Joseph Zarr

It was our mid-week early game bonanza as per usual for our Brewers affiliates. Whereas last night we had a litany of close and exciting victories, we unfortunately had just the opposite in the early going. Two close losses in Carolina and Biloxi, and a close one at Fox Cities stadium turned into a three-run deficit in the ninth and final inning. Fortunately, the Sounds pulled one out with three insurance runs late and a fantastic pitching effort from RHP Caleb Boushley and the shutdown bullpen. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers Game Balls: We're handing out our first recognition to Mudcats OF Kaylan Nicasia who continued his recent run of stellar work at the plate with an impressive 2-for-3 outing (5-for-6 in the series), RHP Harold Chirino who hurled yet another scoreless 2K inning of work (8 IP, 0 ER, 15K, 1 BB so far in 2023), INF Jose Acosta who was a hit shy of the cycle after being thrust into spot duty when Brown Jr. left the game, RHP Caleb Boushley showed out with his best outing of the early 2023 season and reminded us 2022 was not a fluke, and INF/OF Keston Hiura continues to absolutely shine for the Sounds in 2023 with a 3-for-4 (one hit shy of the cycle) evening including a 2B and a solo rocket (see below). Transactions: RHP Tyson Miller was recalled from the Nashville Sounds to the Milwaukee Brewers LHP Alex Claudio was optioned to the Nashville Sounds from the Milwaukee Brewers RHP J.B. Bukauskas was activated by the Nashville Sounds (he had been on the 7-Day IL with a stomach ailment) C Darlin Lora was released by the ACL Brewers Blue (More HERE) OF Eduarh Colina was released by the ACL Brewers Gold (More HERE) Final: Nashville 5, Omaha (Royals) 0 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Stymie Storm Chasers in Shutout Victory RHP Caleb Boushley was looking to continue the momentum built off his last rebound outing and he certainly did so. Tonight's effort was an echo from the net results of his entire 2022 season: weak contact when the pitched ball was hitting bats, a fine mix of off-speed to pair with his sinker, and nibbling in and around the zone. After a bloop line drive/groundout to INF Andruw Monasterio to end the fourth frame, he was sitting at a mere 53 pitches. A collective sigh of relief was heard murmuring throughout the Sounds coaching staff. This was his best outing of 2023 and, frankly, it was fantastic: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 K, 0 BB, 0 ER. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I said it before the season began when he was announced as a Development List participant, and I'll say it again here: INF Patrick Dorrian is a vastly underrated and under-appreciated player. He's as steady as they come on the left side of the infield and he already proved himself as a pivotal bat in last year's playoff push after the Brewers acquired him from Norfolk. He made a couple solid plays early to help RHP Caleb Boushley breeze through his early innings, but no play was better than this web gem charging a bunt down the third base line: 2) INF Keston Hiura claims he likes to get away from the game and the ballpark when he can. He actually enjoys a round of golf to work on his swing away from the baseball diamond and has seen worthwhile results. Who knew? Well, you do now. He continues to impress in Nashville, in all facets really, as he looks to carve his way back to the Major Leagues. Both extra base hits tonight were things of beauty. He took a protective swing on a borderline high and outside heater and ripped an oppo dart to the wall in right field. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Sounds clinging to a 1-0 lead, he sat on a change-up sinking just below the zone and golfed a rocket 409 feet over the left field wall at a cool 109 mph. 3) It's not easy to take the ball and run with it after your starting pitcher fires five clean innings and your team is clinging to a 1-0 lead. But, that's just what RHP Pedro Fernandez did for the Sounds tonight. Fernandez is turning into a truly solid multi-faceted pitcher for manager Rick Sweet. He can give him a spot start, he can give him crucial middle innings, and he can salvage a starts when ahead or behind. He's fast becoming the Sounds early-season Swiss Army tool in the pitching corps. He showcased his full set of tools tonight with a fantastic second inning featuring two straight punch outs. He closed his work after 2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, and 3 K and ended up lowering his already impressive ERA to an even more impressive 1.88 over his 14 1/3 IP (3 GS). Final: Mississippi (Braves) 4, Biloxi 2 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Early Runs Lead M-Braves to 4-2 Win Over Shuckers Braves highly-touted and uber-talented RHP Tanner Gordon got the best of the Shuckers once again in April - he's a fantastic young hurler and the Braves are lucky to have him. The Shuckers' RHP Christian Mejias was done in by two long balls - a two-run kind in the top of the first frame and a solo shot in his fifth and final inning. He finished his day with 5 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 3 ER, and 4 K. The Shuckers trailed 3-0 at that point but, all in all, manager Mike Guerrero had to have been pleased with another solid starting effort from Mejias overall. Three Quick Strikes: 1) The Shuckers really tried to make a game of this late when they mustered a threatening bases loaded rally. With one down, last night's MVP OF Lamar Sparks came through with an opposite field line drive single knocking two across: With runners on the corner after Sparks' timely knock, newly returned Jeferson Quero (in the DH slot) hit into the inning-ending double play. This ultimately added to the unfortunate 1-for-11 with RISP mark the Shuckers experienced on the day, and it was the team's last meaningful threat. 2) We haven't seen much of INF Felix Valerio in the early going. And, when we have seen him, we certainly haven't seen many signs of the bounce back season we've been hoping for. The obvious caveat, as with all our Brewers prospects, is it is still April and the sample size is entirely too small to make sweeping judgments. However, on this same date in 2022 Valerio had already seen twice the AB's. In 2023, with a clear platoon going on, the K:BB ratio is till admirable and this is a good thing. Yet, we don't see a single XBH in 24 AB's. Does he need more playing time? Will he earn or be given more playing time? We've discussed on this very forum for some time: this is a huge year for the young and talented infielder. To date, unfortunately, in 2023 it has been a mostly uneventful. He ended his day, playing 2B, with an 0-for-3, 2 K, 1 BB line. He is hitting a 0.125 BA with an 0.448 OPS in his limited trips to the dish. 3) It was nice to witness LHP Nick Bennett experience some bounce back bullpen success in his 2 IP, 1 BB, 1 H, 3 K, 0 ER stint - a much needed outing for the young lefty. However, if we're going to talk about breakout pitching performances in the Biloxi relief corps early in 2023, we really should look no further than RHP Harold Chirino. He had a really fantastic April in 2022 - and, in 2023 he's even better. After today's outing, he's now appeared in six contests with 8 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 15 K, 0 ER. Batters are hitting a meager 0.192 and he's sporting a stellar 0.75 WHIP. Can he stay healthy for a full season? I sure as heck hope so. Final: Beloit (Marlins) 7, Wisconsin 4 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Sky Carp Stay Hot Against Wisconsin The young Timber Rattlers continue struggling to will their way to victories. They lost yet another tight contest to Beloit on a gorgeous sunny afternoon at Fox Cities Stadium. RHP Cameron Wagoner continues to adjust to High-A and it's been up-and-down to date. He ended his day after 4 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 3 ER, 3 K. He'll want that second inning sequence back - HBP, 2B, and 3-run HR - and he'll get that chance in his next outing. Hats off are due for RHP Max Lazar and his solid 4 IP effort - 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 ER. The latest T-Rats podcast (a new format, it appears, in 2023) was posted just after this most recent loss - Kyle and Chris always find the positives: Full Game Highlights: Three Quick Strikes: 1) It's not easy to come into a game unexpected and early. INF Jose Acosta did just that today after Eric Brown Jr. took a first inning pitch high and inside ricocheting off the lip of his helmet and then his nose (according to manager Joe Ayrault in the above podcast, Brown Jr. has no concussion and no breakage - go to the 1 hr and 16 minute mark in the MILB.TV game footage for the play). Acosta miraculously finished his day (3-for-3) one hit shy of a cycle. Quite a performance - hopefully, it leads to more opportunities in the line-up as the T-Rats could use his feisty mentality right now. Here's a look at his deep triple in his first AB after Brown Jr. exited the game: 2) OF Joe Gray Jr. continues to have a solid start to his 2023 campaign - with Joe Ayrault (podcast above) also claiming he has taken on a leadership role in the clubhouse. He is still susceptible to those oh so tricky off-speed low and away deliveries but this current early season performance is light years better than 2022. He finished his day 2-for-4, 0 R, 1 2B, 3 RBI. He also picked up his fifth stolen base of the season. 3) When you watch the full game highlights above, it truly tells the tale of the current state of your Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Right off the bat, in the first clip, we see an incredible running catch by OF Je'Von Ward over the chainlink fence beyond the left field foul territory. It is truly a heck of a play. And, yet, the relay throw is understandably rushed but it falls just short and off-line skipping past Eric Brown Jr.'s glove. The ball trickles to the infield dirt to a waiting Ben Metzinger who turns and helplessly watches the tagged runner (from 2B) having sped past third base to grab the go-ahead and costly run. It's plays like this that the young T-Rats need to tighten up or, perhaps, just find a bit more luck with. Final: Kannapolis (White Sox) 4, Carolina 3 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Elko and Cannon Ballers Hand Mudcats 4-3 Loss I've seen enough of Cannon Baller first baseman, and 2022 10th round draft pick, Tim Elko. This 24-year-old has the 6'4" 240 pound chiseled frame of an International League veteran. He has the look, the agility, and the bat of a player who belongs in Triple-A. He's a heck of a find for the White Sox - he's done a lot of damage in the first two games of the ongoing series and it would appear he's doing damage all across the Carolina League. RHP Yujanyer Herrera continued his fine starting work of early 2023 giving manager Victor Estevez 5 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 ER. We'll want to see the free passes come down as he is currently teetering the line of a 16:13 K:BB ratio. But, beyond that, he hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a single start in April. That is giving his young teammates a chance every time he takes the mound. Three Quick Strikes: 1) It was a slow start to INF's Gregory Barrios and Daniel Guillarte's 2023 season, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic duo in the batting order than these two of late. Guillarte, in particular, is really coming on. After today's 2-for-4, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (his 9th already on the young season) effort, the young shortstop saw his batting average run up to 0.293 with a healthy 0.751 OPS. The dynamic duo had a deep hole to dig out of with their slow start, but they are collectively showing very intriguing signs of better things to come. 2) All my early season Mudcats outfield chatter was focused on nearly everyone except the young 21-year-old Kaylan Nicasia. In the early going, at least, Nicasia is showing me this may have been an oversight. After today's 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K effort (with an outfield assist to boot!), Nicasia finds himself with a 5-for-6, 2 BB, 0 K line after the first two games of this hotly contested series. Let's hope he can keep this up and make a name for himself in 2023. 3) He doesn't receive much fanfare or recognition given his rough stint with High-A Wisconsin in 2022 (a stint that led to his demotion), but RHP Miguel Guerrero has been nothing short of excellent since that late 2022 summer send down. After today's 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 K outing - if we go back to 2022 - we are looking at 19 G, 29 1/3 IP, 21 H, 16 BB, 0 HBP, 38 K, 1 HR, 4 ER of work at Low-A Carolina. He's picked up where he left off here in the early going. Let's hope he can build on this momentum and get back to High-A where he'll look to prove himself once again. We're back to all evening tilts tomorrow across the Brewers Minor League. We'll see some more tantalizing pitching prospects throughout: RHP Janson Junk in Nashville; RHP Carlos Rodriguez in BIloxi, RHP Stiven Cruz in Wisconsin, and RHP Quinton Low will get the initial nod in Carolina. Stay tuned throughout the week - here and in the Minor League forum - as myself, @damuelle, and @Mass Haas bring your more news and reports. As always, thank you for reading and tuning in as these young men chase their baseball dreams. 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

Just watched the PFN pre-draft discussion amongst Tony Pauline, Trey Wingo, and Adam Caplan. Highlights regarding the top of the draft: Near certain Carolina is going Bryce Young Texans seem to be leaning Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson Arizona appears to be leaning Paris Johnson (and it is rumored Kyler Murray - who lobbied for the Cardinals to take Creed Humphrey - might be lobbying here) Jr. here and they have been discussing a swap with the Colts. The Colts are actually rumored to be zeroing in on QB Will Levis (which I found stunning but, given the weird Vegas odds flip I guess not that surprising?) There is chatter Minnesota is leaning QB Hendon Hooker and he is potentially arriving in the perfect situation if that happens It would appear, according to League sources, Jalen Carter is the Seahawks selction at 5 but there is debate in the War Room re: Anthony Richardson Tony is hearing it's all CB in Detroit - Witherspoon appears to be their guy and he confirmed it this afternoon yet again. Raiders: they're going defense. Personnel people say the knock on Gonzalez is it gets hazy in Zone. People love him in bump-and-run but isn't as well-rounded as Witherspoon. Regardless, Gonzalez appears to be their guy. Bijan Robinson starts to get discussed around the Falcons. They need defense, tho. Rumors are they aren't considering Jalen Carter (if he should fall) because of his off field issues and the proximity to UGA. Names being whispered are Robinson and Van Ness at present When we get to the 10th pick, it depends who falls. Tyree Wilson's injury history concerns some teams but if you take this draft as a 4-5 year plan, he may end up the best player in this draft. Jalen Carter remains the most polarizing prospect because of his weird behavior off the field (walking away from the accident incident and then changing his story multiple times with the police) They're hearing more trades are likely 11-21 than 1-10. If you're curious yourself, here's the link to the hour long video HERE

Good god I love the @LouisElywrite-ups. It's like the gentle breeze I need before the madness of the draft. Let's go!

Thank you! Awesome sauce!

So, do we have a @LouisEly Packers Draft Master list yet? I need my fix.

They still have the $40 Mil cap hit due to past contractual obligations pushed into this year - that can not change. Beyond this season, however, they owe him absolutely nothing.

We had the first showcase of the Automated Balls and Strikes in Nashville. And, I have to say, it was quite nice to have a verifying video board in straightaway CF! If the ball touches any part of the zone, it is relayed as a strike to the umpire's earpiece. More of this, please! We had some truly entertaining baseball for the opening Home games for all our affiliates - I was at the edge of my seat throughout. And, OF Tyrone Taylor is rehabbing in Nashville where he looked fantastic. Let's just get into the report! Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers Game Balls: So many young men to choose from but we have to narrow this list down! What a night of Brewers Minor League baseball. Believe me, it was as entertaining as it gets. We're going with RHP Edwin Jimenez who pitched four scoreless innings with eight punch outs - a sublime display holding down the fort for Carolina. We're going with OF Lamar Sparks in Biloxi with the lead-off triple in the 9th frame while scoring the winning run off a wild pitch. We're heading north to Wisconsin where INF Eric Brown Jr. had his best game as a Timber Rattler doing all sorts of things throughout the diamond. We're heading to Nashville where we're going to give LHP Robert Gasser his due for the best four consecutive inning stretch I've seen him pitch as a member of the Sounds and we're giving a nod to a fantastic first rehab appearance for OF Tyrone Taylor at Nashville as well. Transactions: LHP Bennett Sousa was placed on Nashville's 7-Day IL (retroactive to April 24th) RHP Thyago Vieira was officially assigned to the Nasvhille Sounds OF Tyler Naquin was activated from Nashville's 7-Day IL OF Tyrone Taylor was sent on a rehab assignment to the Nashville Sounds by the Milwaukee Brewers Highlights from the Week that Was: RHP Quinton Low again showed the world this past week why several of us here on Brewer Fanatic are so intrigued by his early Low-A showings on the mound. This is really filthy relief arm stuff here Mr. Low. We are most definitely thirsty for more: On the offensive side of the Mudcats lineup, we continue to see a very strong run of offensive output by up-and-coming 2022 draft pick C/DH Matthew Wood. Let's hope he keeps this up versus the Cannon Ballers (Hint: he does)! Lastly, RHP James Meeker again validated my continued belief in his relief arsenal. His breaking ball, especially, has been remarkable in early 2023. This is a major wrinkle since his fastball-dominant time with High-A Wisconsin. Here are some highlights of his fantastic work in Rocket City in a game that had quickly run away from the Shuckers. I sincerely hope they start giving him more high-leveraged innings. The best is yet to come for this late bloomer: Final: Nashville 8, Omaha (Royals) 3 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Bats Back Gasser in Win over Omaha I did indeed witness the best four-inning stretch I've seen from LHP Robert Gasser since his promotion to the Sounds. He was fantastic. Things got away from him in his fifth and final frame but we already know he's working on building up stamina and resilience and accuracy with his mix. He had struggled, before today, in the 3rd and 4th frames. This is a building block - 8 K through 4 IP is nothing I'd scoff at. Had INF Abraham Toro not failed to corral the first batter line drive in the fifth frame, it may have all ended up differently. Regardless, we walk away extremely pleased with 5 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 ER, and 8 K. He grabs his first win of 2023. Three Quick Strikes: 1) INF/OF Keston Hiura and INF Eddy Alvarez continue to mash in the Sounds line-up. As mentioned above, there was a proverbial list of candidates for those coveted game balls (you should see my inbox 🥸) and Hiura and Alvarez certainly qualified. Hiura hit his second triple as well as a two-run two-out opposite field home run in the 7th inning - his 8th long ball on this young season. Alvarez, again, brought stability to the lead-off slot and was 2-for-4 himself with three runs and a free pass to pair with his sixth stolen base. Alvarez also made an incredibly savvy tag and score on a ridiculously shallow bloop pop fly roughly six-to-nine feet into the grass behind shortstop. It's the stuff only extremely athletic and fast men can do but it's really the stuff only a heady player would try to accomplish. He beat the throw (which needed to be perfect) as it tailed third base side. He is an absolute joy to watch in a Sounds uniform. Here's Hiura's oppo-blast: 2) Let's just collectively take a look at OF Tyrone Taylor's first rehab AB with the Sounds. This got the game going right away. I have to say stretching this to three sure gives us all a vote of confidence he's feeling healthy: 3) Another solid showing from both RHP Lucas Erceg and LHP Ethan Small demonstrates what I've been saying since the season started: the Sounds, yet again, have bullpen arms for days. It's been the key strength of their ball club. With RHP Elvis Peguero doing really nice things with the Brewers (how wonderful, I might add), it's got to be wonderful for manager Rick Sweet and his staff to know they still have wealth in that bullpen. Ethan Small even, gasp, grabbed a swinging strike on a slider tonight. I nearly squeaked. Over his last three outings now, Small has pumped out: 4 1/3 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 7 K. Put it in my veins. Final: Biloxi 4, Mississippi (Braves) 3 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Late-Inning Comeback Fuels Shuckers to a Win in Series Opener RHP Tobias Myers didn't appear particularly sharp to my eyes on my second screen - it seemed, in the early going, his pitches were a bit too flat and finding much too much of the plate. Luckily, the Braves hitters were getting under the ball - a bevy of balls made it deep toward the warning track but not a single fly left the yard. It is a testament to Myers, however, he was able to work through it and around it for the most part. After conceding back-to-back well-hit homers to start the fifth inning, he could have folded when the next two batters got aboard with singles. He ended the threat with two fly outs and a punch out. It was, perhaps, the key sequence in the game. All told, Myers gave us 5 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 5 K, 2 HR. There are ample clips and highlights of this game on the Shuckers twitter page: HERE Please, indulge! Lastly, be sure to check in HERE as new Shuckers announcer, Javik Blake, continues his ongoing interview series with the Shuckers staff and players. Tonight, he interviewed INF Freddy Zamora - now healthy and having a fantastic start to his season. Three Quick Strikes: 1) A buffet of highlights above, but the following is worth showing - a casual Jackson Chourio catch above the wall in deep left center field. He truly makes it look effortless in the centerfield grass. As I've watched him play more and more, his defensive work continues to shine. If you were reading in 2022, I had my questions. Now that he's added some more muscle to his frame and now that he's maturing into his body, he is actually getting even better ranging across that vast Biloxi grass. We can worry about the off-speed and away strikeout issues as he ages and continues to mature but the ease by which he does this? I'm going to start appreciating this more very night. 2) This was the first real adversity I've seen RHP Abner Uribe face in his early 2023 season. And, he absolutely rose to the occasion and shone brightest. With runners on the corners and one down, Uribe buckled down and grabbed two absolutely crucial strikeouts consecutively. His emotions definitely were showing when a couple calls didn't go the way he'd like (hats off to home plate umpire, Bobby Tasone, for allowing Uribe to work through it) but that's part of what makes him such an intriguing arm in high-leverage situations. What was most important here is he didn't lose his control or the strike zone. That's closer or set-up material. He continues to check all the boxes. 3) After Chourio took ball four by laying off a heater up and just out of the zone (fantastic discipline in a very key moment), it was up to INF Tyler Black to come through in the clutch facing triple digits on the hill. He absolutely rose to the occasion with an opposite field poke through the left infield gap driving in the tying run. There is simply so much offensive talent in the young Canadian's bat. We have a special one on our hands here. Final: Beloit (Marlins) 4, Wisconsin 3 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Rattlers Fall 4-3 to Beloit on Late Miscues Hoping to avenge a recent disappointing road series at Beloit, the T-Rats were home again attempting to regain that elusive winning momentum. Unfortunately, at present, the T-Rats are playing losing baseball - the record (7-9) does not lie. In the most pivotal of moments in their ongoing struggles, they have succumbed to defensive miscues and their collective inabilities to execute with runners aboard. They had two runners aboard in each of the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings and not a single run crossed. On three trips to the dish with said runners aboard, we witnessed T-Rats batters striking out looking. Those are, simply put, tough takes. Tonight, the pitching staff definitely deserved better. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Despite what proved to be a costly error in the seventh frame, this was far and away INF Eric Brown Jr.'s best game with the Timber Rattlers. He was hitting the ball cleanly, he was disruptive on the base paths, and he was playing mostly solid defense. When his game is going like this, you see all that athleticism and all those god-given tools that made him a first round draft choice. Let's hope he can hit the ground running with growing confidence: 2-for-2, 2 BB, 1 2B, 2 R, 2 SB. How's that for a night of production? 2) After a 3-for-4 night at the dish, and a fantastic leaping snare at 3B, with a 1:1 K:BB line to boot, it is worth reminding everyone: Eduardo Garcia now has over half the walk totals he had at Low-A Carolina...in 1/10th the AB's. What I have witnessed in the past week plus is nothing short of remarkable. What is going on here? Is this sustainable? The knock on Garcia's game has always been his lack of plate discipline. BUT, if he can build out from this new found place of confidence and patience at the plate an entirely different conversation starts taking place. Let's keep an eye on this development. 3) On a game that ended largely at the hands of two costly errors, let's just go back to a web gem to remind us all there are still diamonds being discovered on the diamond. What a combined play here from Eric Brown Jr. and the always unfathomably agile Ernesto Martinez Jr.: Final: Carolina 7, Kannapolis (White Sox) 4 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Mudcats Mash 13 Hits in 7-4 Series Opening Victory Post-game Radio Interview: Manager Victor Estevez Looking to build bigger and better things fresh off the series-winning momentum created at Down East this past week, the young Mudcats were back home at Five County Stadium where the tantalizing young RHP Jacob Misiorowski took the hill to face the extremely formidable Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. It doesn't get much better than an 11 pitch three strikeout first frame. It really doesn't. Just dominant stuff: Misiorowski struggled a bit with his command in the second inning as he tacked on 30 pitches. He missed a couple strikeouts by a mere matter of inches on 0-2 counts, however. All in all, he finished his night with a 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 SO. 41 pitch, 29 strike outing. At this stage, I would say: if he can add a change-up to his heater, slider/breaking ball arsenal, he could be absolutely lethal on the hill. By every measure, and according to announcer Greg Brown Jr., he's an incredibly positive; hardworking; and likable young man. The Brewers are lucky to have him in their organization. Three Quick Strikes: 1) When it's rolling, it's rolling - as seen above with the 13-hit output. However, when it's rolling for seven straight games you're really cooking with gas. C Matthew Wood extended his hitting streak to seven games with a beautiful, easy, swing ripping a double to the wall in right field. He's been incredible at the plate - next to it and, honestly, behind it as well. We're really starting to see the full tool kit of what made him a fourth round draft pick just a year ago. This is one of the more intriguing developments in our young 2023 affiliated season. 2) Young and tantalizing Luke Adams' athleticism is starting to rear its head on a nightly basis. We saw hints of it last year in the ACL box scores - all those stolen bases and occasionally being sent to man the outfield grass. Well, tonight, he was covering first base and saved what may have been two early errors from the hands of RHP Edwin Jimenez with leaping acrobatic snares improbably ensuring two outs. He is a rare athletic specimen. If baseball had an RAS score akin to the NFL, I have zero doubts Adams would be in the 90th percentile ranges. 3) Speaking of RHP Edwin Jimenez, if you've read my reports for any time now you'd understand he's one of those young pitchers I love but have been hoping he could pull it all together. I've oft-compared him to our youngest version of once long-tenured MLB pitcher, RHP Mike Fiers. Well, early in 2023 he's stating his case that he's ready for an eventual promotion to Wisconsin. This is far and away the best version of Jimenez we've seen. He's expertly mixing his pitches - with purpose and location. His work in the middle inning was absolutely crucial to this victory: 4 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 8 K. Whew. More of that, please, young man! On the season, that's now 23 K to just 5 BB in 18 IP. Are we witnessing a breakout? That's a wrap for me on this fine 3-1 evening of Brewers affiliated baseball - what a fun evening of viewing it was. Tomorrow, tune in bright and early as we have our standard three morning/matinee knocks in Carolina, Wisconsin, and Biloxi. I'll personally be most curious to see if RHP Cameron Wagoner can bounce back from a fairly rough outing his last time out. In the evening, we'll see if RHP Caleb Boushley can continue proving his early season woes are a thing of the past. As always, thank you for reading and 'Go Brewers!'. 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

Unfortunately, it didn't get better tonight. The rough start continues. Ugh.

Very fair comments. Nothing to disagree with here.

Johnston, for whatever reasons, actually has a very pedestrian (if not below-average) contested catch rate. He has fallen down boards for reasons like this - you'd think he would sky above CB's and claim that territory. That is not the case. If we are going to worry about the slot label in 2023, I think that's the wrong approach. Cooper Kupp is a slot guy, for example. Chris Olave, a guy the Packers loved last season is primarily a slot guy (Njibs greatly outperformed both Olave and Garrett Wilson while in the same receiving corps). And, like a dominant nickel CB, it carries just as much weight in 2023 as the outside wideouts. My opinion, of course. And, please don't get me wrong here: I simply love Njiba and what he brings to the football field. If they went the route of a Johnston I'm going to root like all get out for him to succeed. I would propose: take the best WR in the draft in Njiba (if he's there) and worry about the proverbial jump ball guys with the gluttony of really good athletic TE's.

It would be hard to complain about taking a blue chip DL/OL/Edge/CB in Rd 1 despite my cravings for an offensive weapon. It's where you build the foundations. We do have quite a bit of OL depth, however, so it may be a scenario where the personnel staff sees that 'Need' come into play with comparable talents.

I believe there have been whispers about the Titans, the Texans and the Patriots. Regardless, I've loved Njiba for quite some time. I see him as the absolutely perfect compliment to Watson and Doubs. Obviously, the Packers would have to buck trends to take him. I was just excited to get a bit of good news (even if it is hearsay in the smoke and mirrors of draft week) on an otherwise classic Wisconsin sports night.

This made me quite happy last night...the Crew were losing at Home to the Tigers...the Bucks were fulfilling an epic choke job... BUT this gave me comfort. May it be so.

Well having 4 of the Top 100 picks is certainly cool. As per usual, I have absolutely no clue what direction the Packers are leaning. If they stay put at 13, I'd be happy with any one of: Top OL, Top DL, Edge, CB, or Njiba. That's pretty much where I stand with some comfort.

RHP Jake Cousins has been recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Nashville Sounds LHP Alex Claudio had his contracted selected by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Nashville Sounds C Johnnys Cabrera has been activated by the Carolina Mudcats

Given Alex Hall's incredible work since leaving for Australia, it makes one wonder: Should every Timber Rattler be given a day with the Big Club as an 'Emergency Replacement'? Food for thought. I'm sure the brass is debating this very idea!

I did not realize coming into the 2023 season I would be tracking Jace Avina's wild strikeout tendencies. I sincerely hope he can tone that down in the months ahead. 22 K in 41 PA is bananas Given LHP Jakob Bristoski's continued struggles locating in early 2023, a move to the Development List would appear to make quite a bit of sense. One of my early season bummers has been the failed launch of his self-proclaimed "Year of Command". Perhaps, we'll be fortunate enough to look back and realize he simply discarded April?

Yeah, it's not just the production of RHP Justin Jarvis - which is obviously eye-popping and intriguing as all get out. It's the way he's doing it. He is currently dominancing the pitch clock. By a fairly significant margin, he is the fastest and most aggressive pitcher in the system with his Mix. The ball is leaving his hand with 12-13 seconds on the clock. He is, imho, tiring hitters - giving them extremely little time to recover one swing to the next.

RHP Luis Contreras is definitely showing Big League stuff in 2023. Attacking hitters. Very active heat. Intimidating stuff. His number show it as do his Statcast peripherals. And, definitely agreed early on RHP Quinton Low. As we discussed recently, his pitching tools are borderline (if not already) filthy. We have yet to see anything offensively in 2023 screaming we have a long-term two-way candidate here. Granted, it's very very early and I personally still love the Brewers are allowing Low to explore both sides of the diamond.

Really enjoying the turning of the Tides in Carolina. They are playing the most consistent brand of baseball in the entire Brewers system (which feels odd to say given their youth and inexperience). As a whole, however, the affiliates are very much exemplifying a combined one game above 0.500. It's time for the blue chippers to jump start their innate talents and gifts.

I'll say this: He had a reputation of nasty but wild. In 2023, so far, he has been very controlled. I would imagine - my own opining here - they are creating the foundations of control first and starter innings next. Stack on success. Prototype an inning to two innings - 30 pitch max - and then build out from there. It seems quite obvious to me early, even if they can't stretch him to a starter, he could absolutely dominate relief innings.

It was game two for all affiliates in their ongoing six-game road series. We had three early morning games for my Inland Pacific Northwest time zone, so I was catching up into the afternoon. Carolina won their third straight, Biloxi bounced back in their own dominant fashion, Nashville squandered another one losing their fifth straight contest, and the T-Rats broke a no-hitter with an improbable 2-0 two-hit victory. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Game Balls: We're going to Carolina and RHP Jacob Misiorowski who continues to dazzle even in limited pitch counts (more below), LHP Ethan Small for a fantastic relief outing showcasing mastery of all parts of the zone (hitters are now 2-of-24 versus Small in 7 1/3 IP), RHP Tobias Myers who again gave his Shuckers teammates a fantastic showing in todays' knock at Rocket City, the continued torrid output of early season Sounds MVP Eddy Alvarez who became the first Sounds player with four hits in a game in 2023, and we'll end with the fantastic overall effort from Timber Rattler Ben Metzinger who played fantastic defense at third base and drove in what proved to be the winning run. Transactions: OF Blake Perkins was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers RHP J.B. Bukauskas was optioned to the Nashville Sounds OF Monte Harrison was activated from Nashville's Development List LHP Thomas Pannone was activated from Nashville's Development List Final: Jacksonville (Marlins) 10, Nashville 9 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Stunned by Jumbo Shrimp in Extras Suddenly gone are those feel good stories and improbable late-inning victories from the very early going of the Sounds 2023 season. The men are in a struggle and they are playing their way deeper into their ongoing slump. After today's loss, Nashville has suddenly squandered five straight games. And, given what I'm seeing, they need a clubhouse come to Baseball Jesus moment to steady their ship. No play was more emblematic than OF Monte Harrison's misplay and errant throw off a sublime reach and poke single to center field in the tenth and final inning. The failed Harrison effort led to the winning run scoring all the way from first base. It's a runner that should have never crossed - especially given the stakes. There was a lack of urgency. There was a lack of execution. Sadly, these snafus are suddenly hitting up and down Rick Sweet's line-up. The Sounds are, simply put, in a funk. Three Quick Strikes: 1) LHP Robert Gasser continues to struggle locating in his second and third trips through Triple-A line-ups. Today was no different. After three very successful and impactful innings, Gasser once again lost that elusive control. He began walking batters. His pitch count elevated. And, he was pulled early. Rick Sweet, unfortunately, was again forced to dig deep into his bullpen in the early going. This overuse is starting to wear on the pen's early season success as today's outing showcased. Getting back to Gasser, there's a mystery going on with him at Triple-A. He very clearly has more than ample stuff as I've said on more than one occasion. But, the accuracy - the trust, the release point, the attack...it's hard to tell - is just not there in any fashion that repeats itself. He'll have to battle these current woes if he is to have any success at the MLB level. There is so much to work with here but it has to be closer to the zone more consistently for the high-caliber arsenal to really start turning heads. 2) LHP Clayton Andrews showcased MLB-ready stuff today and not in the manner we've come to expect. He didn't have his best stuff, whatsoever - uncharacteristically missing the zone early and often. But, he also worked around the control issues and willed his team into extra innings. He rescued struggling J.C. Mejía from further damage to his already shaky 2023 numbers when he grabbed a crucial strikeout off his patented nasty change-up. This got out of the ninth frame with threatening runners on the corners. He showed me quite a bit more mettle today. It won't always be perfect, obviously. What do you do when you're fighting your pitches? He continues to be my favorite arm in the Nashville bullpen. 3) INF Eddy Alvarez continues to be an offensive revelation for the Sounds. A key one out two-run smoothly hit ball to right field grabbed the Sounds a two-run lead in the 10th (we'll bypass the very odd pick-off at first base on a very weakly hit pop up to foul territory) and a 4-for-5 game (two doubles) saw his numbers rocket higher once again: 0.341 BA / 1.133 OPS overall. He's been the Sounds most productive everyday player by a significant stretch in the early going. It's been one of the unexpected surprises of 2023. He's showcasing his dependability should the Brewers suffer yet another untimely injury. Final: Biloxi 7, Rocket City (Angels) 1 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Myers' Eight Strikeouts Leads Shuckers to 7-1 Win over Trash Pandas The bases were dripping for INF Felix Valerio. OF Noah Campbell had just sent a run across with his third free pass on the day (special shout out to the entire Shuckers line-up, actually: 12 BB on the day). And, well, the power literally went out across Rocket City's Toyota Stadium. All feeds were cut. The live stream withered into a cloud of darkness. And, I was left to follow the twitter feeds for random updates. RHP Tobias Myers was fantastic yet again: It got so desperate for Shuckers fans they were sent to Instagram Live to follow new Biloxi announcer, Javik Blake! None the less, the Shuckers rebounded from yesterday's thrashing to put forth a dominant outing of their own. Three Quick Strikes: 1) OF Jackson Chourio has indeed started 2023 slowly. The K's have piled up more than we baseball purists would like, but it's important to focus on the positives with such a talented 19-year-old super prospect. He's still making very good contact. Five of his ten knocks have been for extra bases. Hence, though the batting average is barely treading water above 0.200 we still see the OPS hovering in and around 0.700. He finished his day 2-for-6 with a two-bagger and two more runs. It's a long season. There have been plenty of sparks early. 2) If RHP Tobias Myers continues at this rate, we may see him SOS bat signaled up to Nashville's extremely thin (and struggling) starting pitching staff. After eight more punch outs today, we are looking at a 24:4 K:BB rate in just 16 IP. That's elite output at any level. Batters are hitting a woeful 0.175 against him and the WHIP is sitting at 0.88. It's just three outings but he's showcasing an arsenal worthy of last year's Triple-A status. I, for one, hope he gets another shot. What a fantastic start to his career with the Brewers! 3) Let's talk about another early season revelation: OF Lamar Sparks. We typically hear of Indy League gems unearthed on the pitching side of the Brewers organization. However, early in 2023 Sparks is staking his claim for the offense. Batting lead-off today, Sparks finished 2-for-3 with three free passes and two runs. More importantly, not a single strikeout in that crucial spot in the batting order. In his first action in affiliated since the 2021 season, he is starting to make a name for himself in the highest level he's ever competed in. What's more, we now have a 10:10 BB:K ratio contributing mightily to his 0.839 OPS. Final: Wisconsin 2, Quad City (Royals) 0 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Rattlers Bounce Back with 2-0 Win at Quad Cities RHP Joseph Hernandez really competed tonight and, best of all, improved as his pitch count got higher. We still see AB's get away from him when he's nibbling around the zone but failing to find it - a bit too many 3-1 and 3-0 counts for my liking at this stage. The walks are consistently rearing their heads and that will continue to pose problems if this persists for obvious reasons. But, this is nitpicking. This is a young man who showcases a really interesting pitching tool kit. He can attack hitters from different angles with different speeds and from different arm slots. Tonight, his best pitch was the slider - most impactful as a strikeout pitch versus righties. Again on the plus side, he did not give up much hard contact but for a couple of fly outs directly to Je'Von Ward in left field - with his off-speed deliveries he was mostly seeing a bevy of ground ball outs. A truly solid outing overall and an outing to build upon: 6 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 0 ER. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Let's recognize the sublime field work from Ben Metzinger at the hot corner. He made several difficult charging scoop and throws to Ernesto Martinez at first base (whose continued ability to drop into the splits is a marvel); he made a deep accurate throw from well beyond the bag; and he made a key stab and pop and toss out with a runner on second base and two down. This last play mentioned here prevented what was a surefire run and it ultimately proved to be the key defensive play of the game. 2) Though the young Rattlers couldn't muster a thing versus Quad Cities LHP Tyson Guerrero (a very impressive outing from the 24-year-old southpaw), they did all they needed to do during one key two out sequence in the seventh inning. One Joe Gray Jr. walk; a wild pick-off throw allowing Gray Jr. to advance; a sharply hit opposite field single off the bat of Ben Metzinger; a superb slide and effort at home plate from Gray Jr. beating a bang-bang throw and tag by what appeared to be an eyelash. When your pitchers are shutting the door, that's all you need. One sequence. One series of sublime execution. It was a proverbial baseball chef's kiss. 3) Hats off are indeed ordered for the bullpen efforts of LHP Karlos Morales and RHP Kaleb Bowman. They took the ball after Hernandez's fine work and kept that door shut. Bowman nabbed his 4th save of the young season showcasing his full arsenal of tools getting the final out off a weak dribbler coughed to the dirt before home plate while Morales grabbed his second hold with two scoreless innings himself. I can't help but wonder what glorious southpaw nectar awaits us should LHP Pablo Garabitos get healthy enough to join Morales in the Rattlers pen. Final: Carolina 5, Down East (Rangers) 2 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Mudcats Win Third Straight, 5-2 in Kinston The Mudcats have indeed won three straight, and four of five overall, on the heels of two consecutive 5-2 victories at Down East. RHP Jacob Misiorowski appears to have dazzled in another reduced pitch count workout: 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 3 K. It would appear we are working with pitch counts in the twenties at this stage while maybe reaching thirty. With results like this, however, let's take our time. Unfortunately, as I mentioned yesterday, there is no live feed at Down East. I publicly share some of your frustrations Brewer fans: Stay strong. Stay thirsty. More Misiorowski starts are coming 'round the bend. Three Quick Strikes: 1) The early part of the 2023 Mudcats season was originally all about the young and tantalizing infield. However, it has quickly become the intrigue of the pitching staff. Another fantastic pitching outing across the board today. Special mention will be given to one my ongoing favorites in RHP Edwin Jimenez who remains extremely sharp early in 2023 - 5 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, 5 K. Go get that promotion, young man! 13 K distributed amongst the staff - three apiece for the aforementioned Misiorowski and RHP Nick Merkel while RHP Shane Smith grabs two and his first save. 2) Back to the young infield, it's really nice to see both Gregory Barrios and Daniel Guillarte start getting some hits! The young duo went a combined 5-for-10 today manning the top of the order. We see 1 RBI apiece with Guillarte grabbing two runs in the lead-off slot. On the other side of things, 1B/DH/RP Quinton Low did his best Jace Avina impression going 0-for-5 with 5 punch outs. He'll look to bounce back. Clearly, Low's best work in the early season is happening on the mound. 3) 1B (and only occasional catcher these days) Tayden Hall is showcasing a continued patient approach at the dish. Today's outing feature a 2-for-3 output - 2 BB, 1 K. We'd like to see more XBH's as the season progresses, but the ongoing 3:1 BB:K ratio is a wonderful thing to look at. Patience with the lumber in hand is one of the most difficult skills for young players to develop. I'm looking forward to tracking his AB's as soon as live streams become available again. We're back to playing strictly under the lights tomorrow across the lower levels. We'll see RHP Caleb Boushley attempt to right his ship and give his bullpen and manager Rick Sweet a sigh of relief. We'll see if RHP Christian Mejias can stack success for the Shuckers at Rocket City coming off his last shutdown 8 K outing. RHP Cameron Wagoner will look to keep momentum going for the Timber Rattlers down in Quad Cities. And, young 19-year-old RHP Yujanyer Herrera will attempt to keep the Mudcats rolling down in Down East. Our affiliates just snuck above 0.500 cumulatively at 25-24 on the young season. Let's keep it rolling, men! 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