The Brewers are expressing serious interest in the free-agent center fielder, sources say, though they would prefer a left-handed hitter and would face a delicate situation if they asked Bill Hall to return to the infield.
The signing of Cameron would trigger either a trade of Hall or the shift of Hall to third base and Ryan Braun to left field, moves that would improve the Brewers defensively. However, the Brewers assured Hall that his move from shortstop to center last season would not simply be for one year.
Hall, 28, and catcher Jason Kendall, 33, are the Brewers’ only regulars over 25. The signing of Cameron would provide another veteran presence but also add another high-strikeout hitter to the team’s lineup.
Cameron struck out 160 times for the Padres last season, the fourth highest total in the National League, while batting .242 with 21 homers and 78 RBIs. Five of the Brewers’ eight returning regulars struck out 99 or more times, yet the team finished fifth in the NL in runs.
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