Brewers signed infielder Craig Counsell to a two-year contract with a club option for 2009.
He is a Type B free agent, so the Diamondbacks will pick up a supplemental first-round pick. Counsell, who played for the Brewers in 2004, hit .255/.327/.347 in 372 at-bats last season. It was actually his second best offensive season of the last four. We're guessing his addition means Bill Hall will stay in the outfield even if the Brewers lose an infielder to injury, something that really cuts into his value to the team. The Brewers should still be looking to re-sign Jeff Cirillo, as they could use a right-handed hitter to serve as a complement to Corey Koskie and Prince Fielder. Counsell is nice insurance for J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks, but it would be bad news for the Brewers if he received 300 at-bats for a seventh straight year.