{image1} The managers, coaches and even owners are different. Geoff Jenkins is one of the few players he knows, but Jeff Cirillo feels at home back with the Brewers.

Cirillo, who played for the Brewers from 1994 to '99, is back with the Crew after some years in Colorado, Seattle and San Diego. He signed a minor league contract just to get back where he started his career.

"To have been where I've been it makes me appreciate where I was a lot more than when I was going through it," Cirillo said before a recent Brewers' workout.

"When I was going through the last couple years, I wished I could turn back the clock and say, 'that was cool,' and enjoyed it a little more. When I played for the Brewers, Phil Garner was a great manager and we had a great bunch of guys.

"I'm glad to be back here. Everybody here is very positive, from Ned (Yost) to the coaching staff and players."

Cirillo was a .300 hitter for the Brewers. He was an All-Star in 1997. After he was traded to Colorado after the 1999 season, he hit over .300 for two more seasons and made the All-Star team again.

But, after going to Seattle in 2002, Cirillo slumped to .249 and then .205. He spent time in the minors then played 33 games last season for the Padres.

"The Seattle years were the dark days," he said. "I hardly played. I got hurt mid-season two years ago. Things just didn't go well."

Cirillo, 35, played winter ball in Mexico this off-season and then started looking for a big-league team. "The opportunities weren't really happening, even though I had an agent looking for me," Cirillo said. "Finally, I made two calls and had two job offers."

When Brewers' GM Doug Melvin made one of those offers, Cirillo jumped at the chance to once again be part of the Brew Crew.

There are no guarantees he will stick with the club. He could end up at Triple A. But, first he might get a chance at his old third base spot, especially if Wes Helms struggles and is traded. He could end up in a platoon with Russell Branyan or he could stick as a utility infielder.

At one time, Cirillo had great bat control and could go to all fields. He showed periodic power, but was more of a gap hitter and could go to the opposite field.

Does he still have it, or have age and injuries robbed him of his skills? "I believe the coordination and reflexes are still there," he said. "It's a matter of getting some playing time again."

If that turns out to be the case, the Brewers might end up with a real steal -- of a former Crew member.

Cactus League Buzz

Pitcher Wes Obermueller hopes his willingness and ability to start or pitch in the bullpen, and his ability to hit, will help him in the free-for-all on the Brewers' staff after Ben Sheets and Doug Davis. Obermueller hit .385 last season; the highest of any major league pitcher who appeared in 20 or more games ... The Brewers are rumored to be talking to former star Robin Yount about joining the organization in some capacity. Yount, a Phoenix area resident, was a coach for the D-Backs, but he does not want a coaching job or another position that requires extensive travel. His daughter is a potential Olympic figure skater, and Yount wants to spend time with her and the rest of his family ... Arizona has had three times its normal rainfall for this time of the year, but the Brewers got their workouts in. Exhibition games don't start until March 3.

Hot Tix

While the Brewers are working out in Arizona, sports action continues in Wisconsin. The Bucks host Toronto at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Bradley Center. Will Michael Redd still be a Buck for that game? The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, and rumors about Redd were circulating as of this writing.

In college basketball, the three main men's teams are on the road. UW plays at Michigan State Thursday and Ohio State Sunday. UWM is at Cleveland State on Saturday.

Marquette, attempting to keep its slim NCAA hopes alive, plays at Cincinnati on Thursday night.

The Wave plays at Kansas City on Friday and Saturday. The Admirals are at Grand Rapids Friday and host St. John's at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the B.C.

Prep sports are well into their tournaments. Finally, way up north, the Birkie will attract thousands of Nordic skiers.