Jim Goulart

First-hand for Doug Melvin and the organization vs. Nashville in 2013: Link Report April 22nd post -- NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Left-hander Will Smith turned in a dominant start and the Omaha offense erupted for a nine-run inning during the Storm Chasers' 12-3 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Monday evening at Greer Stadium. Smith (2-1) struck out eight batters while holding the Sounds to one run on five hits over six innings of action to earn the victory. Nashville Bottom of the 1st Scooter Gennett singles on a line drive to left fielder David Lough. Jeff Bianchi grounds into a double play, third baseman Brandon Wood to second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Xavier Nady. Scooter Gennett out at 2nd. Hunter Morris singles on a fly ball to left fielder David Lough. Sean Halton flies out to center fielder Paulo Orlando. Nashville Bottom of the 2nd Stephen Parker called out on strikes. Cole Garner strikes out on a foul tip. Caleb Gindl singles on a line drive to left fielder David Lough. Dayton Buller grounds into a force out, third baseman Brandon Wood to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Caleb Gindl out at 2nd. Nashville Bottom of the 3rd Blake Davis grounds out to first baseman Xavier Nady. Scooter Gennett pops out to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Jeff Bianchi strikes out swinging. Nashville Bottom of the 4th Hunter Morris strikes out swinging. Sean Halton pops out to first baseman Xavier Nady in foul territory. Stephen Parker doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Anthony Seratelli. Cole Garner pops out to first baseman Xavier Nady in foul territory. Nashville Bottom of the 5th Caleb Gindl grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Xavier Nady. Dayton Buller strikes out swinging. Blake Davis strikes out swinging. Nashville Bottom of the 6th Scooter Gennett strikes out swinging. Jeff Bianchi homers (1) on a line drive to left field. Hunter Morris strikes out swinging, catcher Adam Moore to first baseman Xavier Nady. Sean Halton flies out to right fielder Anthony Seratelli. *** Link Report July 27th post -- Blake Lalli hit a two-out two-run game-tying 9th inning HR off Smith, who otherwise was fantastic over three innings (five K's, zero BB's) Nashville Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Will Smith replaces Everett Teaford. Josh Prince singles on a fly ball to right fielder Anthony Seratelli. Scooter Gennett strikes out swinging. Robinzon Diaz grounds into a double play, third baseman Irving Falu to second baseman Christian Colon to first baseman Ben Broussard. Josh Prince out at 2nd. Nashville Top of the 9th Sean Halton called out on strikes. Hunter Morris singles on a fly ball to left fielder Paulo Orlando. Eugenio Velez pops out to second baseman Christian Colon. Blake Lalli homers (8) on a fly ball to right field. Hunter Morris scores. (audio from Jeff Hem) Defensive Substitution: Quintin Berry replaces right fielder Anthony Seratelli, batting 3rd, playing left field. Defensive switch from left field to right field for Paulo Orlando. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Stephen Parker replaces Hainley Statia. Stephen Parker strikes out swinging. Nashville Top of the 10th Blake Davis singles on a fly ball to right fielder Paulo Orlando. Josh Prince strikes out swinging. Scooter Gennett strikes out swinging. Robinzon Diaz grounds into a force out, third baseman Irving Falu to second baseman Christian Colon. Blake Davis out at 2nd.

http://kingsofkauffman.com/2013/11/19/will-smiths-successful-season/ That's an excellent read for those who may have bypassed it yesterday.

Thursday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera, with a right field start (scroll down at the link to review his mad positional flexibility, which included seven games at the big league level in right field for the Dodgers in 2012, now carries a nine-game hit streak (six of the last seven with multiple base knocks). He was 2-for-3 here with two RBI, adding a sacrifice bunt (one K). Herrera was caught stealing and is now 0-for-3 on the basepaths this winter, odd considering he was 16-for-19 at AAA in 2013. In the other dugout, Jason Rogers (left field) and Hector Gomez (shortstop) started in the 4 and 5 spots in the lineup. Rogers was 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI (one K), while Gomez singled in four at-bats and committed his 7th error in 28 winter games. *** Venezuela Box Score RHP Arcenio Leon's 19th relief appearance was scoreless but eventful - he stranded two inherited runners and then his bullpen mate did him a similar favor -- some familiar big league names here, and yes, that was the Alex Gonzalez that Leon struck out upon enetering... Caracas Top of the 6th Carlos Perez grounds out softly, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Gerardo Parra doubles (5) on a fly ball to right fielder J. C. Linares. Jesus Guzman called out on strikes. Jesus Aguilar singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Gerardo Parra scores. J. D. Martinez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Jesus Aguilar to 2nd. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Alex Torres. Alex Gonzalez strikes out swinging. Caracas Top of the 7th Bobby Abreu grounds out, second baseman Henry Rodriguez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Gregorio Petit singles on a line drive to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Hernan Perez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Gregorio Petit to 2nd. Carlos Perez grounds into a force out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Henry Rodriguez. Gregorio Petit to 3rd. Hernan Perez out at 2nd. Carlos Perez to 1st. Pitching Change: Miguel Sulbaran replaces Arcenio Leon. Gerardo Parra flies out to left fielder Jose Pirela *** Puerto Rico Box Score Teammates Irving Falu (leading off at shortstop) and Martin Maldonado (8th, defensively behind the plate, later at first base) took part in an extra-inning win. Falu was 1-for-6 with a triple (.203 with a .649 OPS in 64 AB's). Maldonado did draw his first walk but was 0-for-5 on the night (.178 with a .504 OPS in 45 AB's). No attempted basestealers, but one passed ball charged to Maldy.

12/5/13 Audio Josh Vernier from 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City joins The Big Show to discuss Will Smith

12/5/13 Audio Doug Melvin on WTMJ Sports Central Thursday evening

Video via MLB.com: MLB.com's Hot Stove crew discusses the Brewers acquiring Will Smith from the Royals and Ryan Braun moving to right field

12/5/13 Audio -- Tom Haudricourt joined the D-List on ESPN 540 after the Aoki - Smith trade (Go to the 36:15 minute mark)

12/5/13 Audio Doug Melvin on the Bill Michaels show discusses the Aoki trade

12/5/13 Audio -- (Prior to Aoki trade) Brian Anderson with WSSP (Brewers conversation begins at 13:00 minute mark)

Via MLB Network Radio -- Mike Ferrin and Jim Duquette, co-hosts of "Power Alley", break down the Royals - Brewers trade of P Will Smith for OF Norichika Aoki

Hopefully never needed, but Will Smith has one minor league option remaining.

Prior to today's Nori Aoki - Will Smith trade, the last trade between the clubs was not the Zack Greinke deal: Trade with Royals (03/23/11) -- Acquired OF Brett Carroll in exchange for cash (Complete running "Last Trade With..." list remains at the top of this thread...)

I could see Jack Z. swooping in pretty quickly here -- Arizona-based spring training, DH possibilitiy, and when Corey hits them out, they'd normally be out anywhere, including Safeco. Heck, I could even see an easily-vested 3rd year option given. Seattle simply has to overpay for bats, and they're in desperation mode.

Money issues aside, I would not be able to stomach watching Garza try to field his position over several years, holding my breath upon each bunt attempt. It's a serious flaw in his value.

Wednesday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Leadoff UT Elian Herrera (second base here) went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Eight-game hit streak, and the first time in six games he did not have multiple base hits, just a really strong 61 AB's to this point (beyond just the one base on balls). *** Dominican Box Score Minor League Player of the Year Jason Rogers, in the Dominican after Arizona Fall League success, played his third winter game and second as the designated hitter. Rogers, batting cleanup, singled in four at-bats, fanning twice. Right behind Rogers in the lineup was Hector Gomez, again playing third base. He, too, singled in four trips, and also stole his first winter base in three tries. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Newly signed Irving Falu, batting 2nd and playing shortstop, celebrated his new organization with a home run and a walk (one K). He also stole his 5th base (seven attempts) in 17 PWL games this winter thus far. Capping a busy day, he also committed his 5th winter error. Falu's teammate, catcher Martin Maldonado, was 0-for-3 to drop back to .200 after 40 AB's (still no walks), but did throw out yet another baserunner. Darn, he's so solid in that regard. For his sake, good thing he is... *** Puerto Rico Box Score 28-year-old 40-man roster reliever Jose De La Torre picked up another hold (his 4th) in style -- Ponce Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Andres Santiago. Geraldo Valentin strikes out swinging. Rubi Silva strikes out swinging, catcher Roberto Pena to first baseman Aaron Bates. Benji Gonzalez called out on strikes. *** Here's the Australia newspaper article news blurb on RHP Eric Marzec's arrival -- The Melbourne Aces will add Milwaukee Brewers AA reliever Eric Marzec this week. "He's a legit fireballer that adds tremendous depth to our bullpen, he'll be able to close out games." Marzec appeared in 46 games during the northern summer for a 6-0 record and 1.99 earned run average. He struck out 56 hitters while allowing just 20 walks in 60 innings.

It was a Yuni B injury that got Irving Falu to the big leagues in 2012 after 949 minor league games.

Newcomer Irving Falu is a teammate of Hiram Burgos and Martin Maldonado for Mayaguez in the Puerto Rico League. He has a line of .200/.313/.255 in 55 winter AB's. Quite the collection of potential switch-hitting infielders and utilitymen at the AAA level -- Falu, Eugenio Velez, Hainley Statia, and Elian Herrera. The other newcomer, catcher Matt Pagnozzi, is not on a current winter ball roster, but he did have an entertaining moment in Houston last September.

Via the Brewers -- links include major and minor league stats: INF Irving Falu and C Matt Pagnozzi signed to minor-league contracts and invited to Major League camp. (Obviously in response to us chiding them on their inactivity on the minor league free agent front....) On Twitter -- INF @irvingfalu and C @MattPagnozzi Falu, 30, has known nothing but the Royals' organization for all of his 11 pro seasons up to now.

AUDIO -- WSSP: 12-4-13 Chuck and Wickett are joined by Brewers insider Adam McCalvy talking off season moves and expectations into next year.

Yeah, not counting indy veteran signings Tim Dillard and Eric Patterson, those summer 2011 Williams' signings are the last forays into the prospect-level of indy league acquisitions, and each Williams is still a bit intriguing, despite's Alan's drug-of-abuse suspension (now completed). Going back a bit, RHP Dane De La Rosa, who had success with the Angels last year, and of course, Tom Wilhelmsen (after his six years away), were other arms the Brewers signed out of indy ball. I asked the first two questions in October's Baseball America indy league chat, if you'd like to take a peek. More credit to J.J. Cooper for answering .

Congrats, Michael Ratterree 2013 TOPPS/MiLB SHORT SEASON-A/ROOKIE ALL-STAR TEAM

Tuesday's Winter League activity: Dominican Box Score So both Hector Gomez and Jason Rogers saw action for the Toros squad here, but it was Gomez who played third base while Rogers was at designated hitter. Goes to show how little say affiliated clubs have in the Dominican lineups, even with Mike Guerrero in the opposing dugout. Rogers, batting cleanup, had a sacrifice bunt (really?), also singled and scored a run in three official at-bats (one K). Gomez continued his hot stretch, 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored (one K). Ironically, Gomez committed an error at third base while Rogers, who the Brewers wanted to see here at the hot corner, watched from the bench. *** Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera stayed hot, 2-for-4 with a run scored, leading off, playing second base. *** Puerto Rico Box Score 2013 Brevard County SS Yadiel Rivera made his winter league debut, entering the game at third base (it's third base day here), and later contributing an RBI single in his lone at-bat. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Catcher Martin Maldonado was 0-for-3 (his club managed only one hit), with one stolen base against. Same game, RHP Jose De La Torre earned a hold with a scoreless inning, stranding an inherited runner -- Mayaguez Bottom of the 8th Kennys Vargas walks. Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces John Brownell. Luis Figueroa grounds into a force out, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to second baseman Rey Navarro. Kennys Vargas out at 2nd. Luis Figueroa to 1st. With Martin Maldonado batting, wild pitch by Jose De La Torre, Luis Figueroa to 2nd. Martin Maldonado grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. Luis Figueroa to 3rd. Daniel Ortiz flies out to left fielder Miguel Abreu.

CheeseheadInQC, welcome aboard, that's a heck of a debut post. Not sure if you've posted under another ID here previously, but please don't be a stranger. You are correct in that I likely (OK, definitely) over-dramatized the need here. The shortstop and LH arms absence is frustrating, Hector Gomez could be a body in the AAA SS mix. The other thing I plead guilty to is associating a desire to impress affiliate ownership groups in order to gain future top-notch facilities at AAA and AA through extended player development relationships. "Hey Nashville, we gave you a 57-87 squad last year, but we're going to take care of you with the same guys plus a few from a weak AA team." Robinzon Diaz and Eugenio Velez were vets that sparked Nashville to a more representative second half. It's more fun to follow Minor League Link Report success, but we realize that especially at the upper levels of the system, W-L is almost meaningless. Thanks for bringing a level of realistic analysis to this discussion. Then again, one shot in the dark would be nice . I also still get frustrated that the Brewers have abandoned finding the next Brandon Kintzler at the independent league level for the High A and/or AA clubs.

WSSP -- 12-3-13: Rupena's Hot Stove Weekly

Brian Anderson on Bill Michaels show