Article: Brewers Minor League Link Report (4/4): Sounds Fall in Memphis BUT Alex Jackson Pulverizes a Baseball

[Joseph Zarr]

It's already the second week of the Sounds 2023 season and we kick it off with an inaugural three hour road trip down to Memphis' AutoZone Park where the good guys face the Cardinals' Red Birds (1-2) over a six game stint. This is my first early season look at Cardinals' prospects INF Masyn Winn and C Ivan Herrera. I am quite excited to see how these young men stack up amongst the Brewers' top talent in 2023 over the course of this series.

Let's get into the report!

Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic

Game Balls: We'll give a nod to Eddie Alvarez for his hot bat from the eighth spot of the batting order (and decent play in the field), Sal Frelick for his web gem diving catch in shallow left center field (see highlight below - unfortunately, he went hitless), Blake Perkins for his fantastic night at the dish (really nice smooth left-hitting strokes to right field and showing his athleticism on the base paths - more below), and Alex Jackson for an early candidate in the 'Possibly the Hardest and Furthest Hit Baseball You will See this Entire Season' category. 

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Highlights from the Week that Was:

Everyone's favorite lead-off prospect, OF Sal Frelick, had a fine series this past weekend versus the Bats. Frelick would probably like some of his AB's back from Sunday's series finale, but, all in all, it was a fantastic start to hopefully a short Minor League season from the up and coming young stud. Here's a quick highlight clip from the Brewers Player Development twitter feed to give you a taste of what you may have missed:

Note: A triple versus a lefty? Frelick hit .394 with an OPS of .982 in 2022 in 66 official AB's with Nashville in 2022. 

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Lastly, RHP Janson Junk had a fine debut for the Sounds - unfortunately, he was not rewarded the winning decision after the Sounds lost the lead and the game in extras. Take a look at some of his deliveries from his first official start in the Brewers organization:

* Note:  In the above clip, you will also see the fine catching work of personal favorite, Brian Navarreto, as he sets up the zone with savvy and throws out a runner at second base with one of his classic accurate darts directly to the leg of the sliding runner. He started 2023 in the same way he played the entire 2022: skillfully, athletically, with timely meaningful hits, and with incredible defensive work (he dug out several tough pitches in the dirt in this outing as well). I hope he starts getting the recognition and elevated status he deserves in 2023.

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Final: Memphis (Cardinals) 7, Nashville 5 
Box Score / Game Log

Game Notes

Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review:
Sounds Drop Series Opener in Memphis

RHP Robert Stock was making his first appearance stateside in any form of MLB affiliated ball since 2021 when he took his talents to Korea. The  veteran hurler was hoping to have a storybook re-entry into the affiliated ranks. Unfortunately for Stock, he was hit fairly hard; encountered a very tight interpretation of the strike zone; and was ultimately sent from the game after 2 2/3 hard fought innings. He will definitely look to sharpen his tools for his next trip to the mound. All in all, it was a disappointing evening that ended on a two-run jack to deep right center field. Hopefully, in his next trip to the mound he can limit the loud contact we hear early and often tonight.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) OF Blake Perkins was picked up this past off-season as a Minor League free agent. He was also given a spot on the 40-man roster surprising Brewers fans. There were some snarky comments here and elsewhere but, I said at the time, having contacts in the Yankees organization, this was a young player who was a roster crunch victim in a talented system but he was a player scouts in the organization really liked. An under-the-radar ascending player, if you will. Early in 2023 he is certainly showing his wares. He is a fluid athlete with a switch-hitting, smooth swinging bat and he is a respectable if not solid glove in the outfield grass. Tonight, he put all that on display in every at bat and in the field - though, at the plate is where he shined the brightest. He legged out a routine but well struck single to right field (something we're growing accustomed to seeing as Brewers fans with the young stallions in the prospect ranks) and he later legged out a weakly hit dribbler in front of home plate forcing a high throw and getting on base in a key spot in the game. This is a Sounds player to watch in 2023 and beyond. There are enough tools in the Perkins kit to warrant attention and I suggest you start taking his talents more seriously.

2) When do those Auto Balls and Strikes arrive in the International League? Not soon enough, I tell you - lest we forget umpires are in the Minor Leagues too. Both starters were robbed of strikes throughout the early innings tonight (and this continued throughout) and it was clearly vexing both clubhouses and fans alike. RHP Luis Contreras was robbed of a walk-off second consecutive punch out in his first 2/3 IP on a beautiful heater that ripped the outer stripe. These calls matter for pitchers trying to his establish their stuff and they matter to the folks spending their money and their time to support these athletes. Having seen the positive impacts of the pitch clock all last year as it was integrated across the Minor Leagues, I can wholeheartedly say this shift to Auto balls and strikes couldn't come soon enough. If we've rightfully chosen to speed up the players let's at least get the balls and strikes absolutely consistent and correct. This isn't American football with interpretive rules like 'Pass Interference' and 'Roughing the Passer'. Baseball is a game with a clearly defined zone. Now we have the technology to further demonstrate why this game is so great. I, for one, can not wait for this change.

3) Inopportune in key moments and sloppy in key moments. Unfortunately, this a key storyline in the early Sounds season. Though the record is even at 2-2, there have been all too many early season jitters fielding the ball; throwing the ball; and with runners in scoring position. Heading to the 8th inning before the Cam Robinson mini meltdown (a wild pitch and a combined Toro-to-Singleton error allowing two more runs than necessary), the Sounds had outhit the Redbirds 11-6 but had left men stranded at third base in two consecutive innings. In the seventh inning they stranded men on first and third base with nobody out. As the season progresses, manager Rick Sweet and his staff will look for their players to fine tune their games and their poise in big moments as they look to reclaim the success of 2022.

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In a road game not all that ripe for Sounds highlights, we do have two extremely worthwhile clips. First, we have this web gem diving grab from Frelick charging the infield dirt from back in the center field grass. Quite the grab with a runner on first base:

And, lastly, we have C Alex Jackson obliterating a ball into the streets beyond the left center field wall and, well, the entire stadium. It was rumored this ball may have been launched into orbit to seek its own membership at the YMCA just past the parked cars on the street. 114.4 MPH and 471 feet?!? Pulverized indeed!

 

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The Sounds will look to beat potential incoming inclement weather and the Redbirds tomorrow afternoon in a matinee affair. Stay tuned to our game thread and any potential viewings earlier in your schedule. I am projecting LHP Robert Gasser's 2023 debut though this isn't officially announced as of now. Gasser is a young arm you do not want to miss!

Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores

Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth

Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth

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[Joseph Zarr]

Sometimes a joke is 'funny' because it's true...

[BlazingGunz]

Is it just me, or is someone with the prospect pedigree of Alex Jackson, really never gotten a fair chance?   

[Outlander]

I would agree with the lack of catchers that can hit that he hasn't received much of a chance. However, during his time in the majors he has been brutal and once you become an out of option non 40 man guy it gets tough. Not looking real great for him to get called up this year either.

[Joseph Zarr]

What I can say is the Sounds have 3 extremely capable back stops. The trio of Jackson, Henry, and Navarreto is about as good as it gets for a Triple-A pitching staff. Jackson obviously has the most pop of the three. Henry is likely the best bet to hit for the highest average. And, Navarreto is hands down the best defender - elite in this department - and has become quite adept at situational hitting. Either way you peel the potato, it's going to taste good imho. 

As to MLB opportunities, well, it's just a really hard nut to crack. The unfortunate part of not rising to your MLB moment(s) is your opportunities simply decrease. I wish this weren't the case but it is a performance based business. Hopefully, each of these men get another opportunity to shine at the highest level - with the Brewers or, perhaps, elsewhere.