The Brewers are relatively thin at shortstop, with free agent pick-up Alex Gonzalez expected to start and non-roster invitee Cesar Izturis the most likely backup. Two other shortstops in camp, Edwin Maysonet and Jeff Bianchi, are likely to begin the season in the Minors.

“I don’t blame [Renteria] for saying no,” Melvin said. “He was a World Series MVP two years ago.”

Renteria won that honor with the Giants in his third trip to the World Series. He delivered the winning hit in Game 7 of the 1993 1997 Series for the Marins — scoring current Brewers staffer Craig Counsell — and also made it with the 2004 Cardinals.

Agent Barry Meister said Renteria, 35, would wait to formally file retirement papers in case a solid offer came along. He is a five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover.

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Parra spent three weeks in late November and early December at the team’s new Dominican academy, which had opened only weeks earlier and was hosting an instructional league. The trip allowed Parra, recovering from elbow surgery, to pitch in a pair of games.

“I knew if there was any opportunity to pitch, I needed to take it,” Parra said.

The idea was floated by Brewers farm director Reid Nichols, who was part of the team that struck an agreement with former Brewers closer Salomon Torres to open the academy in November. It was previously occupied by the Rangers.

The facility includes baseball fields, housing and classroom space for Latin American prospects.

“It was there, and he needed to throw innings,” Nichols said. “The good thing was there was no commitment from a [Winter League] club required. You didn’t have to talk a club into taking him for a little bit down there.”

For more on Manny, check out Brewers.com later today.

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As a refresher, here’s what Greinke said about the relationship he forged with his skipper in 2011:

“I know I was skeptical of what he would say sometimes, and if I don’t agree with something somebody is saying, I usually tell them I think they’re wrong,” Greinke said. “There was one time I really remember, and probably two times, that I disagreed with him, and then a couple of weeks later I was like, ‘You know what? I was wrong and he was right.’ Now, if he says something, I assume he’s right until it’s proven wrong.”

That made Roenicke chuckle.

“I want to keep him believing,” he said.

Roenicke is among those who believes Greinke’s brutal honesty is among his best assets. He plans to keep the lines of communications open in 2012, a big year for Greinke considering his contract expires in October.

“I’d much rather have a guy say something” than keep his criticisms to himself, Roenicke said. “I love it. I like the questioning. I like it because I know if he’s questioning it, he’s really paying attention and thinking about it. I don’t ever mind somebody questioning things.”

A couple of other notes from early Tuesday:

• Look for a feature on Brewers.com later today about Jonathan Lucroy, who took up catching as a 13-year-old mostly because he was the only kid on the team brave enough to give it a shot. Good career move.
• I spent some time this morning talking to Mat Gamel for a story that will run tomorrow. When I asked him how much weight he’s lost compared to this time last year, he thought a moment and said, “A boat.” He’s down 25-30 pounds.
• Taylor Green will see some action at first base this spring as the Brewers try to find him a position. Like Gamel, he’s a left-handed hitter, so a platoon will not work there.
• Also spoke with shortstop Cesar Izturis, who is the rare nonroster invitee all but assured an Opening Day roster spot. The other candidate for the backup shortstop job is Edwin Maysonet, who is ticketed for Triple-A. I’ll have some of Izturis’ comments on the site later today.
• Also look for an update from lefty Manny Parra, another player who has dropped some weight and is looking forward to a healthy 2012. He had surgery last fall to remove loose bodies from his elbow, but it turns out doctors did not have to remove an old screw, as they originally anticipated. That may have contributed to a quicker rehab for Parra.
• Jose Veras is gigantic.
• Roenicke said second baseman Rickie Weeks or right fielder Corey Hart will be the leadoff hitter again in 2012. He prefers center fielder Nyjer Morgan in the two-hole because it opens opportunities for bunting. Gamel will likely hit somewhere lower in the order; sixth, seventh or eighth.
• Lefty pitching prospect Jed Bradley will not throw a bullpen session today because he has a minor groin issue, Roenicke said. The Brewers don’t consider the setback serious. Remember, Bradley was delayed at the start of last year’s Arizona Fall League because of a groin tweak.

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So it’s back to work for players and beat writers alike, and later today at Brewers.com you’ll find stories about the Brewers’ bullpen, Mark Rogers’ explanation for his 25-game suspension and hopefully some words of wisdom from Zack Greinke, who is slated to speak after throwing a bullpen session.

The big story remains Ryan Braun, who has yet to report to camp. Manager Ron Roenicke said Braun remains upbeat amid his long appeal of a drug suspension and is planning to be in camp for the team’s first full-squad workout on Saturday.

“He’s been doing good all winter though this, and he’s excited to get going in Spring Training,” said Roenicke, who spoke with Braun several weeks ago and exchanged text messages in recent days. “Hopefully, the outcome will be the way we all want it.

“I know everybody thinks it’s really hard, but it’s not something that I dwell on. I know what happens during the course of a season when you lose players, key players, and it’s part of baseball. You just deal with it.”

So on that note, welcome back to another baseball season. Here’s some new artwork that was installed outside the clubhouse here in Phoenix:

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Veras, acquired in a December trade with the Pirates, will earn $2 million in 2012 instead of the $2.35 million he’d sought. Agent Bryce Dixon downplayed the awkward beginning by pointing to another player who faced a Monday hearing in St. Petersburg. Fla. Veras traveled from his home in the Dominican Republic on the same flight as Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who wound up avoiding arbitration with a last-minute, $14.575 million compromise.

“If the Red Sox were almost willing to take ‘Big Papi’ to arbitration, [Veras] understands this is part of the business,” Dixon said. “You just have to roll with it. With relievers, there are just a ton of variables you can nit-pick on, and you never know what the arbitrators are going to hang their hat on.

“We’re surprised by the outcome, but Jose is fine with it. Jose is looking forward to being a Brewer, and he’s hoping that the Brewers have the same type of success this year as they did [in 2011].”

The Brewers improved to 3-4 in arbitration hearings since 1974 and 1-1 under the club’s current regime. You’ll be able to read more about the factors that went into the Veras case over at Brewers.com.

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Veras will probably prove the Brewers’ last major expense of a winter that saw the club’s payroll push above $100 million for the first time ever. Look to Brewers.com later today for more on the Veras case and the team’s record spending.

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Veras, acquired from Pittsburgh in December for third baseman Casey McGehee, wanted $2,375 million, and the Brewers offers $2 million. He made $1.35 million last season with the Pirates.

Brewers chief negotiator Teddy Werner had said in recent weeks that the team and Veras’ agent, Bryce Dixson, had made little progress toward a settlement despite the relatively small $375,000 gap between filing figures.

Veras is only the second Brewers player to take the Brewers to an arbitration hearing in the last 14 years. Outfielder Corey Hart won his case against the team in 2010.

According to the AP, arbitrators  Dan Brent, Marlene Gold and John Sands will render their ruling on Tuesday. They must choose either Veras’ salary request or the Brewers’ offer, with no middle ground.

Veras is the Brewers’ only remaining arbitration-eligible player who is unsigned.

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Those sales will begin at 9 a.m. CT online at Brewers.com, at the Miller Park box office and via telephone.

Only a limited number of Opening Day tickets will be available on that date, and those tickets will only be available in person at Miller Park, where the Racing Sausages, Bernie Brewer and Brewers alumni players will greet fans. The first 2,000 fans in line will receive a hot dog and soda, plus an Arctic Tailgate t-shirt.

For the very hardy, the Brewers released a set of rules for those who camp out at Miller Park in advance of the on-sale date. Participants will not be permitted to set camp prior to noon CT on Thursday, Feb. 23, and no hand-made or hand-built shelters are permitted. No shelters made of cardboard or wood will be permitted. Shelters with a footprint greater than 100 sq. ft. are not permitted unless otherwise approved by the Brewers.

Miller Park power sources are not available for public use and gas generators are not permitted on the property. Only state-approved gas or propane heating/grilling units with fuel-valve turn-offs and self-contained charcoal or wood units are permitted, provided that they are a minimum distance of 25 feet from the building or shelters. The Brewers reserve the right to remove any shelter, items, or individuals from the property.

Each fan will be limited to a maximum of four tickets for Opening Day.

Meanwhile, fans can visit Brewers.com through Feb. 14 to register for an Opening Day ticket lottery, for an opportunity to purchase up to four tickets to Opening Day and up to eight tickets to “gold” and “marquee” games. The new designations were unveiled by the club  back in October.

Beginning Feb. 25, fans will also be able to purchase parking passes in advance for all home dates at Miller Park, including Opening Day.  Prices range from $9 for advance general parking to $50 for day-of-game bus parking.

For ticketing details and to contact the Brewers, visit the tickets section of Brewers.com.

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Here’s the breakdown:

– Hall of Fame Radio announcer Bob Uecker along with new radio play-by-play announcer Joe Block will call 16 of the spring games on the statewide Brewers Radio Network.

– Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder will call the three games to be carried by FS Wisconsin: March 6 vs. the A’s, March 20 at the Dodgers and April 4 against the D-backs at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. Three additional games — March 17 at the Angels, March 30 at the Dodgers and March 31 at the Padres — will be produced by other Fox Sports regions and simulcast on FS Wisconsin.

– Anderson, Schroeder and Block will also team up for 14 Brewers.com webcasts throughout the spring.

The Brewers also announced two changes to the original Spring Training schedule. The March 5 game against San Francisco at Scottsdale Stadium will now start at 7:35 p.m. Arizona Time/8:35 p.m. CT, and the game against San Diego on March 31 will now start at 12:05 p.m. Arizona Time/2:05 p.m. CT.

Tickets for the Milwaukee Brewers home Spring Training games are on sale at brewers.com now, and sales at the Maryvale Baseball Park box office will begin on Monday. Tickets are available in four seating areas: Field Box ($22), Infield Reserved ($16), Outfield Reserved ($13) and Lawn Seating ($8).For information about Spring Training season tickets, call the Brewers at (414) 902-4000.

Milwaukee Brewers 2012 Spring Training Schedule
Games and times are subject to change.

Date / Time (local) (CT) / Opponent / Place / Broadcast

Sunday, March 4 1:05 pm 2:05 pm San Francisco Giants Maryvale WTMJ

Monday, March 5 7:35 pm 8:35 pm at San Francisco Giants Scottsdale Brewers.com

Tuesday, March 6 1:05 pm 2:05 pm Oakland Athletics Maryvale WTMJ/FSW

Wednesday, March 7 1:05 pm 2:05 pm at Chicago White Sox Glendale Brewers.com

Thursday, March 8 1:05 pm 2:05 pm Cincinnati Reds Maryvale Brewers.com

Friday, March 9 1:05 pm 2:05 pm Cleveland Indians Maryvale Brewers.com

Saturday, March 10 1:05 pm 2:05 pm Chicago Cubs Maryvale WTMJ

1:05 pm 2:05 pm at San Francisco Giants Scottsdale

DAYLIGHT-SAVINGS TIME BEGINS MARCH 11

Sunday, March 11 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Colorado Rockies Maryvale Brewers.com

Monday, March 12 OFF DAY

Tuesday, March 13 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Seattle Mariners Maryvale WTMJ

1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Oakland Athletics Phoenix

Wednesday, March 14 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Chicago Cubs Mesa WTMJ

Thursday, March 15 1:05 pm 3:05 pm San Diego Padres Maryvale Brewers.com

Friday, March 16 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Kansas City Royals Surprise Brewers.com

Saturday, March 17 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at LA Angels of Anaheim Tempe WTMJ/FSW

Sunday, March 18 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Texas Rangers Maryvale WTMJ

Monday, March 19 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Texas Rangers Surprise Brewers.com

Tuesday, March 20 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Los Angeles Dodgers Glendale FSW/Brewers.com

Wednesday, March 21 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Arizona Diamondbacks Talking Stick WTMJ

Thursday, March 22 OFF DAY

Friday, March 23 1:05 pm 3:05 pm LA Angels of Anaheim Maryvale Brewers.com

Saturday, March 24 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Chicago White Sox Maryvale WTMJ

Sunday, March 25 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Los Angeles Dodgers Maryvale WTMJ

1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Kansas City Royals Surprise

Monday, March 26 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Cleveland Indians Goodyear Brewers.com

Tuesday, March 27 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Kansas City Royals Maryvale Brewers.com

Wednesday, March 28 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Arizona Diamondbacks Maryvale WTMJ

Thursday, March 29 1:05 pm 3:05 pm Cincinnati Reds Maryvale WTMJ

Friday, March 30 1:05 pm 3:05 pm at Los Angeles Dodgers Glendale FSW/Brewers.com

Saturday, March 31 12:05 pm 2:05 pm at San Diego Padres Peoria WTMJ/FSW

Sunday, April 1 1:05 pm 3:05 pm San Francisco Giants Maryvale WTMJ

Monday, April 2 12:05 pm 2:05 pm at Chicago White Sox Glendale Brewers.com

Tuesday, April 3 12:00 pm 2:00 pm at Chicago Cubs Mesa

6:40 pm 8:40 pm at Arizona Diamondbacks Chase Field WTMJ

Wednesday, April 4 12:40 pm 2:40 pm at Arizona Diamondbacks Chase Field WTMJ/FSW

• Note: Daylight-Savings Time begins on March 11

• All Games/Times subject to change

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“It’s part of the process, and you can’t read into the timing in a lot of these deals,” club negotiator Teddy Werner said. “Sometimes, you have to come down and meet face to face.”

Werner expects that to be the case again with the club’s lone remaining arbitration-eligible player, reliever Jose Veras. Despite a relatively small gap — Veras is seeking $2.375 million in arbitration and the Brewers offered $2 million — Werner said there had been little progress toward a settlement with agent Bryce Dixon on a deal.

Werner could not reveal the date of Veras’ hearing in St. Petersburg, Fla., but said he was scheduled to return home to Milwaukee on Friday night. That’s a sign the hearing is later in the month but before pitchers and catchers report to Maryvale Baseball Park on Feb. 18.

“At the very least, I expect a return trip down there [to St. Petersburg],” Werner said.

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