Jim Goulart

Follow Friday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Game One Nashville Game Two Huntsville Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! All times are Central Nashville: RHP's Michael Blazek and Jay Jackson in a doubleheader at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 5:45 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Free Live Audio Link Jeff Hem is the play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville 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. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. ********** Huntsville: LHP Jed Bradley at Birmingham (White Sox), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Steve Jarnicki is the new play-by-play voice of the Stars - welcome aboard! Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveJarnicki. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast. MiLB.TV - It appears seven of the ten Southern League teams telecast their home games (not the Stars). NOTE: Birmingham is among the Southern League squads to offer MiLB.TV broadcasts. ********** Brevard County: Idle ********** Wisconsin: RHP Javier Salas at Peoria (Cardinals), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM 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. For the $49.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, Stars' road games from seven Southern League locales, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games. NOTE: Thirty-nine (!) of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (9) and WACY-TV My NEW32 (30) 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. ********** Helena: LHP Luis Ortega at Ogden (Dodgers), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link There's a new Voice of the Helena Brewers in 2014, as Dustin Daniel (@dustin__daniel on Twitter) takes over for legendary Steve Wendt. We look forward to Dustin building his own legacy moving forward. ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Athletics' complex in Phoenix, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league Miller Park Prospects - Arizona League Primer ********** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Tigers, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day We're also going to lock in the link to Brad Krause's fantastic Miller Park Prospects - Dominican Summer League primer right here, at least for the first couple of months of the DSL campaign, for your easy review. Brad will also be adding DSL Link Report duties to his Brevard coverage for us here. Thanks, Brad!

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

The Manatees game story from the Brevard County perspective has been posted this morning.

Also posted in our Draft Forum: Wow. Kolton Mahoney of BYU's baseball team was named this week as the 2014 BFC Whitehouse Outstanding Pitcher of the Cape Cod League. The junior-to-be added to those honors by striking out 13 batters in seven innings as the winning pitcher Wednesday night in the first playoff game for the Orleans Firebirds in a 3-0 victory over the Yarmouth Dennis Red Sox. During the summer season thus far in Massachusetts, Mahoney has posted a 4-2 record with a 1.79 ERA in 45.1 innings with 61 strikeouts. In July, Mahoney was also named to the Cape Cod All-Star team after being drafted in the 23rd round by the Milwaukee Brewers. *** A minute and a half into this interview, Mahoney indicates that after careful consideration, it was his decision to return to BYU. There is no indication as just how hard the Brewers may have pushed. Too bad...

Wow. Kolton Mahoney of BYU's baseball team was named this week as the 2014 BFC Whitehouse Outstanding Pitcher of the Cape Cod League. The junior-to-be added to those honors by striking out 13 batters in seven innings as the winning pitcher Wednesday night in the first playoff game for the Orleans Firebirds in a 3-0 victory over the Yarmouth Dennis Red Sox. During the summer season thus far in Massachusetts, Mahoney has posted a 4-2 record with a 1.79 ERA in 45.1 innings with 61 strikeouts. In July, Mahoney was also named to the Cape Cod All-Star team after being drafted in the 23rd round by the Milwaukee Brewers. *** A minute and a half into this interview, Mahoney indicates that after careful consideration, it was his decision to return to BYU. There is no indication as just how hard the Brewers may have pushed. Too bad...

Final: Huntsville 6, @Birmingham 3, 11 innings Shaw's Clutch Hits Lead Stars To Victory Steve Jarnicki, Huntsville Stars Birmingham, AL - Huntsville Stars second baseman Nick Shaw came through with two clutch hits Thursday night, one of which came in extra innings, leading the Stars to a 6-3 win over the Birmingham Barons in eleven innings at Regions Field. Shaw, who went 3-5 with 3 RBI, had a go-ahead single in the fifth inning breaking a 1-1 tie which gave the Stars a 2-1 lead. With the Stars ahead 3-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, Chris Curley tied the game at 3-3 on a two-out single on a 3-2 pitch against Stars closer David Goforth (5-3), which would ultimately force extra innings. Shaw came to the rescue for the Stars in the top of the eleventh inning. Josh Prince led off with an infield single against Birmingham reliever Nestor Molina (6-4). Erik Komatsu then struck out, however the third strike was dropped and he reached base. Yadiel Rivera was then intentionally walked. Shaw came up with the bases loaded and dumped a two-run single in front of diving left fielder Josh Richmond scoring Prince and Komatsu giving the Stars a 5-3 lead. Hector Gimenez also added a sacrifice fly in the inning to give the Stars a 6-3 advantage. Eric Marzec collected his first save of the season with a scoreless eleventh inning. The Stars received huge nights offensively from Josh Fellhauer and Yadiel Rivera. Fellhauer went 4-6 with two doubles. Rivera finished 3-4 with two triples and an RBI. The Stars (22-25, 68-49) lead the Barons (22-24, 51-65) 2-0 in their five game series. Game three will be Friday night. The Stars will have LHP Jed Bradley (4-6, 4.55) on the mound. Birmingham will send RHP Bryan Blough (2-3, 3.81) to the hill. The game can be heard starting at 6:50 CDT on 92.9 FM, 1450 AM and wtkiradio.com. Huntsville Box Score Treat to watch this one on TV. 22-year-old Yadiel Rivera looked fantastic, both at the plate and in the field. Listed at 6'2", 175 (seems very accurate), from a comparison perspective, reminded me of a young, thin Hanley Ramirez. The broadcast team thought he was the most impressive player they had seen in their summer-long TV series (at least from a single-game perspective). LF Josh Fellhauer, 26, continues to rake since his acquisition from the Reds, the fact he was 4-for-6 with two doubles and did not score indicates that 1B Nick Ramirez and DH Hector Gimenez had tough nights. The Brewers have another year of team control on Fellhauer, look for him to be part of the 2015 AAA outfield. 2B Nick Shaw has back-to-back 3-for-5 games, he has followed up his amazing July (.896 OPS) with an .881 OPS thus far in August, just a fantastic seven-week run for the soon-to-be 26-year-old. Rivera, Fellhauer, and Shaw combined for a 10-for-15 night, making the most of their primetime airtime. Huntsville Game Log No radar gun readings on the broadcast, we'll give Steve a pass on the game summary after a fine job all year, but you can't overlook RHP Jacob Barnes' seven-inning stint tonight -- 4 H, 1 R (HR), 1 BB, 3 K (93 pitches, 64 strikes). Worked the fastball inside quite a bit, didn't realize the 24-year-old was built so solid (6'2", 230). RHP's Greg Holle, David Goforth and Eric Marzec followed Barnes, Holle (on a HR) and Goforth (blown save) each gave up a run, but did enough to impress as well. Marzec was rocking a serious beard, the Brewers must ease their facial hair restrictions above A-ball. Winner, winner, chicken dinner -- Huntsville Top of the 11th Pitching Change: Nestor Molina replaces Kyle Hansen. Josh Prince singles on a ground ball to shortstop Daniel Wagner. With Erik Komatsu batting, wild pitch by Nestor Molina, Josh Prince to 2nd. Erik Komatsu strikes out swinging. Passed ball by catcher Kevan Smith. Josh Prince to 3rd. Erik Komatsu to 1st. With Yadiel Rivera batting, Erik Komatsu advances to 2nd on defensive indifference. Nestor Molina intentionally walks Yadiel Rivera. Nick Shaw doubles (12) on a soft fly ball to left fielder Josh Richmond. Josh Prince scores. Erik Komatsu scores. Yadiel Rivera to 3rd. Josh Fellhauer grounds out, pitcher Nestor Molina to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Nestor Molina intentionally walks Nick Ramirez. Hector Gimenez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Trayce Thompson. Yadiel Rivera scores. Robinzon Diaz grounds out, third baseman Jeremy Farrell to first baseman Rangel Ravelo. Odd ending, as Josh Fellhauer impressed (again) with a throw from the left-field corner to nab the runner at second base. The umpire ruled the out was before the runner from second base, who was cruising in, scored, saving Marzec a run. Birmingham Bottom of the 11th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces David Goforth. Rangel Ravelo flies out to center fielder Erik Komatsu. Kevan Smith singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Fellhauer. Joey DeMichele grounds out, second baseman Nick Shaw to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Kevan Smith to 2nd. Daniel Wagner singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Fellhauer. Kevan Smith to 3rd. Daniel Wagner out at 2nd, left fielder Josh Fellhauer to second baseman Nick Shaw. *** Nick Shaw gets the ice water bath in the postgame TV interview!

Perfectionist Gainey relaxes, delivers gem Brewers right-hander strikes out career-high dozen in seven frames By Kelsie Heneghan / MiLB.com http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/8/6/88546186/cuts/Preston_Gainey_rsjp6fgk_ffe7kf5v.jpg Preston Gainey is 4-7 with a 4.07 ERA over 20 starts this season with Wisconsin. (Ann Mollica/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) Preston Gainey knows sometimes his desire to be perfect can hurt his pitching line. But Thursday, he relaxed and delivered an impeccable outing. The right-handed Milwaukee prospect struck out a career-high 12 while allowing three hits and four walks over seven scoreless frames en route to Class A Wisconsin's 6-1 win at Peoria. "I think it was just mixing my pitches. A lot of times I can get a little fastball-happy, so tonight I made sure to throw my off-speed pitches for strikes," Gainey said. "I felt pretty good, [catcher Rafael] Neda and I were on the same page. … I established my fastball early in the game and relaxed, just trusted his calls." The 23-year-old gave up two of his hits coming in the first inning. After getting two quick outs, he allowed back-to-back singles to 11th-ranked Cardinals prospect Carson Kelly and Ronald Castillo. With Kelly on third, Gainey's 1-2 pitch to St. Louis' No. 17 prospect Rowan Wick got past Neda. "I threw a changeup and it bounced. Neda ran back and I think Carson Kelly hesitated at third before coming home. Neda flipped to me and I tagged Kelly," Gainey said. "That out was pretty crucial. A lot of times when I get into trouble, it's when I come out in the first inning and I try to be too perfect." While every pitcher strives for perfection, that sentiment comes with its own set of problems for the 2012 11th-round pick. "It can be the best thing for me or it can be the worst thing for me," he admitted. "I can put unnecessary pressure on myself. It's kind of one of those things. Some nights I come out relaxed and other nights I put pressure on myself. We've been working a lot of pitch selection, just trusting myself and not trying to be too fine or perfect." Aside from a walk, the Florida native was perfect for the next three innings until Juan Herrera singled in the fifth. The U.S. Naval Academy product cruised through the next frame, before Gainey took the mound in the seventh knowing that it could be his last. "I told myself right before I went out on the mound, 'Put your foot on the gas and don't let them back in this game,'" he said. "I tried not to let them see the fastball too much, but I was able to throw it and keep guys off balance all night." Gainey struck out the side in his final frame to complete his first scoreless start since his season debut. "It feels really good. Pitching is one of those things that some nights go your way and some nights don't. It feels good that I was able to keep my team in the game and keep the runners from crossing the plate," he said. "[Left fielder] Omar Garcia made a great play in the third, a diving play that ended the inning. I was just able to capitalize on those opportunities. It was definitely a fun game." Gainey has gone 4-7 with a 4.07 ERA over 20 starts with Wisconsin. While his record mirrors that of his Midwest League stint last season, his ERA -- 5.11 in 2013 -- and abilities have improved since he started in Class A ball. "I definitely have developed a lot. Last year for starters, I didn't really have a changeup and I didn't have confidence with that," he said. "I worked really hard this offseason to develop a changeup and get my mechanics to where they need to be. I had a few [tough starts], but for the most part, I worked really hard in the offseason and I think it shows." David Denson, Angel Ortega and Neda drove in runs in the victory.

Final: AZL Athletics 9, @AZL Brewers 3 Maryvale Box Score Brewers trailed 8-0 by the time they broke through with a three-run 8th. Hunter Morris (fractured right arm) with his first rehab stint, 0-for-3 (strikeout, two flyouts). Actually, it was an encouraging pitching night, surprisingly, given the final score. Just-turned 19-year-old 6th round RHP David Burkhalter ($200,000 signing bonus) had his best appearance-to-date, four innings of one-run ball with no walks and five strikeouts. Promising RHP Joshua Torres was limited to a rare one-inning stint, which he handled perfectly. RHP Andy Hillis had a second consecutive scoreless one-inning appearance. LHP Max Walla allowed one run on two hits to wrap up. Former Wisconsin LHP Tyler Alexander was touched for seven runs (four earned, his own error was one of two costly errors in a four-run 5th). Maryvale Game Log The A-Crew managed just six hits, two walks, and two HBP. SS Jake Gatewood, CF Carlos Belonis, and LF Troy Stokes did each reach base twice. First baseman Juan Ortiz had the team's lone XBH, a double. AZL Brewers Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Cody Kurz replaces Carlos Navas. Juan Ortiz strikes out swinging, catcher Andy Paz to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk. Troy Stokes hit by pitch. Jorge Quiterio pops out to catcher Andy Paz in foul territory. Daniel Leonardo singles on a ground ball to right fielder Vicmal De La Cruz. Troy Stokes to 3rd. Monte Harrison singles on a ground ball to left fielder Robert Martinez. Troy Stokes scores. Daniel Leonardo to 2nd. Jake Gatewood walks. Daniel Leonardo to 3rd. Monte Harrison to 2nd. Carlos Belonis hit by pitch. Daniel Leonardo scores. Monte Harrison to 3rd. Jake Gatewood to 2nd. With Tanner Norton batting, wild pitch by Cody Kurz, Monte Harrison scores. Jake Gatewood to 3rd. Carlos Belonis to 2nd. Tanner Norton grounds out, pitcher Cody Kurz to first baseman Shawn Duinkerk.

Nashville, TN - Mother Nature got the best of Thursday night’s game at Greer Stadium, which was scheduled to be the first game of a five-game series between the first-place Nashville Sounds (62-56) and the Round Rock Express (61-57). The outing has been postponed due to rain and rescheduled as a part of a doubleheader for Friday, August 8th at 6:05 PM. The pair of games will each be seven-innings. The Sounds will send RHP Michael Blazek to the hill in the first game opposite Round Rock’s Robbie Ross Jr. In Game 2, RHP Jay Jackson will make his debut for the Sounds. Jeff Hem has the call on 102.5-FM “The Game” beginning at 5:55 PM.

Tim Dillard - on "on-Field Promotions"

Huntsville on my TV!

From this Q&A with Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez -- "I think Jay Jackson's got a lot to give to a ballclub, whether it be the Pirates or any other ballclub. I caught him in spring, and I've caught him a lot here in Indy. Every time out, he's got a plus fastball with a plus slider, and two other pitches that he mixes in there to keep guys off balance. He's done a really good job every time he's thrown to me. There's not a lot of talk about him, but he's got the potential to be a really great arm out of the bullpen."

You would think with Gord Ash in attendance, this is a renewal announcement. Renewals can be for two or four years, a two-year renewal is more likely, the four-year deals are often reserved for the obvious relationships (like Milwaukee-Timber Rattlers).

Latest from Helena: Hello All, The Helena Brewers and Milwaukee Brewers will be holding a joint press conference on Thursday, August 14th, beginning at 1:30 PM at Kindrick Field (2:30 PM Central). The press conference will be held to address the relationship between the two teams and Helena’s affiliation with the Brewers’ Minor League system. It should last no longer than 30 minutes and will include a Q&A segment. Speakers will include Gord Ash, Paul Fetz and owner of the Helena Brewers, D.G. Elmore. Mr. Ash serves as the Assistant General Manager for the Milwaukee Brewers and led the Toronto Blue Jays as their General Manager from 1995-2001. Dustin Daniel Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations Helena Brewers

Nashville Sounds - Milwaukee (signed through 2014) Rumor has it Brewers will land in Fresno for 2015-16 (see prior post) *** Huntsville Stars - Milwaukee (signed through 2014) Indications are strong that the Biloxi ownership group is going to stick with the Brewers for 2015-16, although nothing is formalized as of yet. What is more muddied is the status of the team's home for the first half of next season, as the new Biloxi ballpark won't be ready until July at the earliest (recent updates here). *** Brevard County Manatees - Milwaukee (signed through 2014) Manatee ownership, which is out of Orlando, badly wants to find a new home there, but have run into their own roadblocks in that regard. It's been quiet on the renewal front, and though a renewal is expected, a surprise breakup can't be ruled out. *** Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Milwaukee (signed through 2016) No worries about this dream partnership... *** Helena Brewers - Milwaukee (signed through 2014)

Career numbers Jackson, unless re-signed by the Brewers, will be a minor league free agent this fall. He'll turn 27 in October.

Prior to today's acquisition of AAA RHP Jay Jackson, the Brewers most recent trade with Pittsburgh was this one: Pirates (12/12/11) -- Acquired RHP Jose Veras in exchange for 3B Casey McGehee

Via Todd Rosiak: Catchers Adam Weisenburger and Shawn Zarraga have been flip-flopped, with Weisenburger going to Nashville and Zarraga to Huntsville. *** Big fan here of the 25-year-old Weisenburger, congrats to him on his AAA debut. Zarraga posted a .559 OPS in 17 AAA games, audio we had heard from Manager Rick Sweet indicated defensive work was in progress. That won't be a concern for Weisenburger, who I think may be a 40-man roster addition (and the potential September 3rd catcher).

Yes, Maryvale...

You've got until early evening to bid for Rattlers "Outdoors" jerseys -- http://timberrattlers.milbauctions.com/images/stores/30/300/Num6Size46_FRONT_300.jpg

Hat tip, Kyle Lobner: You'll find the Manatees' Michael Reed here.

Via Adam McCalvy -- Gord Ash says Wei-Chung Wang will be promoted to make his next appearance for the Class A Wisconsin TimberRattlers on Sunday.

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter. *** Look for these just prior to the respective game times -- Nashville Media Notes - it's a unique link each day, but look for it under the "Roster" banner on the Sounds' site. Brevard County Media Notes - again, 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: (For split-season leagues, 2nd half standings are shown as the default, although overall standings are also available at the link.) AAA - Pacific Coast League American Southern Division AA - Southern League North Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division Rookie - Arizona Summer League Central Division DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris *** Sortable individual stat pages: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale Dominican Summer League Brewers *** Weather.com: Nashville, TN Birmingham, AL Tampa, FL Peoria, IL Idaho Falls, ID Maryvale, AZ Boca Chica, DR

Follow Thursday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Completion of Suspended Game Wisconsin Regularly Scheduled Game Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers