ewitkows

I know he's not on the mlb team but not as many people read the minor league forum. Any chance we could set something up to help him out? We all know minor leaguers don't make anything. MILWAUKEE -- One of the Brewers' top prospects is balancing an All-Star season while worrying for his seriously ill son. Class-A pitcher Jorge Lopez's son, Mikael, is waiting for an intestinal transplant. The 13-month-old boy who has been sick since birth was recently diagnosed with an unknown autoimmune disease. Mikael has seen doctors in hospitals in Lopez's native Puerto Rico as well as in Miami. He's now living in Miami, about three hours south from where Lopez plays for the Brevard County Manatees. On the mound, the 21-year-old Lopez is having a good year. He was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game earlier this month in Minnesota. The Manatees are holding a charity golf tournament next month to help Lopez pay for mounting medical and travel bills. General manager Kyle Smith said the idea for the "18 for 18" golf outing sprung from a late-night conversation with manager Joe Ayrault following a recent game. Lopez wears No. 18. Lopez expressed deep gratitude to his team and an organization that prides itself on creating a family atmosphere. "One of the best things is pray for my son," Lopez said by phone from Space Coast Stadium in Melbourne, Florida. "That's one of the best things I want." Drafted in the second round in 2011, Lopez is rated the 10th-best prospect in the Brewers organization by MLB.com. He is 8-6 with a 4.29 ERA in 18 starts this year, though he has struggled in his last three starts after allowing at least five earned runs in each outing. Ayrault said the right-hander is just going through a stretch that will turn into valuable learning experience. Given the situation off the field, the skipper said Lopez "has handled himself unbelievably." Several months of visits to see doctors included a trip to a children's hospital in Puerto Rico. Lopez is allowed to leave the team when needed to travel to Miami to see his son. "I can't imagine what he's going through ... but he's getting through it," Ayrault said. For Lopez, being at the ballpark helps. "I try to work hard every morning, take a deep breath, pray for (Mikael), pray for my family," he said. "That helps me a lot. When I come here to work, I try to forget everything." The last time Lopez pitched three days ago, his wife, Karla, traveled north and brought Mikael. Lopez is next scheduled to start Thursday.

Thornburg I'd do, not Nelson

No worries. I forgot the Pirates were tied with the cards

57 now that the cards lost

The Mariners have acquired Kendrys Morales from the Twins in exchange for right-hander Stephen Pryor, the team announced. Don't have to worry about the Brewers getting him now

[sarcasm]Mark Reynolds can play 3rd[/sarcasm]

I read that he could file a complaint and either force the astros to pay or become a FA if he didnt want to go to college. What's funny is they are both going to UCLA also

He could start out in the DSL league also.

I'd rather pay the full salary and give up nothing than have them pay 50% and give up Nelson + . They need a complete rebuild and you could even trade him in the off season so you'd really only be paying him for a few months

Only signed through 2015 and has an option for 2016. He's hurt so we should be able to get a deal on him without having to give up the farm so to speak.

The other guy I'd look at is Jesus Montero. He could be a cheap buy low guy and he hits leftys pretty well at least

Is he playing in the DSL yet?

31000+ last night. Noticed a few players slip/fall down then transitioning from the outfield grass to the new infield grass

I hope Aiken goes to school. Sounds like the Astros are jerking him around.

If they can flip one of the relievers or maybe Yo for a legit 1b then ok. but selling just to sell would be stupid

They are only paid the months they are playing

Philly seems reluctant to blow it up, so I don't think they move anyone major. If we take over the contract the price better be less than David Price. Maybe Williams and Haniger. I would think they'd have to kick in a chuck to get Nelson

I'd rather just let Zarraga play 1B

A 4th outfielder who can hit

Dustin DeMuth We might finally have a decent 3b prospect. Raked right off the bat in rookie ball and started off with a bang at low A. Would love to see him get a shot a high A this year if he keeps it up.

looks like we dodged a bullet with him turning down that contract.

Just look at how KC juggernaut turned out.

At least he's not walking people

and if we fall short or even win it, we can flip price at the winter meetings when 25 or so teams will want him

Estrada pitching half his games at coors? no way would the rockies want any part of that.