April / May Transactions -- Latest: Woodward, Garciaparra Signed, Narveson to D.L.

[Jim Goulart]

Potentially very promising second base prospect Eric Farris has been activated off the disabled list at West Virginia, and is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game (start delayed by rain).

EDIT: Game rained out

Soon-to-be 20-year-old Dominican RHP Pedro Lambertus was sent to extended spring training to make room for Farris.

[Jim Goulart]

The Brewers have released 2004 22nd round pick Matt Kretzschmar. The RH junior college pitcher posted a 5.34 ERA in 146.2 IP in three seasons, topping out at West Virginia. He was attempting a switch to position player this spring at extended training in Maryvale, but apparently that did not work out.

 

Also released was the 2006 21st round pick, catcher Jesse D'Amico. A Pennsylvania high schooler when drafted, D'Amico only appeared in three games with Maryvale in '07 with unspecifiied injuries. He hit .219 in 64 Maryvale AB's in '06. Still just 20 years old, hopefully he'll take advantage of whatever college money the Brewers make available as per terms of his contract. He won't be eligible to play college ball after his pro stint, however.

[bork]

I thought it was Brock Kjeldgaard who was attempting to switch to position player. Or am I getting my long K-names mixed up?

[Jim Goulart]

I thought it was Brock Kjeldgaard who was attempting to switch to position player. Or am I getting my long K-names mixed up?

Thanks for keeping me on my toes, grasshopper. You are correct. Brock K. is still with the organization trying to make the switch. Mea culpa.

[Jim Goulart]

Nashville Media Notes:

To make room on the roster for Derrick Turnbow, Sounds right-hander Jason Shiell has been reassigned to Double-A Huntsville. In 12 relief outings for Nashville, Shiell posted an 0-3 record and 6.39 ERA (9 ER / 12.2 IP).

 

No corresponding roster news made in Huntsville yet -- we imagine we'll find out Tuesday. A bit of an odd new home for the 31-year-old Shiell.

[Jim Goulart]

To make room for RHP Jason Shiell, just sent down from Nashville to Huntsville, the Brewers have released RHP Melqui Torres, Salomon's younger brother. Torres will be turning 31 later this month.

[bork]

I just noticed the Jeremy Jeffress is now active on the Brevard County roster and Mike Jones is listed on the Huntsville roster. Congrats Mike!

[brewmann04]

wow that good news for Mike Nothing spectacular But he Pitching and that the biggest Plus right now.

Good luck Mike and continue on your road to recovery.

[bork]

With Nashville ready to lose a pitcher to the Brewers, I wonder if Narron will get moved up to make room for Jones?

[Jim Goulart]

Tom of the J-S on his busy blog day --

 

The Brewers have purchased the contract of right-hander Mark DiFelice from Class AAA Nashville to replace reliever David Riske, who went on the DL earlier today with an elbow injury.

DiFelice will join the Brewers tomorrow in Boston.

DiFelice, 31, was 3-0 with a 3.91 ERA in four starts with Nashville. In 23 innings, he allowed 20 hits, one walk and 28 strikeouts. He has pitched 11 years in the minors without geting a shot at the major leagues.

[battlekow]

With Nashville ready to lose a pitcher to the Brewers, I wonder if Narron will get moved up to make room for Jones?

That's what I was thinking too.

[bretsky07]

Any of Narron, Hammond, or Miller would be fine with me. Or maybe they'll move ZachJack back to the rotation and call up Patrick Ryan (or just be lame and bring Jason Shiell back up).

[DrWood]

Is Jones still going to be limited to 3 inning starts in huntsville?

[TheCrew07]

I know he's had success, but I have a hard time getting on board with Narron, same as I do Dillard. We'll see I guess.

[battlekow]

I would rather see Hammond promoted than Narron, but he made his scheduled start tonight.

[Jim Goulart]

Nashville's Chuck Valenches with the Mark DiFelice Interview -- very nice!

[JJHardy7]

Does anyone know how fast Jones has been throwing this year? I'll have a chance to finally see him in Huntsville now!

[bork]

May 16 P Zach Jackson recalled by Milwaukee; P Mitch Stetter optioned from Milwaukee; P Sam Narron added from Huntsville

As prediced, Sam Narron is now in Nashville. At least it gives hope that other injured pitchers can make it back, too.

[Jim Goulart]

At Brevard, RHP Josh Wahpepah is active from the DL while RHP Mike McClendon is now on the 7-day DL list. The Brewers backdated McClendon's stint to May 13th, so it is likely a minor injury. McClendon had given up 16 runs in his last 21.1 IP.

[Minigoon]

Per the game notes today, Calix Crabbe was activated and took the roster spot of Abraham Nunez who was released. Crabbe is in the starting lineup today, batting leadoff and playing left field.

[bretsky07]

That's the move I was hoping for. I was a little afraid they would keep Nunez over one of the younger kids because of his major league experience.

[dadofandrew]

Nunez might have been the backup utility IF if someone like Counsell/Hardy/Weeks went down. That seems odd to me.

[JohnBriggs12]

Nunez might have been the backup utility IF if someone like Counsell/Hardy/Weeks went down. That seems odd to me.

Might is the key word. Nunez had a .535 OPS at Nashville, and basically played himself out of that standby role.

 

Should Hardy go down, they have plenty of options. Escobar would be my bet and he'd play every day with Counsell on the bench, or they could bring up a 3B, and move Hall over. If Counsell goes down, Crabbe is now the "utility man in waiting".

 

Should Weeks go down, they'd insert Counsell and use Crabbe as utility guy or vice versa.

[dadofandrew]

Alos, Nunez may have asked to go elsewhere, if he did not see a clear path. He probably had an "out".

[Jim Goulart]

At West Virginia, LHP Curtis Pasma has been placed on the disabled list with an undisclosed injury and LHP Chris Cody has been activated from the DL at Brevard County and sent to West Virginia to take his place.

 

At 24 years old, Cody's stay at West Virginia should be brief if he shows he's healthy. You'll remember that Cody was acquired from the Tigers in the Jose Capellan deal and has posted impressive numbers in 32 career appearances (all starts), with sparkling peripherals.