Jim Goulart

Report: Huntsville Stars will relocate to Biloxi, Miss., starting with 2015 season By Steve Doyle, al.com The 10 owners of the Southern League reportedly voted Wednesday to allow the Huntsville Stars to be moved to Biloxi, Miss. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said Stars owner Miles Prentice apparently has been given "initial permission" to relocate to Stars to Biloxi starting in 2015. The upcoming 2014 season would be the minor league club's last at Joe Davis Stadium, although Battle said the city has not been officially notified. "We have talked to baseball officials and are confident the city will have opportunities to bring in a new minor league baseball team to Huntsville," Battle said Wednesday afternoon. "Our conversations with baseball leadership have been positive. They tell us Huntsville is an important market because of its demographics, location, and tradition. "With the right ownership and community partnership," said Battle, "we know baseball will thrive in Huntsville." The Stars arrived in Huntsville in 1985 to play in what was then brand-new Joe Davis Stadium. They were the Double A affiliate of the Oakland A's before aligning with the Milwaukee Brewers 15 years ago. Prentice, who lives in New York City, has been a mostly absentee owner of the Stars. He did not attend a single Stars home game last season. Team officials stress that the Stars will be in operation in Huntsville in 2014 no matter the outcome of a sale. Sources throughout the Southern League have said they want Huntsville as a member because of its geography and tradition, recognizing the potential for success. But the team has drawn poorly in recent years, and the club's lease with the stadium expires after next season. The Biloxi City Council last week tabled a vote on a conditional use permit to build a new stadium north of the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. The proposed stadium would cost $36 million -- $21 million in bonds, and $15 million from a BP grant pledged by Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant.

This is not a death-watch thread. Simply acknowledging some of the TV favorites of my youth (and in subsequent repeats) who are still with us today -- I get a big kick that both Mr. and Mrs. Oleson of Little House on the Prairie (Richard Bull, Katherine McGregor) are still with us, 89 and 88, respectively. Guess Nellie and Willie weren't bad for longevity after all. Al Molinaro of Happy Days fame (don't forget Odd Couple) is 94. Wilbur!!! Mr. Ed's owner, Alan Young, is also 94. Sadly, we lost his TV wife, one of the most underrated TV hotties of all time, Connie Hines, in 2009 at age 78. The original People's Court justice, Judge Joseph Wapner, is 94. Yes, "Fish" is still alive, Barney Miller's Abe Vigoda, 92. Monty Hall of "Let's Make A Deal" is dealing at 92. Betty White is 91, or maybe you hadn't heard? She keeps such a low profile. Thank you, Norman Lear, TV genius. 91. Larry Storch (Agarn on F-Troop), is 90. My crush on "Wrangler Jane", Melody Patterson, continues -- she's only 64. Rose Marie of the Dick Van Dyke Show, who always looked older than she was (sorry, Rose), is 90. Mr. Dick Van Dyke himself is 88. Yes, spayed and neutered, Bob Barker is with us at 90. The Professor Lives! Russell Johnson of Gilligan's Island turned 89 last month. The beloved June Lockhart of "Lassie" and "Lost in Space" is 88. Robert Clary, Cpl. LeBeau on "Hogan's Heroes", is 87. Mrs. Garrett of the Facts of Life, Charlotte Rae, is 87 (don't forget Diff'rent Strokes). On a baseball note, the Charlotte Rays of the Florida State League were named after her (they are now the Stone Crabs). Ann B. Davis, everybody's favorite maid from the Brady Bunch, is 87. Bill Daily, with quite the daily double via Major Healy on "I Dream of Jeannie" and Howard Borden on "The Bob Newhart Show", is 86. Benson's Robert Guillaume is 86. Remember Soap? Peter Marshall of Hollywood Squares, who of course gave baseball his son, Pete LaCock, is 86. Jim Rockford, I mean James Garner, is 85, as is Ralph Waite (Waltons), Katherine Helmond (Soap, Who's the Boss?), and Orson Bean (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and countless game shows). Also 85? Adam West (Batman), Marion Ross (Mrs. C of Happy Days), and Dick Van Patten (Eight is Enough).

Our 2013-14 offseason media thread continues: 12/17 audio - Manager Ron Roenicke via WSSP's Hot Stove Weekly Show 12/17 audio - Outfielder Khris Davis via WSSP's Hot Stove Weekly Show -- go to the 36:00 minute mark Obviously you can use that second link to listen to the entire show, including both interviews.

Tuesday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score RHP Hiram Burgos was a very tough-luck losing pitcher after another very good start -- 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K. Burgos sports a 1.95 ERA through 27.2 innings this winter. Ponce Top of the 1st Reymond Fuentes pops out to catcher Martin Maldonado in foul territory. Benji Gonzalez doubles (4) on a line drive to right fielder Luis Montanez. With Ivan De Jesus batting, throwing error by Hiram Burgos on the pickoff attempt, Benji Gonzalez to 3rd. Ivan De Jesus out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Luis Montanez. Benji Gonzalez scores. Jordan Lennerton doubles (9) on a line drive to center fielder Michael Taylor. Henry Ramos walks. Greg Rohan grounds into a force out, shortstop Luis Figueroa to second baseman Eddie Rosario. Henry Ramos out at 2nd. Ponce Top of the 2nd Rubi Silva strikes out swinging. Jonathan Mota singles on a fly ball to right fielder Luis Montanez. Rene Rivera flies out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz. With Reymond Fuentes batting, Jonathan Mota caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Martin Maldonado to shortstop Luis Figueroa. Ponce Top of the 3rd Reymond Fuentes grounds out, pitcher Hiram Burgos to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Benji Gonzalez grounds out, second baseman Eddie Rosario to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Ivan De Jesus called out on strikes. Ponce Top of the 4th Jordan Lennerton lines out to second baseman Eddie Rosario. Henry Ramos grounds out, shortstop Luis Figueroa to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Greg Rohan called out on strikes. Ponce Top of the 5th Rubi Silva strikes out swinging. Jonathan Mota pops out to catcher Martin Maldonado in foul territory. Rene Rivera strikes out swinging As you saw in that log, battery-mate Martin Maldonado helped him out defensively. Maldonado was 2-for-4 (double), and his OPS up to a more reasonable .652 after 64 AB's. Irving Falu's quiet winter continued, 0-for-4 (one K). He played third base here. *** Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco hit a leadoff tie-breaking 8th inning HR as part of a nice night (HR, single, walk). He played a clean first base, Brewers fans... *** Dominican Box Score 40-man roster utilityman Elian Herrera has really cooled off after an impressive start, now 1-for-23 in his last five games. He played shortstop here, with his 3rd 0-for-5 stint during that stretch. *** Dominican Box Score Like Juan Francisco, Jason Rogers (1-for-4) hit a tie-breaking 8th inning HR. Rogers played left field in this one. Listed at 6'2", 260, Rogers is one big dude. *** Happy 24th birthday, Arizona Fall League RHP Taylor Jungmann.

Monday's Winter League action -- Venezuela Box Score RHP Arcenio Leon made his 21st relief appearance, covering 28 innings (2.89 ERA, ten BB's, 30 K's, .277 BAA). La Guaira Bottom of the 4th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Elvis Araujo. Rene Reyes singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Jamie Romak strikes out swinging. Miguel Rojas singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Rene Reyes to 2nd. Anthony Gose grounds out, first baseman Ernesto Mejia to pitcher Arcenio Leon. Rene Reyes to 3rd. Miguel Rojas to 2nd. With Carlos Sanchez batting, passed ball by Sandy Leon, Rene Reyes scores. Miguel Rojas to 3rd. Carlos Sanchez strikes out swinging. La Guaira Bottom of the 5th Salvador Perez strikes out swinging. Alex Cabrera doubles (12) on a fly ball to right fielder J. Linares. Hector Sanchez strikes out swinging. With C. J. Retherford batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Alex Cabrera to 3rd. C. J. Retherford pops out to second baseman Hernan Perez. La Guaira Bottom of the 6th Rene Reyes called out on strikes. Jamie Romak flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Miguel Rojas walks. Pitching Change: Jose Guanchez replaces Arcenio Leon. Anthony Gose walks. Miguel Rojas to 2nd. Pitching Change: Yeiper Castillo replaces Jose Guanchez. Carlos Sanchez flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte

Josh Ravin signs a minor league deal with the Dodgers today; earlier Sanchez had signed one with the Marlins, no word on Manzanillo yet.

Audio 12/16 -- Newest Mariners 1B/DH Corey Hart discusses the sign in Seattle on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM

Sunday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score Irving Falu, playing third base, 1-for-4. Teammate catcher Martin Maldonado, interesting day, 2-for-3 with a walk (one K). Twice Maldy was thrown out on the basebaths by outfield assists. No baserunning attempts against... *** Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco, playing first base, 0-for-4. *** Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera, a rare start at shortstop, 0-for-4. *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez, 3-for-4, RBI. Teammate LF Jason Rogers, 2-for-4, double, RBI.

Saturday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco returned to the field, at first base, after a designated hitter stretch of games upon return from the leg strain -- 0-for-4 (one K), left the game for a defensive replacement in the 9th after batting in the 8th inning of his team's 7-1 win Elian Herrera 0-for-5 (two K's, now hitting .315 after 89 AB's), did have an OF assist on throw to third base from left field *** Dominican Box Score Jason Rogers, 0-for-4 (one K), played left field -- you may have seen statement from the Brewers last week, they've determined third base is not in Rogers' future, he's a first baseman in their minds... Teammate SS Hector Gomez, again batting 3rd, singled in four AB's (9th error in 34 games) *** Dominican Box Score Just an FYI -- The Blue Jays want to give out-of-options Jeremy Jeffress a chance to make their rotation, his first start in the D.R. did not go well. He had a strong 2013. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Martin Maldonado was 1-for-3 (one K), plus an RBI on a sacrifice fly. He threw out the one baserunner who dared try. Teammate Irving Falu was 2-for-4 (one K) with a run scored, along with his 6th stolen base in eight winter attempts (was 20-for-30 last regular season). *** Sunday's Australian League Box Score RHP Eric Marzec stranded an inherited runner (second base, none out) in a scoreless inning of work, but his team lost, 5-2 -- Brisbane Bottom of the 6th Brad Dutton doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Justin Huber. Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Freddy Flores. David Sutherland walks. Ryan Battaglia called out on strikes. Justin O'Conner flies out to right fielder Tyler Massey. Patrick Leonard called out on strikes.

Friday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco, your cleanup DH, 1-for-4 with an RBI (one K). *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez (batting 3rd, yikes) pulled a rarity for him, reaching base twice without a base hit (walk, HBP). He was 0-for-3 otherwise (two GIDP's, one K). He did score one run. Teammate Jason Rogers, playing his first game in a week, started in left field, and was 1-for-3 with a walk from the 5th spot in the lineup (one run, one RBI). In the other dugout, Elian Herrera reached base twice (single, walk, one RBI). *** Puerto Rico Box Score 21-year-old SS Yadiel Rivera was 0-for-2 before being pulled for a pinch-hitter in the 7th. Rivera is now 1-for-7 in his limited winter opportunities thus far. *** Puerto Rico Box Score RHP Jose De La Torre earned a "hold", but allowed a run in his inning of work -- Carolina Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Andres Santiago. Osvaldo Martinez triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Edgardo Baez. Jesus Feliciano grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates. Osvaldo Martinez scores. Enrique Hernandez strikes out swinging. Ruben Gotay hits a ground-rule double (6) on a fly ball to center field. Anthony Garcia strikes out swinging.

Losing these Stars can be best hope for Huntsville's baseball future (Mark McCarter column)

And thanks to the other side of the world, we have a jump on Friday's action -- Australia Box Score RHP Eric Marzec stranded an inherited runner to earn a hold, although he did allow one run in his followup inning. Also, Marzec was quite the adventure, two HBP's, two wild pitches in the brief stint. Brisbane Bottom of the 7th Brad Dutton lines out to left fielder Justin Huber. David Sutherland grounds out, shortstop Josh Davies to first baseman Brad Harman. Ryan Battaglia reaches on a fielding error by shortstop Josh Davies. Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Lewis Thorpe. Justin O'Conner hit by pitch. Ryan Battaglia to 2nd. Patrick Leonard lines out to center fielder Justin Trapp. Brisbane Bottom of the 8th Logan Wade grounds out, first baseman Brad Harman to pitcher Eric Marzec. Marcus Bradley walks. With Joshua Roberts batting, wild pitch by Eric Marzec, Marcus Bradley to 2nd. Joshua Roberts strikes out swinging. With Joey Rickard batting, wild pitch by Eric Marzec, Marcus Bradley to 3rd. Joey Rickard singles on a ground ball to third baseman Jared Schlehuber. Marcus Bradley scores. Brad Dutton hit by pitch. Joey Rickard to 2nd. David Sutherland strikes out swinging.

Thursday audio via WSSP Jonathan Lucroy talks about Corey Hart leaving the team for the Mariners, the Brewers' search for a first baseman, his strong opinion regarding potential rules changes on plays at the plate, and his look ahead to spring training.

VIDEO: Southern League owners voice concern over Stars' move approval still likely, though

Thursday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score A rare quiet night for switch-hitting 40-man roster utilityman Elian Herrera, 0-for-5 in the leadoff spot, playing left field. *** Dominican Box Score Hector Gomez, settled in at third base this winter, singled in three at-bats (one K). He committed his 8th error in 32 games, and was pinch-hit for in the 9th inning of a blowout loss. *** Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco, at designated hitter for game three of his return, was 1-for-4 (one K), leaving for a pinch-runner in the 8th. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Another switch-hitter, newcomer Irving Falu, playing third base, singled in four at-bats from the leadoff spot, scoring one run. Teammate Martin Maldonado got the start behind the plate, doubled in four at-bats (one K). Nobody dared run against Maldy in his club's one-run win. *** Venezuela Box Score It was an exciting relief appearance #20 (and win) for RHP Arcenio Leon -- stranded two inherited runners, then pitched out of his own jam in fan-the-side style: Lara Bottom of the 4th Andrew Lambo singles on a ground ball to right fielder J. C. Linares. Anderson De La Rosa strikes out swinging. Joe Thurston walks. Andrew Lambo to 2nd. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Roy Merritt. Guilder Rodriguez flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Luis Valbuena walks. Andrew Lambo to 3rd. Joe Thurston to 2nd. Paulo Orlando strikes out swinging. Lara Bottom of the 5th Mike Moustakas singles on a ground ball to right fielder J. C. Linares. Jairo Perez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Mike Moustakas to 2nd. Robert Perez strikes out swinging. Andrew Lambo strikes out swinging. With Anderson De La Rosa batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Mike Moustakas to 3rd. Jairo Perez to 2nd. Anderson De La Rosa strikes out swinging.

*** Just updated that last link for a better tale of the story. Really! He was the Mariners' Minor League Player of the Year in 2011, and was their 9th best prospect coming into 2012, as per Baseball America. Sure, he played half his 2011 in High Desert (yes, that High Desert), but those Southern League numbers were no joke. Here's a very good Q&A interview with Catricala from the end of that 2011 season. From February 2013, after his miserable 2012, this is a good read: Vinnie Catricala tries to get back on fast track You'll find more 2013 Q&A at the bottom of this linked page. The wonderful Jeff Sullivan looked at Catricala's defensive inefficiency in his entertaining way here in 2012. When Catricala was DFA'd by Seattle, the A's traded cash for him before they DFA'd him as well. Unlike fellow minor league Rule 5 pickup, mustachioed Kevin Mattison (0-for-5), Matricala has not received his cup of big league coffee. All in all, an intriguing pickup for a minor league Rule 5 guy. Remember, there are no strings attached here, the Brewers can assign him to AAA, AA, doesn't matter (unlike the strict major league Rule 5 restriction). The Brewers own his minor league rights through 2015.

*** Just updated that last link for a better tale of the story. Really! He was the Mariners' Minor League Player of the Year in 2011, and was their 9th best prospect coming into 2012, as per Baseball America. Sure, he played half his 2011 in High Desert (yes, that High Desert), but those Southern League numbers were no joke. Here's a very good Q&A interview with Catricala from the end of that 2011 season. From February 2013, after his miserable 2012, this is a good read: Vinnie Catricala tries to get back on fast track You'll find more 2013 Q&A at the bottom of this linked page. The wonderful Jeff Sullivan looked at Catricala's defensive inefficiency in his entertaining way here in 2012. When Catricala was DFA'd by Seattle, the A's traded cash for him before they DFA'd him as well. Unlike fellow minor league Rule 5 pickup, mustachioed Kevin Mattison (0-for-5), Matricala has not received his cup of big league coffee. All in all, an intriguing pickup for a minor league Rule 5 guy. Remember, there are no strings attached here, the Brewers can assign him to AAA, AA, doesn't matter (unlike the strict major league Rule 5 restriction). The Brewers own his minor league rights through 2015.

New Brewer Wei-Chung Wang is the younger brother of Cubs' farmhand RHP Yao-Lin Wang, who just finished his age 22 season with Daytona in the Florida State League, where he faced Brevard County in 2013.

New Brewer Wei-Chung Wang is the younger brother of Cubs' farmhand RHP Yao-Lin Wang, who just finished his age 22 season with Daytona in the Florida State League, where he faced Brevard County in 2013.

Wednesday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score A look at Hiram Burgos' numbers in 22.2 winter innings -- 1.99 ERA, 17 H, 11 BB, 24 K. A solid effort here, retired 11 in a row at one point, defense failed him late: Carolina Bottom of the 1st Jesus Feliciano singles on a ground ball to right fielder Eddie Rosario. Enrique Hernandez pops out to first baseman Kennys Vargas in foul territory. Ruben Gotay called out on strikes. Carlos Moncrief hit by pitch. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd. Anthony Garcia singles on a ground ball to right fielder Eddie Rosario. Jesus Feliciano scores. Carlos Moncrief to 2nd. Carlos Corporan flies out to center fielder Michael Taylor. Carolina Bottom of the 2nd Defensive switch from second base to third base for Irving Falu. Osvaldo Martinez flies out to center fielder Michael Taylor. Jobduan Morales strikes out swinging. Shuhei Fukuda strikes out swinging. Carolina Bottom of the 3rd Jesus Feliciano grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Enrique Hernandez strikes out swinging. Ruben Gotay grounds out to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Carolina Bottom of the 4th Carlos Moncrief strikes out swinging. Anthony Garcia strikes out swinging. Carlos Corporan grounds out, shortstop Luis Figueroa to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Carolina Bottom of the 5th Osvaldo Martinez flies out to right fielder Luis Montanez. Jobduan Morales hits a ground-rule double (1) on a fly ball to right field. Shuhei Fukuda flies out to center fielder Michael Taylor. Jesus Feliciano reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Eddie Rosario. Jobduan Morales scores. Enrique Hernandez walks. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd. Ruben Gotay singles on a fly ball to right fielder Luis Montanez. Jesus Feliciano scores. Enrique Hernandez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Pat McCoy replaces Hiram Burgos. With Carlos Moncrief batting, wild pitch by Pat McCoy, Enrique Hernandez to 3rd. Ruben Gotay to 2nd. Carlos Moncrief flies out to right fielder Luis Montanez. In the same game, Burgos' teammates took part -- Irving Falu's offensive struggles continued (0-for-5), and Martin Maldonado contributed nicely, 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, two RBI, one run scored. *** Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco, still nursing his way back by slotting at designated hitter, was 2-for-4 (two K's). Now sporting a .797 OPS after 124 AB's, but still fanning just under 30% of the time, yikes. *** Dominican Box Score There was an unexpected departure in the 4th inning, but Elian Herrera continued to roll, doubling and scoring a run in two at-bats, no apparent reason for the exit. *** Dominican Box Score Hector Gomez, again at third base, singled twice in four AB's, now at .284 in 102 AB's, but still just the one walk.

Thursday 12/12 audio Adam McCalvy on WSSP's morning show *** Thursday 12/12 audio -- Adam McCalvy on Bill Michaels' show

Mainly 3B, some 1B and LF. Remember you can always just go to Baseball Reference and a player's page (Catricala's) to see a breakdown of all their fielding stats.

Mainly 3B, some 1B and LF. Remember you can always just go to Baseball Reference and a player's page (Catricala's) to see a breakdown of all their fielding stats.

Sounds site -- Rick Sweet Named Sounds Manager Longtime Minor League Skipper Joins Brewers Organization The 61-year-old Sweet becomes the 25th manager in the Sounds' 37-year franchise history and will be joined by a returning coaching staff. Was Darnell Coles the 24th? Answer -- technically, no, didn't count on the official list.

It's the Cody Scarpetta rule: Source: The reason Wang was eligible here is because his original contract with the Pirates was voided. The Pirates originally signed him for $350,000, but the deal was voided due to medical concerns which led to Tommy John surgery. They re-signed him to a second deal and he underwent the surgery. Any player whose original deal is voided becomes Rule 5 eligible the next draft, no matter when they signed their contract. Read the linked site for a bit more on Wang, who signed initially for $350,000, then re-signed for $60,000. *** "When the Brewers drafted righthander Cody Scarpetta out of high school with their 11th-round pick in 2007, Scarpetta initially signed for $325,000, but the Brewers voided that contract and re-signed him a few weeks later for $125,000 when he needed to have surgery on a pre-existing injury to his right index finger. Scarpetta became eligible for the Rule 5 draft the following year, and after he spent the 2009 season in low Class A Wisconsin, the Brewers placed him on their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft" - Baseball America