PHOENIX -- Craig Counsell is back home. Again.

The Whitefish Bay native is back with the Brewers and, in fact, living in Whitefish Bay, where he graduated from high school in 1988.

"We kept our home in the Milwaukee area after I left for Arizona (after the 2004 season) and now have moved to Whitefish Bay. It's good to be home," said Counsell, who lived in "The Bay" when his father, John, was director of community relations for the Brewers in the 1980s. Counsell and his wife, Michelle, have been together since high school. They have three children.

Counsell played for the Brewers the first time after he was part of the big Richie Sexson trade with the Arizona following the 2003 season. "There's a lot more talent here now than there was my first time here," Counsell said. "The young players were in the minors or just starting their major league careers when I was here before. It's time now to get beyond just saying there is talent though. We have to win now."

The 36-year-old infielder has World Series experience with the D-Backs and Florida. The spikes that he wore when he scored the winning run in the 1997 World Series are on permanent display in Cooperstown.

"That experience helps and I do work with the younger players, but I've always though that is overrated," Counsell said. "I think you can only share so much. Then it becomes up to every player to figure out how he can become a major leaguer and contribute to a team. That's what all of us are doing now."

Counsell could end up a backup at shortstop and second, or share third base with Tony Graffanino and perhaps even Ryan Braun, depending on the health of Corey Koskie. The latter is in camp, but still has not been cleared for baseball activities after suffering a concussion last season.

"I think it's too early to figure all that our at this point," Counsell said. "That will work itself out as spring training and the season goes on."

J.J. Hardy, who is listed ahead of Counsell at shortstop, thinks the infield depth is strong, with veterans like Counsell backing up young players. "It's great to have experienced players there in case we slump or in case of injuries," Hardy said.

Hardy says his injured ankle, which ended his season last year, is feeling great and he hopes to make history of the injury, suffered in a slide at the plate when his ankle jammed against catcher Sal Fasano's shin guard.

"I've really replayed that play a million times," Hardy said. "I hope to put it behind me now and just play baseball. I'm glad they are still counting on me at shortstop. Billy (Hall) played so well there last year I thought the job might be his. But, he'll be great in center, and now I have to play well enough to justify their confidence."

In the right spot: Corey Hart, who looks like he will get the shot in right field, is another young player who feels he has to earn the confidence that has been placed in him.

"Nobody has been penciled in anywhere yet," Hart said. "We have a lot of outfielders with a lot of talent. I'm glad I could take advantage of the opportunity to play last season, but I believe I have to earn that opportunity again."

Hart said he has gotten along great with Geoff Jenkins and Brady Clark, two veteran outfielders who could be aced out by him. "They helped me when I first got here, and we still have a great relationship," he said. "They're veterans who can still contribute a lot."

Staying positive: Jenkins and Kevin Mench were quoted last week as saying they would prefer not to platoon in left field, which at least is being considered by manager Ned Yost. But, Jenkins said he is staying positive about his situation.

"I don't care about that stuff. I'm focused on the team and doing what I can to help us win," Jenkins said. "I think things will work out one way or another as time goes on."

Jenkins has made an adjustment in his batting stance in early workouts, dropping his bat closer to his shoulder. "Sometimes it doesn't have to be a real big adjustment," he said.

Overmatched rookie: ESPN journalist Neil Janowitz is working out with the Brewers and will chronicle his time in camp in ESPN The Magazine. Janowitz is listed as an outfielder and struck out in a three-pitch at-bat against Derrick Turnbow during an intrasquad game.

Batter up! The Brewers open their spring training schedule today against the Oakland A's at Maryvale. Claudio Vargas, obtained in a deal with Arizona, over the off-season is scheduled as the starter, but will likely pitch only a couple innings.

Dave Bush and Corey Thurman will start split-squad games on Friday. Ben Sheets, Chris Capuano and Jeff Suppan will start Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively.

Vero Beach? An Internet rumor has started about the Brewers moving their spring training facility to Vero Beach, Florida, where the Los Angeles Dodgers have trained for years. The Dodgers are moving to Glendale, Arizona, where they will share a facility with the White Sox.

Tyler Barnes and Mike Vasallo of the Brewers media relations said they had not seen the report. The trend for several years has been for teams that train in Florida to move to Arizona because of better weather and other factors, so he rumor seems unlikely.