What we learned today

Lots of Brewers news today, both before and after the game. Infielder Cesar Izturis was informed he’d be added to the Major League roster, and three players — Zach Braddock, Taylor Green and Martin Maldonado — were optioned to Triple-A.

Here are some takeaways:

– With Izturis set as the backup shortstop and Green out, three players remain in the running for one — if Corey Hart is healthy on Opening Day — or two — if Hart is on the DL —  roster spot. Brooks Conrad is the most versatile of the contenders, and like Izturis he’s a switch-hitter. Travis Ishikawa is the best defensive first baseman, which could be helpful since the Brewers have the unproven Mat Gamel starting there. Edwin Maysonet can play shortstop, but I’m guessing his chances were diminished by Izturis making the cut.

– With Braddock out, it’s difficult to see Manny Parra not in the Opening Day bullpen. Juan Perez remains technically active in camp, but unless something has changed in the past few days I don’t believe he’s viewed as an option. Good for Parra, who was frustrated by injuries last season but has embraced the move to the bullpen and has pitched well.

– The other spot looks ticketed for Tim Dillard or Mike McClendon. Dillard has mostly pitched well and, like Parra, is out of options. McClendon has options. You can figure that one out. I wrote about Dillard today, by the way.

– Things can change. Hart still has hurdles to clear. Shaun Marcum has a big start in Minor League camp tomorrow. Players all over the game are being waived, dangled in trade talks or outright released. It looks like the Brewers’ roster is very close to being set, but injuries can change things in an instant, and you know Doug Melvin and his staff have an eye on potential upgrades.

As of Friday, we’ll have one week to go before Opening Day.

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