After reaching a tentative agreement with infielder Craig Counsell on a 2010 return over the weekend, the Brewers finalized the deal on Monday.

That meshed with comments late last week from Counsell's agent, Barry Meister, who said that he expected to have an answer either way on Counsell by Monday. Meister had a number of in-person discussions with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin at last week's Winter Meetings and followed up with a series of telephone conversations on Friday.

Counsell, 39, appeared in 130 games last season and batted .285. Assuming his deal -- it will probably be a one-year pact, but it's unclear whether the Brewers offered an option for a second season -- is finalized, he would be an important bench piece behind second baseman Rickie Weeks, shortstop Alcides Escobar and third baseman Casey McGehee or Mat Gamel.