While Fielder will be a menace in Detroit’s lineup for years to come, it’s certainly a huge risk to lock him up for such a long, lucrative deal.

Fielder’s weight is a huge concern going forward, especially since he will be 37-years old by the time his contract is up.

He is already a below-average defensive first baseman, so he is only going to be an asset in one area, which is at the plate.

You also don’t know how receiving such a huge contract will affect Fielder’s motivation and ability to put up big numbers going forward.

Braun was named the National League MVP this past season but apparently knew about the positive test with a month to play in the season.

The outfielder maintains his innocence, saying he didn’t knowingly take anyting performance-enhancing drugs.

This is probably the biggest name yet to test positive for PED’s, although Manny Ramirez is certainly right there as well.

It’s very unlikely that the MLB will throw out the positive test, meaning Braun could really hurt his team by missing a third of next season.

Now comes the question as to whether or not Rodriguez will become the team’s closer, replacing John Axford.

So far, the Brewers have made it clear that there is no controversy but that they do not have a closer in mind.

That sounds to me like a recipe for disaster and controversy, and possibly a major distraction the rest of the year.

I’d put my money on Rodriguez coming in to close, with Axford playing the nice teammate and moving to a setup role.

For a franchise with just three trips to the playoffs since its inception in 1969, the Milwaukee Brewers arrive in 2011 very optimistic they can capture the National League Central title.

The Brewers went 77-85 a season ago, a three-victory drop from 2008 and 13 games worse than in 2007, when Milwaukee broke a 25-year playoff drought. But health is a big concern for every team, and the Brewers have more than their share of bangs and bumps as spring training draws to a close.

Newly acquired ace Zack Greinke cracked a rib playing picking basketball. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner will start the season on the disabled list. Starting pitcher Shaun Marcum, also a new Brewer, is nursing a stiff right shoulder. Right fielder Corey Hart has injured ribs and catcher Jonathan Lucroy hurt his finger. Both likely will miss the season opener.

Milwaukee finished 14 games behind Cincinnati, in third place in the NL Central. Playing at home is definitely an area of improvement: the Brewers went 40-41 at Miller Park.

The Brewers open the season at division winner Cincinnati on March 31. The home schedule opens against NL Wild Card winner Atlanta on April 4.

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The deal is the highest in all of baseball for 2011 for any players that are eligible for salary arbitration.

The Brewers were hoping they might be able to extend his contract, but knew there was almost no chance that was happening.

They cannot afford to pay Fielder the money he will command, and the first baseman is set on testing the free agent market anyway.

The team could look to trade Fielder before the July 31 deadline, but they won’t get much in return for a guy who clearly has no interest in a contract extension.

The Brewers have been looking for pitching help, especially after C.C. Sabathia signed a big deal with the New York Yankees.

Marcum has a history of arm trouble but has been a very good pitcher when healthy. In the National League, he should be great.

He also has a low salary and isn’t eligible for arbitration for two years, making him all the more attractive.

Lawrie is definitely a loss for the Brewers, as the second baseman performed very well at Double-A and is only 20-years old.

Roenicke will get his first managerial job after spending 11 years as a coach with the Los Angeles Angels.

While it has to be a thrill for Roenicke to finally become a manager, the length of the contract has to bother him a little bit.

Most managers receive at least three year contracts, so you have to wonder how much faith the Brewers really have in him.

There is a club option for the 2013 season, so the team could bring him back for a third year if they like the job he is doing.

The 43-year old struggled for much of the season and eventually lost his closer’s role to John Axford.

The team could always consider bringing Hoffman back for next year, but it would be at a much cheaper price.

He is unlikely to generate much interest, if any, out on the free agent market given his age and struggles last year.

Hoffman was able to record his 600th save last year, which may give him incentive to just walk away from the game.