During Sunday night's nationally televised game between Atlanta and Washington on ESPN, a spot for the Boys & Girls Club of America featuring Prince Fielder will debut. The spot, which was shot at the Brewers' spring training home in Maryvale, will air throughout the season on ESPN, FOX and TBS.

Following today's game, the Brewers optioned SS Alcides Escobar to Double-A Huntsville. 

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Welcome back to Miller Park.

More 22,000 fans, including a few that have imbibed a little bit, showed up today for autograph sessions and a meaningless exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals.

A few things to note: Dave Bush gave up a solo home run to light-hitting center fielder David DeJesus on a 3-2 count to give KC a quick 1-0 lead to open the game. Rickie Weeks promptly allowed Oak Creek native Mark Grudzielanek to reach base on a fielding error.

But new third baseman Bill Hall retired Alex Gordon on a slow roller to third and Jose Guillen on a ground ball to third to help end the inning.

Weeks made up for his blunder with a lead-off single in the bottom of the first and then stole second base. But he was left stranded as the Royals escaped the inning with a 1-0 lead.

Game time temps: 62 degrees inside Miller Park, 40 degrees in the parking lot. So much for early-season tailgating. Lots of winter coats, jackets and parkas covering up Brewers t-shirts and jerseys today

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After recording a pair of assists in the field in the first inning, Bill Hall delivered a line drive double to left field in the second inning in his first at bat today. Like most of his teammates, Hall is eager to get the regular season underway.

"The weather was good but after a few weeks, spring training gets old," Hall said before the game. "We're ready to go. It's time to play ball."

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Trying to keep one eye on a nearby TV to chart the progress of Winona State's NCAA Division II men's basketball title game appearance against Augusta State. Winona State, led by Madison La Follette graduate Jonte Flowers, jumped out to a 13-6 lead, sinking its first five field goal attempts. But Augusta came roaring back to take a 44-32 lead at halftime. 

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The designated hitter is in effect today although the game is being played in a National League stadium. Billy Butler, who is hitting .371 with 4 home runs and 14 RBI this spring, is the DH for KC, while Gabe Gross (.230, 4, 5) is the Brewers' DH.

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