Lots happening in baseball and the hot stove is boiling over. Here's a few things on my mind.

I am totally sick about the Ryan Braun mess. I am one that will give him the benefit of the doubt. I have met and spoken with Braun and believe me, there aren't too many more intelligent and passionate players in the game than Braun. I want to believe there is a back story that will vindicate the NL MVP. I'm even more shocked the story leaked from somewhere in or around baseball. The story was quiet throughout the entire playoffs and up until this past weekend. Something doesn't make sense and I'm certainly willing to wait until the facts are totally known.

Given the Braun situation, the Brewers really aren't able to continue their off season plan with any degree of certainty. Do they plan for life without Ryan Braun? The Aramis Ramirez signing is crucial and I applaud their move. He's a good hitter, especially when healthy. However, Ramirez has had trouble staying healthy year in and year out. But the man can hit. Imagine what he'll do in Miller Park! The place is perfect for his swing.

Alex Gonzalez is a fine shortstop and he should greatly help the Brewers infield. Again, they are trying to improve the club in a number of areas. Losing Fielder will be major and of course, if Braun is found to have violated the drug testing program he will be gone for 50 games. The Brewers will be in total damage control.

I think the Rockies got a pretty good player in D.J. LeMahieu. He can play all over the field from first to third to every place in the outfield. I like his bat and I think he can shine in Colorado if he gets the chance. Let's watch his progress carefully. I'm not quite as bullish on Tyler Colvin, the other player going to Colorado. Coors Field may help Colvin, but he may be a 4A type player. On the other side of the deal, this is Ian Stewart's last chance. If he can't hit in Wrigley, where will he go from there? Casey Weathers should help the Cubs pitching. My response about Stewart? Show me. Then show me again. My jury is out but my mind is open.

Luke Scott is a free agent. He was scheduled to make millions, and the Orioles said no. But, he may still sign back with the Birds. He's a bat I think the Indians can use. I'd see if he can play 1B.

The Tigers signing of Octavio Dotel just gets them another solid right-handed arm for the pen. They have some position weaknesses, but their pitching is very solid.

Very quietly, the Phillies added lefty David Purcey. Remember him? He was a big time prospect at one point and he never really made it. I think he's a late blooming lefty. The Phillies may be a good fit for him. They also picked up David Bush. Yikes!

Astros catcher Jason Castro had surgery on his left foot. He didn't hit a lick in Arizona this past fall, and now he'll face a setback entering spring. I wouldn't draft him if he were 100|PERCENT| healthy, but now for sure I stay away.

Hats off to Jerry Dipoto and Arte Moreno. What a fantastic job they did quietly signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. They have also negotiated a mega deal with FOX that will help pay the freight. What a week for the Cards.

I'll have more to say about Reyes, Pujolls, Fielder and others in my next blog later this week.

Can't tell you how great it was to spend time with RotoWire's DVR talking baseball for several days at the Winter Meetings. I'll say this-RotoWire and guys like me are very, very lucky to have a guy like Derek as a colleague. He knows his stuff and he has a great gift of communicating.

Follow me on twitter @BerniePleskoff and on MLB.com in the Voices section. My articles on Reyes and Pujols are available now on MLB.com. Please feel free to comment or ask questions on this site as well as MLB.com.