Brewers sign Eric Thames, designate slugging 1B Chris Carter

   MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Milwaukee Brewers have signed free agent Eric Thames, who spent the last three seasons in Korea, and designated slugging first baseman Chris Carter for assignment.
   Carter tied for the National League lead in home runs with 41 in 2016, his one season with the Brewers. He is eligible for arbitration.
   Carter will apparently be replaced by Thames, a first baseman-outfielder who signed a three-year contract with a club option for 2020.
   The 30 year-old Thames hit .348 with 124 home runs, 379 RBIs and 64 steals in 388 games with NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization.
   General manager David Stearns said Thames' left-handed bat and versatility was a good fit in the lineup for the rebuilding club.