Jim Goulart

Thank you, Rob Wooten, for putting the conditions in Colorado Springs in such easily understandable terms for us. h/t to Andrew Gruman

Donald Rieber Jr. covered each of the past two Manatee games for his Examiner page, and collects postgame quotes as well, so catch up on his work here: Tuesday's walkoff win - includes Joe Ayrault discussing his ejection Wednesday AM's Education day loss

WV Brew has updated his Manatees coverage with the Florida Today game story from today's early, early matinee, so be sure to click back to this post and catch up on that. Also, the 'Tees have already posted audio from today's game. AUDIO, Game Highlights: The Flying Tigers defeat Brevard County, 3-1 on Education Day at Space Coast Stadium

Final: Biloxi 4, Jacksonville 1 Late rally helps Wagner earn league-leading third win Yadiel Rivera and Orlando Arcia extend their streaks in 4-1 win over Jacksonville Biloxi Shuckers http://www.milb.com/assets/images/5/1/0/119859510/cuts/DSC07605_ax12wnfp_q5owregw.JPG Yadiel Rivera extended his hitting streak to 10 games on Wednesday afternoon (Photo by John Shadrick) JACKSONVILLE, FL. - It took a while for the Shuckers' bats to wake up Wednesday afternoon, but they came up with three runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to rally for a 4-1 victory over the Jacksonville Suns at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Tyler Wagner became the Southern League's first three-game winner on the mound, allowing just a run on three hits over six quality innings, lowering his ERA in the process to 1.59. Jacksonville (6-6) took the early lead in the third on a solo home run by Justin Bohn and starting pitcher Kendry Flores (L, 1-2) rolled through the first five innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four. Biloxi (7-5) woke up the bats in the sixth with a three-run rally to grab the lead. Yadiel Rivera (1x3, R) started things out with a triple that glanced off the glove of third baseman Zach Cox. Rivera took an aggressive slide into second and came off the bag, then proceeded to take off for third and slid just under the tag of Cox. Orlando Arcia (1x2, RBI, R) walked to put runners on the corners for Nick Ramirez (1x4, RBI, R) who floated one into shallow right centerfield to bring in Rivera to tie the game. Rivera continues to find ways to get hits as he extended his hitting streak to 10 games with the triple and Arcia has now reached base safely in all 12 games after his double in the fourth inning. Rivera's 10-game hitting streak matches Mississippi's Daniel Castro and Montgomery's Tyler Goeddel for the longest this season in the league. Michael Reed (1x4, RBI) ripped a sharp single to score Arcia and extended the sixth, then Ramirez scored with Nathan Orf (1x4) at the plate on a passed ball by Jacksonville catcher Sharif Othman. Reed has reached base in nine straight games and is batting .414 to start the year. The Shuckers added on in the seventh when Kyle Wren (1x3, R) reached on a walk and eventually scored from third on a sacrifice fly by Arcia. Wagner (W, 3-0) was brilliant, yet again, for the Shuckers, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts during his six innings of work. Mike Strong (H, 1) worked two scoreless innings behind Wagner and then Jaye Chapman (S, 1) pitched a perfect ninth, locking down his first save since 2012. The Shuckers will look to earn their second series victory on Thursday, sending LHP Hobbs Johnson (0-0, 1.42) to the mound in game four against the Jacksonville Suns on Thursday evening, while the Suns will try to force a rubber match with RHP Austin Price (0-1, 5.79) taking the start. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM, with coverage beginning at 5:50 on 1240-AM WGCM, 1580-AM WPMO and the Biloxi Shuckers Radio Network. Fans can also listen to the game using the TuneIn Radio app or by going to www.biloxishuckers.com. Biloxi Box Score Such a strong lineup in the box score (Tyrone Taylor batting 7th), you can really make the argument for just about everyone to be in a productive lineup spot, so each guy is simply making their spot fruitful regardless. The starters are going almost too deep, as their are some talented bullpen guys not getting enough innings, especially with recent seven-inning contests. Brooks Hall yesterday, Tyler Wagner today, now we look forward to Hobbs Johnson Thursday -- clean defense today, just such a solid age-appropriate and fun club. Biloxi Game Log

If everybody reading this Link Report could keep Biloxi OF Josh Fellhauer (temporary inactive list) in your thoughts, he'd appreciate it greatly -- very important family time for him, as per his recent tweets.

Bunch of audio released by the 'Tees -- AUDIO 4/20: Manager Joe Ayrault, this is Monday's pregame interview after Sunday's epic 12-inning win *** AUDIO 4/21: Jerry Durney of the Manatees Radio Network is joined by 3B Taylor Brennan *** AUDIO 4/21, Game Highlights: The Flying Tigers hold off the Manatees, 4-3, in Game One of Tuesday's doubleheader *** AUDIO 4/21 (in-between games Tuesday): Infielder Brandon Macias -- this was before his Wednesday promotion to Colorado Springs *** AUDIO 4/21, Game Highlights: Paul Eshleman hits a walk-off two-run homer to give the Manatees an 8-6 victory; excitement for the huge 9th inning which includes Victor Roache's tying blast! *** AUDIO 4/22: Jerry Durney is joined by Paul Eshleman, who hit a walk-off homer last night

From Tuesday's Game Two: VIDEO (Jacksonville feed): Biloxi's Michael Reed hits a two-run single before the Shuckers fall, 5-2, to Jacksonville.

Busy transaction day -- the Wisconsin Media Notes indicates that OF Mitch Meyer, the Kansas State 2014 7th rounder who posted a .757 OPS in Helena but with 71 K's in 210 AB's, will join the Timber Rattlers, backfilling Jose Pena's spot (promoted to Brevard). Meyer turned 23 in February and wasn't listed on the extended spring training rehab list, so it was a little surprising to not see him on the Wisconsin roster to begin 2015.

Yes, we've seen this before where a player capable of utility type duties is jumped, as opposed to promoting a player from the level in-between, where regular playing time is needed. Plus, a nice reward for Macias, a solid organizational contributor in his 5th season -- quite an accomplishment for an undrafted player.

As mentioned earlier today, Florida Today follows up: Manatees' Macias gets called up to Triple A Michael Parsons, FLORIDA TODAY Brandon Macias got his call Wednesday morning. The Brevard County Manatees infielder is heading to Colorado Springs and will join the Triple A team. “We had some injuries that have been happening throughout the organization,” Manatees head coach Joe Ayrault said. “Exciting for him to go up there and get the opportunity to play.” Macias was hitting .357 in seven games, with two doubles. “Just a solid utility guy that can play multiple positions. He has been swinging the bat well, an aggressive hitter, likes to swing the bat,” Ayrault said. “He has been driving the ball well and doing some good things for us. He definitely deserves the opportunity.” *** With Colorado Springs losing both Jason Rogers and Elian Herrera to call-ups, Macias' flexibility in the infield was a key, to be sure...

From MiLB.com Tuesday night -- Shuckers' Hall silences Suns, homers Brewers prospect tosses six one-hit innings, blasts first pro long ball By Kelsie Heneghan / MiLB.com Multiple quotes from Brooks at the link, go for it...

Considering this is his age 22 season and the Brewers jumped him over Wisconsin, fantastic scoreless 6.2 innings (four hits, no walks, four K's) to start the year. Provides some faith that management is able to identify those worthy of a jump out of spring training... And how about the productive innings Javi Salas is throwing out there...

Via Chris Cotillo, with further details via MLB Trade Rumors: The Brewers have signed lefty Michael Kirkman to a Minor League contract, reports SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo (also via Twitter). Kirkman was released by the Rangers midway through Spring Training so that he could pursue opportunities with other teams. That opportunity clearly didn’t emerge immediately, but Kirkman will give Milwaukee an experienced arm to serve as a depth piece. The 28-year-old southpaw has a 4.98 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 4.6 BB/9 across 106 2/3 Major League frames, though he does come with a reverse platoon split. Kirkman’s career was slowed by a battle with skin cancer, but he returned to the mound in 2014 and was healthy in Spring Training prior to his release. *** Not a major league deal, likely bound for AAA Colorado Springs at some point... *** Michael Kirkman career stats via the Baseball Cube (minor and major) *** Fox Sports Southwest -- "Kirkman, 28, bounced between Texas and Triple A for the last five years. He made his major-league debut with the Rangers in 2009 but spent most of the 2014 season in Triple A. He made 12 appearances for Texas last season, going 0-1 with a 1.59 ERA. He was limited early this spring because of a sore left shoulder." *** Via Kirkman's own tweet (follow him), he's in Maryvale at this time. Since his pro debut in 2005, he has only been a Ranger. New chapter, indeed. *** Via Gerry Fraley's Rangers blog on 3/17: SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers cut their ties to enigmatic left-hander Michael Kirkman on Tuesday by releasing him from a minor-league contract. Kirkman, 28, made 94 relief appearances with the Rangers during the last five seasons. He has a power arm but frustrated the Rangers with his inconsistencies. Kirkman helped the Rangers make this decision by walking a left-handed hitter, San Diego’s Yonder Alonso, in four pitches on Saturday. Assistant general manager Thad Levine said the club considered trading Kirkman but decided to help him with the release now. This allows Kirkman to look for a job with the other 29 teams. “It may be best suited for him to get a fresh start with another organization,” Levine said. “We wanted to give him the free rein to pursue the opportunity that he wants.” Kirkman vowed to continue his career. “I’m going to keep pitching,” said Kirkman, whom the Rangers acquired in the fifth round of the 2005 amateur draft. “I know what I can do. I enjoyed my time here, but now I move on.” *** And finally, this March 2014 article focuses on Kirkman's cancer fight, and is well worth your while -- His cancer fight hopefully done, pitcher battles for Rangers spot By Drew Davison, star-telegram.com

And, as many of you know by now, reliever switch with Rob Wooten going to Milwaukee and Tyler Thornburg to Colorado Springs.

AUDIO: Jeff Levering's weekly Brewers podcast -- 2014 First-Round Draft pick Kodi Medeiros and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' manager Matt Erickson join the show.

Nice Paul Eshleman photo of the walkoff blast Tuesday night -- http://www.milb.com/assets/images/4/7/0/119206470/cuts/IMG_2726_6dg3g2ya_p5fk4k4r.JPG (Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography)

There are three farmhand birthdays today -- Biloxi catcher Tyler LaTorre turns 32. RHP Caleb Smith (15th round, 2014, Rice University), a Maryvale Brewer last summer and currently in extended spring training, turns 22 Timber Rattler RHP Milton Gomez is 21 today

Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Colorado Springs Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Sky Sox' site. Biloxi Media Notes - Linked on the Shuck Dynasty blog Brevard County Media Notes - It's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Multimedia" banner on the Manatees' site. Wisconsin Media Notes - Linked on the Rattler Radio blog *** STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League South Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division *** Sortable individual stat pages: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Round Rock, TX Jacksonville, FL Viera, FL Grand Chute, WI

Follow Wednesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Colorado Springs Biloxi Brevard County Wisconsin MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

DVR ALERT! Tonight's (Wednesday's) and Friday's Timber Rattler games will be televised on MyNew32 TV this week, both with 6:30 PM air times.

Wednesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: LHP Nick Additon at Round Rock (Rangers), 6:35 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link We welcome Dan Karcher, who is the longtime play-by-play voice of the Sky Sox; follow him on Twitter @SkySoxKarch MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Colorado Springs games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $49.99 season-long package ($12.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. The video of each game is archived online, which is a nice feature. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. NOTE: Notice that on MiLB.TV's page, you can click on "Filter", then "Milwaukee Brewers", and you'll see just the Crew's organizational TV lineup. ********** Biloxi: RHP Tyler Wagner at "home" vs. Jacksonville (Marlins), 11:35 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM gametime; the Shuckers will be the home team in this series, including last at-bat rights Free Live Audio Link We also welcome Chris Harris as the very first play-by-play voice of the Shuckers! Follow Chris on Twitter @CHarris731. We'll be looking off to his very promising "Shuck Dynasty" blog. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be radio broadcast. MiLB.TV - Seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games, and Biloxi staff indicates it is hopeful it will be eight when the new stadium opens. NOTE: This series from Jacksonville is airing on MiLB.TV, nice. ********** Brevard County: RHP Javier Salas at home vs. Lakeland (Tigers), 9:00 AM pre-game, 9:30 gametime Free Live Audio Link Dave Walkovic returns as the play-by-play voice of the 'Tees; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio, as all games are scheduled to be broadcast in 2015. No Florida State League games are available via MiLB.TV. ********** Wisconsin: LHP Kodi Medeiros at home vs. Cedar Rapids (Twins), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime; expect RHP David Burkhalter to also pitch in a tandem role Free Live Audio Link - WNAM Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio. NOTE: Forty-two (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (34) will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and remember to refer to the Rattlers' full TV schedule so you can coordinate your DVR activity. *** So, for the $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sky Sox games, most Shuckers games, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games.

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Express beat Knebel’s Sky Sox 8-2 Joe Harrington, Austin Community Newspapers Staff ROUND ROCK — Corey Knebel was unpacking his new home in Cedar Park in January and preparing to drive back to Arlington for more offseason workouts with the Texas Rangers, the team he had just joined six months earlier. As he was about to hit the road, he got the call. “The (general manger) called me and said, ‘Hey, head back home; you’re not with us anymore,” Knebel said. “You just got traded.” The 23-year-old former Georgetown High School and University of Texas standout pitcher was one of the key prospects in Texas’ biggest offseason move — the trade for Milwaukee Brewers ace and former All-Star Yovani Gallardo. Four months later, Knebel returned to Central Texas, where he is still living in the offseason, on Tuesday, when the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate Colorado Springs Sky Sox landed at Dell Diamond for the opening night of a four-game series. The Round Rock Express scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh to win 8-2. Knebel, the Brewers’ No. 10-rated prospect, according to Major League Baseball, and fellow former Longhorn Taylor Jungmann, the No. 10-rated Brewers prospect, according to Baseball America, both made Texas homecomings. Neither was the highly rated pitching prospect who made an impact in the series opener. Express pitcher Luke Jackson made his most effective start since being promoted to Triple-A in 2014. Jackson went 6 2/3 innings — his longest Triple-A outing — and allowed two earned runs and six hits, with eight strikeouts and no walks. He entered the game with an 0-1 record and a 5.87 ERA this season, and he was 1-3 with a 10.35 ERA in Triple-A in 2014. Jackson, Baseball America’s No. 12 Rangers prospect, left the game with an apparent injury in the seventh inning with Express leading 3-1. Michael Choice’s two-run home run in the fourth and Thomas Field’s two doubles helped build the lead before Jackson’s exit. Jared Hoying’s first home run of the season — a three-run shot to right field — highlighted the bottom of the seventh. With a six-run deficit, the Sky Sox never turned to their closer, Knebel, who has two saves and a 1.80 ERA. Unlike the first time he was dealt, Knebel didn’t take the trade personally. “At first, when I got traded to the Rangers, I was like, ‘Man, I’m not wanted by the Tigers,’ ” Knebel said. “Then I started realizing that I am wanted. I got traded (with infielder Luis Sardinas and pitcher Marcos Diplan) for Yovani, and you know, it was fun.”

Eshleman Smacks Walk-off Homer in Doubleheader Split By Jerry Durney, Brevard County Manatees Viera, Fla. – Baseball was at its most exciting and unpredictable on Tuesday night as the Brevard County Manatees (6-6) and Lakeland Flying Tigers (4-9) split a doubleheader, 4-3 and 8-6 at Space Coast Stadium. The Manatees opened the scoring in the third inning of Game 1. Clint Coulter, who had prevented Lakeland from scoring in the previous inning when he threw Dominic Ficociello at the plate to complete an inning-ending double play, deposited a Matt Davenport pitch into the Flying Tiger bullpen to give Brevard County a 1-0 lead. It was Coulter’s fourth home run of the season, and third in the last five games. The lead would hold until the Flying Tigers mounted a rally in the top of the fifth. It started with an infield single by Francisco Martinez, who would advance on a Jared Reaves single to left. That would bring the number-nine hitter, Ben Verlander. During the opening pitches of the at-bat, Verlander appeared to be squaring up to sacrifice, however Lakeland manager had him pull the bat back; Wei-Chung Wang, still expecting the bunt, left one over the plate and Verlander launched a three-run homer, his first of the season, onto the berm deck in left. Wang would retire the next three hitters, closing what would be his final inning of work. In those five innings, he gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out three and walked none in a no-decision. The ‘Tees would come storming back immediately, keyed by a leadoff double off of the wall in right by Chris McFarland. After Taylor Brennan struck out, Coulter would double to center, making it 3-2 Lakeland. Victor Roache then followed with a single to right to bring Brevard County level that chased Lakeland starting pitcher Jonathan Maciel from the game in the process. The Manatees appeared to take the lead against reliever Confesor Lara (1-0, 1.08 ERA) when Brandon Macias singled down the left field line to bring home Roache, but the Flying Tigers contested that Roache did not touch third base as he came home and the umpires ruled they were correct. Manatees manager Joe Ayrault was ejected for arguing the call. After Garrett Cooper walked, Cameron Garfield’s strikeout meant the inning would end tied at three. The call would loom large when in the next half-inning, Ficociello ripped a home run to right center off of rehabbing Brewers reliever Jim Henderson (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to put Lakeland in front, 4-3. Brevard County would get one last chance to equalize in the bottom of the seventh against Zac Reininger. Brennan opened with an infield single and then moved to second on a one-out single by Roache, but when Macias lined out to second and Cooper flied out to center, the Flying Tigers had stolen Game one. *** The ever-changing momentum that filled the final three innings of that game would dominate Game Two. The Flying Tigers took the lead three batters in when top prospect Steven Moya hit an opposite-field home run into the bullpen in left to put Lakeland in front, 1-0. The Manatee offense continued its resurgence in the bottom half with McFarland once again lighting the touchpaper with a leadoff single to right and promptly stole second with Brennan at the plate. Brennan flared a single to right with the runner at second holding as he judged to see whether it would fall in. Coulter then hit a ball towards Francisco Martinez, who overthrew first base, allowing both McFarland and Brennan to score and Coulter to advance to second. Following a strikeout by Roache, Macias would double to left, plating Coulter to make it 3-1. After a lineout to third by Rafael Neda, a walk to Paul Eshleman and a pop out to second by Steven Halcomb, the frame came to a close. Lakeland would respond immediately in the top of the third against Manatees starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff. Reaves reached on an infield single and moved to second on a walk to Drew Longley. Following a strikeout by Jiwan James, Javier Bentancourt singled to right to load the bases. Woodruff then struck out Moya on a call that led to the ejection of Lakeland manager Dave Huppert. It appeared the ‘Tees would escape further damage when Woodruff induced a groundball from Bobby Borchering to first, but Brennan’s throw to Woodruff at the bag would go wide and Reaves and Longley would come around to cut the Manatee lead to two. The inning ended shortly after when Borchering would get thrown out on a botched double steal. Lakeland’s charge would continue in the fourth, started by a Ficociello single to center. Raph Rhymes then singled to center, but he would be erased on a fielder’s choice as Martinez beat the throw to first. After Reaves strikeout, Longley singled on a floater to center to bring home Ficociello and Martinez to make it 5-5. A Jiwan James flyout to left would keep the score at that temporarily. The Flying Tigers appeared to land the deciding blow in the top of the fifth thanks to a two-out rally. Following a Bentancourt flyout and a Moya strikeout, Borchering singled to right and then moved to second on a walk to Ficociello. Raph Rhymes then worked a lengthy at-bat against Woodruff, fouling off several 2-2 pitches before finally getting his reward, a ground-rule double down the left field line to put Lakeland ahead 6-5. Trevor Seidenberger would come on in relief of Woodruff to get the final out of the inning and then threw a scoreless sixth, despite allowing the first two batters to reach. The ‘Tees looked primed to tie it once again in the home half of the fifth when Coulter singled to center on the first pitch from Micah Kellogg. After Roache popped out to third, Macias singled to center, leading Kellogg to be replaced by Scott Sitz (0-1, 7.36 ERA). Neda would welcome him with a single to center, loading the bases for Eshleman. The threat would be extinguished when he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. After a relatively uneventful sixth inning, Brevard County was down to their final three outs against Sitz and the outlook was not promising when Coulter lined out to second to start the final inning of regulation. Then, the reprieve came just in time, as Roache hit his third home run of the season to right center, assuring the ‘Tees of at least extra innings. After a long fly out to right by Macias, Neda reached on a ball that got away from Reaves at shortstop; Neda would be lifted for pinch-runner Angel Ortega. That brought Eshleman, playing in his first game with the team after being added to the roster earlier in the day, to the plate with a chance to win it. He couldn’t have picked a better time to get his first hit in a Manatee uniform as he smacked one down the line and over the wall in left for a walk-off, two-run home run to give the Manatees an 8-6 win. Woodruff wound up throwing 4.2 innings, giving up six runs (four earned) on eight hits, walking two and striking out seven. Stephen Peterson (2-0, 1.59 ERA) picked up his second win in relief in three games by tossing a scoreless seventh inning. There will be no rest for the weary as the two teams will play the rubber match of the series Wednesday morning at 10:35 A.M (9:35 Central). RHP Javi Salas (1-1, 0.69 ERA) will look to earn the Manatees their second straight series win. Left-hander Ryan Longstreth (0-2, 7.04 ERA) will get the start for the Flying Tigers.