Jim Goulart

MLB.com video -- 2014 MLB Rookie Career Development Program: Brewers prospect Jimmy Nelson on making his big league debut and getting help from veterans

Inevitably, we knew we'd have to start saying goodbye to the folks in this thread. Goodbye, Professor.

Here's his blog post.

Wednesday's Winter League action -- Australian Box Score (Thursday there) RHP Eric Marzec tossed two scoreless, striking out four (three hits allowed) -- Brisbane Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Joe Burns. Joshua Roberts flies out to left fielder Josh Davies. Joey Rickard flies out to left fielder Josh Davies. David Sutherland singles on a fly ball to center fielder Justin Trapp. Patrick Leonard called out on strikes. Brisbane Top of the 8th Ryan Battaglia called out on strikes. Brad Dutton strikes out swinging. Justin O'Conner singles on a ground ball to shortstop Brad Harman. Logan Wade singles on a line drive to left fielder Jarryd Rogers. Justin O'Conner to 2nd. Marcus Bradley called out on strikes. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Mayaguez lost 4-3 in ten innings -- Martin Maldonado was 0-for-4 (one K), now hitting .206 in the ten round robin games thus far. There were no stolen base attempts against Maldonado. Irving Falu, again playing third base, singled, walked, and had a sacrifice fly in a 1-for-3 effort with two RBI. For Caguas, RHP Jose De La Torre stranded two in his eventful scoreless inning -- Mayaguez Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Andres Santiago. Eddie Rosario singles on a ground ball to right fielder Juan Silva. With Randy Ruiz batting, Eddie Rosario steals (3) 2nd base. Randy Ruiz hit by pitch. Luis Figueroa ground bunts into a force out, pitcher Jose De La Torre to third baseman Andy Gonzalez. Eddie Rosario out at 3rd. Randy Ruiz to 2nd. Luis Figueroa to 1st. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Noel Cuevas replaces Randy Ruiz. Kennys Vargas walks. Noel Cuevas to 3rd. Luis Figueroa to 2nd. Martin Maldonado grounds into a double play, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to first baseman Neftali Soto. Luis Figueroa out at 3rd. *** Dominican Box Score First baseman Jason Rogers' Escogido team rolls on in a 2-0 win. Rogers was 2-for-3 with a run scored. *** Dominican Box Score Licey won 6-4, but it was little thanks to Brewers' Juan Francisco (0-for-4, one walk, one K) and Eugenio Velez (0-for-4, but did have an outfield assist). For the losing Cibao squad, it was a very tough night for SS Hector Gomez (0-for-1, sacrifice bunt), and this -- Errors -- Gomez, H 3 (missed catch, fielding, fielding - seven errors in the round-robin) Licey Top of the 5th Engel Beltre reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Hector Gomez. Erick Aybar singles on a line drive to center fielder Francisco Peguero. Engel Beltre to 2nd. Juan Francisco called out on strikes. Defensive Substitution: Ray Olmedo replaces shortstop Hector Gomez, batting 9th, playing shortstop. Gigantes del Cibao shortstop Hector Gomez left the game due to an injured hand. I wonder what is winter league etiquette in these situations -- how quickly did Gomez or DWL staff notify the Brewers, or are they learning via this post?

1/15/13 Bill Michaels' Show via WSSP - "Kevin Holden from CBS 58 in Milwaukee joins Bill to talk about the Milwaukee Brewers. Kevin and Bill discuss the Brewers first base situation, and what fans should expect out of the Brewers this season."

Infielder Liu Rodriguez, 37, a longtime minor league infielder and Venezuelan native who appeared in 39 big league games for the White Sox as a 22-year-old in 1999, tweeted (in Spanish) that he had "signed on as a coach with the Milwaukee Brewers". Perhaps he will be assisting the position players in Maryvale, hopeful that he'll be getting back to us with any specific assignment he's aware of. Love that he's "@LiuRod".

South Carolina Radio DJ and Orioles / Ravens blogger Joe Polek seems pretty sure of himself with these tweets, he's reached out through Twitter to the likes of MLB Trade Rumors, Jon Heyman, Haudricourt, and McCalvy -- Tweet: Source: Mark Reynolds had discussions with #Orioles and #Nationals. But in last 24 hours, talks with #Brewers have really heated up. Tweet: My source says #Brewers are offering Mark Reynolds a firm starting first baseman job, where the #Nationals and #Orioles were not. Hey, this is the rumors forum, so just tossing this out there. The pro beat guys would have to try to use their own contacts to determine the validity before commenting. We just have to link to Joe's tweets . Kudos to Joe should this come together soon.

David Goforth feature article via Adam McCalvy

Tuesday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez (two big league games with the Rockies in 2011), coming up on his age 26 season, helped his club to a 6-2 win. Gomez hit his third postseason home run in a 2-for-4 night, one K, two errors. *** Dominican Box Score Looks like 1B Jason Rogers' never-ending season will continue, as his club rolls on in the round-robin. Rogers was 0-for-3 (one walk, one K). For Licey, which was shut out on just three hits, Juan Francisco (0-for-3, walk) and Eugenio Velez (0-for-3, throwing error in right field) had quiet nights. Francisco hasn't played third base in several weeks. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Martin Maldonado (1-for-3, one K) had one of Mayaguez' two hits in their shutout loss. Third baseman Irving Falu was 0-for-3. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Lots of shutouts today... Young SS Yadiel Rivera fanned both times up, but his Caguas team won, 1-0. 40-man roster RHP Jose De La Torre allowed two hits, but pitched a scoreless inning for a hold -- Ponce Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Shaun Garceau. Benji Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Miguel Abreu. Reymond Fuentes singles on a line drive to center fielder Miguel Abreu. Geraldo Valentin singles on a line drive to right fielder Juan Silva. Reymond Fuentes to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jose Lozada replaces Geraldo Valentin. Ivan De Jesus grounds into a double play, pitcher Jose De La Torre to shortstop Yadiel Rivera to first baseman Neftali Soto. Jose Lozada out at 2nd.

Via WSSP 1/14 - Pitching Coach Rick Kranitz talks pitch-tipping and more That particular interview is part of the Hot Stove Weekly Hour (full show archive)

Dr. Theresa Miyashita, Assistant Professor & Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Program at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, is currently in the Dominican Republic, and just visited the Brewers' training academy, as part of her research. Here's my brief conversation with her via Twitter. Even if a future follow-up is only a few paragraphs, any of her observations and thoughts should prove to be insightful, and as you can read, she indicated she'll be kind enough to provide those findings. In this tweet, she indicates the training room needs more, well, "room". Thanks again, Dr. Miyashita!

Via FanGraphs -- Q&A with OF Mitch Haniger

Fangraphs - 2014 Top 10 Prospects: Milwaukee Brewers Taylor - Nelson - Roache - Hellweg - Haniger - Jungmann - Goforth - Coulter - D. Williams - Arcia

Starting a new thread which will be a compilation of current Brewer rankings from around the interwebs: Bullpen Banter: Milwaukee Brewers Top 10 Prospects for 2014 Nelson - Haniger - D. Williams - Taylor - Delmonico - Roache - Coulter - Jungmann - Hellweg - Neuhaus

Read the update from Chris -- Audio included in future Rattler Radio blog posts? *** http://theflickcast.com/wp-content/uploads//Daniel-Bryan-facebook-cover-525x257.jpg

Nice job here by blogger Jason Arndt - Nelson follows dream to Milwaukee

Video report - Orlando area still a possibility for Manatees The key here is that the stadium would seat 2,500-3,500 fans, ideal for a Florida State League team, without the pretense of trying to attract an MLB team's spring training as well.

Diggs to return as Helena manager Helena Independent Record Tony Diggs will be returning for a second season as the Helena Brewers manager. The Brewers announced their coaching staff for the upcoming season on Monday. Joining Diggs in Helena are pitching coach Rolando Valles and hitting coach Jason Dubois. This will be Valles’ and Dubois’ first season in the Capital City. Diggs, who played for the Helena Brewers in 1989, guided the team to a 43-33 regular season last summer and into the Pioneer League playoffs. Diggs was recognized as the league’s Manager of the Year. “I’m looking forward to coming back to Helena this year,” Diggs said from his home in Arizona. “I had a great time and experience last year with a great bunch of guys.” Valles replaces pitching coach Elvin Nina, who was with Helena in the same capacity for five seasons. Nina was promoted to the Low-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, as was hitting coach Chuckie Caufield (one season in Helena). Valles, originally drafted by the Houston Astros, spent 10 years in the minor and independent leagues as a pitcher. He most recently served as the Latin liaison for the Brewers, assisting non-English speaking players with development and off-field needs. Dubois was a 14th-round selection of the Chicago Cubs in the 2000 draft. The Virginia Beach, Va., native saw major league time for both the Cubs and the Cleveland Indians organizations. He most recently served as a hitting coach with the Arizona League Brewers. “Both coaches have been in our system and are very familiar with the Brewer way of sound baseball coaching, teaching and community involvement,” said Reid Nichols, director of player development for the Milwaukee Brewers. “We are fortunate to have quality people introducing our rookie players to professional baseball in Helena, Mont.”

Monday's Winter League action -- Light night. Venezuelan Box Score For somebody with a 1.69 postseason ERA, RHP Arcenio Leon has been charged with four blown saves in the round-robin. La Guaira Top of the 6th Joe Thurston grounds out to first baseman Luis Ugueto. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Roy Merritt. Alex Cabrera lines out to second baseman Jose Flores. Rene Reyes strikes out swinging. La Guaira Top of the 7th C. J. Retherford pops out to third baseman Luis Maza in foul territory. Cesar Suarez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Freddy Galvis. Miguel Gonzalez strikes out swinging. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Rafael Ortega replaces Heiker Meneses. With Rafael Ortega batting, Cesar Suarez steals (1) 2nd base. Rafael Ortega singles on a ground ball to right fielder Oswaldo Arcia. Cesar Suarez scores. With Carlos Sanchez batting, Rafael Ortega caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Sandy Leon to shortstop Freddy Galvis. La Guaira Top of the 8th Carlos Sanchez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Guilder Rodriguez replaces Abel Nieves. Guilder Rodriguez grounds into a force out, pitcher Arcenio Leon to shortstop Freddy Galvis. Carlos Sanchez out at 2nd. Guilder Rodriguez to 1st. Pitching Change: Jose Guanchez replaces Arcenio Leon. Joe Thurston grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Luis Ugueto. Guilder Rodriguez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Silvino Bracho replaces Jose Guanchez. Silvino Bracho intentionally walks Alex Cabrera. Rene Reyes strikes out swinging. *** Leon's Zulia club would score two in the 8th for a 3-1 win.

BrewCrewBall -- Brewers sign OF Greg Golson *** VIDEO from May -- Greg Golson remains focused on his MLB dreams

Also... Field Coordinator & Catching Instructor -Charlie Greene Roving Pitching Coordinator -Rick Tomlin Infield Coordinator- Bob Miscik Athletic Training Coordinator- Frank Neville *** Best I can tell, the only non-returning member of 2013's Brewers organizational coaching staff is former Wisconsin hitting coach Dusty Rhodes.

The Brewer Nation blog detailed all the minor league staffs. Adam McCalvy notes it's great to see Al LeBoeuf listed as Maryvale's hitting coach (tweet with backstory). *** Love this from the Huntsville Times' Mark McCarter regarding the new Huntsville manager: Wrote The Birmingham News in 2008 after Subero was not retained by the White Sox: "Carlos Subero turned a few heads last season as manager of the Birmingham Barons. One reason was his demeanor. Subero could transition from laid-back to livid in a nanosecond, setting the unofficial minor league record for most ejections without uttering a single cuss word. " 'He would lose his temper and state his case, but I never, ever heard him use profanity,' said Curt Bloom, the Barons' longtime play-by-play man. "Reason two was more obvious. He took a club deep in pitching but short on everyday prospects and led the Barons to the Southern League's second-best record, 74-63." *** The Brevard front office provides more details on their field management team as well. *** Scroll back within this thread for earlier reports on the Nashville and Wisconsin staffs.

Sunday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score RHP Jose De La Torre with a rough inning, as a 5-3 deficit became 8-3 after this -- Ponce Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Michael O'Connor. Benji Gonzalez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Edgardo Baez. Reymond Fuentes bunt grounds out to catcher Roberto Pena. Reymond Fuentes out on batter interference. With Geraldo Valentin batting, Benji Gonzalez steals (1) 2nd base. Geraldo Valentin hit by pitch. Ivan De Jesus homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Benji Gonzalez scores. Geraldo Valentin scores. Jeff Dominguez grounds out to first baseman Neftali Soto. Henry Ramos strikes out swinging. SS Yadiel Rivera had one late at-bat (GIDP). *** Puerto Rico Box Score Mayaguez with a 5-4 win -- Irving Falu and Martin Maldonado each 1-for-4, Maldonado scored a run. Fortunately, all is good (via Martin himself) in Puerto Rico after the earthquake in its northern waters last night. *** Dominican Box Score Licey with a needed 4-1 win, the three Brewers as follows -- RF Eugenio Velez with a big night -- 3-for-4, three RBI, outfield assist (caught stealing). First baseman Juan Francisco was 1-for-4 (one K). For Alfredo Figaro, a brief night -- Aguilas Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Esmil Rogers. Joey Terdoslavich singles on a ground ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Hector Luna pops out to second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Pitching Change: Andrew Sisco replaces Alfredo Figaro. Ricardo Nanita singles on a line drive to left fielder Felix Perez. Joey Terdoslavich to 2nd. Pitching Change: Warner Madrigal replaces Andrew Sisco. Francisco Pena grounds into a force out, third baseman Anderson Hernandez to second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Joey Terdoslavich scores. Ricardo Nanita out at 2nd. Francisco Pena advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Alex Valdez called out on strikes. *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez flashes occasional pop again, 1-for-4 with a HR. Jason Rogers reached on an error in a late single at-bat. *** Eric Marzec's 26th birthday was spent in Australia, he was game-idle, but went to the Aussie Tennis Open, so he's had an amazing winter adventure (well, summer down under).

Just added them all up - Martin Maldonado was hit by a pitch six times in the Puerto Rico Winter League season in only 85 AB's. He has been hit another four times in seven PWL round-robin postseason games, for a total of ten for the math-impaired . While this is a crazy pace, a glance indicates the HBP was a big part of Maldonado's minor league career, not nearly so much during his major league stint thus far.

Buck Rogers said this is a devastating blow to the staff. It has left a lot of them wondering what is going to happen next, but they will use this last season to make Huntsville shine and try to bring in a new team. You do feel for the Stars small but hard-working staff. The comment above is part of a video news report that includes brief on-air comments from Buck. We wish all our friends in Huntsville well.