Jim Goulart

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

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

Also in the minor league phase, 25-year-old corner bat Vinnie Catricala from the A's organization. He once took too long to get into the box.

Also in the minor league phase, 25-year-old corner bat Vinnie Catricala from the A's organization. He once took too long to get into the box.

In the minor league "filler" phase of Rule 5, 28-year-old CF Kevin Mattison from the Marlins. Looks like a high-character pick: Awards/Honors: 12/22/2011 MiLB.com Organization All-Star 11/19/2011 AFL Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award 11/19/2011 AFL All-Prospect Team 08/31/2011 SOU Best Hustler 06/20/2011 SOU Mid-Season All-Star Nice article on the Stenson Award win by Mattison here.

In the minor league "filler" phase of Rule 5, 28-year-old CF Kevin Mattison from the Marlins. Looks like a high-character pick: Awards/Honors: 12/22/2011 MiLB.com Organization All-Star 11/19/2011 AFL Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award 11/19/2011 AFL All-Prospect Team 08/31/2011 SOU Best Hustler 06/20/2011 SOU Mid-Season All-Star Nice article on the Stenson Award win by Mattison here.

Young man has never pitched above the rookie level - was a Taiwanese signee by the Pirates ($350,000). Creative choice, Brewers. 21-year-old LHP Wei-Chung Wang -- brief write-up

Young man has never pitched above the rookie level - was a Taiwanese signee by the Pirates ($350,000). Creative choice, Brewers. 21-year-old LHP Wei-Chung Wang -- brief write-up

Here are the Brewers players eligible to be plucked in today's Rule 5 draft (8:00 AM Central) -- would Jack Z dare draft one of his his former picks in D'Vontrey Richardson, Kentrail Davis, Tyler Cravy or Nick Bucci? Current AAA Players -- OF Kentrail Davis IF/OF Irving Falu IF Taylor Green RHP Kyle Heckathorn LHP Brent Leach RHP Dustin Molleken C Matt Pagnozzi 3B Stephen Parker OF/IF Josh Prince IF/OF Hainley Statia OF/IF Eugenio Velez Current AA Players -- RHP Nick Bucci SS Hector Gomez RHP Greg Holle RHP Arcenio Leon RHP Eric Marzec 2B Nick Shaw OF Chadwin Stang IF/OF Shea Vucinich 3B/1B Mike Walker C Shawn Zarraga Current A-Level (or below) players -- RHP Eric Arnett RHP Tyler Cravy C Brent Dean RHP Estevenson Encarnacion C Cameron Garfield RHP Seth Harvey 1B/DH Cody Hawn 2B Greg Hopkins RHP Andre Lamontagne RHP Leonard Lorenzo RHP Matt Miller OF/IF T.J. Mittelstaedt C Rafael Neda OF Jose Pena OF D'Vontrey Richardson C Tyler Roberts RHP Austin Ross RHP Cody Scarpetta OF Max Walla UPDATED: The following players never filed retirement papers formally and remain Brewers property. Technically, they will appear on the Brewers' Rule 5 eligible list to other clubs: INF's Brent Brewer, Andres Martinez, and Michael Marseco, OF Ronny Puello, RHP Rolando Pascual *** Keep in mind that there is also a minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. The Brewers can protect up to 35 players from being selected in this phase (there are 40 on this list). That doesn't mean the Brewers are protecting the maximum 35 of the above. As seen last year in the case of Eric Farris, the Brewers can expose a player to the minor league phase if they feel they have a surplus in a particular area, as a courtesy to the player(s) for a chance at a new beginning elsewhere.

Here are the Brewers players eligible to be plucked in today's Rule 5 draft (8:00 AM Central) -- would Jack Z dare draft one of his his former picks in D'Vontrey Richardson, Kentrail Davis, Tyler Cravy or Nick Bucci? Current AAA Players -- OF Kentrail Davis IF/OF Irving Falu IF Taylor Green RHP Kyle Heckathorn LHP Brent Leach RHP Dustin Molleken C Matt Pagnozzi 3B Stephen Parker OF/IF Josh Prince IF/OF Hainley Statia OF/IF Eugenio Velez Current AA Players -- RHP Nick Bucci SS Hector Gomez RHP Greg Holle RHP Arcenio Leon RHP Eric Marzec 2B Nick Shaw OF Chadwin Stang IF/OF Shea Vucinich 3B/1B Mike Walker C Shawn Zarraga Current A-Level (or below) players -- RHP Eric Arnett RHP Tyler Cravy C Brent Dean RHP Estevenson Encarnacion C Cameron Garfield RHP Seth Harvey 1B/DH Cody Hawn 2B Greg Hopkins RHP Andre Lamontagne RHP Leonard Lorenzo RHP Matt Miller OF/IF T.J. Mittelstaedt C Rafael Neda OF Jose Pena OF D'Vontrey Richardson C Tyler Roberts RHP Austin Ross RHP Cody Scarpetta OF Max Walla UPDATED: The following players never filed retirement papers formally and remain Brewers property. Technically, they will appear on the Brewers' Rule 5 eligible list to other clubs: INF's Brent Brewer, Andres Martinez, and Michael Marseco, OF Ronny Puello, RHP Rolando Pascual *** Keep in mind that there is also a minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. The Brewers can protect up to 35 players from being selected in this phase (there are 40 on this list). That doesn't mean the Brewers are protecting the maximum 35 of the above. As seen last year in the case of Eric Farris, the Brewers can expose a player to the minor league phase if they feel they have a surplus in a particular area, as a courtesy to the player(s) for a chance at a new beginning elsewhere.

Audio Via MLB Network Radio - Brewers manager Ron Roenicke tells Casey Stern and Jim Bowden he can't rule out the addition of a free agent starting pitcher, but he's confident in the group he has regardless.

Tuesday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco returned to action for the first time in two full weeks after suffering some sort of leg strain back on Nobember 26th. As the designated hitter, singled and scored a run in four at-bats (one K). Francisco had posted a .796 OPS entering this, his 32nd game of the winter season. New 40-man roster waiver claim Elian Herrera continues to have a strong winter, on base three more times in this game (two singles and a walk), while leading off and playing left field. Strong everywhere except the basepaths, however, as he's now 0-for-4 in stolen base attempts. As we mentioned earlier in this thread, he was 16-for-19 at AAA in 2013. RHP Alfredo Figaro took the loss in relief, the one run he was charged with scored after he left the game with two men on -- Estrellas Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Greg Aquino. Alberto Rosario strikes out swinging. Elian Herrera grounds out, shortstop Wilson Valdez to first baseman Jim Murphy. Aneury Tavarez strikes out swinging. Estrellas Top of the 8th Audy Ciriaco singles on a ground ball to center fielder Leonys Martin. Josh Whitesell singles on a line drive to center fielder Leonys Martin. Audy Ciriaco to 2nd. Alex Valdez out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Jim Murphy to second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Audy Ciriaco to 3rd. Josh Whitesell to 2nd. Pitching Change: Luis Vasquez replaces Alfredo Figaro. Alfredo Marte singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Hassan. Audy Ciriaco scores. Josh Whitesell to 3rd. Gustavo Nunez reaches on a fielder's choice out, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio to catcher Bryan Holaday. Josh Whitesell out at home. Alfredo Marte to 2nd. Ed Rogers strikes out swinging. *** Dominican Box Score SS Hector Gomez was 0-for-3 (now .276, one walk in 98 AB's) before exiting for a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning. He also committed his 8th error in 30 games this winter. *** Neither her nor there -- former Brewer RHP Kameron Loe, currently a free agent, has made three starts in the Dominican -- 16 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K's. That'll get him noticed...

Adam McCalvy audio via WSSP -- Tuesday afternoon 12/10 from the Winter Meetings *** Doug Melvin audio with WSSP Tuesday evening Here's the full show from WSSP which includes the Melvin audio.

The Brewers' biggest friend in convincing the Biloxi ownership group to stay with Milwaukee in 2015 may be Stars' GM Buck Rogers. Hopefully they consult with Buck before that affiliation decicion is made: Via Twitter: Excellent reception by the Brewers tonight, always 1st class! No better organization in baseball when it comes to people! Bar none! If baseball fans could see behind the scenes they would love the Brewers even more. Their commitment and word is golden! Like family.

Ironically, on the same day that Huntsville is identified as Biloxi's partner, Nashville's news is better -- Metro Council approves Nashville Sounds ballpark deal Construction could start by the end of January The next news would be about the actual affiliation relationship between the Sounds (and the Stars for that matter) and the Brewers, and it's possible there will be no update on that until fall 2014.

After no Sunday action, it was another quiet night in the Caribbean Monday, with just one box score -- Puerto Rico Irving Falu, scooped up quickly by the Brewers after his Royals' release, has had a tough winter, 0-for-5 playing third base here, now with a .591 OPS in 74 AB's. Teammate Martin Maldonado was on base three times, via single, walk, and yet another HBP, at least his 5th of the winter season. One stolen base against Maldy behind the plate.

AUDIO: A portion of the Tony Blengino interview on MLB Network Radio Blengino was a frequent email contact of mine back when he was the Brewers' Northeast Area Scout, I remember a wonderful evening with him at the New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game in Newport, RI. While higher-up crosscheckers and front office staff made the final decision, Blengino was the big proponent behind the Mark Rogers selection, along with C Angel Salome, LHP's Zach Braddock and Steve Garrison, and OF Darren Ford.

It's been so quiet on Morse, I'm all for the Brewers going all big and monster (right-handed or not) and let a motivated Morse establish value on a one-year deal blasting balls half-way up towards Bernie's slide. Wouldn't he be a safer (and cheaper) bet than Hart at this point? Morse isn't the first guy to get frustrated and banged up first year at Safeco. Rotoworld October 16th -- Michael Morse will undergo surgery on his left wrist Wednesday to shave down a bone outgrowth. "Doctors believe the outgrowth occurred as a result of trauma from an injury back in May. It's a relatively minor procedure, as Morse will be able to resume some activities within four weeks and should be totally healed within 6-8 weeks. An impending free agent, Morse will enter spring training with a clean bill of health." 130 career games at first base, 6'5" target.

VIDEO 12/7/13: Big 12 Sports Saturday Web Edition -- Dan Needles and Drew Olsen talk about the Brewers.

Saturday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score 28-year-old 40-man roster RHP Jose De La Torre picked up the win for his team with a perfect top of the 10th when former Brewer farmhand LHP Bobby Bramhall committed a two-base throwing error in the bottom of the frame -- Carolina Top of the 10th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Tyler Sturdevant. Carlos Moncrief strikes out swinging. Luis Matos flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Carlos Corporan replaces Robinson Cancel. Carlos Corporan flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla *** Venezuela Box Score Speaking of 28-year-old 40-man roster RHP's, how far is Mike Fiers' star falling? Pitching for the first time since his last start two weeks ago, Fiers pitched two innings plus, not retiring any of the men he faced in the 3rd. He allowed four base hits, two walks, a HBP, wild pitch, and was charged with six runs (three earned). He's allowed three home runs in 6.1 innings over four appearances, although he has fanned ten. If the Brewers had to free up a roster spot, Fiers might be the most at-risk, unfathomable a year and a half ago in the midst of his amazing debut run. To be fair here, his club's defense was horrid in his final inning, including allowing his two baserunners to score after his departure. Lara Bottom of the 1st Joe Thurston strikes out swinging, catcher Carlos Perez to first baseman Jesus Aguilar. Guilder Rodriguez walks. Luis Valbuena homers (3) on a fly ball to center field. Guilder Rodriguez scores. Paulo Orlando hit by pitch. With Mike Moustakas batting, Paulo Orlando steals (3) 2nd base. Mike Moustakas strikes out swinging. Robert Perez strikes out swinging, catcher Carlos Perez to first baseman Jesus Aguilar. Lara Bottom of the 2nd Andrew Lambo singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Gerardo Parra. Andrew Lambo out at 2nd, right fielder Gerardo Parra to shortstop Gregorio Petit. Jairo Perez flies out to left fielder Aharon Eggleston. Anderson De La Rosa called out on strikes. Lara Bottom of the 3rd Joe Thurston singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Mike Fiers. Guilder Rodriguez reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Hernan Perez. Joe Thurston to 2nd. With Luis Valbuena batting, wild pitch by Mike Fiers, Joe Thurston to 3rd. Guilder Rodriguez to 2nd. With Luis Valbuena batting, passed ball by Carlos Perez, Joe Thurston scores. Guilder Rodriguez to 3rd. Luis Valbuena walks. Paulo Orlando doubles (5) on a fly ball to left fielder Aharon Eggleston. Guilder Rodriguez scores. Luis Valbuena to 3rd. Pitching Change: Diegomar Markwell replaces Mike Fiers. Mike Moustakas flies out to left fielder Aharon Eggleston. Diegomar Markwell intentionally walks Robert Perez. Andrew Lambo grounds into a force out, first baseman Jesus Aguilar to shortstop Gregorio Petit. Luis Valbuena scores. Paulo Orlando scores. Robert Perez out at 2nd. Andrew Lambo advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by shortstop Gregorio Petit. Jairo Perez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Aharon Eggleston. Andrew Lambo scores. Anderson De La Rosa grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Hernan Perez. Jairo Perez out at 2nd. *** Australia Box Score RHP Eric Marzec, appearing for the 2nd time in three games, pitched the final two innings (one run allowed, struck out the side in his first inning) in his team's 4-1 win -- Adelaide Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Lewis Thorpe. Ben Lodge strikes out swinging, catcher Ryan Casteel to first baseman Jared Schlehuber. Chris Jacobs doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Scott Wearne. James Baldwin strikes out swinging. Chris Adamson strikes out swinging. Adelaide Top of the 9th Jeremy Cresswell flies out to center fielder Justin Trapp. Joe Sclafani doubles (5) on a fly ball to left fielder Scott Wearne. Brock Hebert grounds out, shortstop Brad Harman to first baseman Jared Schlehuber. Joe Sclafani to 3rd. Stefan Welch singles on a line drive to right fielder Tyler Massey. Joe Sclafani scores. John Cannon grounds into a force out, second baseman Darryl George to shortstop Brad Harman. Stefan Welch out at 2nd.

Friday's Winter League action -- Back in July, we linked to this entertaining Q&A with RHP Eric Marzec, and we recently let you know he was Australia-bound. Via the Australian Baseball Digest, a blog post on Marzec -- Down under, he's a "hotshot" (the writer's choice of words, not his). Marzec hints at a desire to start games in Australia, and if we read into that, potentially stateside. Take a peek. Eric's first Aussie appearance went very well, thank you -- his Melbourne club won, 7-0. Australia Box Score Adelaide Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Eric Marzec replaces Joe Burns. James Baldwin strikes out swinging. John Cannon flies out to right fielder Tyler Massey. Chris Jacobs grounds out, shortstop Brad Harman to first baseman Jared Schlehuber. *** Puerto Rico Box Score I will continue to be a fervent Hiram Burgos fan, looking forward to whatever path his 2014 takes --in this one, 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K. Carolina Top of the 1st Shuhei Fukuda strikes out swinging. Enrique Hernandez flies out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz. Jesus Feliciano singles on a line drive to center fielder Michael Taylor. Ruben Gotay walks. Jesus Feliciano to 2nd. Carlos Moncrief singles on a ground ball to center fielder Michael Taylor. Jesus Feliciano scores. Ruben Gotay advances to 3rd, on a fielding error by center fielder Michael Taylor. Carlos Corporan strikes out swinging. Carolina Top of the 2nd Anthony Garcia flies out to right fielder Jerry Sands. Juan Centeno flies out to right fielder Jerry Sands. Osvaldo Martinez grounds out, third baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Carolina Top of the 3rd Shuhei Fukuda lines out to right fielder Jerry Sands. Enrique Hernandez lines out to center fielder Michael Taylor. Jesus Feliciano grounds out, pitcher Hiram Burgos to first baseman Kennys Vargas. Carolina Top of the 4th Ruben Gotay walks. Carlos Moncrief strikes out swinging. Ruben Gotay steals (2) 2nd base. Carlos Corporan flies out to right fielder Jerry Sands. Anthony Garcia called out on strikes, Burgos' teammate, Irving Falu, leading off and playing third base, singled and walked in a 1-for-5 effort, scoring one of his team's 14 runs. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Still just 21 years old, SS Yadiel Rivera made his second PWL appearance (first start). Batting 8th, he had a quiet day at the plate, 0-for-4 with two K's. *** Dominican Box Score Batting cleanup and playing left field, Jason Rogers had a nice night, 2-for-3 with a walk, scoring the game's only run in the 6th inning for the win. Teammate SS Hector Gomez, batting 6th, was 1-for-3 with a HBP (one K). *** Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera, leading off and playing second base, singled in five at-bats, one RBI.

Sophia Minneart is part Belgian, part Costa Rican, learn that and about her trip to the Dominican Republic 12/6 WSSP audio via Bill Michaels (baseball talk for first six+ minutes)

12/5/13 Audio: It's an uncomfortable three-minutes plus based on the lack of preparedness on the WTMJ side of things, but Will Smith's Thursday afternoon interview is at the link.

TC07, DSL, seriously? I have a hard time fathoming trading for an "under-the-radar" equivalent of high-A Tyler Cravy (who is just three days younger than Smith, by the way, and could simply be plucked in Rule 5). Trading isn't solely about outsmarting someone. I thought you'd be doing cartwheels over this deal (maybe not cartwheels, but jumping jacks, anyway), and you know I respect the heck out of you, but I'm starting to wonder if Doug Melvin could ever truly please you.

Seriously looking forward to a photo from spring training of Smith and Michael Olmsted side by side (heck, Jimmy Nelson, too, for that matter) -- quite the WWE potential there.