Article: Brewers Minor League Report (9/8): Mudcats Don't Let Up; Shuckers Finally Stumble; T-Rats Balk It Off

[Jim Goulart]

Nashville's fleeting postseason chances took another hit. Biloxi has not been rewarded in the standings despite a ten-game winning streak, and now can't afford any weekend missteps before next week's faceoff series with Montgomery for the 2nd half division title. Wisconsin's Eric Brown, Jr. condensed an evening's worth of team action into one non-traditional jaunt around the basepaths. Carolina is basking in playoff preparations by not lifting their foot off the pedal at all. How did it all transpire? Well, that's why you're here, so here we go...

Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic

TRANSACTIONS:

• RHP Blake Whiting was placed on the 7-Day IL by the Carolina Mudcats
• RHP Jeison Pena has been activated by the Carolina Mudcats

---

Final: Memphis (Cardinals) 8, Nashville 4

Via the Sounds' site, we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of your season-long Link Report routine:

Donaldson Homers, Sounds Win Streak Snapped by Redbirds - Former AL MVP hits first homer in Brewers organization in 8-4 loss to Memphis

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Wrap

Reminder on the odd playoff status in the International League this year, courtesy of the Sounds' staff:

There are no divisions this season in the International League, despite what MLB lists on its website. It’s a 20-team league and everyone is fighting to win the second half among that group. Entering play Saturday, the Sounds are tied for 8th in league in second half and trail co-leaders Durham and Lehigh Valley by 5 1/2 games.

Reverse-jinx for Patrick Dorrian, a bit miscast as a shortstop here, 6th error in 21 starts at the position. Cam Devanney had the night off. This roster has missed a Pablo Reyes-type to plug in when needed. Of course, we won't complain about Andruw Monasterio's May 27th removal from the AAA roster, will we? Dorrian fanned all four times up (Sounds struck out as a team 15 times). Too bad, because the Sounds provided a link you can navigate to their latest ballpark program with a nice lead feature on Dorrian, who has had many big moments here in 2023.

Sloppy game overall. Starting RHP Janson Junk leaves us with a "shrug" outing again, and though four of the seven runs he allowed were unearned and two came in after he was lifted (no thanks, Alex Claudio), Junk fanned only one in 4.2 IP and committed an error of his own. It'll be interesting to see if Milwaukee carries his 40-man roster spot into next spring training. If he's dropped this fall, he'd become a minor league free agent.

Kudos Tyler Black on the double and two singles, and to Josh Donaldson on also drawing a walk to go with his HR. Of course, at this point, Brewers fans may riot if Monasterio is fully usurped of at-bats at some point (that won't happen). By the way, nice timing on the Donaldson mention here, Brian Anderson:

---

Final: Birmingham (White Sox) 8, Biloxi 4

Via the Shuckers' site:

Shuckers Fall to Barons, 8-4, on Friday Night - Birmingham scores six in the sixth inning, Clarke takes Southern League home run lead

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Wrap

The organization has stood by starting RHP Christian Mejias all season (26 appearances, 24 starts), but the 24-year-old longtime Astros farmhand hasn't taken advantage (6.75 ERA, 1.52 WHIP), Mejias was excellent through five innings, then plunked the first two batters of the 6th before then inducing a GIDP, nice. But a walk to load the bases brought in RHP Max Lazar, and two ground ball singles led to a fateful grand slam. Yikes. If either of those two ground balls had been hit at someone, we may be discussing an 11th straight win for the Shuckers.

You know, sure, Voice of the Shuckers Javik Blake has done his part, but I agree with JR here:

.387 OBP, can handle being behind the dish when asked, all in his age 23 season. Thump is good (and needed), especially in this organization.

As you just read:

The loss, combined with a Montgomery Biscuits win, drops Biloxi to a game and a half behind the Biscuits for the final playoff spot in the South Division with eight games to go. The two will meet at MGM Park starting on Tuesday, September 12. As it stands, the Shuckers would need to win four of six against the Biscuits to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

---

Final:  Wisconsin 2, Cedar Rapids (Twins) 1

Via the Timber Rattlers' site:

Two-Run Ninth Gives Rattlers Walkoff Victory - Winning run scores on a balk for 2-1 win over the Kernels

Pre-Game Media Notes (Download Link) via the team's Virtual Press Box

Box Score / Wrap

Well, that was...different.

Digest that summary, and then the production crew somehow finds six and a half minutes of highlights, but it whisks by in a flash -

For fans in the stands, the "balk-off" has to be the most frustrating thing. If you aren't 100% focused on the mound, there's no crack of the bat, no umpire explanation. 

We get a good look at Eric Brown Jr.'s latest iteration of his batting stance within.

We'll get one more postgame podcast on Sunday, here's Friday night's with Chris and Kyle.

Huge that starting RHP Alexander Cornielle wraps his season in such fashion. His 2023 1.25 WHIP is actually better than his combined 1.31 mark (nearly all with Carolina) from last year. His K rate is down, but the 4.55 ERA this year doesn't reflect the talent.

Also can appreciate the love the guys give RH reliever Shane Smith in the pod.

Don't forget this weekend's T-Rats jersey auction,

---

Final: Carolina 7, Salem (Red Sox) 1

Castillo Homers as Playoff-Bound Mudcats Win 7-1 - The playoff-bound Mudcats won their second straight game in Salem

Pregame Media Notes

Box Score / Wrap

That's how you don't rest on your laurels.

Lethal.

It's been a bit rough sledding for 19-year-old RF Luis Castillo since his August 1st arrival via Maryvale (.629 OPS), but on numerous occasions he's been the name that grabs the game summary headline, as he did here. 

Just watched the MiLB.TV archive to check out SS Daniel Guilarte's immediate exit after an HBP in the 4th. It was his right hand, hopefully not an issue for Tuesday's playoff game.

Dylan O'Rae, 5'7", 160 lb. cleanup hitter. It's the new wave in the organization, filtering down from the parent club. Of course, O'Rae reached three times, a given no matter where he's placed in the lineup.

Not sure what we can make of stolen base figures any more, in terms of projecting to a big league progression. Let the kids run at the lower levels, of course, but it's mainly just helping teach instincts on the basepaths. Don't get caught up in the dizzying raw numbers.

---

Traditional early evening action Saturday -

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

 

TRANSACTIONS:

• RHP Blake Whiting was placed on the 7-Day IL by the Carolina Mudcats
• RHP Jeison Pena has been activated by the Carolina Mudcats

---

Final: Memphis (Cardinals) 8, Nashville 4

Via the Sounds' site, we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of your season-long Link Report routine:

Josh Donaldson Homers, Sounds Win Streak Snapped by Redbirds - Former AL MVP hits first homer in Brewers organization in 8-4 loss to Memphis

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Wrap

Reminder on the odd playoff status in the International League this year, courtesy of the Sounds' staff:

There are no divisions this season in the International League, despite what MLB lists on its website. It’s a 20-team league and everyone is fighting to win the second half among that group. Entering play Saturday, the Sounds are tied for 8th in league in second half and trail co-leaders Durham and Lehigh Valley by 5 1/2 games.

Reverse-jinx for Patrick Dorrian, a bit miscast as a shortstop here, 6th error in 21 starts at the position. Cam Devanney had the night off. This roster has missed a Pablo Reyes-type to plug in when needed. Of course, we won't complain about Andruw Monasterio's May 27th removal from the AAA roster, will we? Dorrian fanned all four times up (Sounds struck out as a team 15 times). Too bad, because the Sounds provided a link you can navigate to their latest ballpark program with a nice lead feature on Dorrian, who has had many big moments here in 2023.

Sloppy game overall. Starting RHP Janson Junk leaves us with a "shrug" outing again, and though four of the seven runs he allowed were unearned and two came in after he was lifted (no thanks, Alex Claudio), Junk fanned only one in 4.2 IP and committed an error of his own. It'll be interesting to see if Milwaukee carries his 40-man roster spot into next spring training. If he's dropped this fall, he'd become a minor league free agent.

Kudos Tyler Black on the double and two singles, and to Josh Donaldson on also drawing a walk to go with his HR. Of course, at this point, Brewers fans may riot if Monasterio is fully usurped of at-bats at some point (that won't happen). By the way, nice timing on the Donaldson mention here, Brian Anderson:

 

Final: Birmingham (White Sox) 8, Biloxi 4

Via the Shuckers' site:

Shuckers Fall to Barons, 8-4, on Friday Night - Birmingham scores six in the sixth inning, Clarke takes Southern League home run lead

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Wrap

The organization has stood by starting RHP Christian Mejias all season (26 appearances, 24 starts), but the 24-year-old longtime Astros farmhand hasn't taken advantage (6.75 ERA, 1.52 WHIP), Mejias was excellent through five innings, then plunked the first two batters of the 6th before then inducing a GIDP, nice. But a walk to load the bases brought in RHP Max Lazar, and two ground ball singles led to a fateful grand slam. Yikes. If either of those two ground balls had been hit at someone, we may be discussing an 11th straight win for the Shuckers.

You know, sure, Voice of the Shuckers Javik Blake has done his part, but I agree with JR here:

.387 OBP, can handle being behind the dish when asked, all in his age 23 season. Thump is good (and needed), especially in this organization.

As you just read:

The loss, combined with a Montgomery Biscuits win, drops Biloxi to a game and a half behind the Biscuits for the final playoff spot in the South Division with eight games to go. The two will meet at MGM Park starting on Tuesday, September 12. As it stands, the Shuckers would need to win four of six against the Biscuits to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

---

Final:  Wisconsin 2, Cedar Rapids (Twins) 1

Via the Timber Rattlers' site:

Two-Run Ninth Gives Rattlers Walkoff Victory - Winning run scores on a balk for 2-1 win over the Kernels

Pre-Game Media Notes (Download Link) via the team's Virtual Press Box

Box Score / Wrap

Well, that was...different.

Digest that summary, and then the production crew somehow finds six and a half minutes of highlights, but it whisks by in a flash -

For fans in the stands, the "balk-off" has to be the most frustrating thing. If you aren't 100% focused on the mound, there's no crack of the bat, no umpire explanation. 

We get a good look at Eric Brown Jr.'s latest iteration of his batting stance within.

We'll get one more postgame podcast on Sunday, here's Friday night's with Chris and Kyle.

Huge that starting RHP Alexander Cornielle wraps his season in such fashion. His 2023 1.25 WHIP is actually better than his combined 1.31 mark (nearly all with Carolina) from last year. His K rate is down, but the 4.55 ERA this year doesn't reflect the talent.

Also can appreciate the love the guys give RH reliever Shane Smith in the pod.

Don't forget this weekend's T-Rats jersey auction,

---

Final: Carolina 7, Salem (Red Sox) 1

Castillo Homers as Playoff-Bound Mudcats Win 7-1 - The playoff-bound Mudcats won their second straight game in Salem

Pregame Media Notes

Box Score / Wrap

That's how you don't rest on your laurels.

Lethal.

It's been a bit rough sledding for 19-year-old RF Luis Castillo since his August 1st arrival via Maryvale (.629 OPS), but on numerous occasions he's been the name that grabs the game summary headline, as he did here. 

Just watched the MiLB.TV archive to check out SS Daniel Guilarte's immediate exit after an HBP in the 4th. It was his right hand, hopefully not an issue for Tuesday's playoff game.

Dylan O'Rae, 5'7", 160 lb. cleanup hitter. It's the new wave in the organization, filtering down from the parent club. Of course, O'Rae reached three times, a given no matter where he's placed in the lineup.

Not sure what we can make of stolen base figures any more, in terms of projecting to a big league progression. Let the kids run at the lower levels, of course, but it's mainly just helping teach instincts on the basepaths. Don't get caught up in the dizzying raw numbers.

---

Traditional early evening action Saturday -

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

View full article

[Joseph Zarr]

You win 10 straight and you only gain a game. And then you lose that game by losing your first game in 11?! Yes. That's the nature of the Southern League second half pennant chase. Montgomery is going to be a handful and then some for that final home stand. The Shuckers likely need to take these last two just to stay 1.5 GB and hope they can gain a game back. The Biscuits are rising up at the end of the season and, it's hard to believe, are playing even more winning baseball (at present) than the Shuckers. It's hard to fathom how good this homestretch has been between the two teams. The bullpen, unfortunately, was due for an unfortunate 'meltdown' given their torrid output over that same 10 game win streak. 

The question I have, over these final 8 games, is: When are we going to see CF Jackson Chourio assert himself? He has been awfullllllly quiet offensively in Birmingham. His team needs him to be the superstar he is if they are to grab this playoff birth. Let's hope he can rekindle some heat in that bat to help the Shuckers get to the podium.

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Two-Year runing double oddities in the Brewers Minor Leagues at present:

• RHP Alexander Cornielle will get shutdown hot at the tail end of the season.
• 1B Jesus Chirinos will get scorching hot right around his late July birthday and it will carry through the end of the season.

 

[Joseph Zarr]

OK. It's now to the point where we need to acknowledge:

OF Hendry Mendez has a basic catching the ball issue in the outfield grass. He can't be dropping these routine pop flies like he is doing and expect to keep getting regular playing time. He hung his team out to dry in Ashby's start with a two-base routine drop and error in the fateful first inning. He nearly cost his team the game on Saturday by allowing the run to score from 2nd base on another extremely routine pop fly to right CF. He has to catch these balls or he is going to ultimately find himself in the doghouse. You can have all the talent in the world (and, Mendez has loads of talent in that baseball frame) but consistent routine mistakes are going to see you plummet down the depth charts.

• 3 errors in LF in just 11 GS is an ugly line for an outfielder - 0.842 FP% (yikes)
• 5 errors in RF in 44 GS - 0.932 FP%

Defense is, unfortunately, a very real issue here. 

[CheeseheadInQC]

31 minutes ago, Joseph Zarr said:

OK. It's now to the point where we need to acknowledge:

OF Hendry Mendez has a basic catching the ball issue in the outfield grass. He can't be dropping these routine pop flies like he is doing and expect to keep getting regular playing time. He hung his team out to dry in Ashby's start with a two-base routine drop and error in the fateful first inning. He nearly cost his team the game on Saturday by allowing the run to score from 2nd base on another extremely routine pop fly to right CF. He has to catch these balls or he is going to ultimately find himself in the doghouse. You can have all the talent in the world (and, Mendez has loads of talent in that baseball frame) but consistent routine mistakes are going to see you plummet down the depth charts.

• 3 errors in LF in just 11 GS is an ugly line for an outfileder - 0.842 FP% (yikes)
• 5 errors in RF in 44 GS - 0.932 FP%

Defense is, unfortunately, a very real issue here. 

Out of curiosity, does it seem like a technique issue, a concentration issue or a depth perception issue?

[Joseph Zarr]

1 hour ago, CheeseheadInQC said:

Out of curiosity, does it seem like a technique issue, a concentration issue or a depth perception issue?

I really don't know. Given his age, I hope it's a classic concentration issue. If it's depth perception that's obviously a whole other topic. I can't speak to it as an expert as I'm not in the clubhouse or on the practice field. All I know is even prior to these past two drops, he's had drops issues since Carolina. I certainly don't think it's a case of the 'y***' but it happens enough for my viewing to be 'concerned'. He has a solid arm from out there but the glove just has not been clean stateside. That's really all I can say at this juncture - with the obvious addendum he is only 19 years of age and all of these players go through ups-and-downs in their trials and travails as professional players. But, defense is enough of a concern for me at present where in my eyes he is playing himself into a strict RF'er; he has really struggled in LF; and his bat hasn't evolved enough (when healthy, obviously) in 2023 to warrant just tossing it to the wayside. Loads of talent. Still young. Struggling to put it together. BUT, really, he hasn't played enough baseball.

It will be very interesting if he spends time in the AFL. AND, how he performs defensively if he is sent down to the SW. As with all the young guys, I will keep rooting for their development success.