Jim Goulart

Via Mark McCarter of the Huntsville Times -- Huntsville Stars' new owner: The key for future of baseball in the city is support in 2014 season

This series of films is going to be amazing, so hopeful full episodes will be made available online -- Video Preview from FSN: Dominican Republic series Check out the raw emotion from Carlos Gomez...

Mexico scores a walkoff win over the Dominican Republic to earn a spot in Saturday's Championship Game vs. Friday's Puerto Rico - Venezuela winner. Quiet endings to the winter seasons of the Dominican's shortstop Hector Gomez (0-for-3, HBP) and Eugenio Velez (0-for-3, walk), playing left field. Box Score

MiLB.com: X-Factors: Class A park factors Level Midwest League playing fields...

MiLB.com: X-Factors: A Advanced park factors Space Coast playing to its reputation...

The guys have posted a roundtable discussion on their selections.

Cuba ousted as Series enters semifinal round So it's the Dominican Republic (Hector Gomez, Eugenio Velez) taking on Mexico Thursday, and Puerto Rico (Martin Maldonado, Irving Falu) facing Venezuela Friday. The two winners meet Saturday night for the championship. You can follow box scores and Gameday via the right-hand sidebar on the CWS home page.

Puerto Rico hangs on for a 5-4 win over Venezuela (box score), and thus moves on the "Final Four" (semi-finals, one-game elimination). Cuba is out (standings). While Irving Falu, playing second base, was 0-for-4 (one K), Martin Maldonado had a much more productive night. Maldy was 2-for-4 (run, RBI), and again shined behind the plate -- Venezuela Top of the 4th Alberto Callaspo singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis Montanez. Adonis Garcia walks. Alberto Callaspo to 2nd. With Cory Aldridge batting, Martin Maldonado picks off Alberto Callaspo at 2nd on throw to Osvaldo Martinez. Cory Aldridge called out on strikes. Adonis Garcia steals (1) 2nd base. Ramon Hernandez reaches on a throwing error by third baseman Luis Figueroa. Adonis Garcia scores. Endy Chavez grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. *** Great games in this tournament -- as was initially reviewed in the prior post, the Dominican squad hung on to knock off Mexico, 7-6. Box score Check in later Thursday, we'll set up the two semi-final games, one will take place Thursday, another Friday.

More details later, as the game is still on as of this post, but -- Dominican Republic vs. Mexico Box Score Eugenio Velez has homered twice in the Dominican Republic's game today, but he wasn't even supposed to play. He entered when fellow Brewer farmhand Hector Gomez left with an apparent injury sliding into second base. Gomez left another game earlier this winter when the game log specifically mentioned a hand injury, yet he returned the next night. We'll see here. UPDATE: Thanks to Twitter, we have a picture of Gomez in the training room, with an explanation: Source: Hector Gomez suffered a strained a muscle, is expected to be ready for next game Gomez has a long history of groin injuries, that's a bullet dodged. Dom. Rep. Bottom of the 2nd Francisco Peguero walks. Hector Gomez singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Zelous Wheeler. Francisco Peguero to 2nd. Ronny Paulino grounds into a double play, shortstop Gil Velazquez to second baseman Carlos Alberto Gastelum to first baseman Daryle Ward. Francisco Peguero to 3rd. Hector Gomez out at 2nd. Julio Lugo singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis Fonseca. Francisco Peguero scores. Ed Rogers grounds out, second baseman Carlos Alberto Gastelum to first baseman Daryle Ward Mexico Top of the 3rd Defensive switch from second base to shortstop for Leury Garcia. Defensive switch from center field to second base for Emilio Bonifacio. Defensive switch from left field to right field for Juan Perez. Defensive switch from right field to center field for Francisco Peguero. Defensive Substitution: Eugenio Velez replaces shortstop Hector Gomez, batting 5th, playing left field. Sebastian Valle strikes out swinging. Gil Velazquez flies out to right fielder Juan Perez. Chris Roberson grounds out, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio to first baseman Ed Rogers. *** Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu play their must-win game for Puerto Rico Wednesday night vs. host Venezuela.

All via WSSP audio links -- Tue. 2/4 - Rupena's Hot Stove Weekly "With Sparky out, Tim Allen guides the Brewers ship and talks with Logan Schafer." If you can't listen to the full 40-minute show archive at this time, here's just the Schafer interview. *** Wed. 2/5 Ron Roenicke interview from the Bill Michaels Show Wide range of topics covered in quick order, one of Bill's better interview moments...

Brewers players fell on the short side of a couple of 2-1 games Tuesday, as Cuba defeated Puerto Rico and Venezuela nipped the Dominican Republic. Yes, Venezuela is now 3-0 (standings), but hardly assured a title. There are five teams, and after Wednesday's games each will have played each other once. Only the 5th place team will be eliminated at that point. Teams will then play a single semifinal game (1 vs. 4 on Friday, 2 vs. 3 on Thursday), with those winners meeting in Saturday's championship game. Puerto Rico needs a win Wednesday night against first place Venezuela to avoid elimination. Considering the host country doesn't "need" the win, well, we'll see what unfolds. Back to Tuesday now -- Puerto Rico Box Score: Wow, complete game win for the 33-year-old Cuban starter. Irving Falu (0-for-4, one K) and Martin Maldonado joined their mates with quiet games at the plate. But Maldonado also did this -- http://elabonado.com.ve/noticias/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/machete.gif You've got to be kidding. Thanks to Todd Milewski for the tweet that pointed us to that. Maldonado also picked a runner off second base. However, both of Cuba's runs were unearned, and unfortunately, Irving Falu's error led to one of those runs -- Cuba Bottom of the 7th Ramon Lunar singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Yulexis La Rosa out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Joel Pineiro to second baseman Rey Navarro. Ramon Lunar to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ariel Borrero replaces Andy Zamora. Ariel Borrero reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Rey Navarro. Ramon Lunar to 3rd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Yordanys Linares replaces Ariel Borrero. Yuniet Flores called out on strikes. Yordan Manduley reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Irving Falu. Ramon Lunar scores. Yordanys Linares to 2nd. Pitching Change: Steve Smith replaces Joel Pineiro. Yulieski Gurriel grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Rey Navarro. Yordan Manduley out at 2nd. *** Back to Maldonado, the Spanish arm of MLB.com posted this article. Bear with this as we post the Google-translated version here -- Maldonado is on a rebound at bat with Brewers MARGARITA ISLAND , Venezuela - Martin Maldonado has always been known more for his defense than by catching his bat. In fact , we saw your "bracelet" on Saturday when we caught in robbery attempt at the fastest runners Eugenio Velez and Emilio Bonifacio in the match between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series . The next day he returned to teach the barrel , "hunting " Gil Velazquez of Mexico in another attempt to scam. Maldonado , 27 , completes its winter season in the Caribbean Classic with Indios de Mayagüez . After this engagement, the native of Naguabo, Puerto Rico seek to cause a great impact on the training of Cerveceos Milwaukee. "There are new perspectives , improve batting and the little things ," Maldonado said of the challenge that awaits you at the facilities in the area of ​​Milwaukee in Maryvale Phoenix , Arizona. "To play good baseball and stay in the big leagues ." Indeed, the evolution as big leaguer Maldonado found some obstacles. After a solid first season in 2012 in which he hit .266 with OPS ( on-base percentage plus slugging ) of .729 to accompany his good defense, average fell to .169 in 67 games and 183 innings last season official . In 2013 , Maldonado much of the training of Cerveceos was lost due to its presence as a substitute catcher Yadier Molina in the Puerto Rican team in the World Baseball Classic . Molina catching dominated the Puerto Rican team , of course , Puerto Rico and reached the final of the tournament. This resulted in very little preparation of Maldonado at bat during spring. At the same time , Jonathan Lucroy had an excellent season. Essentially , Maldonado was designated to play every five days as the "personal catcher " the right-hander Wily Peralta. If Lucroy not injured , as was the case in 2012 , which opened the doors to the Puerto Rican - 2014 could be the same story a year ago . But whatever happens , Maldonado is determined to make a rebound in the batter's box , it was just part of the reason to play both during the winter. "You want to keep working and keep playing to prepare and be ready," said catcher , who hit .271 with a .354 on-base percentage in 28 games for the Indians in the winter season. "With game one more perfect things." *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez, batting 5th, drove in the D.R.'s only run (1-for-4, double, two K's). Eugenio Velez, playing left field, was 0-for-3 (one K). *** On Wednesday, go to the home page for the Caribbean Series and their right-hand sidebar, particularly for the do-or-die Puerto Rico game (6:30 Central).

From MiLB.com's article on AA ballpark factors -- No explaining the power Huntsville's home yard produces an above-average number of runs and a relatively neutral number of hits (at 405 feet to center field and 345 feet to left field, it is the league's largest park), but there have been one-third more homers in Stars home games than on the road over the past two seasons. On one hand, three Stars (Hector Gomez, .196; Brock Kjeldgaard, .222; and Mike Walker, .223) finished among the bottom five among Southern League hitters who accumulated enough at-bats to qualify for the batting crown last year. On the other, Kjeldgaard led the league with 24 homers and Jason Rogers had 22 with a league-leading 87 RBIs. Of the 34 Minor Leaguers who hit at least 24 homers, just one (Brandon Waring, 82) had fewer hits than Kjeldgaard's 99. But it's too simplistic to say the ballpark is entirely responsible for home run totals. Kjeldgaard has hit at least 12 homers in each of his six pro seasons (including three 20-homer campaigns) and Rogers actually hit 15 of his 22 long balls on the road in 2013. So even though the park appears to play small to most hitters, maybe it's just a matter of the right hitter being there at the right time. "I would say it's middle of the road, maybe slightly a hitters' park," said Kjeldgaard, who said the lack of a batters' eye in Huntsville can sometimes make it tough to see the ball. "It all depends on the day -- some days the wind is blowing in, some days it's blowing out -- you never really know. "You can hit balls there that you think are home runs and they get knocked down by the wind. Other days, you don't think you squared it up and it carries. You just have to test it out during batting practice. As an outfielder, if the wind is blowing out, you will play a little deeper and if it's blowing in, you can play in a little bit more because you know you can get to more balls." *** You can read the AAA ballpark effect article here.

As per his own tweet, we learn the Brewers have signed minor league free agent LHP Kevin James, who was Tampa's 9th round pick in 2009 out of Whitefish Bay High School in Wisconsin ($625,000 signing bonus, at the time the 2nd largest for a 9th round pick in the history of the draft), so James will be re-acquainted with (he's excited) his high school teammate and 2013 Helena Brewer, Charlie Markson (who played college ball at Notre Dame). James, now 23 years old as of last October, pitched in four seasons at the Rookie and/or Rookie Advanced level for the Rays (career numbers, very limited innings, only one appearance in '09 after signing late that summer). From the Milwaukee Baseball Academy website -- Kevin James was born and raised in Whitefish Bay, Wisc. He attended Whitefish Bay High School, graduating in 2009. He was a 4-year varsity baseball player and 3-year varsity basketball player. Kevin was voted team captain his junior and senior year in baseball, as well as captain of the basketball team during his senior year. He earned All-State honors in baseball his junior and senior year, and was named Louisville Slugger Wisconsin State Player of the Year and Old Timers Baseball Association Player of the Year during his senior season. Kevin committed to play baseball at Boston College, but chose to sign a professional contract after being drafted as a pitcher in the 9th round of the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Kevin played in the Tampa Bay Rays organization for 4 years. He will be working for Milwaukee Baseball Academy in his off-season, offering instruction for both participating hitters and pitchers. James, listed at 6'4", 190, did not pitch professionally in 2013, it appears. Not quite sure why James was limited to four outings in his first full season of pro ball in 2010. Follow Kevin on Twitter @KevJames17. Heck, we even had a Brewerfan thread on him back in his draft year. The Timber Rattlers seem like a likely starting point in 2014, perhaps Brevard County. *** So the Brewers trade for Will Smith, then sign Kevin James. Go Hollywood, baby! Welcome, Kevin!

Baseball America: 2013 International Spending By Team 21st...

Via Venezuelan journalist @RafaelTejera: Carlos Marmol says Red Sox, Brewers & Marlins after his services, and he's likely to remain in NL.

Dominican defeats Cuba, 9-3 SS Hector Gomez again has us wondering how he posted a sub-.500 OPS at Huntsville in 2013 -- 2-for-5, walk, two stolen bases, run, RBI (two K's). LF Eugenio Velez 1-for-5 with a double, RBI (one K). Jon Leicester (no, not Boston's, but it sounds the same) dominated over seven innings. The former Cub, Oriole and Japanese League RHP, now 34, hasn't pitched professionally in the summer since 2011. Ah, the uniqueness of the winter leagues... Caribbean Series standings show host Venezuela on top at 2-0. Via the Series home page, look for links on the right sidebar later Tuesday for Puerto Rico vs. Cuba and D.R. vs. Venezuela.

Headed up by our Link Report staff member Brad, a variety of Brewers bloggers helped create this top 25 list at Miller Park Prospects. Give MPP a follow on Twitter, Brad indicates nice things for their recently revamped site in 2014.

Puerto Rico (with Martin Maldonado, Irving Falu) gets a rest Monday. The Domincan squad (0-1) plays against the Cuban team (0-2) this afternoon at 2:00 PM Central, so we will probably see spring training invites Eugenio Velez and Hector Gomez in action. Gameday Link (once available)

Martin Maldonado singled in a run in a three-run Puerto Rico 9th inning, but the rally fell far short as Mexico defeated Maldonado's and Irving Falu's (one single, one error) team, 6-3. Former Brewers 40-man roster member Zelous Wheeler, playing left field for Mexico, homered twice and drove in four. Wow. Box Score

2/2 WTMJ Doug Russell -- Ken Rosenthal talks Garza, Braun and more things Brewers

MLB.com: Puerto Rico posts another solid start in Series Looks like Cuba is a full (5th) participant, so those games are not exhibitions, as noted earlier... *** Dominican idle Sunday. Here's where you'll find the box score link for Mexico at Puerto Rico (Maldonado, Falu), 1:30 Central.

Puerto Rico scores a run in the top of the 10th for a 7-6 win over the Dominican Republic, P.R. once trailing 6-1 after four innings. You'll find the box score and game log links here. Irving Falu (P.R.) and Hector Gomez (D.R.) homered. While Martin Maldonado was 0-for-4, he did throw out both baserunners attempting to steal, including fellow spring training mate Eugenio Velez. I briefly sampled the ESPN Deportes audio online just for fun (of course, not understanding a thing -- do Spanish announcers ever come up for air ?) The emotion was evident throughout, great kickoff to the Caribbean Series, wish I had the video available for each game. High-stress baseball on February 1st, good stuff.

As of 5:15 Central, it's 6-6 in the 9th, Gameday here if you're reading live.

And technically don't forget the $51.11MM posting fee.

Two former Brewers are on Puerto Rico's pitching staff, including today's starter, Carlo Alvarado, entering his 16th pro season but never a big leaguer. He saw time as a free agent signing with the Brewers' High Desert club in 2002. RHP Saul Rivera was acquired by the Crew in this trade, pitched for Huntsville in 2004: June 7, 2004: Traded by the Montreal Expos with Peter Bergeron to the Milwaukee Brewers for Jason Belcher (minors) and Jason Childers. Rivera would go on to have a nice three-year big league run with the Nationals starting in 2006. Puerto Rico infielder Luis Figueroa briefly played for Nashville in 2011. Former big league Brewer RHP's Guillermo Mota and Claudio Vargas are on the Dominican staff. Longtime pro catcher Eliezer Alfonzo (Team Venezuela) got his start in the Brewers' chain way back when.