Joseph Zarr

Just bumping this as our friendly reminder: The Brewers (and all MLB teams) have until November 15th to protect players from the Rule 5 draft (December 7th). That is less than 4 days from now. Let the countdown clock commence… As many of you know, I will be paying steadfast attention to one of Elon’s finest, INF Cam Devanney. For his latest thoughts check HERE (note: subscription required for interview). I think it’s quite obvious (at least, it should be) RHP Abner Uribe has locked himself into protection. BUT, I for one am going to return to consult Jim’s awesome work above.

Just bumping this as our friendly reminder: The Brewers (and all MLB teams) have until November 15th to protect players from the Rule 5 draft (December 7th). That is less than 4 days from now. Let the countdown clock commence… As many of you know, I will be paying steadfast attention to one of Elon’s finest, INF Cam Devanney. For his latest thoughts check HERE (note: subscription required for interview). I think it’s quite obvious (at least, it should be) RHP Abner Uribe has locked himself into protection. BUT, I for one am going to return to consult Jim’s awesome work above.

What was really great to watch in Knarrly's overall season was how he faced adversity and overcame it in Biloxi. It is not easy to pitch in the Southern League - at all. He came aboard initially and was phenomenal. He faced adversity after his final 3 starts in July and into early August. Something clicked, some adjustments were made (?), an approach changed (?), after facing the Braves on the road in early August. Personally, I'd love to hear about this particular stretch of games and what he did to close out the season so strongly. He was striking out batters incredibly well in July but the walks went up into August and his WHIP had jumped to 1.42. In the three games I watched in September he slashed that way back to a very respectable 1.19 WHIP. Anyhow, 2023 is another big year for a young Brewers hurler and this will absolutely be true for Mr. Knarr.

What was really great to watch in Knarrly's overall season was how he faced adversity and overcame it in Biloxi. It is not easy to pitch in the Southern League - at all. He came aboard initially and was phenomenal. He faced adversity after his final 3 starts in July and into early August. Something clicked, some adjustments were made (?), an approach changed (?), after facing the Braves on the road in early August. Personally, I'd love to hear about this particular stretch of games and what he did to close out the season so strongly. He was striking out batters incredibly well in July but the walks went up into August and his WHIP had jumped to 1.42. In the three games I watched in September he slashed that way back to a very respectable 1.19 WHIP. Anyhow, 2023 is another big year for a young Brewers hurler and this will absolutely be true for Mr. Knarr.

What a great interview, gentlemen! Thank you Eric and @Seth Stohs for a great conversation.

These 'Spotlights' are fantastic @Seth Stohs. Thanks for the work to get these 'out there'. It was a pleasure to watch Eric play for Carolina - in the short healthy period we were afforded. We're rooting for you, young man. Stay the course. The plan is in motion.

These 'Spotlights' are fantastic @Seth Stohs. Thanks for the work to get these 'out there'. It was a pleasure to watch Eric play for Carolina - in the short healthy period we were afforded. We're rooting for you, young man. Stay the course. The plan is in motion.

I would propose Zavier Warren is having an incredible career trajectory altering second half to 2022 (ongoing in the AFL) and is a solid 3B and is now expanding his arsenal to 1B. Just a savvy savvy smart baseball player whose advanced hit tool is finally seeing results. Additionally, I would like to remind people Cam Devanney is the best 3B in the Brewers system. And, if we toss out post-COVID 2021 (87 Games in Double-A Biloxi) he has 189 combined games between 2019 and 2022 hitting an 0.840 OPS while absolutely raking in his 16 game late-season playoff-push promotion to Triple-A (0.306 BA/ 0.928 OPS) . His defense is undeniably elite with an incredible arm. Needs to continue working on K:BB ratio tho it certainly isn't prohibitive. Carry on.

I would propose Zavier Warren is having an incredible career trajectory altering second half to 2022 (ongoing in the AFL) and is a solid 3B and is now expanding his arsenal to 1B. Just a savvy savvy smart baseball player whose advanced hit tool is finally seeing results. Additionally, I would like to remind people Cam Devanney is the best 3B in the Brewers system. And, if we toss out post-COVID 2021 (87 Games in Double-A Biloxi) he has 189 combined games between 2019 and 2022 hitting an 0.840 OPS while absolutely raking in his 16 game late-season playoff-push promotion to Triple-A (0.306 BA/ 0.928 OPS) . His defense is undeniably elite with an incredible arm. Needs to continue working on K:BB ratio tho it certainly isn't prohibitive. Carry on.

Thanks for the posts all. As I'm nostalgic for this past season and longing for my Minor League tilts, I simply want to say I will look back on Stearns' legacy with only fondness. His leadership completely reinvigorated my passion and love for the organization. I have nothing negative to say. And, I would also like to take a moment to laud David Stearns for gifting and rewarding Matt Arnold with this opportunity. I choose to embrace this version of this story - two colleagues and friends; both incredibly qualified for a POBO role. I won't go further here but I think it's possible, maybe even likely, this was simply an act of professional and personal grace. I would also say, in the greater universe, 7 year cycles are literally the rule of shift and change. I digress but, this serendipitous transition isn't lost on my Farmer's POV. I waited until Giannis and innovative leadership and vision to see the Bucks grab an improbable championship. I'm willing to give my beloved Brewers every chance to get it. Who could have foreseen Yelich's injuries and regressions? I certainly didn't. They still have all the relevant pieces to continue making runs. Our Minor League talent pool is in good standing. This is another big off-season and I'm excited to see what Matt Arnold can do given his new position and an incredible baseball Ops staff.

Thanks for the posts all. As I'm nostalgic for this past season and longing for my Minor League tilts, I simply want to say I will look back on Stearns' legacy with only fondness. His leadership completely reinvigorated my passion and love for the organization. I have nothing negative to say. And, I would also like to take a moment to laud David Stearns for gifting and rewarding Matt Arnold with this opportunity. I choose to embrace this version of this story - two colleagues and friends; both incredibly qualified for a POBO role. I won't go further here but I think it's possible, maybe even likely, this was simply an act of professional and personal grace. I would also say, in the greater universe, 7 year cycles are literally the rule of shift and change. I digress but, this serendipitous transition isn't lost on my Farmer's POV. I waited until Giannis and innovative leadership and vision to see the Bucks grab an improbable championship. I'm willing to give my beloved Brewers every chance to get it. Who could have foreseen Yelich's injuries and regressions? I certainly didn't. They still have all the relevant pieces to continue making runs. Our Minor League talent pool is in good standing. This is another big off-season and I'm excited to see what Matt Arnold can do given his new position and an incredible baseball Ops staff.

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