the community, by becoming family.
Jenkins and Sexson have given indications they can be those types of athletes. Their examples also have led to the opening of talks with outfielder Jeromy Burnitz. Some sources say the team is very close to signing the veteran to an extension.
At one time, Burnitz was said to want $9-$10 million per year and was undecided whether he wanted to commit to Milwaukee. Under those circumstances, he should be traded or allowed to become a free agent after the season.
But, if Burnitz follows the examples of Jenkins and Sexson, settles for a salary the Brewers can afford and shows a commitment to Milwaukee, he can become the third part in a nucleus that could be very special over the next three or four years.
Kudos to the Brewers, Jenkins and Sexson for showing the commitment Milwaukee fans need.
Brewers Buzz
Some question why the Brewers picked up 38-year-old Devon White in exchange for 33-year-old Marquis Grissom. Here are a couple reasons. Grissom has two years left on a contract that pays him $5 million a year.
White has one year and a $900,000 option for 2002. So, if the Brewers decide they don't want to keep White, they pay the $900,000 instead of $5 million for another season of Grissom. The $4.1 million savings might be used to sign Burnitz.
Grissom also had the lowest on-base percentage of any regular in the majors last season. While White will be used only as a fourth outfielder, he can get on base more readily.
-- The Brewers start their exhibition season in Arizona Thursday and begin broadcasts next Saturday. There is no better sign of the coming of spring than hearing Ueck broadcasting ball. You can get daily summaries of all exhibition games on The Brew Crew Review at brewers.rivals.com.
-- It was sad to see the last section of County Stadium come down last week. That, plus the passing of Eddie Mathews and Bob Buhl within a few days of each other, graphically point out that an era has passed.
But, it's important to not get trapped in the past. The new era looks like it will be very exciting, not only at Miller Park, but at the Bradley Center.
Bucks Buzz
Glenn Robinson felt a one-game suspension and fine were stiff penalties since he was the one thrown to the court by the Bulls' Ron Artest. But, Big Dog served the suspension last Friday and returned to the court to make his statement in the best way possible.
Robinson scored a career-high 45 points in a 122-95 win over the Golden State Warriors. "I didn't think I should have been suspended," Robinson said after the game. "I was pumped. I got it going early and just kept on scoring.
Just a couple years ago, Robinson might have sulked about getting no respect and the suspension. But, he has matured and could not have picked a better way to make a statement than he did Sunday.
-- Robinson and his teammates will need to make some other statements this week. They face the tough Philadelphia 76ers in Philly Monday night and travel to Indiana, another tough place to play, Wednesday night. Then, it's back home against the Houston Rockets, who have been playing well, on Thursday night. They finally get what should be a breather when the Bulls come to town Saturday.
-- Thanks to George Karl for playing professor with my Sports and the Media class at UWM last week. Prof. Karl did a great job of giving the perspective of the source in the media reporting process.
Admirals Buzz
After setting a team record with his fifth shutout of the season, goalie Chris Mason was called up to the Nashville Predators. Mason returned to the Admirals in time for Saturday's I-94 rivalry showdown with the Chicago Wolves, but gave up an overtime goal to Rob Brown in a tough 4-3 loss.
Sports Media
I can't use names because of a promise made to a friend, but look for a big change in the local sports media very soon. The guy making the change deserves his new opportunity and has made a great contribution to the local sports buzz.
Gregg Hoffmann covers Milwaukee pro sports for the Associated Press, USA Today and Baseball Weekly and publishes The Brew Crew Review at brewers.rivals.com. He also is the author of "Down in the Valley: The History of Milwaukee County Stadium."
