It’s official…the Brewers have signed free agent outfielder Mike Cameron to shore up their outfield. In signing Cameron, it’s assumed current center fielder Bill Hall will be moved back to third base, a position he played earlier in his career, with incumbent third baseman Ryan Braun being moved to left field. Over on the Brewers Blog at JSOnline, Brewers fans are already going crazy in voicing their disapproval of the signing, but I actually like this, and I’ll tell you why.

First of all, while the exact salary figures haven’t been released yet, the deal is a one year deal with a team option for a second year, which means the Brewers aren’t locked in to Cameron for the long term. Besides the financial implications of the deal, I also like it because it significantly improves the team’s defense, which was a definite weakness last season. Cameron is a very above-average center fielder, and in moving Bill Hall back to third, the Brewers will be able to fill what was essentially a defensive black hole last season. Cameron may not bring much to the table offensively next season - and there’s still that 25 game suspension he’ll have to serve to start the season - but I think his defensive value alone makes this a good deal for the Brew Crew.

I know a lot of Brewers fans were hoping the team would make a blockbuster move this offseason, but to be honest I like what General Manager Doug Melvin has done this offseason. He’s taken a long hard look at what the holes were on his team, and he did his best to fill those holes while still maintaining some semblance of fiscal responsibility. When all is said and done, I think the Brewers are much improved over last season, and I think this is a team that can give the Cubbies a run for their money in the NL Central.

I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year. As I reflect back on 2007, I know I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m thankful Nick has started getting the therapy he needs, because it’s made a world of difference in just a few short months.

I’m thankful that my wife has finished another two semesters of school, leaving her only two semesters away from graduating - and accomplishing something she’s always wanted to do.

I’m thankful to have been given an opportunity to take on new responsibilities at work through a new assignment, because I’m as happy as I’ve been in my job in a long time.

I’m thankful that my family - primarily my mother - have finally gotten their collective acts together and are stable and happy for the first time in a long time.

And I’m thankful that I don’t have a lot to be stressed out or concerned about.

As I look ahead to 2008, I see all the makings of a great year, and I’m excited to see what the year has in store for me and my family.