TooLiveBrew

I should've noted that Helena still has three games to play this season, but my picks there will probably stay the same.

Yeah, I wasn't sure how kosher it was to take the reigns, but I had the time this afternoon & was curious about the topic. Apologies if you were looking forward to compiling this... but like you said, it really takes a long time!

My votes: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_503449.jpg 2011 Pitcher of the Year: Wily Peralta http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_488919.jpg 2011 Batter of the Year: Taylor Green

Going to try to plagiarize the fine work CheezWizHed put in for each monthly honor... http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/54/64/thumbs/ttfelv66500qiz4fenp9hphn5.gif DSL Pitcher: Gian Rizzo, RHP - 64.1 IP, 1.82 ERA, 14 BB/67 K, 1.15 WHIP, 2 HR allowed, CG, SHO Batter: Orlando Arcia, SS - .294/.386/.459/.845 (15th-best OPS in lg.); led team in H, 2B, HR, & XBH; 13/17 (77%) in SB attempts Honorable Mention Deivi Mejia, C: .313/.377/.441/.818 Joel Dicent, RHP: 60 IP, 2.70 ERA, 22 BB/54 K, 1.10 WHIP, CG Jorge Ortega, RHP: 74 IP, 3.16 ERA, 12 BB/45 K, 1.09 WHIP, 2 CG, SHO http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/54/64/thumbs/ttfelv66500qiz4fenp9hphn5.gif Rookie (AZL) Pitcher: Michael Schaub, RHP - The peripherals weren't there (20 BB/35 K, 1.31 WHIP), but his 2.60 ERA was the second-best mark in the AZL; 45 IP, 13 G, 4 GS Batter: Steve Felix, C/1B - Only stuck around in Maryvale for 88 at-bats, but his 1.109 OPS would be the best in the AZL if he had enough plate appearances to qualify; justified promotion to Helena with an .890 OPS there Honorable Mention Kevin Berard, 1B: .293/.385/.368/.753 Adam Weisenburger, C: .276/.382/.362/.744 Manuel Ruiz, LHP: 43 IP, 3.56 ERA, 32 BB/50 K, 1.44 WHIP; 14 G, 1 GS Will West, LHP: 38.1 IP, 3.99 ERA, 8 BB/42 K, 1.54 WHIP; 13 G, 5 GS http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/49/2554/thumbs/068jfdmxm92qq2y41ahr24j4g.gif Rookie (Helena, Pioneer Lg.) Pitcher: Kevin Shackleford, RHP - 15 G/8 GS, 65 IP, 4.15 ERA, 10 BB/31 K Batter: Max Walla, RF - .285/.374/.411/.785; hard to pick against Nick Ramirez, but I did, since Walla had nearly three times the at-bats at Helena Honorable Mention Nick Ramirez, 1B: .369/.383/.689/1.072 (88 AB) Ben McMahan, OF: .315/.329/.519/.848 (162 AB) David Goforth, RHP: 40.2 IP, 4.43 ERA, 10 BB, 42 K Seth Harvey, RHP: 33.1 IP, 2.70 ERA, 17 BB/46 K Jacob Barnes, RHP: 29.2 IP, 2.12 ERA, 6 BB/43 K Sean Albury, RHP: 20 IP, 0.90 ERA, 5 BB/27 K http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/44/2602/thumbs/xxwlpafdhgli0bmrgkefijchn.gif A (Wisconsin, Midwest Lg.) Pitcher: Tyler Thornburg, RHP - Another decision impacted by time spent at the level, but still went with Thornburg; 12 G/GS, 1.57 ERA, 68.2 IP, 25 BB/76 K, 1.08 WHIP, 2 CG, SHO Batter: TJ Mittelstaedt, OF - .293/.410./443/.853; 28/35 (80%) in SB attempts Honorable Mention Mike Walker, 3B: .274/.387/.455/.842 (369 AB) Cody Hawn, 1B: .294/.382/.406/.787 (377 AB) Chris Dennis, 1B: .263/.350/.486/.836 (179 AB) Austin Ross, RHP: 13 G/12 GS, 69.1 IP, 3.25 ERA, 23 BB/70 K, CG Jimmy Nelson, RHP: 26 G/25 GS, 146 IP, 4.38 ERA, 65 BB/120 K, CG Matt Miller, RHP: 22 G/21 GS, 111 IP, 4.38 ERA, 55 BB/89 K, 2 CG, SHO http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/43/2575/thumbs/whlrvki99mjwen3kbgccdy3og.gif A - Advanced (Brevard County, Florida State Lg.) Pitcher: Nick Bucci, RHP - 26 G/25 GS, 150 IP, 3.84 ERA, 51 BB/119 K, CG Batter: Khris Davis, LF - .309/.415/.533/.948 Honorable Mention Brock Kjeldgaard, RF: .268/.366/.558/.924 (18 HR tied BC record) Hunter Morris, 1B: .271/.299/.461/.761 (19 HR set new BC record) Scooter Gennett, 2B: .300/.334/.406/.740 Tyler Thornburg, RHP: 12 G/GS, 68 IP, 3.57 ERA, 33 B/84 K Evan Anundsen, RHP: 32 G/11 GS, 88.2 IP, 3.86 ERA, 24 BB/62 K, CG Kyle Heckathorn, RHP: 15 G/GS, 79.2 IP, 3.95 ERA, 21 BB/65 K, CG Santo Manzanillo, RHP: 28 G, 41.1 IP, 1.52 ERA, 14 BB/43 K http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/39/1322/thumbs/yvqncem5fndheont2poref3n5.gif AA (Huntsville, Southern Lg.) Pitcher: Wily Peralta, RHP - 21 G/GS, 119.2 IP, 3.46 ERA, 48 BB/117 K, CG Batter: Erik Komatsu, OF -.294/.393/.416/.806, 53 BB/40 K; yes, no longer with the organization, but had the best season of an underwhelming group of hitters at Huntsville Honorable Mention Sean Halton, 1B: .298/.346/.440/.786, 39 2B, 7 HR (439 AB) Zelous Wheeler, 3B: .272/.377/.465/.842, led team with 8 HR (228 AB) Andy Gonzalez, SS: .306/.430/.449/.879 (147 AB) Dan Merklinger, LHP: 28 G/GS, 158 IP, 4.10 ERA, 57 BB/133 K, CG Cody Scarpetta, RHP: 23 G/GS, 117 IP, 3.85 ERA, 61 BB/98 K http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/37/1019/thumbs/4830.gif AAA (Nashville, Pacific Coast Lg.) Pitcher: Frankie De La Cruz, RHP - 25 G/23 GS, 137 IP, 3.88 ERA, 63 BB/126 K Batter: Taylor Green, 3B - .336/.413/.583/.997; led Sounds in 2B, XBH, & OPS; 5th-best OPS in the PCL Honorable Mention Mat Gamel, 1B: .310/.372/.540/.912; 28 HR led Sounds & was 5th-best in PCL Caleb Gindl, OF: .307.390/.472/.862 Martin Maldonado, C: .321/.410/.537/.948 (134 AB) Logan Schafer, OF: .331/.401/.521/.922 (169 AB) Mike Fiers, RHP: 12 G/10 GS, 64.2 IP, 1.11 ERA, 22 BB/69 K, CG, SHO Wily Peralta, RHP: 5 G/GS, 31 IP, 2.03 ERA, 11 BB/40 K Daniel Herrera, LHP: 29 G, 42.2 IP, 1.48 ERA, 8 BB/39 K EDIT: Updated Helena section with end-of-season stats

Since Gamel struggled in 26 ABs this year And since Gomez completely overhauled his swing in ST... oh, wait. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/frown.gif

Yeah, I misread his splits page at Baseball-Reference. Failed ninja-edit on my part!

unless Braun absolutely falls apart over the last 20 games (which he won't) And he's just white-hot at the plate right now, even without a lot of recent HRs -- Last 28 days: 1.160 OPS Last 14 days: 1.140 Last 07 days: 1.132 If he goes on the HR binge he seems due to hit, the vote won't even be close. He's probably going to finish with 40+ doubles, 30+ HR, 35+ SB.

It's been fun following Helena & the other clubs this season. Thanks to all who read & write it!

Final: @Great Falls 7, Helena 4 Helena Box Score The Voyagers scored five early runs & chased Mike Strong after just 2.1 innings. Parker Berberet, Adrian Williams, & Ben McMahan had two hits apiece. Chad Pierce, Tom Keeling, David Goforth, & Mark Williams combined to hold Great Falls to two runs in the final 5.2 innings of relief work. Pierce yielded one run in 2.2 innings in relief of Strong, striking out four and walking one. Berberet & Steve Felix doubled for Helena, with Tyler Roberts & John Dishon adding singles. Williams stole his eleventh base of the season (seventeen attempts). Helena Play-by-Play After scoring two runs in the 6th, the Brewers plated one in the 9th and had the potential tying run at the plate with two outs: Helena Top of the 9th Pitcher Change: Kevin Vance replaces Chris Devenski. Kyle Dhanani strikes out swinging. Tyler Roberts hit by pitch. Steve Felix doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Mark Haddow. Tyler Roberts to 3rd. John Dishon called out on strikes. Adrian Williams singles on a ground ball to third baseman Kyle Eveland. Tyler Roberts scores. Steve Felix to 3rd. With Yadiel Rivera batting, Adrian Williams advances to 2nd on defensive indifference. Yadiel Rivera strikes out swinging.

He's certainly played it a lot more. I'd have to go back & dig through box scores to be sure exactly how often, but I know I've been surprised by how often he's played there in my limited work on the Nashville game reports.

Thanks, LouisEly. I know I can say that on behalf of all that contribute to the MiLB forum -- even me, who does the absolute least! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif EDIT: I should add that the MiLB forum has easily grown to be my favorite BF.net forum. There's just better discussion here, without a doubt. I think it's because the emotional reactions to the big club's wins or losses aren't there, but it's also (imo) because not every Brewers fan -- even diehard -- is really into following the minors. Those that regularly read & post here tend to be some of the more knowledgeable posters (again, imo) on this forum. I know I've gained a lot from becoming a daily reader of this forum & the phenomenal Link Reports.

I think this is becoming more & more obvious. Maybe "hate" is too strong, but I don't think Gamel's going to be manning 1B next season anymore. You're playing to win, Ron? And you leave the best LH bat in the minors... IN the minors? Idiotic.

For anyone that didn't notice yet, McCalvy has some more pics up on his blog: http://mlblogsbrewersbeat.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/2011-09-04-16-37-04.jpg?w=555&h=416 http://mlblogsbrewersbeat.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/ap110904040240.jpg?w=360&h=512

Anybody know anything about this guy or know of other players out there that might be an option? I don't, but this is a great topic & exactly the kind of move the Brewers should be exploring this offseason.

Is it Capt. Obvious stuff to point out Roenicke, way in the background? Also, I'm like 60% sure Mark Kotsay has a pipe in his mouth. Prince went full cowboy.

Good first post from Mittelstaedt. There's potential there.

Definitely take note of the comments from Lee Tunnel, the man who helped Axford adjust his mechanics & throw in the upper 90s: And Don Money sees Peralta as being closer to his higher projected ceiling, a #2/#3 type. Interesting.

Wolf might actually net a decent return in the offseason, since he'd be all but a lock as a Type A free agent after '13 (*edit: I forgot there was a team option on the end of his contract). He'd basically just have to stay healthy to net a team type A compensation. So if you're the buyer & you get Wolf for a full season plus a 1st/2nd round draft pick, you might be inclined to part with good talent, but just from where you're deep in your MiLB system. The Brewers could probably find a solid SS going this route, but might do better to look just for the BPA, positions aside. From a depth standpoint, I think I'd rather keep Wolf around, however. The Brewers have actually been pretty fortunate in terms of injuries to SPs this season. Coming back with this rotation, with Peralta & Fiers at worst in AAA as first men up in case of injuries, would make for a strong unit. I like Peralta & Fiers, and agree they need their time to succeed or fail, but they most likely will get those opportunities next year... and if not, the Brewers will probably have one of the best starting rotations in all of MLB again. * If the Brewers (or any team with Wolf's contract) would decline the team option, could they still offer him arbitration?

Weeks knows no other speed than full boat I was going to say the same thing. Unless Rickie agreed to a Barry-Bonds-post-knee-troubles level of effort on the bases, it's not worth the risk. And I don't know if Rickie could live up to that kind of agreement.

Final: Missoula 4, @Helena 0 Brewers Blanked By Missoula Helena Brewers Dexter Price and DJ Johnson combined to shutout the Brewers 4-0 at Kindrick Legion Field Friday, with Price (3-2) earning the victory after tossing 7.1 scoreless innings in which he allowed just three hits and one walk. The right-hander struck out six Brewers before giving way to Johnson, who recorded his ninth save of the season for the Osprey. The 6'4", 235-pound closer struck out both batters he faced in a bases loaded eighth inning jam and then set down the Brewers in order in the ninth to seal the victory. Eric Groff homered twice for Missoula and drove in three runs in the contest. Kevin Shackelford (2-5) took the loss for Helena. Shackelford allowed four earned runs on five hits including three Osprey home runs. Relievers Brandon Williamson and David Goforth kept Missoula off the board over the final three innings as Williamson pitched two spotless frames with two strikeouts. Offensively, the Brewers struggled to get anything going against Price, who allowed only four Helena hitters to reach base. Mike Nemeth collected two of the Brewers three singles on the night and Adrian Williams added his tenth stolen base of the season. Saturday, the Brewers wrap up the 2011 home schedule against the Missoula Osprey on Fan Appreciation Night. Helena Box Score .. (Warning: Box Score is empty) Helena was completely overmatched tonight by Mustangs starter Dexter Price, who diehard Brewers MiLB fans may remember -- the Brewers drafted him in the 43rd round out of high school in 2008. Price opted to attend Auburn instead, and transferred to South Carolina-Beaufort to get playing time. The D-Backs drafted him in the 30th round this season, which brings us back to Helena, MT. The Brewers only managed seven baserunners in Price's 7.1 innings. He allowed just four through the first six innings, but with one out in the 8th, he hit a batter, allowed a single, and walked his only man of the night. He was replaced after the walk, but finished with six strikeouts and just three hits allowed. Helena Play-by-Play Helena's offense couldn't produce with the bases loaded in the 8th, their best & only real shot to this point in the game: Helena Bottom of the 8th Kyle Dhanani flies out to right fielder Jeremia Gomez. Steve Felix hit by pitch. Michael Nemeth singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jeremia Gomez. Steve Felix to 3rd. Adrian Williams walks. Michael Nemeth to 2nd. Pitcher Change: D. J. Johnson replaces Dexter Price. Robert Garvey strikes out swinging. Yadiel Rivera strikes out swinging.

Also, get Austin Bibens-Dirkx into Moniker Madness, if he isn't already.

Final: Billings 7, @Helena 4 Helena Box Score Billings jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the visitor's half of the 2nd inning, & then was able to tack on three more single-run innings for the win. Brewers starter Andy Moye struck out seven over five innings, with six hits, five runs (four earned), & two walks allowed. Tom Keeling allowed just one run over three innings of relief work, while striking out four. Sean Albury worked the 9th inning & allowed one run. Kenny Allison went 2-3 with a triple & two RBI. Ben McMahan and Adrian Williams had three hits apiece, all singles. John Dishon, Kyle Dhanani, & Tyler Roberts each added a single; Roberts & Dishon each had one RBI. Steve Felix didn't homer, but did walk once. Helena Play-by-Play After visiting Billings got ahead by four runs, the Brewers got right back in the game: Helena Bottom of the 2nd Spencer Dickinson remains in the game as the center fielder. Kyle Dhanani singles on a line drive to center fielder Spencer Dickinson. Tyler Roberts flies out to center fielder Spencer Dickinson. Steve Felix walks. Kyle Dhanani to 2nd. Kenneth Allison triples (3) on a line drive to right fielder Kyle Waldrop. Kyle Dhanani scores. Steve Felix scores. Adrian Williams grounds out, pitcher Tony Cingrani to first baseman Robert Maddox. John Dishon singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Junior Arias. Kenneth Allison scores. Yadiel Rivera lines out to shortstop Juan Perez. 4-3 after that outburst, but Helena couldn't keep pace the rest of the way.

Final (11 innings): @Iowa 5, Nashville 4 Sounds Lose Extra-Inning Affair To Cubs In Series Finale, 5-4 Peralta Strikes Out Seven In Another Quality Start Nashville Sounds DES MOINES, Iowa - Cubs outfielder Brad Snyder hit a game-winning, bases-loaded single off the left field wall with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the division-rival Iowa Cubs a 5-4 win over the Nashville Sounds in the finale of a four-game series on Thursday night at Principal Park. Pinch hitter Chris Robinson opened the 11th frame with a single off Mike McClendon and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and infield groundout. McClendon walked the next two hitters before allowing the game-winning hit to Snyder. The defeat gave the Sounds (70-70) a series split and 11-5 season series win over the Cubs. Nashville has played 52 one-run games (24-28), the 3rd-most in the PCL and most in franchise history (51 one-run games in four previous seasons (1985, '87, '90, 2006). The Sounds' 28 one-run losses are most in the circuit. Twelve of Nashville's 38 road losses have been in walk-off fashion as the club also dropped to 4-10 in extra-inning play. Right fielder Brandon Boggs had three hits for the second time this season, matching a season-high set on June 9 at Albuquerque. In his first game since joining the Sounds, second baseman Felipe Lopez added two hits, while left fielder Jordan Brown had two hits and two RBIs. The game was scoreless until the Cubs plated their first run in the bottom of the sixth inning. After Scott Moore hit a two-out single, DJ LeMahieu crushed an RBI triple off the center field wall to score Moore. Nashville went ahead in the next frame to take a 3-1 lead. Boggs singled and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and infield groundout. After center fielder Caleb Gindl walked, Brown hit his 28th double of the season up the middle that scored the first two runs. Lopez followed with an RBI single to score Brown. Iowa stormed back in the bottom of the eighth inning with three runs to take a 4-3 advantage. Moore moved Cubs back within one run by missed a home run by a matter of inches with an RBI double off the top of the left field wall. Two batters later, former Vanderbilt star Ryan Flaherty crushed a two-run, go-ahead homer to right field. Shortstop Edwin Maysonet led off the ninth inning with a solo home run to deep center to knot the contest at 4-4. The long ball was Maysonet's third of the season. The Sounds would fail to do further damage the rest of the evening on reliever Blake Parker (3-3), who surrendered just the one run in three innings to pick up the win. Both clubs' starting pitchers tossed quality starts and took home no-decisions. Sounds starter Wily Peralta finished his 2011 campaign with another quality start. The 22-year-old gave up one run on six hits while striking out seven in six innings of work. In five Triple-A starts, Peralta went 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA (7er/31.0ip) with 40 strikeouts and only 21 hits allowed in his 31.0 innings, holding PCL opponents to .185 average (17-for-92). Iowa starting pitcher Austin Bibens-Dirkx posted a quality starter with six shutout innings and four strikeouts. Bibens-Dirkx has now not allowed a run in his last straight three starts (19.0 IP). In his first appearance since July 14, reliever Tim Dillard gave up three runs on four hits in two innings pitched. Sean Green tossed two shutout innings. McClendon (5-6) lost his third straight outing. The Sounds continue their season-ending road trip and finish the season with a four-game series with the cross-state rival Memphis Redbirds. Left-hander Sam Narron (6-6, 4.99) will make his final start of the season at 7:05 pm CT at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds will counter with right-hander Michael Blezak (1-0, 1.50). Nashville Box Score Nashville Play-by-Play Nashville Gameday

Once the AA & AAA seasons are over (last games next Monday), I have to guess we'll see Gamel, Peralta, & a few others called up (Manzanillo? Fiers?)

I highly doubt our offer kept 31 other teams from wanting to add KROD and his impending type A status. I don't have time to go back & search, but I recall reading the reason Melvin was able to get K-Rod is that the Brewers were the team most willing to take on money in exchange for getting him, & it affected what personnel the Brewers had to send back to the Mets.