Jim Goulart

It was pointed out to me that since Huntsville and Biloxi are 6.5 hours apart, certain planned road trips for the opponents may not be feasible to Huntsville that were originally allotted for Biloxi. So the Shuckers end up with at least two home series in the opponent's ballpark.

VIDEO 2/2: ICYMI - Doug Melvin's phone appearance with Chris Russo on MLB Network's "High Heat"

AUDIO 2/5: Brewers' TV Voice Brian Anderson via 540ESPN

Not sure why those two series won't also be played in Huntsville, but regardless, the new stadium can't open soon enough for all.

Minor league baseball returning to Huntsville -- for at least 15 games Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times The final departure of minor league baseball from Huntsville has been delayed. The Biloxi Shuckers, formerly the Huntsville Stars, will play at least 15 home games at Joe W. Davis Stadium this summer, with the possibility of more. The Southern League is sending a revised 2015 schedule to its teams today, noting the reshuffling of games to Huntsville. The Shuckers, the Class AA affiliate of the Brewers, will be playing in a new stadium in Biloxi but the park remains under construction and it's expected to be June at the earliest that a certificate of occupancy can be issued and approval of Minor League Baseball is awarded, even as construction would continues there throughout the season. Huntsville will host the Mobile BayBears from April 30 through May 4, then begin a 10-game stand May 16 through 25, hosting Jacksonville and Birmingham for five games apiece. One of the Jacksonville dates will likely be a doubleheader to meet travel requirements for the Suns. The stadium will also host a May 12 game between the University of Alabama and Mercer University. The Crimson Tide is also a team without a home, with a massive makeover taking place at its Tuscaloosa park. The "home team" is required by Minor League Baseball to wear Biloxi Shuckers uniforms and will be officially referred to as such in box scores, etc., no matter the ties to this city, which was represented by the Stars since 1985. Buck Rogers, general manager of the Shuckers, acknowledged that other games could be shifted to Huntsville should complications arise in Biloxi. The Stars, owned by Ken Young and other partners, have a lease with the City of Huntsville for the use of Joe W. Davis Stadium through the end of this season. John Hamilton, city administrator, told AL.com in December that demolition of the stadium would likely take place before the end of 2015, with plans to use that space for a multi-sport indoor facility. Rogers said the rescheduling has been "a logistical nightmare," with other Biloxi "home games" being played in other parks. The Shuckers were to have opened the season at home on April 20 against Jacksonville, but that home stand has been moved to Jacksonville, where Biloxi will be the home team on the scoreboard. They will also move a May 6 home stand to Pearl, Miss., where the Shuckers again will home team against the Braves. The stadium construction in Biloxi is "ahead of schedule," according to Rogers, with much of the interior work being completed, the pre-cast set and parking garage built.

Josh quoted within this very good read from MLB Trade Rumors on all things minor league free agent signings.

Here's MiLB.com's home page for the Caribbean Series (standings, box scores, schedule, etc.). What a disappointing 0-3 run for host country Puerto Rico. In the top of the 9th of a 2-2 game vs. Cuba, Yadiel Rivera struck out swinging with the bases loadeded to end the frame. Cuba won it in the 10th, 3-2. *** This was the fateful 9th as the Domincan Republic lost to Venezuela, 6-5. Dom. Rep. Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Pedro Rodriguez replaces Hassan Pena. Luis Jimenez strikes out swinging. Elian Herrera grounds out, second baseman Alexi Amarista to first baseman Niuman Romero. Hector Gomez strikes out swinging. To be fair, Gomez singled twice earlier, Herrera walked and had a sacrifice fly, and Jimenez was 1-for-5 with an RBI (box).

AUDIO 2/3: Adam McCalvy via the Bill Michaels Show

Just remembered that LHP Tyler Alexander's status as a Maryvale Brewer instead of a Wisconsin Timber Rattler was prompted solely by his involvement in a HBP-immediately-after-surrendering-a-HR-sparking-a-brawl incident last July. So my implied assumption (I really should strike "assume" from my online vocabulary) in this post from above was not valid. However, Alexander's status as a Maryvale roster member does appear to significantly delay the start of his suspension from April to June, and it's going to be tough for him to salvage much of anything in 2015, although here's to a big August for the young man.

And although their respective teams did not win the Dominican title, Luis Jimenez and Elian Herrera are starting today for the D.R., and Hector Gomez is on their bench. Meanwhile, Jean Segura, whose club did win, is not on the Caribbean Series roster. Which all means I won't even mention anything but raw stats in next winter's updates .

Minor League Mailbag via Miller Park Prospects

AUDIO 2/2: Jonathan Lucroy on 105.7 WSSP's Rupena Hot Stove Weekly Show AUDIO 2/2: Here's the entire show, including the Lucroy interview

Posted on January 17th -- And now MiLB.com with some background -- Former Brewers first baseman Tanner Norton was handed a 50-game suspension without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse. Norton will begin serving his ban once he signs with a Major League organization. Norton, 19, was Milwaukee's 13th-round pick in 2013 out of Bishop Brossart High School in Kentucky. The lefty-swinging first baseman was released on Jan. 12 after hitting .250 with no home runs, 15 RBIs, three doubles and a .349 on-base percentage in 40 games for the Rookie-level Arizona League Brewers last year. He hit .191 in 30 contests in 2013. Players are typically issued a warning following a first positive test for a drug of abuse and a suspension for a second offense. Substances considered "drugs of abuse" by Major League Baseball include cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy and other opiates. The Office of the Commissioner has suspended 30 players in 2015 following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. *** LHP Tyler Alexander (see above) also was suspended recently for a similar violation, but was not released by the Brewers.

The Caribbean World Series opened Monday -- Mexico defeated the Cuban squad, 2-1 (Brewer RH reliever Manny Barreda didn't see action for the winners). In the nightcap, in front of 11,000 in the host country of Puerto Rico (San Juan), Venezuela knocked off Puerto Rico, 5-2. For Venezuela, SS Orlando Arcia was a late addition to the starting lineup, he was 0-for-4 with two K's, but was part of turning two double plays on defense. For Puerto Rico, RHP Hiram Burgos was effective in a relief stint -- Venezuela Top of the 6th Pitching Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Nelvin Fuentes. Oscar Salazar pops out to second baseman Robert Andino. Orlando Arcia strikes out on a foul tip. Gorkys Hernandez pops out to first baseman Ruben Gotay. Venezuela Top of the 7th Jose Gil strikes out swinging. Niuman Romero walks. Pitching Change: Juan Romero replaces Hiram Burgos. Ehire Adrianza grounds into a double play, second baseman Robert Andino to shortstop Osvaldo Martinez to first baseman Ruben Gotay. Niuman Romero out at 2nd. Thanks to young Brewers farmhand OF Omar Garcia, we can see that Arcia foul tip K vs. Burgos here. One thing that's puzzling, worth noting, is that all winter, Hiram Burgos pitched on Mayaguez, the same Puerto Rican League team of Martin Maldonado, but is on the Santurce roster competing in the CWS. By the way, SS Yadiel Rivera did not see the field for Santurce Monday night. On Tuesday, it's Cuba vs. the Dominican Republic in the matinee, and Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the nightcap (both on ESPN Desportes), 11:05 AM / 5:30 PM Central Time starts.

Brewer Nation with some updates on RHP Brooks Hall.

AUDIO 2/1: MLB Network Radio's Mike Ferrin via Doug Russell & WTMJ

Eleven days ago Scott Boeck (USA Today) noted Padres interest in Sardinas, now Rosenthal mentions same. When I read that at the time, it seemed like such a random add-in line to Gallardo trade article. But sources are clearly pushing it out.

AUDIO 1/30: New LH reliever Neal Cotts via WTMJ

Also, even though Alexander spent most of 2014 with the Timber Rattlers, because he was on the Maryvale roster to end the season (perhaps we can assume more about that demotion now), his suspension won't begin until June when the rookie league season begins. So at minimum, he's out until late July.

Baseball America -- Brewers LHP Tyler Alexander Suspension Length: 50 games Violating Substances: Drug of abuse (second positive test) Alexander, 23, a lefthander out of Florida International, was a 27th-round pick in 2013. He’s gone 7-6, 4.28 in two minor league seasons, walking 4.10/9 but striking out 11.27/9. *** Sigh...

Good MLB.com article for background on the Caribbean Series *** Schedule (starts Mon. 2/2) - ESPN Desportes for TV

Venezuela Box Score Congratulations to the brothers Arcia! (Twitter photos) The Twins' big league OF Oswaldo and the Brewers young gun shortstop Orlando are on their way to Puerto Rico, representing Venezuela in the Caribbean World Series. Their Caribes team took the best-of-seven, four games to one. Orlando was 0-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base before being lifted for a pinch-hitter (Alexi Amarista) in a key 7th inning. It is true that Orlando Arcia's playing time has been cut back in recent weeks, as his club feared the Brewers could end his winter at any time. However, via Twitter, last evening, it was confirmed that the Brewers have given permission for the 20-year-old to participate on the grand stage in the CWS. When Arcia takes part next week, it'll be his 11th month of baseball in 12 (September off), going back to last spring training. By the way, RHP Chris Leroux, recently signed to a minor league deal by the Crew, was the starting pitcher for the losing club here (4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K, 1 WP). Leroux split his time between the Dominican and Venezuelan Leagues this winter, his numbers are at the link. We'll update folks about the Caribbean World Series schedule (starting Monday February 2nd), including the ESPN Desportes TV schedule, in the coming days. If there's an SAP button for Spanish, does it work in reverse? Brewers in the CWS (not a lock each player is in uniform for the tournament): Dominican Republic (Gigantes del Cibao) -- SS Jean Segura, LHP Nick Additon Puerto Rico (Cangrejeros de Santurce) -- SS/3B Yadiel Rivera, OF Omar Garcia Mexico (Tomateros de Culiacan) -- RHP Manny Barreda Venezuela (Caribes de Anzoátegui) -- SS Orlando Arcia Additon hasn't pitched since his Game One start in the Dominican Championship Series. Garcia saw limited action through November 29th, the young Timber Rattler will get a ring out of his league championship, at minimum.

AUDIO: Timber Rattlers' Manager Matt Erickson via WSCO

VIDEO: Will Smith interviews unsuspecting fans

AUDIO 1/26: COO Rick Schlesinger on 105.7 WSSP's Rupena Hot Stove Weekly Show AUDIO 1/26: Here's the entire show, including the Schlesinger interview