Bid for Dave Roberts Would Open Brewers Roster

The Milwaukee Brewers are eyeing free agent Dave Roberts and the 49 bags he stole for the Padres this past season. It's a bid that would create room on Brewers roster for wholesale changes, most importantly the trade of veteran Geoff Jenkins, thus creating playing time for youngster Corey Hart. Roberts would take over in center, Hart would move to right and Jenkins would be dealt for a pitcher. If the deal falls through, Billy Hall would likely play center. Coming on the heels of the acquisition of switchhitting catcher Johnny Estrada from Arizona, don't be surprised if the Brewers not only acquire Roberts but aggressively persue a number of other deals during and beyond the MLB winter meetings schedule. With only eight games separating the Brewers from division champion Cardinals in '06, the Brewers front office perceives an opportunity to reach the playoffs next season, particularly if the Cardinals rest on their World Series laurels.