Joseph Zarr

Updated ‘Prospect Larceny’ Top 100’s. Confirming what I suspected: both Carlos F. Rodriguez and Stiven Cruz make the top 50 with Cruz all the way up to 22. Cruz is still under the radar, it seems, but in terms of raw stuff I would put him slightly above Rodriguez as well. For reference, both hurlers are placed just above the Rays super prospect RHP Taj Bradley - who I watched several times in Montgomery and with Durham at Triple-A. It is a serious thing to have your raw stuff and results rated above (keeping in mind competition levels is the obvious addendum here)

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. Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic 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

Jacob Misiorowski ALERT: (Goooooood Stuff)

Welp, not the way the Sounds wanted to end their regular season, but, honestly, who cares? They're healthy. They knew they had the One Seed. They have the best record in Triple-A baseball. LET'S GO! I'm ready for Vegas. I want a trophy.

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. . Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic 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

Erceg is scuffling down the final part of his regular season stretch. After struggling his last outing in his second outing in two nights, he came to the mound tonight after 3 days rest. He has now walked his 3rd batter after giving up an rbi flare to left field. It's 9-4 Sounds. The bases are loaded. Two down. Rick Sweet to the mound to pull the struggling young arm. Hobie Harris will come on to try and end this thing.

Well, it's a 5 run 8th for the Sounds. What was a 4-3 lead. Is now 9-3. Two runners on, now. Frelick to the dish. 9th batter of the inning. Every Sound has a hit now that Reyes grabbed one here in the 8th.

Joey Wiemer with his second RBI dubbbbb of the night. A big insurance run. This one ripped down the left field line knocking in Esteury Ruiz who has stolen two more bases and has 85 on the season. Absurd. Just absurd. Cam Devanney follows ripping a single through the left side of the infield and Wiemer sprints home for the run. 6-3. 2022 Sounds baseball is simply THE team to watch in the entire Brewers organization. MLB level on down. This team is too much fun.

Men on 1st and 3rd base. Two down. You're going to try and take second on Navarreto? Ummmm, mistake. Out. Again. He's a stud. A flat out stud. Love him. AND, we are afforded another highlight:

Frelick extends his On Base streak to 40 with a parachute single to shallow left center - deserved after smacking two infield liners directly in the realm of a glove. Glorious stuff.

My. MAN. Brian Navarreto just smashed a laser beam to left field for a solo shot here in the bottom of the fifth. 108 mph off the bat. Love. It. 3-2 Sounds. 'Navs' is definitely one of my 'most underrated prospects' in the Brewers system. I love his game. I just love the player. Way too limited in the PT department. And, the highlight is up:

Tyler Herb just made of a heck of a play on a bare-handed throw out off the mound. He's more athletic than you think. Heck of a play. Take a look:

BTW, the PCL championship game will be El Paso vs. Reno (Padres vs. Diamondbacks) on Friday night. So, we will head into Saturday knowing who we're playing IF we happen to pull it out. And, according to announcer Jeff Hem, the Sounds will go Boushley Saturday with Linblom Sunday. Perfect. Just perfect. Sal Frelick is 0-2 early but, man, he's hit two absolute smacks right to the third baseman and then 3-4' directly to SS Kramer Robertson. Robertson is such a good fielder with a cannon of an arm. Heck of a play. My point is: Frelick looks like he hasn't missed a beat after taking days off from cramps.

It's wild, Alexander is struggling with control a bit. His fastball seems to be a tick or so slower (typically hits 92-93. Tonight he is 90-91). BUT, he still has 7 K through 3 IP. Working around singles and walks essentially.

After striking two dangerous hitters in a row, he gives up a first pitch change-up over the heart of the plate and the lefty smacks it into right field. It is now 2-2. Two down. Men on the corners.

He opened with a walk on the 9-hitter. A single to LF to put men on 1st and 2nd. Then beaned the lead-off man. Bases juiced. Nobody down.

Alexander has two men on with nobody down for the second time in three innings. Let's see if he can work around this as well like he did in the first frame.

It would appear we face the Durham Bulls Saturday in Vegas. It will be a very intriguing match-up. Three series on the year. 10-8 Sounds lead the overall record. Rays vs. Brewers. Durham tends to give the Sounds trouble as they are a very talented lefty batting line-up. Aranda is always an offensive threat. Josh Lowe has given them massive problems. Luke Raley is always a threat. A very very talented Triple-A club.

Indeed. He is a sinker baller after all. A couple of singles looped into the outfield. Ended the frame with 2 k's after a wild pitch advanced both runners.