Jim Goulart

Four Photos at link - Who is with Orlando Arcia in the one mis-captioned photo? Shuckers set for debut Thursday in Pensacola By Patrick Magee, SunHerald.com PENSACOLA, Fla.-- They may have what's essentially a 55-game road trip ahead of them, but the Biloxi Shuckers seemed a team anxious to get the season under way Wednesday in a practice at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, the Shuckers start their inaugural season against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. It will be the first contest in a five-game Southern League series. The Shuckers donned their black and gray warm-ups that feature the team's new logo, a perturbed oyster holding a baseball bat. Today's starting pitcher, Brooks Hall, gave the logo a thumbs up. "It's really funny," Hall said with a grin. "It's got a little pink clam shell. I think it's pretty cool. It's a minor league team so it's going to be animated a little bit. It's kind of funny looking, but I like it." Hall and the rest of his teammates seemed a laid back group as they went through practice Wednesday, and that approach could help them survive what will be a lengthy stretch spent away from their new home, MGM Park. The stadium is under construction on U.S. 90 across from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi and likely won't host a home game until June 6 at the earliest. It will be a chore for Shuckers manager Carlos Subero to keep his players focused on the task at hand, but he's got 15 years of experience as a minor league coach. "We talk about it," Subero said. "The main thing is we don't use a 55-game schedule on the road as an excuse not to perform out there on the baseball field. We have to keep focused on the main thing, and that's development. We have to keep on playing hard and not focus on the things we can't control. Being on the road so long will be a new experience for all of us. We will learn and make adjustments to keep things fresh." The Shuckers will play their first two originally planned home series on the road and then play three home series in Huntsville, Ala. Hall, a South Carolina native, already has a few ideas on how to handle the monotony of hotel rooms and bus trips. "It's really tough living on the road 50 days, but I want to make sure I have a fishing rod and my golf clubs so I can do something on off days," he said. "My dad will come to town and I'll play golf with the guys." Hall will have the honor of being the first pitcher in Shuckers' history today. "That's pretty cool if you think about it like that," Hall said. The 6-foot-5 right-hander was the starting pitcher opening day for the Huntsville Stars last year, but an arm injury ended his season after five starts. "He has the experience and he did it last year," Subero said of his reason for starting Hall. "We want to honor that. He's healthy and he had a good spring. Hopefully, he'll get off to a good start." Hall is part of a pitching staff that may prove to be the backbone of the team. "Our starting pitching is going to be really good," Hall said. "I would say we'll have the best starting rotation in (the Southern League). Our infield defense is going to be unreal. We can hit. We've got good hitters. We'll have to see when the season starts, but I think we have strengths everywhere." The Shuckers will have plenty of speed in the outfield today with Kyle Wren in left, Tyrone Taylor in center and Michael Reed in right field. The three combined to steal 102 bases last season. "That's three fast guys and we're all pretty good outfielders," Taylor said. "Hopefully, we'll do these pitchers good." First baseman Nick Ramirez will be relied on to provide pop in the cleanup hole this season after hitting 19 homers last year and batting over .400 in spring training.

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[/b] Brevard County Wisconsin *** Weather.com: Colorado Springs, CO Pensacola, FL Daytona Beach, FL Burlington, IA

The Sky Sox 2015 Media Guide, all 172 pages of it, is available online.

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

Thursday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Colorado Springs: RHP Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Nashville (Athletics), 7:05 PM pre-game, 7:35 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 Brooks Hall at Pensacola (Reds), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:30 gametime 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 opening series in Pensacola will be broadcast on MiLB.TV (with the Blue Wahoos audio feed). ********** Brevard County: RHP Hiram Burgos at Daytona (Reds), 5:35 PM pre-game, 6:05 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: RHP Victor Diaz (tandem partner RHP Orlando Torrez) at Burlington (Angels), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 gametime Free Live Audio Link 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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Good luck to recently-released infielder Alfredo Rodriguez on landing another baseball gig quickly, signing with the Joliet (IL) Slammers of the independent Frontier League. He's listed there as a shortstop, his natural position. Just a reminder that because literally a few dozen former Brewer farmhands move in and out of the indy ranks each year, we only comment in this thread on those most recently released (those who saw action in the Milwaukee chain through 2014).

It was never likely that Brewers 2014 17th round catcher J.J. Schwartz was going to bypass playing for the University of Florida, but it would have been nice. Check out this article and video - four HR's in a game. ROUND 17: JJ Schwarz, C 6'1", 193, R/R, Palm Beach Gardens HS (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) DOB: 3/28/96 SCOUTING REPORT: JJ Schwarz Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org) J.J. Schwarz, c, Palm Beach Gardens HS R-R, 6-2/190, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. College Commitment: Florida Even though Nebraska’s Jakson Reetz and Louisiana’s Chase Vallot, both Perfect Game All-Americans, rank higher than Schwartz on the PG draft list, it wouldn’t be shocking if Schwartz was actually the first catcher selected. He has had an outstanding spring and been well showcased playing alongside Palm Beach Gardens teammate and first baseman Pavin Smith, another potential high round draft pick. Schwartz has an ideal catcher’s build at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, combining both the strength and durability needed behind the plate with a high level of athleticism. Schwartz doesn’t have a single standout tool but is well rounded and polished in all aspects both offensively and defensively. Part of that is attributable to his father, Jeff, a former Major League reliever and a minor league instructor in the Marlins organization. Close followers of the draft know to never ignore Major League bloodlines. LINKS: VIDEO: MLB.com - 2014 Draft: J.J. Schwarz, C Twitter: @jj_schwarz5

First a link to the now-retired 2014-2015 Minor League Offseason Transaction thread. A couple of injury updates via Adam McCalvy's article. Devin Williams experienced what Gord Ash characterized as mild right elbow tenderness during Spring Training, but he is healthy now and not expected to miss any starts. The Timber Rattlers begins its season on Thursday on the road. *** One of last season's Timber Rattlers, right fielder Michael Ratterree, will spend the first two weeks of Class A Advanced Brevard County's season on the disabled list, Ash said. He suffered a slight right wrist fracture on a hit-by-pitch in Spring Training.

Shuck Dynasty Blog (with photos) - Shuckers arrive in Pensacola, Brooks Hall to make Opening Day Start

AUDIO 4/7: Ed Sedar makes his first weekly appearance on 105.7 FM WSSP's Chuck & Wickett Show *** AUDIO 4/7: Ron Roenicke, in his weekly AM appearance on WTMJ *** AUDIO 4/7: Jonathan Lucroy via the Bill Michaels Show *** From our Minor League Forum: Via Justin Hull via Timber Rattlers Media Day -- AUDIO 4/7: Local Oshkosh product RHP Josh Uhen (2013 5th round, UW-Milwaukee), on his 23rd birthday yet... AUDIO 4/7: LHP Kodi Medeiros AUDIO 4/7: Manager Matt Erickson *** AUDIO 4/7: Jerry Augustine via WDUZ *** AUDIO 4/7: Adam Rygg of @BrewerNation via the Mike Heller Show with Ted Davis (go to the 18:20 minute mark) *** AUDIO 4/7: 105.7 FM WSSP's Rupena's Postgame Show - Ron Roenicke's comments at the 49:10 minute mark, Matt Garza at 1:01:45

Miller Park Prospects -- 2015 Preview: Brevard County Manatees (A+)

High draft picks lead young, talented Rattlers roster Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE – When asked about his youthful Wisconsin Timber Rattlers roster, Matt Erickson went for a few laughs. "I think it's the most talented high school baseball team in the city of Appleton," said the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager with a smile. Erickson, of course, was just joking, but in reality, many of the players he will manage this summer are at, or near high school age. Pitcher Kodi Medeiros, the Milwaukee Brewers' No. 1 draft pick in 2014 and the 12th overall selection, is just 18. Shortstop Jake Gatewood and outfielder Monte Harrison, taken with the 41st and 50th overall picks, are both 19. So are infielder Tucker Neuhaus, a second-round selection in 2013, pitcher David Burkhalter, a sixth-round pick in 2014 and outfielder Brandon Diaz, an eighth-round choice in 2013. David Denson, a power-hitting first baseman returning for his second season with the Timber Rattlers, is just 20. In fact, there are just two players on the Wisconsin roster, pitchers Harvey Martin (24) and Zach Hirsch (24), over the age of 23. "This will be the youngest group we've had in the seven years I've been here," said Erickson Tuesday during Media Day at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. "But young isn't always a bad thing. If we come out with a lot of energy and effort, this is a very talented, very athletic group. They're not necessarily consistent baseball players yet, as was shown in spring training. "But that's our job. It's to develop young talent and hopefully it will turn into something pretty special by the end of the year. What they showed in spring training was tremendous effort and a willingness to learn, and that usually comes with youth. " Given their high draft status, Medeiros, Gatewood and Harrison will be closely watched and scrutinized this summer in Grand Chute. "Kodi Medeiros, Jacob Gatewood and Monte Harrison, we have all those names here and we're very excited to have them," said Erickson. "They're young men with high ceilings." The Timber Rattlers, Milwaukee's low-Class A affiliate, open the Midwest season Thursday at Burlington. Erickson, an Appleton native, eagerly awaits the challenge of turning young prospects into polished professional ballplayers. "I couldn't tell you if we're going to come out and win 10 in a row, or lose 10 in a row," said Erickson. "But I do know this team is going to be athletic. The consistency of becoming a professional baseball player comes into play when they develop a routine and do it every single day. "Just the knowledge of the game is something we're trying to teach. Teaching them where to be before a play happens. Some of our guys have a pretty good feel for the game and some guys are still pretty raw. We spent a lot of time late in spring training working on team fundamentals, talking about 27 outs and gathering pre-pitch information, so the game doesn't speed up on them. But there's really nothing like game experience. They're going to make mistakes, but they need to work though those mistakes and keep getting better and better." Medeiros, a lefty selected out of Waiakea High School in Hawaii, is expected to get his first start this weekend and could get the call Sunday for the Timber Rattlers' 4.05 p.m. home opener against Peoria. "I'm pumped to play with these guys," said Medeiros. "I'm just looking to throw strikes when I'm out there. I'm just looking for quick outs." One of the team's most exciting players might be the speedy Harrison, who is expected to be the Rattlers' starting center fielder. "He's probably the best athlete we've drafted since I've been here," said Erickson. "I've seen him go gap to gap in the outfield. He's an explosive kid." Diaz to get opening-day start Victor Diaz, a 21-year-old right-hander, will be the Rattlers' opening-day starter. Diaz spent all of the 2014 season with the Rattlers, posting a 3-5 record with a 4.86 earned run average in 10 starts and 23 appearances. The native of Guanare, Venezuela, had 66 strikeouts in 87 innings. "He did a nice job for us last year," said Erickson. "He's a young guy who ran into some innings issues, where we had to shut him down late in the year. But he's a guy who we think will give us a pretty good shot on opening day. It takes two As has been the practice in recent years, Erickson said the Rattlers will continue to use pitching tandems early in the season. That means a pair of pitchers will try and split the nine innings, if possible, with the starter usually limited to four or five innings. Erickson wasn't sure Tuesday who he would pair with Diaz on opening day. "The idea behind tandems is that baseball is trying to create as many starting pitchers as possible," said Erickson. "You don't really know who your starting pitchers are going to be four or five years from now, so we try to give the young guys as many opportunities to become starting pitchers as possible. And it gives us an opportunity to limit their innings and get them on a five-day schedule and get into a routine." Happy to be back Erickson, a former prep standout at Appleton West, returns for his fifth season as Timber Rattlers' manager. He enjoys the opportunity to manage and teach the game in his own back yard, and says he couldn't be happier with his job. "From a personal standpoint, this is a tremendous situation for me," said Erickson. "Last night, I came home from 40 days in spring training and got to spend time with my family. We got a puppy two weeks ago, and it was running around, jumping all over the place. This is enjoyable. There may be opportunities to leave down the road, but I'm in no hurry to leave this place. This is where I belong right now." Lucas brings experience, knowledge Erickson has a new pitching coach in veteran Gary Lucas, who spent the last 15 years in the Minnesota Twins' organization, including last season with Class A Fort Myers of the Florida State League. A former relief pitcher with the San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos and California Angels, Lucas was a pitching coach in the Midwest League for six seasons. "Being a pitching coach in the minor leagues encompasses so much," said Lucas, who resides in Rice Lake during the off-season. "But I think you have to be available to these kids on a regular basis, whether it be for on-the-field stuff or off-the-field stuff. We're trying to get them ready for the next level and a lot of times that's not just command and control of their stuff, but command and control of their off-the-field issues. We have 18-to-23-year-olds here. You might coach half the week and the rest of the time you might be a father or counselor to them."

AUDIO 4/7: Wisconsin Manager Matt Erickson via Justin Hull (WHBY)

Via Justin Hull via Timber Rattlers Media Day -- AUDIO 4/7: Local Oshkosh product RHP Josh Uhen (2013 5th round, UW-Milwaukee), on his 23rd birthday yet... AUDIO 4/7: LHP Kodi Medeiros

How young and inexperienced is this Rattlers' squad? Ten Maryvale Brewers (and one DSL Brewer) are bypassing time in Helena to join Wisconsin. There is one 18-year-old (Kodi Medeiros) and five 19-year-olds. Two others turned 20 earlier this calendar year.

Glass ceiling? All of three (!) players from AA Huntsville were rewarded with AAA assignments to start 2015 -- 40-man roster RHP David Goforth, RHP Drew Gagnon, and LHP Jed Bradley. The glut of AAAA veterans and recent big leaguers in Colorado Springs bullpen (not saying that's a bad thing) keeps deserving AAA bullpen arms like Eric Marzec and Austin Ross (others, based on your opinion) in Biloxi, and has an effect on some of the arms repeating at Brevard.

Via Dave Cameron's Fangraphs full article -- "The Brewers have a real chance to be terrible. I promise I believed this before they got destroyed by Colorado on Opening Day, and this isn’t a reaction to the beating they took yesterday. But among the 25 or so teams who are projected to at least be respectable in 2015, Milwaukee is the one that I think could just completely fall apart. As I mentioned in the division preview, this is a team with zero depth, so their 77 win projection is based on full seasons of their frontline players; that’s not a reasonable expectation, and the second-line players are almost uniformly awful. The Brewers have no margin for error, especially in the rotation, where their options to replace a struggling or injured starter are all replacement level scrubs. With Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza on the wrong side of 30, and Mike Fiers and Jimmy Nelson on the wrong side of reliable, this is a rotation that seems likely to need multiple fill-ins throughout the year. But there just aren’t any real options, and if Lohse hits a wall — he’s 36 and playing the weak-contact game, which is a dangerous way to live — at the same time that Fiers’ arm starts barking again, they’re going to be in serious trouble. The NL Central is not going to be an easy division this year, and unless their offense leads the league in runs scored, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Brewers won 67 games instead of 77."

AUDIO 4/6: WSSP's Postgame Show (Ron Roenicke's postgame press conference at the 53:45 minute mark, Kyle Lohse at 01:03:45)

Miller Park Prospects -- 2015 Preview: Biloxi Shuckers (AA)

Check out the Sky Sox twitter timeline as of Monday afternoon, 28 players listed. The roster as is, is also currently up-to-date on MiLB.com.

AUDIO 4/6: Davey Nelson via WTMJ *** AUDIO 4/6: Andrew Wagner via the Bill Michaels Show

Via Chris Mehring tweet -- The Timber Rattlers rotation (w/ 4 tandems): THU: V Diaz/Torrez FRI: Sneed/Ventura SAT: Hirsch SUN: Medeiros/Burkhalter MON: Ortega/Gomez

Timber Rattlers roster now updated on MiLB.com

Shuckers roster now updated on MiLB.com