Jim Goulart

Team numbers are now adjusted to reflect 112, not 92, "new" organizational signings.

Monday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Hector Gomez singled twice in four AB's, playing third base. Now at .275 (22-for-80), but with only one walk. *** Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera (second base here) seems to be happy as a Brewer, 3-for-5 with three RBI, a HR shy of the cycle, now .340 (18-for-53, also with just one walk). Winter league baseball is just so hacktastic.

Sunday's Winter League action -- Puerto Rico Box Score Fun box score here. As much as I'm a Tyler Thornburg fan (that "oh yeah, I'll show you" determination), and am definitely optimistic about Jimmy Nelson, I believe the Brewers will be glad there's a healthy Hiram Burgos around and in the mix for 2014. I realize that saying a 5'11" RHP has a chance for a positive Shaun Marcum season is almost as cliche' as a Jamie Moyer reference, but it is a blast to watch Burgos when he's on. Four scoreless here, two hits, two walks, four strikeouts. Caguas Bottom of the 1st Juan Silva flies out to left fielder Daniel Ortiz. Kristopher Negron called out on strikes. Andy Gonzalez grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Martin Maldonado. Caguas Bottom of the 2nd Aaron Bates grounds out, first baseman Martin Maldonado to pitcher Hiram Burgos. Johnny Monell walks. Ramon Castro grounds into a double play, pitcher Hiram Burgos to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Martin Maldonado. Johnny Monell out at 2nd. Caguas Bottom of the 3rd Edgardo Baez walks. Miguel Abreu singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Luis Figueroa. Edgardo Baez to 2nd. Luis Mateo out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Hiram Burgos to second baseman Eddie Rosario. Edgardo Baez to 3rd. Miguel Abreu to 2nd. Juan Silva called out on strikes. Luis Montanez lines out to right fielder Jerry Sands. Caguas Bottom of the 4th Andy Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Michael Taylor. Aaron Bates strikes out swinging. Johnny Monell singles on a line drive to left fielder Daniel Ortiz. With Ramon Castro batting, Johnny Monell steals (2) 2nd base, . Johnny Monell advances to 3rd, on a missed catch error by second baseman Eddie Rosario. Ramon Castro strikes out swinging. In that same game, but from the opposing bullpen, RHP Jose De La Torre, the 40-man roster waiver claim from the Red Sox, pitched a perfect inning for a hold -- Mayaguez Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Miguel Mejia. Luis Figueroa grounds out, second baseman Miguel Abreu to first baseman Aaron Bates. Eddie Rosario strikes out swinging. Martin Maldonado flies out to center fielder Juan Silva. Yes, that's Martin Maldonado, who had a nice game otherwise. Maldy had an RBI single in the 4th and lined a two-run HR to left in the 6th. *** Dominican Box Score RHP Alfredo Figaro took a tough-luck loss after allowing just one run in four innings of long relief -- Escogido Bottom of the 5th Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Hector Noesi. Melky Mesa singles on a ground ball to center fielder Leonys Martin. Wilkin Castillo pops out to second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. Eury Perez grounds into a double play, shortstop Wilson Valdez to second baseman Emilio Bonifacio to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Melky Mesa out at 2nd. Escogido Bottom of the 6th Erik Gonzalez triples (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Leonys Martin. Jorge Polanco strikes out swinging. Pedro Ciriaco out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Leonys Martin. Erik Gonzalez scores. Gregory Polanco singles on a line drive to right fielder Engel Beltre. C. J. Cron grounds out softly, pitcher Alfredo Figaro to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Escogido Bottom of the 7th Fernando Martinez flies out to center fielder Leonys Martin. Melky Mesa strikes out swinging. Wilkin Castillo pops out to shortstop Wilson Valdez. Escogido Bottom of the 8th Eury Perez called out on strikes. Erik Gonzalez grounds out, second baseman Emilio Bonifacio to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Jorge Polanco grounds out, shortstop Wilson Valdez to first baseman Yamaico Navarro That's only two walks and eleven K's in 12 innings thus far for Figaro (2.25 ERA), nicely avoiding his bugaboo (no HR's allowed). *** On a side note, free agent RHP Mark Rogers' 2nd Venezuelan outing was similar to his 1st -- 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 HBP, 1 WP, 3 K, again seeing inherited runners score (two) after his exit (box score / game log). *** Also, RH reliever Eric Marzec flew into Sydney today, and is playing baseball in Australia for the next couple of months, as per his Twitter link.

Saturday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Hector Gomez homered twice, driving in five, in his first game since November 22nd, impressive. Gomez (26 in March) played third base here, at 6'2", he's played SS for most of his career. He'll be in big league camp on a minor league deal, and flashes just enough to keep the Brewers interested after a brutal 2013. *** Puerto Rico Box Score It took 15 innings, but Martin Maldonado's club won 5-4. Maldonado left in the 9th for a pinch-runner. Prior to, he was 2-for-4, now with six singles and no walks in 30 AB's (.494 OPS). No baserunning activity against. *** Dominican Box Score Playing second base and again leading off, switch-hitting Elian Herrera was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. He was pinch-hit for in the 6th. *** Venezuela Box Score RHP Arcenio Leon's 18th relief appearance (3.57 ERA, 24 H in 22.2 IP, 8 BB, 20 K) was a good one, two scoreless -- Margarita Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Silvino Bracho. Max Ramirez grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Junior Sosa strikes out swinging. Henry Blanco strikes out swinging, catcher Sandy Leon to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Margarita Bottom of the 9th Tyler Graham grounds out, second baseman Henry Rodriguez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Breyvic Valera singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Wilmer Flores grounds into a force out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Henry Rodriguez. Breyvic Valera out at 2nd. Wilmer Flores to 1st. Carlos Rivero flies out to left fielder Jose Pirela Leon's team lost in ten innings.

Just saying that given his southpaw-ness and swing-man flexibility, Mr. Narveson could be in play (tweet). Stat page -- five starts in the Dominican, last four very good. Last pitched on 11/17, figured to get out on a high note, likely.

Friday's Winter League action -- Two weeks ago, MLB.com's Adam McCalvy wrote in his Jason Rogers feature article -- "Is Jason Rogers the Brewers' 2013 version of 2012's Josh Prince? Prince was a fringy but versatile prospect who rode a breakthrough performance in last year's Arizona Fall League to a spot on Milwaukee's 40-man roster. Prince was rewarded in 2013 with a brief appearance in the Major Leagues, though he was removed from the roster last month. Now comes Rogers, who has hit himself into prospect status with back-to-back solid seasons, including a 2013 spent at Double-A Huntsville that earned Rogers the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year honor and a spot in the prestigious AFL. Like Prince, Rogers is 25. Like Prince, Rogers is improving his versatility by playing multiple positions in the AFL, a project that will continue at the Brewers' complex in the Dominican Republic following Saturday's AFL Championship Game. Brewers farm director Reid Nichols said the plan called for Rogers, a first baseman by trade who manned left field in the AFL, to play third base every day for two weeks in the Dominican as part of the team's instructional program there. And if one of the Dominican Winter League teams needs a third baseman, the Brewers would try to get Rogers a shot." Dominican Box Score Jason Rogers has landed a job, with the same club that UT Eugenio Velez and SS Hector Gomez appeared earlier in the winter season, with Toros del Este. Rogers started on Friday and batted cleanup, but he played first base, not third (oh well, Brewers management, more chances to come). Rogers was 0-for-4 (one K). Within that same box score, switch-hitting 40-man utilityman Elian Herrera returned to second base action after an injury scare three days ago, and was 2-for-5 with a triple. *** Juan Francisco is still idle after a leg strain on Tuesday, but Alec Dopp wrote a nice piece of analysis that may have many of us hoping for a non-tender by the Brewers when the deadline for offering arbitration comes next Monday. (Expect an arbitration offer.) *** Puerto Rico Box Score Catcher Martin Maldonado saw no one try to steal on him (again), finished 1-for-3 (a two-run single), and was hit by a pitch for at least the 4th time in ten games this winter. In 459 MLB plate appearances, Maldy had only been HBP five times.

Interesting from the Rumors Forum (discuss there if you wish)

Grant Brisbee takes a look: How much would Ryan Braun get now?

Via WSSP: Braun discussions -- Adam McCalvy w/Bill Michaels Tim Allen joins the "Big Show"

No Brewers took part Thursday.

Wow, guess you won't be wasting time buying tickets, watching on TV, listening on the radio. Gee, we should just shut down this forum. Thanks for clearing that up...

Wednesday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score As expected, Juan Francisco (leg strain, see prior post) was idle for his Licey club. Teammate RHP Alfredo Figaro allowed a run in one inning of work. He stranded one of two inherited runners. Gigantes Top of the 6th Marcell Ozuna grounds out, shortstop Carlos Triunfel to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Wilson Betemit triples (1) on a soft line drive to right fielder Luis Terrero. Moises Sierra singles on a soft ground ball to second baseman Arismendy Alcantara. Wilson Betemit scores. Francisco Peguero reaches on a fielding error by pitcher Yunesky Maya. Moises Sierra to 2nd. Pitching Change: Alfredo Figaro replaces Yunesky Maya. Maikel Franco singles on a line drive to left fielder Julio Borbon. Moises Sierra scores. Francisco Peguero to 2nd. Omir Santos strikes out swinging. Jonathan Diaz strikes out swinging. Gigantes Top of the 7th Ronny Gil walks. Francisco Soriano out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Alfredo Figaro to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Ronny Gil to 2nd. Marcell Ozuna doubles (6) on a fly ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Ronny Gil scores. Pitching Change: Braulio Lara replaces Alfredo Figaro. Hanser Alberto grounds out, shortstop Carlos Triunfel to first baseman Yamaico Navarro. Marcell Ozuna to 3rd. Pitching Change: Jose Dominguez replaces Braulio Lara. Moises Sierra pops out to second baseman Arismendy Alcantara. *** Dominican Box Score So much for Elian Herrera's injury concerns (again, see prior post), although he was limited to designated hitter duties Wednesday. Herrera was 2-for-4 with a triple, double, and run scored. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Martin Maldonado saw time behind the dish and at first base, but was 0-for-5, and is now at .130 (3-for-23, no XBH's, eight K's, zero BB's, .361 OPS).

Here's the archived audio of the full Braun presser via WSSP. If you want to comment, use the Braun press conference thread, not this one. EDIT: Video archive now available as well (fiance Larisa Fraser in the background throughout)

Here's the archived audio of the full Braun presser via WSSP. EDIT: Video archive now available as well

Tuesday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score There's really no explanation for such an early exit for Juan Francisco except that he may have tweaked something on the play at the plate. Licey Bottom of the 2nd Juan Francisco walks. Luis Terrero singles on a ground ball to left fielder Zoilo Almonte. Juan Francisco to 2nd. Chris Marrero pops out to shortstop Danny Santana on the infield fly rule. Victor Diaz singles on a soft pop up to second baseman Jermaine Curtis. Juan Francisco scores. Luis Terrero to 3rd. Victor Diaz to 2nd on the throw. Engel Beltre out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Zoilo Almonte. Luis Terrero scores. Victor Diaz advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by left fielder Zoilo Almonte. Dan Rohlfing flies out to center fielder Juan Lagares. Aguilas Top of the 3rd Defensive Substitution: Wilson Valdez replaces third baseman Juan Francisco, batting 4th, playing third base. EDIT/UPDATE: Translated tweet from his team -- Juan Francisco went out of play as a precaution after a slight pull in his left leg on the play in which he scored. *** Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera, playing second base, singled in three AB's (scored a run). What the heck is going on here? Was Herrera forced to leave the game on this play at second base? Gigantes Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Rommie Lewis replaces Eury De La Rosa. Jonathan Diaz singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Elian Herrera. Ronny Gil singles on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Josh Whitesell. Jonathan Diaz to 2nd. Francisco Soriano out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Rommie Lewis to second baseman Elian Herrera. Jonathan Diaz to 3rd. Ronny Gil to 2nd. Defensive Substitution: Juan Diaz replaces second baseman Elian Herrera, batting 1st, playing shortstop. Defensive switch from shortstop to second base for Michael Martinez. Marcell Ozuna pops out to first baseman Josh Whitesell in foul territory. Jailen Peguero intentionally walks Wilson Betemit. Francisco Peguero singles on a line drive to center fielder Junior Lake. Jonathan Diaz scores. Ronny Gil scores. Wilson Betemit to 2nd. Hanser Alberto pops out to second baseman Michael Martinez *** Puerto Rico Box Score C Martin Maldonado was 1-for-3 with one K, and another HBP (at least his 3rd this winter in just seven games). No runner attempted to steal. Even with the HBP, he played the whole game, breaking last night's theme. Maldonado's batterymate, RHP Hiram Burgos, made the start -- 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K. Santurce Top of the 1st Austin Wates walks. Jack Lopez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jerry Sands. Austin Wates to 3rd. Jonathan Singleton grounds into a double play, second baseman Eddie Rosario to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Randy Ruiz. Austin Wates scores. Jack Lopez out at 2nd. Neftali Soto flies out to right fielder Jerry Sands. Santurce Top of the 2nd John Rodriguez strikes out swinging. Edwin Maysonet doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Noel Cuevas. Jeff Dominguez singles on a line drive to left fielder Noel Cuevas. Edwin Maysonet scores. Christian Vazquez grounds into a double play, second baseman Eddie Rosario to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Randy Ruiz. Jeff Dominguez out at 2nd. Santurce Top of the 3rd Luis Rivera lines out to first baseman Randy Ruiz. Austin Wates called out on strikes. Jack Lopez grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Randy Ruiz. *** Venezuela Box Score RHP Arcenio Leon's 17th appearance broke a string of six scoreless ones, as he allowed four runs in just 2/3 of an inning -- Magallanes Top of the 6th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Cesar Valdez. Robinson Chirinos singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Endy Chavez grounds out, first baseman Ernesto Mejia to pitcher Arcenio Leon. Robinson Chirinos to 2nd. Ramon Hernandez walks. Renny Osuna singles on a ground ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Robinson Chirinos scores. Ramon Hernandez to 3rd. Argenis Diaz grounds out, third baseman Marwin Gonzalez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Renny Osuna to 2nd. Ezequiel Carrera walks. Lew Ford triples (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Ramon Hernandez scores. Renny Osuna scores. Ezequiel Carrera scores. Pitching Change: Daryl Maday replaces Arcenio Leon. Adonis Garcia pops out to catcher Francisco Arcia in foul territory. *** Remember OF Steve Moss? He's playing in Mexico, where he's also spent the past three summers. He'll turn 30 in January.

Welcome to the new voice of the Stars, now not just online, but on radio for the locals. We'd be remiss in not thanking Alex Cohen and his "OH, YEAH!" for all his efforts and correspondence the past two years. I have a note into Alex, not sure of his future plans, but we absolutely wish him the best. You can follow Steve Jarnicki on Twitter here. Learn more about him here.

Monday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score Elian Herrera played LF, went 1-for-4 with a run scored (one K). Brewer free agent LHP Zach Kroenke had a nice start in the game. *** Puerto Rico Box Score RHP Jose De La Torre had a second consecutive uneven effort, escaped his first jam but not the second... Ponce Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Luis Gonzalez. Rubi Silva singles on a line drive to center fielder Jorge Padilla. Jonathan Mota out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Aaron Bates. Rubi Silva to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jose Ruiz replaces Geraldo Valentin. Jose De La Torre intentionally walks Jose Ruiz. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jan Vazquez replaces Yovan Gonzalez. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jon Garcia replaces Jose Ruiz. Jan Vazquez strikes out swinging. Reymond Fuentes strikes out swinging. Ponce Top of the 9th Christian Colon hits a ground-rule double (6) on a line drive to right field. Ivan De Jesus singles on a line drive to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Christian Colon to 3rd. Jordan Lennerton grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates. Ivan De Jesus to 2nd. Henry Ramos grounds out to first baseman Aaron Bates. Jose De La Torre intentionally walks Rubi Silva. Jonathan Mota doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Christian Colon scores. Ivan De Jesus scores. Rubi Silva to 3rd. Jon Garcia grounds out, third baseman Andy Gonzalez to first baseman Aaron Bates.

Canadian Baseball Network podcast: In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we speak with Milwaukee Brewers closer Jim Henderson. Jim talks to us about his time with the Okotoks Dawgs and what it’s like being the programs first major leaguer. He also talks about his perseverance in the minors where he played 10 seasons. Jim discusses what it means to him to be a closer, and shares the story of how he heard of his promotion to the big leagues – which maybe one of the best ever.

Sure the Brewers are sorry to see him go, and now there are openings at both AAA and AA manager in the system. Nashville Sounds' tweet following the Tigers announcement -- Darnell Coles, previously announced as 2014 Sounds manager, named @tigers asst hitting coach. Replacement to be named in future.

The Brewers indicated that Rogers would get work in at their own Dominican Academy, and if possible and a spot opened up, try to get Rogers on a formal Dominican Winter league squad. As of this time, that has not occurred, at least not in a formal game.

Sunday's Winter League action -- Venezuela Box Score Catcher Martin Maldonado threw out the lone attempted basestealer, but a slow start at the plate continued, 0-for-3 with two K's, now 2-for-15 (seven K's, zero BB's). *** Dominican Box Score 3B Juan Francisco, 0-for-3 (one BB, one K).

Former Brewer and current minor league free agent RHP Mark Rogers made his winter league debut in Venezuela Sunday, and he pitched a hitless first inning, walking one. Unfortunately he walked the first three batters he faced in the 2nd inning, left the game, and his successor allowed all three inherited runners to score. Box Score / Recap Certainly for all his promise, we certainly saw many similar outings through the years.

Saturday's Winter League action -- Dominican Box Score New 40-man roster utilityman Elian Herrera played 2B and batted leadoff, he was 0-for-3 but did draw his first walk (29 AB's), and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. *** Dominican Box Score Juan Francisco, batting cleanup and playing first base, singled in four trips (one RBI, one K). Francisco is up to 113 winter AB's, about one-third of his 2013 MLB at-bat total. *** Venezuela Box Score Starting on the road in front of over 5,600 on an 88-degree Venezuelan night, RHP Mike Fiers had a rough go of things, allowing four runs in 2+ innings (59 pitches / 36 strikes) -- Caribes Bottom of the 1st Niuman Romero flies out to left fielder J. D. Martinez. Gorkys Hernandez walks. Leslie Anderson singles on a ground ball to right fielder Bobby Abreu. Gorkys Hernandez to 3rd. Jose Castillo homers (6) on a fly ball to left field. Gorkys Hernandez scores. Leslie Anderson scores. Cory Aldridge strikes out swinging. Oscar Salazar strikes out swinging. Caribes Bottom of the 2nd Alexi Amarista strikes out swinging. Jose Gil singles on a line drive to left fielder J. D. Martinez. Eduardo Escobar singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Jose Gil to 3rd. Niuman Romero strikes out swinging. Gorkys Hernandez flies out to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Caribes Bottom of the 3rd Leslie Anderson walks. Jose Castillo singles on a line drive to left fielder J. D. Martinez. Leslie Anderson to 2nd. Pitching Change: Felipe Rivero replaces Mike Fiers. Cory Aldridge called out on strikes. Oscar Salazar grounds out, catcher Ramon Cabrera to first baseman Danny Dorn. Leslie Anderson to 3rd. Jose Castillo to 2nd. With Alexi Amarista batting, wild pitch by Felipe Rivero, Leslie Anderson scores. Jose Castillo to 3rd. Alexi Amarista grounds out sharply, shortstop Gregorio Petit to first baseman Danny Dorn. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Catcher Martin Maldonado singled in three AB's before exiting in the 7th for a pinch-hitter. No stolen base attempts against Maldy in this one. *** Puerto Rico Box Score Rough night for 40-man roster RHP Jose De La Torre, making his 5th winter appearance but first in ten days, got two outs in the 7th, but didn't retire any of his four 8th inning batters (former Brewer farmhand RHP Saul Rivera stranded two of De La Torre's three baserunners) -- Ponce Top of the 7th Ivan De Jesus singles on a line drive to center fielder Jorge Padilla. Jordan Lennerton homers (4) on a line drive to right field. Ivan De Jesus scores. Henry Ramos homers (3) on a line drive to right field. Christian Colon flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla. Pitching Change: Jose De La Torre replaces Derek Blacksher. Jose Ruiz strikes out swinging. Jonathan Mota flies out to left fielder Luis Montanez. Ponce Top of the 8th Jan Vazquez walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jose Lozada replaces Jan Vazquez. Defensive Substitution: Johnny Monell replaces catcher Ramon Castro, batting 5th, playing catcher. Reymond Fuentes walks. Jose Lozada to 2nd. Rubi Silva singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Jose De La Torre. Jose Lozada scores. Reymond Fuentes to 3rd. Throwing error by pitcher Jose De La Torre. Ivan De Jesus singles on a line drive to left fielder Luis Montanez. Reymond Fuentes scores. Rubi Silva to 2nd. Pitching Change: Ryan O'Rourke replaces Jose De La Torre. With Jordan Lennerton batting, wild pitch by Ryan O'Rourke, Rubi Silva to 3rd. Ivan De Jesus to 2nd. Jordan Lennerton walks. Pitching Change: Saul Rivera replaces Ryan O'Rourke. Henry Ramos lines out to right fielder Edgardo Baez. Christian Colon flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla. Jose Ruiz singles on a ground ball to second baseman Miguel Abreu. Rubi Silva scores. Ivan De Jesus to 3rd. Jordan Lennerton to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jesmuel Valentin replaces Jose Ruiz. Jonathan Mota strikes out swinging.

Not to say there won't be several signings, but I really expected to see the Brewers be aggressive in minor league free agency, and that just has not been the case, at least in the early going. As per Baseball America's Matt Eddy and his Minor League Free Agent Tracker, 92 players have signed with new organizations thus far (so not including same organization re-signings). Of those 92, the Brewers have signed exactly zero. We've discussed it elsewhere on this forum, in the two threads focusing on the stadium situations in Nashville and Biloxi, MS (possible new home of the Huntsville Stars), but Milwaukee's AAA and AA associations are due to expire after the 2014 season, and it would behoove the Brewers to have competitive 2014 AAA and AA seasons in order to cement those relationships and thus get extended in order to play in brand new facilities as of 2015. Here are the Brewers' current players on the AAA roster (only ten as of now, we'll list RHP Nick Bucci as a AA candidate) and the AA roster. Now, of course, many players on the 40-man roster will be at Nashville and Huntsville in 2014, and some current Brevard players will jump to AA. Especially from a position player perspective, thought the Brewers really needed to hit the accelerator in free agency, as the AA guys struggled for the most part and few are obvious candidates to jump to AAA. Obviously it's still early, but I imagine the first 92 guys (53 to National League affiliates) came off the board for a reason. Team-by-team signings: BAL 8 BOS 2 NYY 3 TB 2 TOR 3 CLE 2 CHW 3 DET 1 KC 3 MIN 1 LAA 2 HOU 0 OAK 6 SEA 0 TEX 3 ATL 3 MIA 3 NYM 3 PHI 3 WAS 1 CHC 8 CIN 6 MIL 0 PIT 4 STL 2 ARZ 5 COL 6 LAD 7 SD 1 SF 3 Of course, it does take two to tango, so it's unlikely the Brewers haven't tried to sign anyone.

Rotoworld likes (as they should) the Marlins' signing of reliever Jesus Sanchez. While an under the radar move, this could prove to be a very savvy signing for the Marlins. The 26-year-old right-hander posted an excellent 2.83 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 50/18 K/BB ratio over 70 innings at Triple-A Nashville in the hard-hitting PCL in 2013. He should be a candidate to earn a spot in the Marlins bullpen. Also, kind words from Voice of the Sounds Jeff Hem.