Braun still waiting on decision after appeal

--LF Ryan Braun was still awaiting the verdict of his appeal of a positive drug test as the third week passed since his arbitration hearing was held in New York City. The MLB drug policy asks for a verdict to be rendered within 25 days of the hearing, a time frame that expires Monday. That is not a rigid deadline, however.

--LHP Manny Parra, who missed all of the 2011 season with back and elbow problems, is healthy again and expected to be full-go in the Brewers' camp. Parra will vie for a spot in the bullpen.

--LHP Zach Braddock, who experienced an up-and-down 2011 season in terms of going up and down from the majors while dealing with sleep-disorder issues, is expected to compete for a job in the Brewers' bullpen. They went most of the second half of last season without a lefty in the bullpen.

--General manager Doug Melvin, a native of Chatham, Ontario, was elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be inducted, along with Rusty Staub, Rheal Cormier and the 2011 Team Canada national team, on June 29 in St. Mary's, Ontario.

--Justin Scott was hired as the new director of grounds keeping at Miller Park. Scott replaces Gary Vanden Berg, who passed away last October after a battle with cancer.

--The Brewers announced their sixth annual "Arctic Tailgate" party will be held at Miller Park on Saturday, Feb. 25. That is the first day that fans can purchase individual tickets for the 2012 season, including a limited number available for Opening Day, April 6, vs. St. Louis.

BY THE NUMBERS
27 -- Players signed for 2012 on the Brewers' 40-man roster as of Friday.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"It was probably a good idea to turn my hockey skates in and start focusing on baseball." -- Brewers GM Doug Melvin, on a decision he made as a youngster in Canada.

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