Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee (AP) - The more things change, the more things stay the same. It's cold in Milwaukee, Clinton's still wiping off stain marks, and the Brewers are in last place in the AL Central.

IN a season characterized by personnel movement more likely seen in a war, the Brewers have gained no ground in the AL Central and have all but set up permanent camp in the damp cellar in the American League. Amidst rumors of GM Wong tampering with County Stadium's drinking water, he replied : "SO what if I did?!? The fans are happier, the players are happier playing in front of a rowdy audience, the mascot has picked up more women than any other time in Brewer history. Look at Montreal - the team is kicking butt but the only noise you'll hear from fans are when they're reading some soft porn at the stadium."

Wong did confirm that trainer Chuck Wurster has been fired, supposely for having affairs with many players' wives, which incited a brawl from 1B/LF Cliff Floyd, resulting in two black eyes for Wurster. Said Floyd :"That white boy had it coming!"

Brewers manager Rob Johnson is on the hot seat, having received much criticism for leaving in the Brewers' young starting pitchers too long in games. Young stars Matt Drews and Brad Rigby have often pitched entire games despite having given up 8 or 9 runs in one game.

"It does nothing for their confidence," said Wong. "But if that's the way Johnson thinks they'll mature, that's his choice. I'm not sure I agree with it."

Even though the Brewers have not made ground this year, WOng maintains that the groudwork has been laid and promises that if the Brewers finish last next year, he will move to Montreal and buy a season ticket to the Expos, if they don't move to Carolina or Virginia. Relative veterans Floyd and D'AMico, at 22 and 18 years of age respectively, have been in Brew-town for the last three seasons. 2B Todd Walker has established himself as one of the best 2B in the bigs, and is close to the league lead in RBI's. Rookies Darin Erstad and Scott ROlen have yet to make an impact this season, but are sure to make a splash come next season. ANd the young pitching staff of Drews, Rigby, D'Amico, not to mention Estaban Loiaza, Jamey Wright, Tim Harikkala have all been locked up to long term contracts.

GM Wong promises that even more moves will be made before next season which may spring the Brew-crew into contention for a wild-card spot in the relative weak AL Central.

Maybe by then, Clinton will have cleaned up his stains.