Joseph Zarr

Firstly, I'm not picking on you. But, I'm also saying: he didn't really struggle in Triple-A. As to playing in Nashville, he was getting intermittent PT - 3-4 days off was routine. He was in a rotation. So, I simply take it with a grain of salt given 66 AB's. What's more telling than anything is he was promoted very late given his absurd production in Biloxi and he wasn't thrust into the starting line-up whatsoever. He was 2nd or 3rd in a rotation. And, when he first played, moreover, he was in LF. You have to remember, at that time there was an Alex Jackson/Navarreto and a Feliciano at Nashville. Severino was also playing in Milwaukee at that time - as we know, he ultimately was optioned and at that time...he's just not high on the pecking order. SO, as you say, he would have had to arrived in Nashville ripping and then some to move up the ladder or to gain relevance.

Firstly, I'm not picking on you. But, I'm also saying: he didn't really struggle in Triple-A. As to playing in Nashville, he was getting intermittent PT - 3-4 days off was routine. He was in a rotation. So, I simply take it with a grain of salt given 66 AB's. What's more telling than anything is he was promoted very late given his absurd production in Biloxi and he wasn't thrust into the starting line-up whatsoever. He was 2nd or 3rd in a rotation. And, when he first played, moreover, he was in LF. You have to remember, at that time there was an Alex Jackson/Navarreto and a Feliciano at Nashville. Severino was also playing in Milwaukee at that time - as we know, he ultimately was optioned and at that time...he's just not high on the pecking order. SO, as you say, he would have had to arrived in Nashville ripping and then some to move up the ladder or to gain relevance.

Firstly, he was second runner-up. He certainly wasn't above Chourio. BUT, this being said, he was ranked that high because he literally carried Biloxi's water for the majority of the season when Frelick, Mitchell, and Wiemer all had extensive injury absences. He was incredible. As to @UpandIn's remarks. I tend to disagree on the 'he did terribly'. 66 AB's is definitely a nothing sample size (it is essentially a DSL sample size). Take a look at the 70 AB sample size at KC's Omaha (also International League) and he had a 0.857 OPS. The Brewers have incredibly good catching depth. They just do. When I watched Reetz catch, I couldn't honestly say I liked his overall catching toolkit better than a Navaretto or a Diaz - who are further down the pecking order - he certainly was less mistake prone than a Feliciano (whose bat tool has fared at every level and he's 3 years younger) and was more advanced than Darrien Miller (age, age, age...improving and versatile player). I would offer they simply didn't see his OF work (not all that exciting) as anything meriting desperately holding onto a catcher who is quite honestly average defensively - in every aspect he is acceptable but nothing noteworthy (and, I was clearly driving the Hype Train). That gets into: do they think his offensive output in 2022 is replicable? My answer to that would be: they probably didn't see it as a consistent outcome given his overall track record and like their catching depth more than trying to make it work for him the system. My two cents.

Firstly, he was second runner-up. He certainly wasn't above Chourio. BUT, this being said, he was ranked that high because he literally carried Biloxi's water for the majority of the season when Frelick, Mitchell, and Wiemer all had extensive injury absences. He was incredible. As to @UpandIn's remarks. I tend to disagree on the 'he did terribly'. 66 AB's is definitely a nothing sample size (it is essentially a DSL sample size). Take a look at the 70 AB sample size at KC's Omaha (also International League) and he had a 0.857 OPS. The Brewers have incredibly good catching depth. They just do. When I watched Reetz catch, I couldn't honestly say I liked his overall catching toolkit better than a Navaretto or a Diaz - who are further down the pecking order - he certainly was less mistake prone than a Feliciano (whose bat tool has fared at every level and he's 3 years younger) and was more advanced than Darrien Miller (age, age, age...improving and versatile player). I would offer they simply didn't see his OF work (not all that exciting) as anything meriting desperately holding onto a catcher who is quite honestly average defensively - in every aspect he is acceptable but nothing noteworthy (and, I was clearly driving the Hype Train). That gets into: do they think his offensive output in 2022 is replicable? My answer to that would be: they probably didn't see it as a consistent outcome given his overall track record and like their catching depth more than trying to make it work for him the system. My two cents.

I still find it amazing Frelick will begin his 2023 season (wherever he lands at the start) with a 42 game on base streak. Better days are ahead, Brewers fans. A true lead-off hitter, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time, is waiting in the wings.

I still find it amazing Frelick will begin his 2023 season (wherever he lands at the start) with a 42 game on base streak. Better days are ahead, Brewers fans. A true lead-off hitter, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time, is waiting in the wings.

I think we both know how we feel about Barrios and Guillarte. They may not pop off as clear ‘Hitter of the Year’ winners but we both know they are extremely legitimate and intriguing middle infield prospects to watch in 2023 and beyond. Heck, they are both still just 18 and certainly showed enough contact, OBP, and base running qualities (not to mention defensive prowess) to raise eyebrows. They have clear potential to leap frog several prospects higher in the system if things come together. Lots to like there indeed.

I think we both know how we feel about Barrios and Guillarte. They may not pop off as clear ‘Hitter of the Year’ winners but we both know they are extremely legitimate and intriguing middle infield prospects to watch in 2023 and beyond. Heck, they are both still just 18 and certainly showed enough contact, OBP, and base running qualities (not to mention defensive prowess) to raise eyebrows. They have clear potential to leap frog several prospects higher in the system if things come together. Lots to like there indeed.

It wasn't the result the Sounds wanted to end their regular season, but, honestly, who cares? ? The Sounds avoided any major injuries and they already had the number one seed wrapped up. Now, it's on to the playoffs Saturday night in Vegas. LHP Robert Gasser avoided his recent walk issues but apparently, he hit a bit too much of the plate in what was most likely his final outing of his 2022 season - 5 IP, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 ER, 6 K. The Sounds ultimately fell 8-4 closing their regular season with a loss. Transactions: OF Ramon Moreno was activated off the Restricted List by the DSL Brewers 1 RHP Justin Topa was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Memphis (Cardinals) 8, Nashville 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Clipped in Regular Season Finale - Team Finishes the Regular Season with 91 Wins It's not often you see an opposing team pad a lead at Horizon Park with RHP Trevor Kelley on the mound. That's just what happened in the top of the ninth inning when he surrendered an unlikely three-run jack to Redbirds catcher, Ivan Herrera. Even though the loss was unfortunate, let us celebrate another Sounds milestone: with Patrick Dorrian's second homer in the fourth frame, the Sounds plated their 807th run of their season surpassing their organizational record of 806 runs in 1999. A new century. And, new feats aplenty in 2022. What a season. I feel absolutely privileged to have watched so many games from this incredible team. And, let's not forget, even though Dorrian smashed two...INF Brice Turang hit another long ball as well (his 13th of his season - 9 of which came after the All Star break...sky is the limit): Three Quick Strikes: 1) We've discovered INF Patrick Dorrian has become a serious Sounds weapon on the road since the All-Star break. But, two long balls at home in the same game? Well, hey now! The Brewers might seriously have something here and it is yet another impactful pick-up in a season filled with them. Let's take a look at his homer in the bottom of the fourth inning as called by RHP's Caleb Boushley and Josh Lindblom. Yes, that's right. Listen in: 2) The Sounds finished their regular season home record with a grand total of (checks Schedule) a 48-27 record. I'm fairly certain that leads all the Minor Leagues (checks the Sounds press release above, confirmed!). What is perhaps more surprising is the massive improvement we witnessed on the road in the second half of the regular season. If you want to consider the meaning behind their best record in all of Triple-A, look at what they did just before the All Star Break on the road and during the entire second half: a 5-1 series win over the Clippers in Columbus, a 4-2 series win at Norfolk, a 4-2 series win at Jacksonville, a 4-2 series win at Durham, and a 4-2 series win at Louisville. That's just incredible output that ultimately paid their way to Las Vegas. 3) Let's finish with OF Sal Frelick. It truly is difficult to fathom what we've seen from this young stud since he started making waves in Biloxi. The 2022 season, as a whole, is simply awe-inspiring. The growth curve we are witnessing defies logic and expectations. We have seen the in-season evolution of a true lead-off prospect the likes of which we have most likely never seen in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform. This isn't hyperbole. His contact tool is simply off the charts. He hits lefties. He hits righties. He simply gets on base - to the tune of 41 games straight and counting. The only rationale I can gather concerning his lack of promotion to the MLB roster is the Brewers absolutely know what they have here and they want every single day of team control to manifest itself in full seasons of service time. They must not want to sprinkle in random days and weeks here in any way shape or form. It's truly the only thing that makes any bit of sense. Let us end with a mere share of what we've seen in this 41-game on-base streak (?):0.364 BA (60-for-165), 9 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 36 R, 23 RBI. Do you think this might be of benefit to a certain club woefully trying to make the MLB playoffs? Well, folks, this is my last Minor League Report of 2022. It has been an absolute pleasure offering my observations and thoughts during a Brewers Minor League season filled with such a bounty of intrigue. We saw players take giant leaps in their development, we saw new draft picks grab their footholds, and now we get to support our Nashville Sounds as they look to take the Triple-A crown this weekend in Las Vegas. As always, thanks for reading and thank you for supporting these young men as they chase their 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

Castillo really started coming on the last week or so of the season which was really nice to see - he was docked in the voting for Short Season because he was one of the earliest call-ups (ie smaller sample size). I would also add, Branlyn Jaraba and Eduarqui Fernandez showed enough sizzle to merit a watchful eye in 2023. Both young men proved their worth in various spurts of excellence in Low-A.

Castillo really started coming on the last week or so of the season which was really nice to see - he was docked in the voting for Short Season because he was one of the earliest call-ups (ie smaller sample size). I would also add, Branlyn Jaraba and Eduarqui Fernandez showed enough sizzle to merit a watchful eye in 2023. Both young men proved their worth in various spurts of excellence in Low-A.

It was the last evening home game of 2022 - with an attendance of around 7,000 fans the Sounds moved back atop the Minor League attendance leaderboard passing Lehigh Valley and Indianapolis who were both on the road. It was 4-3 Sounds headed to the eighth frame and, boy, did they pour it on for their 91st victory of their 2022 campaign ensuring their 18th series win. We also learned the Sounds will take their 10-8 overall record versus Durham to Vegas on Saturday. Let's hope the Sounds can manage one more in the 'W' column as those pesky and talented Bulls will look to give Nashville everything they have. What we do know, regardless of what happens tomorrow, is the Sounds will indeed hold the number one seed throughout the weekend no matter how far they go - they will pitch first and bat last. And, hopefully, they'll do so for a couple of outings before their champagne shower while hoisting a shiny trophy. . Transactions: None Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 9, Memphis (Cardinals) 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Pull Away from Redbirds Late - Brian Navarreto Hits Go-Ahead Homer, Nashville Wins Sixth Straight Against Memphis Let me get this out of the way: In his first game back from a brief absence, Sal Frelick did indeed extend his on base streak to 40 games with a flare to shallow left center field. RHP Jason Alexander gave a good effort through 3 2/3 IP and just over 70 pitches. He managed seven punch outs in the shortened stint, but, I would say he wasn't actually particularly sharp. He ultimately gave up 5 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, and 2 ER. His bases loaded no out jam led to a game-tying two runs in the third frame before he ended it on his third strikeout of the inning. RHP Tyler Herb gave us a classic 2022 multiple inning successful relief stint - 4 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 1 K. RHP Lucas Erceg struggled for his second time in two outings - an unfortunate ending to what has otherwise been a fantastic run in August and most of September. Three Quick Strikes: 1) What does C Brian Navarreto have to do to get more opportunities? I would place him in the Brent Diaz class of 'Most Underrated Position Players' in the entire Brewers organization. Every game I watch him play, I come away impressed. More importantly, I don't come away after watching him catch with a single question about his game. I am convinced Navarreto might be a classic case of a talented catcher finding his pro game at a later age (27 years old today). In my eyes, if this is the player we would see on a regular basis, this is a rotational MLB player. Historically, his offense has been fairly woeful. However, in 2022: he makes solid contact and he gives good AB's. His defense, framing, and game calling is superb. He is a weapon throwing out baserunners. Something doesn't compute for me here. Regardless, I am extremely thankful for his 42 games of service to date for Nashville. 2) INF Cam Devanney once again made several fantastic plays from the hot corner. He makes extremely tricky defensive plays look entirely routine. In my eyes he is far and away the most talented third baseman in the system today. He now has a Minor League baseline of experience. He has a cannon for an arm. He has an incredible glove - stabbing several extremely hard hit balls from various angles tonight. And, his bat is ascending - his Triple-A sample is outproducing what was already an impressive Double-A sample. I am now at the point if he isn't protected in the Rule 5 draft, I am actually going to be disappointed. Don't let me down, Brewers. Make the sensible decision here. 3) OF Joey Wiemer again showcased his complete game. Coming off a brief stint with what was described by announcer Jeff Hem as 'left arm soreness', he hit the ground running early and often. Two rbi doubles that were absolutely smashed. Speed for days as he charged around third base for a run in the table-turning eighth frame. And, the classic Wiemer cannon that kept a couple runners from challenging for second base. He's a complete player in every regard when he's healthy. He's again checking all the coveted five tool boxes. His end to his 2022 season has reminded us all why he won last year's Minor League Player of the Year for the Brewers. Tune in early for the Sounds final Home contest of their incredible 2022 season. We'll be feasting on a final regular season tilt in a matinee affair. As of now, it looks as though we'll be getting one last look at tantalizing LHP Robert Gasser. Let's hope he gives us a glimpse at future greatness. As always, thanks for reading. 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

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I approve of this message. You know I do.?

When the Sounds are good, they're really good. Lately, that typically involves a Josh Lindblom start. I spoke to it at the end of yesterday's report and I wasn't lying - Lindblom is our man. He is pitching lights out baseball right now. Oh, and geez, Sal Frelick extended his on-base streak with yet another home run - his second in two nights. Tonight's ding dong was the three-run variety. The Magic Number for a Sounds playoff extravaganza is now a mere three games. I can taste it and it is sweeeeet. Transactions: RHP Jason Alexander was optioned back to the Nashville Sounds from the Milwaukee Brewers Final: Nashville 17, Louisville (Reds) 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Lindblom, Sounds Dominate Louisville - Nashville's Magic Number Moves to Three After Crushing the Bats Joey Wiemer absent for the fourth consecutive game? No problem. The Sounds poured it on with 14 hits and 17 runs in yet another incredible Josh Lindblom pitching performance. He is rolling and it is wonderful. There were so many supporting roles in this epic performance - a performance that even included an under-the-radar (somehow!) immaculate inning from RHP Cam Robinson to close this one out. It's not often a nine pitch, nine strike, three strikeout close-out is somehow floating in the dust as an afterthought. This shan't happen here, fine sirs! Oh NO! It shan't! Three Quick Strikes: 1) As noted above in the title: Frelick continued his run of greatness. My word it has been something to watch the run he's been on since he returned to Biloxi off IL way back on July 6th. 38 consecutive games on base is bananas at any level of baseball. Dominating at a higher rate of impact after each promotion is also bananas. This is top 20 MLB prospect stuff, folks. Flat out. This is electric. Soak it up while you can. The ball looked off speed coming toward the plate. It certainly did not leaving Frelick's bat: 2) Catcher Brian Navarreto is one of my favorite Sounds players. He is almost entirely under the radar due to the vast depth of catching across the system and, frankly, the bigger names and the fact he's yet another Minor League journeyman making due with Nashville in 2022. But, I swear to you dear readers, every time he plays the game of baseball he impresses me - with his size, his agility, his arm, and his bat. Couple that with his incredible demeanor and persona (he makes for such joyously fun interviews), and he just easily became one of my favorite men on the team. A 2-for-5, 3 R, 5 RBI, 1 HR night just doesn't surprise me. He's only played in 39 games. He's only had just over 100 AB's. I don't care. I'll take him to my diamond any day of the week. I see you, Mr. Navarreto. Thank you for your efforts. And, thank you for your personality: 3) An immaculate closing inning from Robinson? Check. Multiple hit performances from Brice Turang, Pedro Severino, Jonny Davis, Weston Wilson , and Navarreto? Check. 8-for-14 with RISP? Check. A No-Hitter through five complete innings? Check. Magic Number reduced to three games? Check. This 2022 Sounds season is such a treat. I am here for every step of the remaining journey. Let's go! We'll get another chance to see LHP Robert Gasser in a pivotal match-up tomorrow as he takes on fellow lefty, and former Mariners 2019 2nd Round pick, Brandon Williamson . It will be interesting to see how manager Rick Sweet sets his line-up. I'll be tuning in. I smell the post-season and my eyes remain on the prize. 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

In yet another key game in the Sounds deep playoff push, a cellar dwellar again proved to be the thorn in Nashville's side. I don't know what it is, but I have yet to see an easy game played versus Charlotte or Louisville. So it goes in a baseball season. Let's get into the quick recap. Transactions: 9/19: (late transaction) C Nick Kahle was assigned to the Nashville Sounds from the Biloxi Shuckers RHP Justin Topa was was optioned to the Nashville Sounds by the Milwaukee Brewers Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Louisville (Reds) 10, Nashville 5 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Falter in Louisville - Nashville's Magic Number Remains at Five to Win Division A bases loaded one out situation in the top of the eighth inning fell short when INF Cam Devanney grounded into a first pitch, broken bat, ground ball to the Bats shortstop. This was truly an unfortunate end after INF Patrick Dorrian had just worked an 0-2 count to a 10-pitch walk to load them up. A chance to take the lead for the first time or, in the very least, continue chipping away ended in a fizzle and the Sounds trailed 7-5. It would officially get away from them after RHP Luis Contreras and LHP Ethan Small (who clearly continues to scuffle) gave up three more runs combined in the next half inning to complete the final score. Three Quick Strikes: 1) OF Sal Frelick extended his on base streak to 37 games (!!) with a double and a two-run line drive home run over the right field wall. This is the longest current active streak in the International League and the second longest of the season. I don't know about you, but I am really really looking forward to Frelick's opportunity at the MLB level. He has done everything and more in his 2022 Minor League season and I'm just not sure what more there is to prove. If the plan is to wait for 2023, the Sounds will consider themselves extremely lucky to have him for a hopeful playoff push. 2) A big tip of the cap is in order for RHP Robbie Baker . It's hard to fathom he made his Triple-A debut tonight considering where his stuff was at earlier in the year in High-A Wisconsin. This being said, and I alluded to it in a couple earlier season reports, the stuff is there to succeed at a higher clip. He pitches with violence and a clear competitiveness. He's an absolute gamer. Aside from a lead-off home run blast over the wall in right field he picked it up, as did the gloves around him, and he turned in a successful first outing. As an everyday fan of the Brewers Minor Leagues, it was a proud moment for me to see him make his debut. 3) I rarely ever question Triple-A legendary manager Rick Sweet and his incredible staff but one has to wonder what the thinking was in the bottom half of the eighth inning. RHP Luis Contreras was left in to face multiple lefty bats when Small was clearly available in the bullpen. Contreras gave up a walk, a shift-beating single, and another single before he was pulled for Small...who faced a righty. It may not have meant anything in the end, there was likely a rationale beyond my scope, but it certainly didn't work out. That was the game right there. And, well, sometimes you just take the frustrating loss and move on to the next. Tonight was that kind of night. I am putting full faith in another quality start from AAAA stalwart, RHP Josh Lindbolm . Constantly under the radar. Constantly overlooked. Almost always showing up and shutting it down. Let's knock that magic number down a notch tomorrow. Lindbolm is our man. 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

Transaction-wise: (one more) C Nick Kahle was assigned to the Sounds from the Shuckers

Transaction-wise: (one more) C Nick Kahle was assigned to the Sounds from the Shuckers

I am at the same point of reflection on Sal Frelick’s overall impact as I was way back on Michael Harris II’s impact when he played and dominated for the Double-A Mississippi Braves. Simply put: Frelick has done more than enough to demonstrate he could have legitimate real impact at the MLB level. Harris II routinely did the same - it was uber-apparent every time the Shuckers faced him, he was a game wrecker. In every aspect of the term. There obviously isn’t a causal relationship here (there never is) but given the success we’ve seen for the Atlanta Braves with both Michael Harris II and more recently call-up, Vaughn Grissom (who I also saw in his brief Mississippi Braves tenure), it begs to ask the question: In a season where the Brewers have been lauded for their ‘faster promotions than their historical status quo’ efforts, it certainly is a worthwhile consideration to propose “Is it fast enough?” There are many factors to consider here, and just maybe the team sees that this squad is better served to punt meaningful promotions until 2023 and beyond (especially given the ongoing key pitching injuries and Houser’s ugly season all things considered), but it is certainly worth looking at the recent successes and turnarounds we’ve witnessed in the World Series Champs organization. Their aggressiveness and willingness to Buck the status quo is appearing to serve them yet again. Meanwhile, I struggle to make sense of what exactly it is the Brewers are trying to accomplish in 2022. I maintain this position even if they manage to defy the odds and make the Playoffs. Anyhow, go Sounds!

I am at the same point of reflection on Sal Frelick’s overall impact as I was way back on Michael Harris II’s impact when he played and dominated for the Double-A Mississippi Braves. Simply put: Frelick has done more than enough to demonstrate he could have legitimate real impact at the MLB level. Harris II routinely did the same - it was uber-apparent every time the Shuckers faced him, he was a game wrecker. In every aspect of the term. There obviously isn’t a causal relationship here (there never is) but given the success we’ve seen for the Atlanta Braves with both Michael Harris II and more recently call-up, Vaughn Grissom (who I also saw in his brief Mississippi Braves tenure), it begs to ask the question: In a season where the Brewers have been lauded for their ‘faster promotions than their historical status quo’ efforts, it certainly is a worthwhile consideration to propose “Is it fast enough?” There are many factors to consider here, and just maybe the team sees that this squad is better served to punt meaningful promotions until 2023 and beyond (especially given the ongoing key pitching injuries and Houser’s ugly season all things considered), but it is certainly worth looking at the recent successes and turnarounds we’ve witnessed in the World Series Champs organization. Their aggressiveness and willingness to Buck the status quo is appearing to serve them yet again. Meanwhile, I struggle to make sense of what exactly it is the Brewers are trying to accomplish in 2022. I maintain this position even if they manage to defy the odds and make the Playoffs. Anyhow, go Sounds!

5 of his past 6 outings scoreless for RHP Arnaldo Hernandez is another late-season Shuckers storyline to uplift and inspire (granted the sole blemish was a 4 run, 5 hit affair in 2 IP) RHP Harold Chirino has been walking a batter an inning in August but he’s been walking that tightrope quite effectively considering the results. He has some pretty intriguing stuff and it feels like a couple minor tweaks and adjustments could really make him a serious late inning threat. He hits 97-99mph with regularity. Still just 24 yo. It feels like, given his improvements as a whole in 2022, next season is a pretty significant one for the young hurler.