Jim Goulart

Funny -- Maldy is a Twitter follower and with a quick acknowlegement here.

Darn... Perth Top of the 10th Defensive Substitution: Ben Leslie replaces Ryan Dale, batting 7th, playing left field. Joey Wong strikes out swinging. Tim Kennelly singles on a line drive to center fielder Justin Trapp. Brandon Tripp homers (7) on a fly ball to left field. Tim Kennelly scores. Luke Hughes strikes out swinging. Matt Kennelly grounds out, third baseman Jared Schlehuber to first baseman Ryan Casteel. On to the bottom of the 10th. EDIT: Melbourne Bottom of the 10th Justin Huber lines out to shortstop Joey Wong. Ben Leslie grounds out, third baseman Luke Hughes to first baseman Matt Kennelly. Darryl George strikes out swinging. Marzec saddled with an "L".

Early jump on Sunday's games from Down Under -- Australian Box Score RHP Eric Marzec's Melbourne team allowed double-digit runs for a second consecutive day, so Marzec was needed for a generic 9th inning -- Perth Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Trevor Holder. Jesse Barron grounds out, shortstop Brad Harman to first baseman Ryan Casteel. Alex Stuart grounds out to first baseman Ryan Casteel. George Barber grounds out, second baseman Darryl George to first baseman Ryan Casteel. And then, down 11-7 in the bottom of the 9th, this all happened: Melbourne Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Brendan Wise replaces Warwick Saupold. Josh Davies singles on a line drive to center fielder George Barber. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Ryan Dale replaces Josh Davies. With Darryl George batting, Ryan Dale advances to 2nd on a balk. Darryl George grounds out, third baseman Luke Hughes to first baseman Matt Kennelly. Scott Wearne reaches on a fielding error by first baseman Matt Kennelly. Ryan Dale to 3rd. Tyler Massey walks. Scott Wearne to 2nd. Brad Harman singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brandon Tripp. Ryan Dale scores. Scott Wearne to 3rd. Tyler Massey to 2nd. Jared Schlehuber singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jesse Barron. Scott Wearne scores. Tyler Massey to 3rd. Brad Harman to 2nd. Pitching Change: Cameron Lamb replaces Brendan Wise. Ryan Casteel grounds into a force out, shortstop Joey Wong to second baseman Alex Stuart. Tyler Massey scores. Brad Harman scores. Jared Schlehuber out at 2nd. Ryan Casteel advances to 1st, on a throwing error by second baseman Alex Stuart. Justin Trapp grounds into a force out, third baseman Luke Hughes to second baseman Alex Stuart. Ryan Casteel out at 2nd. So now it's 11-11, and I'm live-tweeting this. (Marzec's back out for the 10th...)

Saturday's Winter League action -- everyone is in postseason play now Puerto Rico Box Score Mayaguez scored three in the bottom of the 8th of a 4-3 win to make Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu happy, as the team has won its first two postseason games. Falu was 0-for-3, contributed a sacrifice bunt, and had an error at third base; Maldonado was 1-for-2 with a walk and no one ran against him. He also did this: Mayaguez Bottom of the 2nd Kennys Vargas homers (1) on a fly ball to center field. Luis Figueroa grounds out, second baseman Ivan De Jesus to first baseman Jeff Dominguez. Martin Maldonado walks. With Daniel Ortiz batting, Martin Maldonado steals (1) 2nd base. Daniel Ortiz grounds out to first baseman Jeff Dominguez. Martin Maldonado to 3rd. Luis Montanez flies out to right fielder Henry Ramos. Twins’ Rosario Suspended For Positive Test On the same day that was announced, Rosario batted third for Mayaguez. *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez with only one hit, but it was huge (and off old friend LHP Chris Cody) to help his team to a 4-3 win (is every game in the Caribbean 4-3?). Gigantes Top of the 2nd Josh Whitesell singles on a sharp ground ball to pitcher Chris Cody. Josh Whitesell advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by pitcher Chris Cody. Moises Sierra reaches on a fielder's choice out, pitcher Chris Cody to shortstop Juan Diaz to third baseman Andy Marte. Josh Whitesell out at 3rd. Moises Sierra to 2nd on the throw. Marcell Ozuna grounds out, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Joey Terdoslavich. Moises Sierra to 3rd. Maikel Franco singles on a ground ball to center fielder Juan Perez. Moises Sierra scores. Guillermo Rodriguez reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Andy Marte. Maikel Franco to 2nd. Hector Gomez homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Maikel Franco scores. Guillermo Rodriguez scores. Leury Garcia strikes out swinging. *** Dominican Box Score 1B Jason Rogers was 0-for-4 but did drive in a run with a sacrifice fly in his team's 8-3 win. For the losing Licey squad, Juan Francisco committed a throwing error at first base, and was 0-for-3 (walk, run scored). LF Eugenio Velez was 1-for-4 (run, K). These Dominican round robin games continue all the way through the 17th before a final championship pair begins play on the 19th, so we'll continue to mainly just focus on individual stats until that time (for the most part). *** Blast from the past -- Several notes lately on how RHP Jeff Bennett was the last Brewers' Rule 5 pick to stick (2004). Now 33, he's pitching in the Mexican Winter League after also pitching in Mexico last summer. Looks like he's finally bending his brim in that link, unlike then.

Free agent OF Brock Kjeldgaard is among those featured in this article at minorleagueball.com tonight -- Prospecting for Minor League free agent OF's The author questions the Brewers letting Kjeldgaard walk, but Brock was already extended for an extra year for 2013, as he first qualified for free agency after the 2012 season. Kjeldgaard's 2013 season didn't inspire much beyond his 24 HR's (granted that sole number does have some value). *** Here are the Brewers' free agents yet to sign elsewhere: Mark Rogers made two starts in Venezuela, walked six in 3.2 innings, and hasn't been heard from since. LHP Zach Kroenke has pitched well in the Dominican Republic this winter -- earlier this fall, his agent (Joshua Kusnick -- known to many as agent39 here), tweeted that Kroenke was sleeping on a very fine offer from the Brewers. Apparently Kroenke didn't think the offer was "that" fine (and maybe would have preferred it being kept quiet), and that helped spark one of the more interesting twitter conversations of the offseason. I'm surprised LaCrosse's R.J. Seidel still is unemployed. He'll be just 26 for all of the 2014 season, and showed enough at his first taste of AAA in 2013 to make other clubs interested, one would think. IF Ozzie Chavez IF Blake Davis RHP Frankie De La Cruz C Anderson De La Rosa RHP Tim Dillard OF Brock Kjeldgaard LHP Zach Kroenke LHP Aaron Laffey RHP/OF Micah Owings IF/OF Eric Patterson RHP Mark Rogers RHP R.J. Seidel OF Rene Tosoni LHP Travis Webb

Free agent OF Brock Kjeldgaard is among those featured in this article at minorleagueball.com tonight -- Prospecting for Minor League free agent OF's The author questions the Brewers letting Kjeldgaard walk, but Brock was already extended for an extra year for 2013, as he first qualified for free agency after the 2012 season. Kjeldgaard's 2013 season didn't inspire much beyond his 24 HR's (granted that sole number does have some value). *** Here are the Brewers' free agents yet to sign elsewhere: Mark Rogers made two starts in Venezuela, walked six in 3.2 innings, and hasn't been heard from since. LHP Zach Kroenke has pitched well in the Dominican Republic this winter -- earlier this fall, his agent (Joshua Kusnick -- known to many as agent39 here), tweeted that Kroenke was sleeping on a very fine offer from the Brewers. Apparently Kroenke didn't think the offer was "that" fine (and maybe would have preferred it being kept quiet), and that helped spark one of the more interesting twitter conversations of the offseason. I'm surprised LaCrosse's R.J. Seidel still is unemployed. He'll be just 26 for all of the 2014 season, and showed enough at his first taste of AAA in 2013 to make other clubs interested, one would think. IF Ozzie Chavez IF Blake Davis RHP Frankie De La Cruz C Anderson De La Rosa RHP Tim Dillard OF Brock Kjeldgaard LHP Zach Kroenke LHP Aaron Laffey RHP/OF Micah Owings IF/OF Eric Patterson RHP Mark Rogers RHP R.J. Seidel OF Rene Tosoni LHP Travis Webb

Jason from "Brewers Farm Report" caught up with new 40-man roster member RHP Brooks Hall

Friday's Winter Leage action -- Dominican Box Score Despite a perfect night for 1B Juan Francisco (on base all four times up), his Licey club lost a tough 4-3 contest. For the winners, Jason Rogers was 1-for-3. Francisco singled and walked twice in addition to his HR noted above. ESPN's Enrique Rojas called him "Prince" Francisco in a tweet -- hopefully not an indication of his winter eating habits, although we know Juan's a big guy regardless... LF Eugenio Velez was 0-for-4 in the game. How serious are these winter postseason games? Six umpires! *** Puerto Rico Box Score It was a 4-3 11-inning win in the postseason opener for Mayaguez, as Irving Falu, playing third base, scored a run (0-for-2, three walks, sacrifice bunt, one error). Martin Maldonado is making a long string of consecutive starts behind the plate, but with the holidays, there have been idle days. Although Maldy was 0-for-4 (one K), he was HBP (nearing double-digits in that category this winter), and no one dared run against him. For the losing Caguas club, 40-man roster RHP Jose De La Torre tossed 1.2 scoreless, aided by his teammate stranding two of his baserunners -- Mayaguez Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Miguel Mejia. Kennys Vargas grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates. Luis Figueroa pops out to shortstop Luis Mateo. Martin Maldonado grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Aaron Bates. Mayaguez Top of the 9th Daniel Ortiz strikes out swinging. Luis Montanez grounds out, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to first baseman Aaron Bates. Dee Gordon singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Irving Falu walks. Dee Gordon to 2nd. Pitching Change: Joe Torres replaces Jose De La Torre. With Eddie Rosario batting, wild pitch by Joe Torres, Dee Gordon to 3rd. Irving Falu to 2nd. Eddie Rosario pops out to third baseman Andy Gonzalez in foul territory. Pitching Change: Joe Torres replaces Jose De La Torre. That's just fun with names...

Jason Rogers just can't get enough baseball in 2013-2014. Between Huntsville, the Arizona Fall League and a 13-game stint in the Dominican Winter League with the Toros del Este club, Rogers has appeared in 164 games since April's Opening Day. We thought Rogers' season finally ended when Este did not qualify for the DWL postseason. Well, apparently, the Leones del Escogido team in the Dominican, currently tied for first place in round-robin play at 3-2, needed a first baseman, because Rogers is starting for Escogido Friday night. Love those Dominican roster rules. In that game, Rogers is going up against his first base counterpart for Licey (also 3-2), Juan Francisco. Francisco hit his third home run in six postseason games, a two-run shot, in the 1st. *** Look for our usual daily full winter league update post (and tweet - follow here) early in the AM.

Brief video of RHP Harvey Martin's shoulder routine at his gym

Whitecaps' ballpark damaged in fire Some amazing photos here The Timber Rattlers are the opponent for West Michigan's home opener, should be an emotional day there.

More from Thursday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score The Licey club of Juan Francisco and Eugenio Velez cruised to a 7-1 win to move to a 3-2 record in postseason round-robin play. Juan Francisco doubles (1) on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Ricardo Nanita. Emilio Bonifacio scores. Eugenio Velez scores. That 5th inning two-run double came off a LHP, so there's that. Francisco also walked and was hit by a pitch (1-for-3, one K), serving again as the cleanup designated hitter. Velez, batting 2nd and playing left field, was 1-for-4 and added a sacrifice bunt. He scored twice. When you click on these winter league player page links going forward (all leagues), you won't see any of the playoff winter numbers reflected.

Given that Tom Gorzelanny is the only current veteran reliever, this report out of Baltimore on K-Rod could have been predicted by many.

Someone was kind enough to inform me that John Shelby III, the son of current Brewers coach John Shelby, will be assuming recently-promoted Tim McIlvaine's scouting area in central Florida. The 28-year old 2006 5th round pick of the White Sox posted big A-ball and high-A seasons in their system while transitioning from middle infield to outfield. Shelby found the going rougher at the AA level, and wrapped up his playing career in the independent Frontier League in 2012 (career stats). For the future benefit of all Brewers fans, we certainly wish Shelby well.

The Brewers recently updated their front office page to include changes in the amateur scouting staff. Area scout Tim McIlvaine has been promoted to cross-checker. The Brewers have not formally announced his replacement in the key area of central / northern Florida. McIlvaine has had quite a productive run - here are the current Brewers he signed: RHP Hiram Burgos (6th round, 2009) 2B Scooter Gennett (15th round, 2009) RHP David Goforth (7th round, 2011 - area scout Joe Mason also credited) RHP Tommy Toledo (11th round, 2011) RHP Jacob Barnes (14th round, 2011) OF Ben McMahan (23rd round, 2011) RHP Casey Medlen (37th round, 2011) RHP Jono Armold (30th round, 2012) SS/3B Tucker Neuhaus (competitive balance post-2nd round, 2013) *** Three 2013 area scouts have joined new organizations -- Mike Farrell (IN, KY, MI, OH, Western PA) is now with the Royals, Tim Collinsworth (AR, OK, Northern LA, Northern TX) has joined the Red Sox, and Marty Lehn (Western Canada) is now a scout on the professional side with the Phillies. Area scout Jeff Simpson (formerly AZ, CO, NM) has moved and taken over much of Farrell's former territory, and several other scouts have seen less drastic shifts in their responsibilities. The Brewers have made one new hire public (Collinsworth's replacement) -- ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas announced the hiring of Fuller Smith as an assistant coach. Smith returns to UT Arlington after spending the last three seasons at Ole Miss. Smith replaced K.J. Hendricks on Thomas' staff. Hendricks recently took a scouting position with the Milwaukee Brewers. "First of all, I would like to thank K.J. Hendricks for all he has done for our program both as a player (minor league stats) and as a coach," Thomas said. "He will do a great job for the Milwaukee Brewers. *** As for the scouts who have left, here are their picks still in the organization: Tim Collinsworth -- RHP Brandon Kintzler, via special assignment at independent American Association All-Star Game (July 2009) RHP Andre Lamontagne (11th round, 2009) RHP Greg Holle (11th round, 2010) LHP Mike Strong (10th round, 2011) RHP Damien Magnifico (5th round, 2012) RHP Barrett Astin (3rd round, 2013) LHP Trevor Seidenberger (12th round, 2013) RHP Brandon Moore (17th round, 2013) OF Eric Williams (23rd round, 2013) We'll also list 2010 18th round LHP Thomas Keeling, who netted Juan Francisco in trade. *** Marty Lehn -- LHP David Otterman (7th round, 2010) C Dustin Houle (8th round, 2011) *** Mike Farrell RHP Eric Arnett (1st round, 2009 -- OK, that one hurts, but let's blame regional and national crosscheckers, too) RHP Matt Miller (5th round, 2010) RHP Eric Marzec (30th round, 2010) C Adam Weisenburger (34th round, 2011) RHP Taylor Williams (4th round, 2013) C Tanner Norton (13th round, 2013) 1B/DH Jesse Weiss (36th round, 2013)

We've been discussing in this thread the possibility, or even likelihood if healthy, of the Brewers picking up their half of Aramis Ramirez' $14 million mutual option for 2015. Feel free to scroll back to the initial post if you're coming here via Twitter and wish to review. *** Article here, translation below, please excuse the translation grammar -- 12/30/2013 - SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic . ( AP ) - . Third baseman Aramis Ramirez has no plans to retire from baseball and his plan is to play a few more seasons before departing. "We do not know, I would play one or two more years but my body will tell how long I can play ," Ramirez said in an interview for the radio program Major in Sports. Ramirez, 35, last season was limited to just 92 games with the Brewers , batting .283 with 12 homers and 49 RBIs , 18 doubles and 43 runs scored. Still under contract for next season with Milwaukee. To hander , injuries hampered his production during 2013. " The game is hard healthy , when they 're not complicated . Injuries are part of the game . You have to work hard and try to minimize them , "he said . In 16 major league seasons , Ramirez has accumulated 354 home runs, 1,276 RBIs with 441 doubles and 2,045 hits. Third baseman says he does not think the Hall of Fame , but admits that some have mentioned the possibility . " Personally I do not think numbers Cooperstown . But I have colleagues who tell me about Ron Santo and the ability to get to Cooperstown . My goal is not numbers but think about winning a championship ring , "he said . Ramirez did not play in the Dominican Winter League for 10 years , but does not rule before leaving the game to wear the uniform of the Tigres del Licey again. " I never rule anything ( play again winter ) . I have two children who want to see me play with Licey . Before I retire I 'll play again with the Licey "he said.

New Year's Day was an off day in the Caribbean, but they've already played the January 2nd game in Australia. Australia Box Score RHP Eric Marzec can't complain about lack of use. He fanned two in one inning of relief here, but also surrendered a long ball. His club was down 4-0 after his 7th inning appearance, but rallied for a 5-4 win, Marzec with a no-decision. Perth Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Trevor Holder. Allan de San Miguel grounds out, second baseman Darryl George to first baseman Jared Schlehuber. Alex Stuart strikes out swinging. George Barber homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Tucker Nathans called out on strikes.

Monday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez' club managed only two hits and Gomez was 0-for-3, but it was this that ruined his night, breaking up a scoreless game in an eventual 2-0 loss: Escogido Bottom of the 7th Jorge Polanco flies out softly to center fielder Francisco Peguero. Erick Almonte called out on strikes. Miguel Olivo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Francisco Peguero. With Pedro Florimon batting, Miguel Olivo steals (1) 2nd base. Pedro Florimon reaches on a throwing error by shortstop Hector Gomez. Miguel Olivo scores. Pedro Florimon to 2nd. Jose Constanza doubles (1) on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Marcell Ozuna. Pedro Florimon scores. Pitching Change: Juan Perez replaces Jeurys Familia. Gregory Polanco flies out sharply to center fielder Francisco Peguero. Gomez' Gigantes team now 2-2 in round-robin postseason play. *** Dominican Box Score All four clubs are 2-2 in the D.R. pool play, as Juan Francisco and Eugenio Velez's Licey team was crushed, 14-3. Francisco, the DH, did homer again, 1-for-3 (one K). It came off a RHP, listed as a line drive to center field. Velez played left field (one error), and was 0-for-3. *** Puerto Rico Box Score It's a competitive five-team league (standings), aa the Mayaguez club of Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu fell into a first-place tie at season-end with a 3rd consecutive loss. Maldonado was 0-for-3 (one K, one error, two stolen bases against), and Falu, playing third base, was 1-for4 (run).

Jason from "Brewers Farm Report" recently spoke with OF Michael Reed, RHP Tyler Wagner

Sunday's Winter League action -- Venezuelan Box Score There will be makeup games played on Monday, so the Venezuela regular season ends today, not Sunday as originally noted. RHP Arcenio Leon's team, Aguilas del Zulia, did qualify for the postseason, as did LHP Miguel De Los Santos' Navegantes del Magallanes club. Other Brewers who played in Venezuela wrapped up their brief seasons long ago - 1B Hunter Morris (November 8th, twisted right knee, considered minor at the time), RHP Mike Fiers (last pitched December 7th), and RHP Johnnie Lowe (last pitched November 12th). Arcenio Leon made relief appearance #24 on Sunday -- he's had a much-higher ground-ball rate this winter than he did for Huntsville in 2013, as evidenced below: Margarita Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Miguel Sulbaran. Carlos Rivero grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Matt Padgett grounds out, second baseman Hernan Perez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Henry Blanco singles on a ground ball to center fielder Wilmer Oberto. Breyvic Valera singles on a ground ball to center fielder Wilmer Oberto. Henry Blanco to 3rd. Jose Sanchez grounds out, pitcher Arcenio Leon to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Despite losing their prior two games, Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu's Mayaguez club will be in the postseason - their regular season ends on Monday (today) as well. Sunday Falu's quiet winter continued (0-for-4), but Maldonado has his OPS up to .706 after a slow start, here he singled twice and walked, driving in his team's only two runs. Three bases were stolen against Maldy (that's rare), two of them coming on a double steal -- always thought defensive statistics should indicate that somehow. *** Dominican Postseason Round Robin Boxscore Both clubs moved to 2-1 records after Licey (Juan Francisco, Eugenio Velez) shutout Cibao (Hector Gomez). Francisco was 0-for-4 as the designated hitter (one K), Velez was 2-for-3 with a walk and a caught stealing with stints in both right and left field, and Gomez, batting second and playing shortstop, was 0-for-3 with a walk. *** Jumping ahead to Monday action (already) in Australia -- Australia Box Score RHP Eric Marzec's Melbourne team lost a wild 12-11, ten-inning game. Marzec was charged with a blown save after two innings of work, but the only run he allowed was unearned -- Perth Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Freddy Flores. Matt Dixon called out on strikes. George Barber strikes out swinging. Corey Adamson singles on a ground ball to right fielder Tyler Massey. Tucker Nathans reaches on a fielding error by left fielder Jarryd Rogers. Corey Adamson scores. Tucker Nathans to 2nd. With Luke Hughes batting, Tucker Nathans steals (9) 3rd base. Luke Hughes strikes out swinging. Perth Bottom of the 8th Brandon Tripp doubles (11) on a fly ball to right fielder Tyler Massey. Brandon Tripp out at 3rd, left fielder Jarryd Rogers to second baseman Darryl George to third baseman Josh Davies. Tim Kennelly pops out to shortstop Brad Harman. Matt Kennelly grounds out, shortstop Brad Harman to first baseman Jared Schlehuber.

Saturday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score Despite their new teammate Dee Gordon going 8-for-9 in two games since his arrival, Martin Maldonado and Irving Falu's club fell 7-4. Maldonado went 1-for-2 (run, K), left after five innings. Falu, playing third base, was 0-for-3 (walk, sacrifice bunt, SB). *** Puerto Rico Box Score RHP Jose De La Torre made his 15th relief appearance of the winter, tossing two scoreless innings and getting more ground balls in a game won by his club in extra innings -- Carolina Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Miguel Mejia. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Carlos Corporan replaces Robinson Cancel. Carlos Corporan called out on strikes. Jobduan Morales walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Juan Centeno replaces Rene Garcia. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jose Castro replaces Jobduan Morales. Juan Centeno grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Rey Navarro. Jose Castro out at 2nd. Juan Centeno to 1st. Osvaldo Martinez walks. Juan Centeno to 2nd. Mel Rojas strikes out swinging. Carolina Top of the 10th Enrique Hernandez grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Aaron Bates. Jesus Feliciano grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates. Luis Matos grounds out, second baseman Rey Navarro to first baseman Aaron Bates *** Venezuela Box Score LHP Miguel De Los Santos is having trouble finding the strike zone post-surgery layoff. In three appearances between the Dominican and Venezuela, he has walked four in a combined one inning, and he's yet to retire any of the four batters he's faced in his new home, walking three -- he had trouble in the middle of this nine-run inning here: Caracas Bottom of the 5th Henry Alejando Rodriguez walks. Bobby Abreu doubles (10) on a line drive to left fielder Lew Ford. Henry Alejando Rodriguez scores. Jesus Aguilar grounds out softly, third baseman Adonis Garcia to first baseman Mario Lisson. Alex Gonzalez singles on a line drive to left fielder Lew Ford. Bobby Abreu scores. Alex Gonzalez to 2nd on the throw. Pitching Change: Juan Rincon replaces Amalio Diaz. Gregorio Petit homers (10) on a fly ball to center field. Alex Gonzalez scores. Raul Padron walks. Jesus Sucre singles on a line drive to center fielder Endy Chavez. Raul Padron to 2nd. Jose Duarte singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Endy Chavez. Raul Padron to 3rd. Jesus Sucre to 2nd. With Aharon Eggleston batting, wild pitch by Juan Rincon, Raul Padron scores. Jesus Sucre to 3rd. Jose Duarte to 2nd. Aharon Eggleston doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Endy Chavez. Jesus Sucre scores. Jose Duarte scores. Pitching Change: Miguel De Los Santos replaces Juan Rincon. Henry Alejando Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Endy Chavez. Aharon Eggleston scores. Bobby Abreu walks. Henry Alejando Rodriguez to 2nd. Jesus Aguilar walks. Henry Alejando Rodriguez to 3rd. Bobby Abreu to 2nd. Pitching Change: Roy Corcoran replaces Miguel De Los Santos. Alex Gonzalez out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Frank Diaz. Henry Alejando Rodriguez scores. Gregorio Petit pops out to first baseman Mario Lisson in foul territory. *** Dominican Postseason Round-Robin Box Score For the victorious 2-0 Gigantes del Cibao club, shortstop Hector Gomez, batting 2nd, was 2-for-4 (run, K). As for the now 1-1 Tigres del Licey squad, cleanup first baseman Juan Francisco did pull a two-run 9th inning HR that closed the score to 4-2. The home run came off former Brewer southpaw Juan Perez. It was Francisco's lone hit (1-for-3, walk, one K). Francisco's teammate Eugenio Velez was 0-for-4 (two K's), although he did get credit for an outfield assist from right field to second base.

Yes, and now occasionally appears on "The Middle" as Frankie's (Patricia Heaton's) father.

Getting the jump on Saturday's action, thanks to summertime in Australia -- Australia Box Score After only allowing two runs in his first six appearances covering 7.2 innings, RHP Eric Marzec turned in his first Aussie clunker, retiring only one of seven batters as he lost a 2-0 lead for his mates (get it, mates - Australia, OK). Marzec was charged with four runs after allowing three hits and three walks (35 pitches, only 14 for strikes). Perth Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Joe Burns. Matt Kennelly flies out to center fielder Justin Trapp. Joey Wong walks. Alex Stuart walks. Joey Wong to 2nd. George Barber singles on a fly ball to right fielder Tyler Massey. Joey Wong to 3rd. Alex Stuart to 2nd. Corey Adamson singles on a ground ball to shortstop Darryl George. Joey Wong scores. Alex Stuart to 3rd. George Barber to 2nd. Tucker Nathans singles on a ground ball to first baseman Mitchell Ayres. Alex Stuart scores. George Barber to 3rd. Corey Adamson to 2nd. Luke Hughes walks. George Barber scores. Corey Adamson to 3rd. Tucker Nathans to 2nd. Pitching Change: Brett Zawacki replaces Eric Marzec. Brandon Tripp out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Justin Trapp. Corey Adamson scores. Tim Kennelly strikes out swinging. Two hits of the infield variety, but the walks were poison. Get 'em next time, Eric. At least his prior off-day didn't suck.

More news and progress on De Los Santos via the Minor League Forum's winter ball thread.

After a few idle days for the holiday break, here's a chock-full report on Friday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score If you've been with us every day this winter, then you know that RHP Hiram Burgos has had a spectacular winter season in his native Puerto Rico. Making his final regular season start on normal four days' rest (and thus getting positioned for playoff starts for his first-place Mayaguez club next week), Burgos tossed another stellar five innings. With his club up 11-0, there was no need to go beyond five as he did in his last outing, in which he also tossed shutout ball while walking no one. This start -- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K Season to date -- 11 G (eight starts), 1.40 ERA, 38.2 IP, 25 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 35 K, 0.96 WHIP Just more Hiram being Hiram -- see his ranks (sortable) among PWL pitchers. Santurce Bottom of the 1st Jack Lopez flies out to center fielder Austin Wates. Christian Vazquez grounds out, second baseman Dee Gordon to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Jeff Dominguez flies out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz. Santurce Bottom of the 2nd Neftali Soto flies out to center fielder Austin Wates. Jose Morales grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Jonathan Rodriguez singles on a ground ball to third baseman Irving Falu. Luis Rivera strikes out swinging. Santurce Bottom of the 3rd Angel Morales lines out to third baseman Irving Falu. Dickie Thon doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Eddie Rosario. Jack Lopez flies out to right fielder Eddie Rosario. Christian Vazquez strikes out swinging. Santurce Bottom of the 4th Jeff Dominguez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Wates. Neftali Soto lines into a double play, second baseman Dee Gordon to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Jeff Dominguez doubled off 1st. Jose Morales grounds out, second baseman Dee Gordon to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Santurce Bottom of the 5th Jonathan Rodriguez strikes out swinging, catcher Martin Maldonado to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Luis Rivera grounds out, shortstop Luis Figueroa to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Angel Morales flies out to center fielder Austin Wates. Hoping we see some quotes from Burgos or Brewer brass on his success soon from Adam or Tom (hint, hint), if not I'll reach out to Hiram myself shortly. (Wondering how closely the Mets are monitoring Burgos, hmmmm....) Batterymate Martin Maldonado was 1-for-2 with a walk and HBP, run scored (OBP of .341 this winter). Maldy left the game once the rout was on, not related to the HBP. Teammate Irving Falu started at third base, moved to second, and was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, RBI, one K. Falu was caught stealing, now 6-for-10 in attempts. *** Venezuelan Box Score OK, so this is kind of a big deal as well. La Guaira Bottom of the 13th Frank Diaz remains in the game as the right fielder. Rafael Ortega walks. Miguel Gonzalez out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Mario Lisson to second baseman Alberto Callaspo. Rafael Ortega to 2nd. Orangel Arenas intentionally walks Javier Herrera. Heiker Meneses reaches on a missed catch error by first baseman Mario Lisson, assist to shortstop Renny Osuna. Rafael Ortega to 3rd. Javier Herrera to 2nd. Jamie Romak pops out to second baseman Alberto Callaspo on the infield fly rule. Pitching Change: Miguel De Los Santos replaces Orangel Arenas. Carlos Sanchez walks. Rafael Ortega scores. Javier Herrera to 3rd. Heiker Meneses to 2nd. Not a big deal because you walk in the game-losing run in the 13th, only batter you face. But this is progress for LHP Miguel De Los Santos, his journey was well-documented just a few posts above. That's because the Dominican native, who pitched only one inning on his native island before his club's season ended, has made his way to Venezuela. The acquisition was detailed on Venezuelan websites Friday (thank you, Google Translate), and if anybody's fluent in Spanish (hello, Sophia Minneart), De Los Santos was interviewed yesterday, I imagine this was pre-game ( ). So this is another step in a possible resolution for De Los Santos regarding any age/name/visa issues. It's been indicated to me directly that the Brewers are still very invested in De Los Santos, and have been all along through his shoulder surgery and rehab, so stay tuned on his front. *** Playoff baseball, baby! Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco, playing first base, and teammate Eugenio Velez (RF and LF), saw their Licey team grab a 3-2 road victory in the postseason opener. Francisco was 0-for-4 (two K's), while Velez was on base thrice (1-for-2, two walks). *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez, batting 9th, had an ugly 0-for-4 night with three K's, but his Gigantes del Cibao posted a 2-0 road victory. In the Dominican winter postseason, there are round-robin games scheduled through January 3rd, as eventually each of the four winter leagues will determine champions and Caribbean Series representatives for the first week of February.