You don't need many reasons to convince yourself to go to the Brewers 2012 Spring Training campaign in Phoenix. Maybe just four: National. League. Central. Champs.

While your friends are complaining about a never-ending winter back home, you can watch baseball every day. Cheaply. In Arizona. And, while people in Milwaukee are debating who will play first base, you can say you watched the battle unfold, up close and personal, in a setting that's both thrilling and relaxing.

Cactus League basics

The Brewers play 34 games in a schedule that kicks off Sunday, March 4 and wraps up on April 4. They have only two day off on March 12 and 22. Almost all games are played at 1:05 p.m. local time, which is either one or two hours behind Milwaukee -- Arizona doesn't do Daylight Savings Time. Milwaukee plays at the Giants on March 5 at 7:35 p.m., and Spring Training night games are very cool.

In total, Arizona hosts 15 teams in the Cactus League, which means you can see lots of teams at lots of different stadiums -- and you'll absolutely, positively need a car for this trip. With the Diamondbacks and the Rockies moving to Salt River Fields last year, the entire league is now based in the Phoenix area -- no more day trips to Tucson. There are clusters of teams in each part of the area -- Kansas City, Texas, Seattle and San Diego in the northwest, for example -- which can help cut down on your driving if you book your lodging nearby.

Cincinnati, one of the Crew's NL Central rivals, moved to Arizona last year, meaning that the Cactus League now has equaled the number of teams in the rival Grapefruit League in Florida. And, personal bias aside, fans who've been to both Arizona and Florida will almost unanimously agree that the Cactus League is more fun.

The Brewers train at Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave. -- a short jaunt west of downtown Phoenix off of I-10. Upon opening 13 years ago, Maryvale got a bad rap from some Midwesterners, who claim the park is in a rough area of town and not as aesthetically pleasing as newer stadiums. For those mapping the address, Maryvale is technically part of Phoenix.

While it's nothing like its upscale Scottsdale counterpart where the Giants play, Maryvale is safe, with plenty of good parking available. You probably wouldn't pick the neighborhood as your nighttime hangout, but it's spacious and friendly, and it has a field shaped just like Miller Park. Maryvale is starting to show its age; some of the newer stadiums are simply beautiful, but remember, you probably won't spend too many games at the same stadium during your trip. Notably, this is the final year of the Brewers' lease at Maryvale. Either they'll get some improvements or move (hopefully within Phoenix).

For accommodations, look for a hotel that's centrally located between all the parks. You can't go wrong in Tempe or Scottsdale. Keep in mind, though, that Phoenix traffic is notoriously bad, and some parks are a 45-minute drive from anywhere. If you're looking to go upscale, you've got tons of options; among the best are the Four Seasons, Hotel Valley Ho, Westin Kierland and InterContinental Montelucia. All of these properties are awesome in different ways.

The official OnMilwaukee.com spring training hotel in 2012, however, is again the Sheraton Crescent, which is your closest and best choice if you'll be seeing games at Maryvale. This is our team's third year at the Crescent. We're big fans of this place, and hope to see you there while we're on site (March 14-28).

Even though the games don't count, there are always some great story lines that arise during each Spring Training. If you have the chance to catch multiple games, a few players will surely catch your eye and you can match your scouting skills with those of the pros.

In the first half of March, it's all about talent assessment, and the Brewers will trot out dozens of young players in every game. Since all of the minor league affiliates train in Maryvale, you'll feel constantly surrounded by an army of no-name Brewers. But these are the stars of tomorrow and when they reach Miller Park you can say you saw them when.

This spring, you'll get the chance to see a completely overhauled infield, but first base, without Prince Fielder, is the story of March. Will Mat Gamel step up, or will we see a surprise at the position?

Get to games as early as you can, as watching these prospects practice is an experience you won't get in Milwaukee. They run from field to field -- Maryvale has a handful -- chatting and mingling with the fans. Most will sign autographs if you ask nicely. Be sure to bring your own baseballs, baseball cards and Sharpie pens for the players to sign because they obviously aren't toting these in their back pockets. Kids fare best so encourage your children not to be shy.

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