The Mahay Kid

Brooks Kieschnick was promoted tonight (sort of) to the Brewers and becomes the first player since Ron Mahay in 1997 to appear on a major-league roster (sort of) as position player and as a pitcher. He should pitch right-handed and pinch hit left-handed for the Brew Crew, though his first appearance (tonight) was as a pinch-hitter not a pitcher.

I am very excited about the prospect of a two-way player (though Todd Jones may have a problem with it). However, given Kieschnick's albeit limited minor-league stats (8.49 ERA as a pitcher and 0-for-9 as a batter), I get the impression that his presence may be for little more than some cheap publicity. I know that he impressed the Brewers in spring training, but--and I've said this before--the main advantage of having a two-way player on the roster is to save a roster spot. Why do the Brewers need to save a roster spot? Do the need another Keith Osik on the roster?

Heck, maybe it's time for Milwaukee to turn to cheap publicity. Their team sure is not going to do much in the win column and the fans are staying away on droves. Maybe it's time for Bud and/or his caretakers to turn to a little Bill Veeck-esque tactics though it seems odd for the only man on the planet who still takes the All-Star game seriously.