Brewers Fill Roster Spots with Aramis Ramirez and Alex Gonzalez

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin finished his trip to the annual winter meetings with two final signings. Melvin filled two big holes in the roster this week when he pulled in a deal with free agent third basemen Aramis Ramirez and shortstop Alex Gonzalez. Ramirez has reportedly signed a three-year deal while Gonzalez signed on for a single year. The contracts will be finalized as soon as each passes a physical.

Aramis Ramirez Heads North from Chicago

Ramirez is coming to Milwaukee from the team's league rivals, the Cubs. He has played eight seasons in Chicago, last year appearing in 149 games for the team. He batted .306 during 2011 with twenty-six home runs and ninety-three RBIs. Ramirez will attempt to fill Prince Fielder's shoes as the Brewers premier slugger. He may also have to pick up the slack that will be left behind should Ryan Braun lose his appeal for the alleged positive drug test.

Gonzalez is a bit of a puzzling choice. With the lowest on-base percentage last year, he replaces Yuniesky Betancourt who had the second lowest. He will be the fourth starting shortstop that has played for the Brewers in as many years. It was most likely about the money, as Betancourt was going to cost the Brewers way too much to keep him around.

While Gonzalez is a nine year veteran of the majors, his experience on the field leaves a lot to be desired. He has only played 110 games in the past decade, including a complete absence from the league in 2008. Last year he played for the Braves and hit .211, with fifteen home runs and fifty-two RBIs. Many critics are suggesting that Melvin bring up a reserve shortstop from the minors, just in case his experiment with Gonzalez goes south.