Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The: BREWERS NOTES; Yost plans to be a gambling man; He wants his team t

Chicago In the early innings of the Brewers' 6-3, 12-inning victory over the Cubs on Friday, some aggressive managing by Ned Yost backfired on him.

Of particular note was a hit-and-run play in the second inning with runners on first and second, one out and pitcher Chris Capuano at the plate. Chicago's Kerry Wood threw a fastball high and wide, Capuano couldn't connect with it and Damian Miller was easily thrown out at third.

Capuano is an above-average hitter for a pitcher, but it was still a gamble. And Yost said it won't be the last one he takes this season.

"You could play it safe and cover your butt or you can get the runners moving, the infielders moving and take a chance," said Yost. "We're not playing to cover our butt. We're playing to win.

"We're playing more aggressive because we have more talent. You can do more things. We have more players who can hit and run, more players who can squeeze (bunt) and more players who can bunt (for hits)."

Sometimes teams with limited talent have to take risks because it is the only chance they have. But Yost said having improved talent also puts a club in position to push the envelope.

"We need to stay healthy, we need to stay smart and we need to stay aggressive," said Yost, who was unable to try aggressive maneuvers Saturday because the Brewers' offense consisted of a Russell Branyan single and two walks.

Sitting duck: Centerfielder Brady Clark entered the day with a .529 on-base percentage (he went 0 for 4), but Yost was a bit worried about one way in which he reached base. Clark was hit by pitches three times, including twice Friday.

"I need to call and get him a set of knight's armor," said Yost. "He's going to get killed. Brady stands right on the plate and gives no quarter."

Clark, who usually sports a series of bumps and bruises from the all-out way he plays the game, said HBPs are part of the game.

"I don't mind it," he said. "That's my job, to get on base any way I can."

Pomp and circumstance: The Brewers announced their plans for the pre-game ceremony before the home opener Monday against Pittsburgh. One interesting participant is Joe Attanasio, father of owner Mark Attanasio, who will sing the national anthem.

Word spread during spring training that Commissioner Bud Selig would throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Attanasio, symbolizing the transfer of ownership of the franchise. But Selig said recently he planned to go to Boston on Monday for the Red Sox's home opener against New York.

Hot Apple Pie, a country music act, will sing God Bless America. The Brewers will honor seven branches of the military, including the Air National Guard and Army National Guard.

Single seats and standing room only tickets are available.

The money men: For those interested in the ownership group Attanasio has put together, here is the roster of investors:

New:

Robert Beyer, president and chief investment officer, The TCW Group Inc., Los Angeles.

Jean-Marc Chapus, group managing director of mezzanine investments, The TCW Group.

Michael Jones, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee.

David Lubar, president, Lubar & Co. Inc., Milwaukee; chairman of Lake Express high-speed ferry, Milwaukee.

Richard Ressler, principal and founder, CIM Group Inc., Hollywood, Calif.

Marc Stern, president, The TCW Group.

Old:

John Canning Jr., chairman and CEO, Madison Dearborn Partners LLC, Chicago.

Stephen Marcus, chairman and CEO, Marcus Corp., Milwaukee.

Harris Turer, president, Hometown Property Management, Glendale, Wis.

David Uihlein Jr., president, Uihlein / Wilson Architects, Milwaukee.

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