MrTPlush

More likely they are shopping Hader than thinking about putting him in the rotation. Just food for thought. Webb could be pen insurance and more importantly Hader replacement insurance. Just a possibility in the craziness of trading season.

The Brewers interest was likely just to drive up the price for the Cubs. I doubt Brinson is available and it would have required him. The Cubs definitely didn't want us to get him.

It might come down to if their hitting rebounds or not. If their offense proves to not be so elite in coming years they may be in trouble. As mentioned their rotation and pitching in general is not very good and Quintana only helps one spot. They can use FA to an extent with their large payroll, but only so much and they won't have much for resources to trade. I think the Cubs got a great deal, but the only celebration for the Brewers is the fact it reminds us their farm system is weak, their pitching is a major concern to them, and they don't have young help on the way. Having them depend on FA to find help is an exciting thought. This Cubs team could be in a sad sad state once 2020 or so rolls around.

Makes perfect sense for them. Surprised it only took that much. He is pretty darn good and really controllable. Not sure how much I care about them hurting their system when they already have a loaded/controllable MLB roster. Hurts us in the short term. For the Cubs they best hope he rebounds back to a #2 starter and their team can rebound not only this year...but the next couple.

So I am not an informed fan if I am not pleading for the Brewers to draft a pitcher every year with their first pick? Good to know. I also think that is a very wrong way of looking at it Austin. If we agree that pitchers are worth more(not convinced in all cases) we would also have to agree a pitcher is more likely to flop, have injury problem, flame out, etc. Pitchers tend to be much riskier picks at the top of drafts in my opinion. Draft picks are investments so think of them like an investment. Any added potential value a pitcher has is quickly erased by the risk associated with them. That is why high school pitchers continue to not be drafted #1. I would probably never recommend drafting a pitcher Top 10 unless you are desperate and are looking purely at ceiling. Over the long run you would get better value out of drafting hitters. That is just my opinion though. If you think you are going to strike gold with a pitcher go for it. However to hint people are uninformed because they don't want pitching high in the draft...well that seems off.

Anyone is available in trades if you ask me. Only untouchable guy is probably Brinson who I might open up for a Quintana trade...but probably not. Some of the obvious candidates are some of the OFers who don't really project to be all that great. I'd be surprised if a Clint Coulter or Ryan Cordell aren't heading somewhere else this month. I really would not care trading anyone if it brings back a good/controllable player. I just don't want specific packages. Ones that include multiple of our good rotation prospects(Burnes/Woodruff/Ortiz). Would also prefer not packaging multiple prospects that are at AA/AAA.

Norwood walks off Shuckers with 10th inning home run Dustin Houle hit a go-ahead homer for the Shuckers in the eighth inning By Biloxi Shuckers Dustin hit his first Biloxi Shuckers home run in the eighth inning on Wednesday. (BENTON REED) Biloxi Shuckers Box Score Quick Summary: Strikeout machine Freddy Peralta kept racking up the strikeouts adding 5 more to his season total after going 5.2 innings of one run baseball for the Shuckers. Peralta has kept it going after his promotion to AA to the tune of a 3.10 ERA. Dustin Houle had a big offensive day for the Shuckers hitting a go ahead homerun in the 8th inning, but the pitching could hold on. Jorge Lopez blew the lead right away and Nick Ramirez gave up the deciding homerun in the 10th inning to hand the Shuckers a 3-2 loss. Pitching Summary: On the mound, Freddy Peralta (5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 10 K) started the game while Quintin Torres-Costa (1.1 IP, H, BB, K), Jorge Lopez (2.0 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 2 K), and Nick Ramirez (0.0 IP, H, ER, HR) provided the relief. Hitting Summary: Tyrone Taylor (1-4) Dustin Houle (2-3, R, HR, RBI) Javier Betancourt (1-4, R) Biloxi Shuckers Game Log Another loss in extras for the Shuckers. Jacksonville Bottom of the 10th Pitching Change: Nick Ramirez replaces Jorge Lopez, batting 9th. John Norwood homers (14) on a fly ball to right center field.

You are correct that it doesn't count against the draft bonus pool. Without knowing the exact details of the failed physical it is difficult to assess his value. It is interesting that the Orioles didn't make the minimum 40% offer which would have prevented Jack Conlon from becoming a free agent, but they weren't going to get the 4th round pick back regardless since it is unprotected. They did the kid a huge favor as he is now possibly looking at a deal in the millions. I am really curious to see how this plays out. Also agree that it would be great to see the Brewers take a shot if they have less concerns about the medicals. Makes you wonder if in the future some guys might find ways to fudge their health to get out the draft pool and become free agents. It isn't hard to catch that kind of stuff. Might be why MLB reportedly blocked UFA status from Rasmussen. Not to mentioned you would depend on the team that drafted you to sacrifice their pick/pool money. PLUS you now have a shady health history. I can't see this working out well for anyone.

I imagine he is taking a stab at the overrating of prospects by some...or I guess the attachment at the hip some have to prospects. If that is the case maybe not the best example list as that one proved to be loaded with quite a few legit players.

I once saw Ted Thompson at Mickys Dairy Bar (Madison) AND I saw Gary Anderson at Monk's in Middleton once. Please direct all bows to me ahead of this peasant farmer. I have a Ron Belliard autograph as well. Unless you had dinner with his wife, no bows or knowledge was acquired.

My friend is a farmer and he invited me to his farm so I could watch him farm. I guess you could call me an expert in farming now. BOW DOWN TO MY GREATNESS.

Troy Stokes is definitely a real prospect now that he is showing the HR totals. He can really solidify his status if he shows the power again next year at AA.

Walkoff wild pitch stings Shuckers again on Tuesday in Jacksonville Michael Choice blasts a solo home run, his fourth in two days for the Shuckers By Biloxi Shuckers Michael Choice hit his fourth home run in two days on Tuesday night in Jacksonville (Mark P Driscoll) Biloxi Shuckers Box Score Quick Summary: Taylor Williams started the game for the Shuckers turning in 3.2 solid innings only giving up one earned run while striking out five batter. Offensively Michael Choice hit another homerun to follow up his three homerun performance yesterday and Johnny Davis smacked a two run triple. Unfortunately, once again, the Shuckers coughed up the winning run on a wild pitch to lose 3-4. Pitching Summary: On the mound, Taylor Williams (3.2 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K) started the game while Joe Perrin (1,1 IP, 2 H, ER, K), Josh Uhen (1.0 IP, H), and Tayler Scott (2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 3 BB, 2 K) provided the relief. Hitting Summary: Johnny Davis (1-4, 3B, 2 RBI) Tyrone Taylor (1-1) Michael Choice (1-4, R, RBI, HR) Biloxi Shuckers Game Log Shuckers stung by walk off wild pitch again. Jacksonville Bottom of the 9th Taylor Ard doubles (14) on a line drive to left fielder Clint Coulter. Tayler Scott intentionally walks Braxton Lee. Miguel Rojas bunt pops out to catcher Jacob Nottingham in foul territory. Brian Anderson walks. Taylor Ard to 3rd. Braxton Lee to 2nd. With John Norwood batting, wild pitch by Tayler Scott, Taylor Ard scores.

They do, but it would pretty much ruin the system. And I feel Bumgarner's close to going full on Verlander anyway. He's been ridden hard his career with long post season runs and those innings are going to catch up eventually. Maybe his bike accident and time off due to it bought him another year of effectiveness but I wouldn't expect many more years of ace level work from him. It wouldn't ruin the system. It would take a pretty notable slice out, but there is a ton of depth and some of that depth will replace the departed top 100 prospects within the next year. I wouldn't trade that much though. A bit risky in our current situation to be confident we can actually compete come the end of September.

That kid doesn't keep his elbow up at all! I doubt he will be drafted. He is going to need to improve on that short/choppy stride if he ever plans to steal any bases. Takes him forever to get going. I bet @HumanNeedsWater lists his future potential as: G.O.A.T Seriously though I don't like when people come into the minor league forum acting like others are stupid for their evaluations on players when they have zero scouting credentials. Chances are your evidence is extremely poor too and your evidence won't prove someone else's opinion on a prospect wrong.

Jose Quintana deserves a Brinson/Hader...but I wouldn't personally do it in the Brewers current position. Tempting with all the control, but I would hate to lose Brinson. Now Hader/Ray or Woodruff/Ray or Ortiz/Ray would be a little more interesting to headline a deal. I'd even consider packaging two of the pitchers if you are a believer in Burnes. However I think the White Sox can find a better partner and get more.

The Corbin Burnes dream needs to stop, unfortunately. Corbin Burnes threw 135 innings last year...he is already at 100 innings. He will be close to last years number by the end of July and near his absolute limit by the the end of August(I would guess). I greatly doubt the Brewers would put an unproven rookie in the bullpen come September and push him well past last years innings total. If the Brewers had an intention of using Burnes this year I would have expected them to start watching his innings by now. Instead he co distantly goes 6-7 innings at 90+ pitches. I mean it could happen, but it seems like a pretty big long shot at this point in time.

I too still believe in Trent Clark's hit tool. His OBP skills are off the charts and once he adds more power/AVG he is going to be legit. Definitely has the making of a starting OFer in my opinion. He is 20 years old have a pretty darn respectable year at A-Adv. Stealing bases at an 88% clip ain't too shabby either. People start throwing these guys under a bus way too quickly. He only has 859 PAs so far in his career. That isn't even two ears worth of PAs. People get offended if you throw Orlando Arcia under the bus for not hitting because it is too soon...yet almost everyone discredits a HS draftee after less than two years worth of experience?

Michael Choice blasts three homers in 8-4 win in Jacksonville Aaron Wilkerson earned the win and added a three-run homer as well By Biloxi Shuckers Michael Choice hit three home runs in Monday night's 8-4 win over Jacksonville (Hunter Reed) Biloxi Shuckers Box Score Quick Summary: Aaron Wilkerson started the game for the Shuckers and threw a seven strikeout gem only giving up one run in five innings. He also smacked a 3 run homerun to help his cause in the fourth. Also in the fourth inning was a Michael Choice homerun which was just one of his three on the night. The homerun binge helped the Shuckers win 8-4 over Jacksonville. Pitching Summary: On the mound, Aaron Wilkerson (5.0 IP, 4 H, ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR) started the game while Travis Hissong (1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR), Jorge Lopez (1.1 IP, 2 H), Matt Ramsey (1.0 IP, H) provided the relief. Hitting Summary: Michael Choice (4-4, 3 R, 2B, 4 RBI, 3 HR) Aaron Wilkerson (1-2, R, 3 RBI, HR) Angel Ortega (1-4, R, SB) Biloxi Shuckers Game Log Michael Choice and starting pitcher Aaron Wilkerson go deep. Biloxi Top of the 4th Tyrone Taylor grounds out to first baseman Alex Yarbrough. Jacob Nottingham singles on a ground ball to left fielder Austin Dean. Michael Choice homers (6) on a fly ball to left field. Jacob Nottingham scores. Dustin DeMuth strikes out swinging. Angel Ortega singles on a line drive to left fielder Austin Dean. With Wendell Rijo batting, Angel Ortega steals (10) 2nd base. Wendell Rijo hit by pitch. Javier Betancourt singles on a line drive to center fielder Kyle Barrett. Angel Ortega scores. Wendell Rijo to 2nd. Aaron Wilkerson homers (1) on a line drive to left field. Wendell Rijo scores. Javier Betancourt scores. Pitching Change: Eric Alonzo replaces Mike Kickham, batting 9th. Johnny Davis flies out to left fielder Austin Dean.

Definitely part of the plan. I don't think he drafts a specific player thinking, "Yup, Ray is a future trade piece". However he knows what is highly valuable in baseball and acquires it. Heck I think he has said that before. Either you will use that piece or it will be very valuable to get what you need.

OK everyone keeps saying this rotation isn't playoff caliber. #1 Standings seem to disagree #2 Statistics also seem to disagree(Top 10 pitching staff). That being said I don't *think* they will all keep this up. I would expect regression from Anderson and probably Nelson. If that is the case our back end needs to improve as two mid 4 ERA or worse starters is not going to cut it. We would need to have a rotation similar to the 2011 team which if I remember had 4/5 guy under 4 ERA.

Couple thoughts: 1. I highly disagree that Josh Hader is being underutilized. His BB/9 is almost 8. Good lord that is terrible and not anything you want to rely on. His stat line looks good due to only giving up a few hits, but that simply isn't sustainable. That is why they aren't using him a ton. I really want him to start limitti g the walks so he can start pitching bigger innings. It is a slow process so far. 2. Nick Ramirez is already stretched out in a sense. He consistently goes 2 or 3 innings when called upon. Not sure you need more than that. I don't know how much help as a bench bat he is going to be. Remember he doesn't have much upper minor experience with the bat so is he really going to hit well when he didn't hit well in the minors? Maybe you use him if you need to pull a starter soon, but that is about all I could see with him if you are trying to utilize his bat too.

Comeback POY: Eric Thames ROY: Manny Pineapple Cy Young: Chase Anderson MVP: Travis Shaw Shout out to Clancy for finding any way possible to slip Suter into his list.

August 1st

Burnes tosses seven scoreless innings in Shuckers extra-inning loss Jacksonville wins on a walk-off wild pitch in the 11th inning on Sunday By Biloxi Shuckers Corbin Burnes lowered his season ERA to 1.06 after Sunday's start in Jacksonville (Mark P Driscoll) Biloxi Shuckers Box Score Quick Summary: Corbin Burnes was on the mound for the Shuckers and like he seems to do every time he absolutely dominated opposing hitters for seven scoreless innings. Burnes dropped his season ERA to an MiLB best 1.06. The other pitcher doing unbelievable things in Biloxi, Nick Ramirez, also had quite the day. Ramirez threw three perfect innings racking up three strikeouts along the way. Ramirez, who is in his first year as a professional pitcher, has 1.26 ERA for the Shuckers. Despite nine innings of domination from the Burnes/Ramirez duo the Shuckers offense failed to score in the eleven inning game. Shuckers lost 0-1 after Javier Salas let a run score on a wild pitch in the eleventh inning run. Pitching Summary: On the mound, Corbin Burnes (5.0 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 6 K) started the game while Nick Ramirez (3.0 IP, 3K) and Javier Salas (0.2 IP, H, ER, BB) provided the relief. Hitting Summary: Wendell Rijo (2-4) Corbin Burnes (1-2) Dustin Houle (1-4) Biloxi Shuckers Game Log Salas throws away the game. Jacksonville Bottom of the 11th Pitching Change: Javier Salas replaces Nick Ramirez, batting 9th. Chris Diaz doubles (6) on a fly ball to right fielder Michael Choice. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Rehiner Cordova replaces Severino Gonzalez. Javier Salas intentionally walks Rehiner Cordova. Kyle Barrett ground bunts into a force out, first baseman Dustin DeMuth to third baseman Gabriel Noriega. Chris Diaz out at 3rd. Rehiner Cordova to 2nd. Kyle Barrett to 1st. Austin Dean grounds into a force out, second baseman Wendell Rijo to shortstop Angel Ortega. Rehiner Cordova to 3rd. Kyle Barrett out at 2nd. Austin Dean to 1st. With John Norwood batting, wild pitch by Javier Salas, Rehiner Cordova scores.