MTBrew

"Wisconsin might have the worst offensive prospects the Brewers have thrust upon any minor league affiliate in a LONG time. " Having seen the bulk of that line-up in 08 and 09, this seasons Helena squad is worse.

Yeah, Wendt gave Stang the benefit of the doubt saying he's been "under the weather". Stang has been a very passive centerfielder since he got to Helena. Also completely lost at the plate. He appears to be a good athlete, maybe that is why he was drafted in the 8th? Also, as a baseball fan, this Helena roster is complete crap. There are not enough position players now and there have never been enough OF's. It takes a lot from the game when all you have are righties in the lineup and the manager can't even situational pitch hit because there are no lefties or even enough guys late innings on the roster. I can understand this early season when guys are being signed and arriving but not after mid season. They should have brought some guys up, sent McPhearson back down or signed some FA's. I don't know if the organization is cheaping out but the fans in Helena deserve better. Also a lot of these guys are tired, I don't understand why they keeping beating up Garfield either.

Colbyjack, for some reason I just haven't seen Arnett much, maybe 5 innings total on 2 occasions. I did catch his start this week and he looked very very good. (I also thought that Evan Frederickson was the real deal when he was in Helena, so, so much for my opinions on pitchers, ha). I have seen Heckathorn twice, last nights game being a complete turn around from his Orem game last week. He was very very good as well, throwing hard and mixing things up. Interesting to me, although both Arnett and Heckathorn are listed at about the same size Arnett seems bigger. His athletic ability is obvious and sitting/watching behind the plate he's right on top of the hitters. Its his motion and stride to the plate, very intimidating to batters. All that being said I just don't have a good handle on pitchers so I'm probably not a big help or source. I do want to comment on Dykstra. I was not a big fan of his last year but wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt with his return to Helena and position switch. He is far from a polished infielder but does move well and gets good position on balls hit his way. Turning the double play is another story. (There are others in the system - Farris and Brownstein - much much better defensively). Also his hitting appears to have come around. He has consistantly made good contact all season but the ball just hasn't fell in for him. Not really a "power hitter" but good pop - doubles and triples kind of guy, with his speed and the occasional HR. I still don't think he is very "baseball smart", I believe he has gotten by on his athletic ability. He is often out of position on throws from the OF, however he is playing more heads up baseball then he did last summer.

colbyjack, I certainly agree with you about Bucci. I also think that Krestalude is another bright spot. He was victimized last night by errors and a very poor play in the OF, while not scored an error, resulted in a lost out and another runner on base. I understand that pitchers have to work thru this kind of thing but the defense and mental errors this year has really hurt the pitching staff. I would go as far to say, that except for a couple of games and a couple of individuals, the entire pitching staff has done a good job, the longer inning guys especially. The play behind them is the problem. Regarding position players. In looking back on 20+ years here there are always those guys that just stand out and dominate this level. Sheff, Vaughn, Hamilton all come to mind in the past, more recently Salome, Braun, Gamel and LaPorta. It is not surprising to see these guys move up and be successful. Then there are guys, who while not dominating, are very very good and you can see potential and hope they continue to develop and get better. Crillo was in this camp and more recently Lucroy, Gindl, Ferris, Gillespie, Cain and Katin. On the 2008 and 2009 rosters only Logan Shafer fits this for me. Which is why I have questioned the talent level the past 2 years. I still have some hope for Trejo and Chris Dennis, mostly because they are still young.

To follow up with LouisEly and Mass about Helena. I have been very disappointed with Gonzales managing and running this club the past two years. The same issues that I commented on last year are happening this season. While I can accept poor pitching, errors and batting slumps at this level, what is unacceptable is the players not being mentally prepared and into the game. I would like to see players give an honest effort in the pre-game and not just go thru the motions or play grab ass. Its my belief that some of these players think that they are "above" this level of ball. What happened to Halton last night is a glaring example guys not being into the game and not supporting their teammate. I can't remember (2007?) when I last saw this club on the dugout steps pulling for a pitcher or hitter or coming out as a team to congratulate a run scored or a good effort (I watch every other team in the league doing this). This is all consistent with the play and behavior of last season. This series with Ogden has been marked with hit batters, I would have thought that might fire these guys up. Hell I remember Helena and Ogden getting into a scrap when both teams were in the MIL system together. Previous managers Eddie Sedar and Jeff Isom, while very different on field personalities, had their clubs ready to go. Sedar was not above yanking a guy for lack of effort and both conducted a pretty tight pre-game. Neither would have tolerated guys not running out first base. I don't recall Narrons club not giving good effort. To be objective about Gonzales I don't think there is a lot of talent on this club and there wasn't much last year either. (Wisc is not tearing things up even with Isom at the helm). Gonzales has been give a club this year with no left handed batters (Marseco, who just arrived, at least is a switch hitter) and again there is a glaring lack of outfielders. Last year had pitchers in the OF and this year catchers and infielders. I also don't know how much direction he is getting from up top as to who to play, but it is obvious some guys are worn out and some just aren't cutting it. On a positive note pitching coach Elvin Nina is doing an excellent job (best since Mark Littell). He is into each pitch and isn't shy about going to the mound and correcting things. As I commented before, I don't understand why Mil isn't putting the very best coaches and teachers at this level. Take a look at Orem (Angels), Kotchman has been there for years and they win and they move players up. Sedar spent years at Ogden and Helena and managed many of the current MIL players. Its about developing players and developing a winning attitude.

Complete meltdown in the 6th inning in Helena. Errors, lack of effort, mentally not being in the game. There is no energy, no attitude, no spirit here. Halton made a strong effort chasing a foul ball into the Brewers dugout and not one Brewers player got off their butt to help him. Unacceptable! This team needs a major shakeup, Gonzales is obviously not getting thru to these guys and the hitting is awful. There have to be some kids in Maryvale that would bust their butts for the opportunity to move up.

LouisEly, regarding Marseco, what do you suggest, he gets released? The kid is coming off an injury, major facial surgery after getting hit in the face with a ball last year. In listening to the pre-game interview with Wendt and Gonzales yesterday, Gonzales felt that the Brewers 2nd half slide coincided with Marsecos' injury. He is excited to have him back and hopes to get him back on track. He hit .311 with a .775 ops while at Helena. His slg% and rbi totals were also higher than Princes in about the same # of games. Fewer strikeouts and errors as well. I still stand by my comment that he is better defensively than Prince. He gets good position, turns the double play well and has a strong arm with a quick release. I certainly wouldn't consider him a "bust" or "one of the worst draft picks in the first 20 rounds in recent history." That being said I do think Prince has more upside and hope he gets some good coaching at Wisc.

I can understand why Prince was moved up but - "How long before Prince jumps past Brewer?" I have never seen Brewer play but Prince has a lot of holes in his defensive game. He often does not move to the ball and stabs at it or lays back and waits for it to come to him. He also has a sidearm throw that while powerful is not accurate. I have already commented on his base running. He needs a lot of work. I don't think the pitching staff is going to miss him defensively, Brownstein is better as was Marseco last year. Fires definitely deserved the promotion, he was lights out. Closer makeup, throws hard, good command.

Absolute "miserable" game in Helena tonight. It started off with Gonzales letting a player bring the line-up card to the umps and got worse from there. The line-up had Dhanani, who is a great athlete with a great arm playing 1B and Paciorek who has time at 1B starting at 3B. Not surprisingly they both committed multiple errors. 7 errors in this game, 45 total errors in the first 20. Hitting? 2 hits this game, 3 in the game on Sat. This is against a Casper team that is 5 and 13 with a 5.90 era. Josh Prince is completely out of control on the base paths. I don't know if he has a total "green light" from Gonzales or if he ignores the signs but either way its totally unacceptable. He "benefited" from an error and a bad call or would have been out twice and made at least 2 other base running blunders. His "fielding" gaff, blowing a double play, in the 7th inning led to 4 runs and completely took the Brewers out of the game. I don't understand why at this level these players are not getting the very best coaching the organization has. Gonzales ran a very sloppy undisciplined under achieving team last year and was brought back?? Ned Yost who 2 years ago was struggling to hit his weight at Brevard is the hitting coach?? They are last in the league in hitting at .249! I will give credit to the pitchers and pitching coach Nina as I think they are doing a good job. After tonight's "performance" they all ought to donate their pay to charity. Better yet, ship the whole bunch, except for the pitching staff, down to Maryvale. Except for Brownstein, Ellington, Roberts and Garfield anybody in Arizona could play better than this group is playing.

I caught a couple days of mini camp this week... Arias was splitting time at 1B and RF. Dykstra looked good, focused, appeared to have filled out, more mature. McPhearson is very athletic, seemed to get the bat on the ball, not a lot of power, pretty good arm and OF instincts. Was nice to see Trejo healthy, he absolutely raked in BP, was moving fluidly, seemed to be way ahead of everyone else as far as being game ready. Didn't see any of the pitchers throwing off the mound, although I was impressed with the physical size of them, big kids. It was great having a mini camp in Helena again. I think its a good idea. The weather has been pretty good and the players seemed to be enjoying each other and the coaching staff, relaxed atmosphere.

Boy, I think its a shame if Matt Cline "retires". While he may not have MLB talent, he's the kind of player that makes those around him and the team better. He plays hard, with enthusiasm and did the little things needed to win. I think he would be a good coach. Also, any info on Fonseca? Or did I miss something.

Appreciate you posting these Mass Always fun watching the kids progress. Does anyone know the status of David Fonseca? I haven't seen his name in any of the box scores. I always felt he had some tools - great arm, range, good size.

If this has been covered before feel free to delete. What is the measure of a successful draft? How is it quantified? 2 everyday players per draft making the big club? 3? More? Most of the 1990's seem particularly lean.

I really support this. There are a number of teams/organizations that were very successful doing it their "way". The Dodgers and Orioles of the 60's, 70's and 80's come to mind. I guess it could be argued that this is passe' in todays world. With players believing they are bigger than the team (and even the game) and being allowed to act that way. Thank goodness for minor league baseball, as I have completely given up on the majors.

Dykstra at 24? Ha! This is a very dumb baseball player and a terrible outfielder. I question if he is coachable. Komatsu at 23? Another laugh. The comparison to Gindl is a slap to Caleb. Gindl is a very hard worker! Komatsu has some skills, he needs good coaching and a kick in the ass. These ratings are a reflection on how weak the position players at Helena and Arizona are.

I haven't posted much this summer, as I didn't really have much positive to say about this team. Boy what a long summer! In watching baseball here for almost 20 years I am sad to say that I am happy that this season over. I can count on one hand the games this summer that were well played. I am not talking about inconsistent pitching, errors or cold bats - thats all a part of rookie ball. But there is no excuse for a continuing to miss the cut-off man, not covering a base, not knowing how many outs, the inability to properly conduct a run-down and flat out ignoring/disregarding the base coach signs. This happened all too frequently and is a direct reflection on the manager and coaching staff. What was worse was the real lack of effort and hustle by many players - not running out popups, fly balls or ground outs, arguing balls and strikes and turning your back on the play while the ball was still in play. Inexcusable! I don't know if these kids were un-coachable or the field staff didn't try but there was a flat out lack of effort on too many nights. Kjeldgaard and Delaney came to play every night, rarely had a night off, I tip my hat to both. Braun, Marseco, Kemp and Miller did a good job for the most part. The pitching staff suffered from not having a strong game calling catcher. Definately a season to forget. Hoping for a complete new field staff and attitude next year.

There is ZERO attitude on this Helena club. Starting in the 7th inning someone should have been bunting or at least choking up trying to get a hit to break up the no hitter. Instead just the usual hacking away, mostly on the first pitch.

I've got to agree with you Mass, watching Chris Dennis hobble around out there last night was way beyond ridiculous. This "roster" has been a problem since day one and needs to be fixed. According to the booster club (I am involved with hosting players) there is some movement in the works. No specifics, there never is just a heads up, but look for movement both up and down. I've also caught 2 of 3 games in this homestand and the team is playing better. However this is still a very subdued and laid back ball club. I have not seen the mental errors as in the earlier games but they are definitely not playing to their talent level. It was nice to see Charlie Greene managing, being fired up and showing a little emotion. Regarding Fredrickson, having watched both his Helena starts, I am impressed with his pitch arsenal and composure on the mound. But he is very hittable. Not sure if its the game calling or what. Got to also give props to Corey Kemp, the man is a rock blocking the plate. He sets up correctly on the 3rd base side of the dish and is unmoveable! No fear either. The kid comes to play.

Absolutely pathetic in Helena! Corey Kemp was the only position player who showed up tonight! I've gone to the first 5 games ... - mental errors, (read fundamentals) in each game, no excuse for what happened at second base tonight in the first inning, not hitting the cut off man, can't execute a run-down ( Trejo was hurt in the botched one 6/19). - lack of patience at the plate - inability to even put the ball in play, I shudder to think of them even trying a hit and run - weak defense, up the middle, at the corners (especially with Trejo hurt), the Kjeldgaard experiment is painful to watch but the team has no one else (Kjeldgaard needs a day off), hell, they've got no real 3rd baseman either, now that Trejo is hurt. Schafer and Komatsu have improved the of, however I have no use for an of who turns his back on the infield while the ball is in play. - very little "team" emotion, maybe I am spoiled from having Eddie Sedar here or Matt Cline and Zelous Wheeler last year providing some spark but this club sits in the dugout. no one is on the steps, no one is meeting the players as they come off the field, Kemp was well into the dugout before anyone raised a hand for him tonight (granted it was 13 - 0), except for the on deck hitter no one is up studying the pitchers. I also don't like watching players going thru the motions during pre-game workouts, stretching and infield or hitters standing in the box watching their popups getting caught. Sorry for the ramble, but I can't remember when I last saw a game so poorly played. It was a culmination of all the piss poor play the previous 4 games. Right now this is a very strangely constructed ball club with questionable coaching and portends for a long summer in Helena.

I'll have to second the comment of Matt being a class act. While he was in Helena my 10 yo daughter asked him to autograph her bat. I don't know where you would find a nicer guy - humble, very down to earth. She was thrilled of course, he even thanked her for asking! She has almost all of the Helena players now, and I have to say they are a pretty nice bunch. No big egos or attitudes, good guys.

Ill make a couple of comments about the Helena - Casper series. Yes Casper is very young but they do have quite a bit of talent. Shaky defense and a lack of experience in the pitching staff is obvious. Tonight the Brewers took them apart and should have done the same thing yesterday. Yesterday the Brewers let them back into the game by playing very uninspired ball after going up 5 - 0. They deserved to lose. I dont think that Casper will win the second half but they are much more talented than their record and are at least a .500 ball club. Concerning tonights game, it was nice to see the all the hitting but I dont think it was very wise of Isom to have played the starters all 9 innings. This is not the indy league and it is bs to show up another team up. It will only come back to haunt the Brewers. Also there is a whole bench full of guys looking for playing time and at bats and should have played the last couple of innings of this one. I will have to say thay I think that Isom has done a good job so far but have questions about the number of innings some of these guys are playing. Especially in light of the hot weather up here - its been 90+ almost every day since the start of the season. Also alot of these guys have been playing since Feb. I understand that the organization wants to see the top draft choices and you like to play your hot hitters but this is a pretty deep club/I hope to see more plaing time spread around come the second half.

you know, i really have to give a thumbs up to gm paul fetz, the elmore ownership and the sponsoring businesses the realtionship with the kids in town is excellent pre-game they have a promotion that acknowledges grade school students and their teachers while they throw out the opening pitch(es)as well as having local "little league" teams take the field with the brewer players its great to see the players hi-fiving the kids and the big smiles of all involved. ive got to believe the players are enjoying it as well, as it seems as if most all of them have been involved at one time or another for me it keeps things real and in perspective and is one of the reasons i really enjoy the minor league game. i still follow mbl but have lost interest as the salaries escalate as fast as the "injuries"

nope, not taking anything away from gindl, hes a keeper but all around i think goetz gets the nod, hes no slouch at the plate and is excellent defensively, he knows how to play the game that said, hes got 4 years on gindl.

Goetz has quietly become my favorite player. He first caught my eye during workouts before the season opened. Who is this kid? While some of the players were just going thru the motions or doing the minimum this #39 was fullout, not cutting corners. It was obvious he was very focused. He is very solid fundamentaly, doesnt make mistakes in the field and shows excellent disipline at the plate, with some power. The play at the plate the other night was something to see. Goetz left his feet from about 6' out and hit the Rockies catcher square shoulder high. (think free safety) It was amazing that no one was hurt. The play would have been close had he slid or stayed on his feet and plowed into the catcher. Good aggressive baseball. I am not sure what his ceiling is. Right now he is the best all around outfielder in Helena.

Angel was hands down the most dominant player I've seen come thru Helena. Not only was he a monster at the plate but played excellent inspired defensive baseball behind the plate. By all accounts he was a great teammate, including spending some of his bonus money to buy a car here and taking the latin players under his wing - helping them out with rides, shopping going out in town, etc. The kid has good character. As was mentioned, he was coming off an ankle injury. I know that the players were tested more than once while in Helena, so I believe that he was clean while here. If he took something in response to recovering from his injury, I can understand that, however naive and foolish. 50 games is harsh but those are the rules. I don't think the organization will dump him. Its been a number of years since Palmisano was thru here but Angel was a much better prospect. LuCroy is the only guy currently that has the same upside.