Jim Goulart

In Winter League action Thursday, it was an uneven Thursday evening for RHP Arcenio Leon in Venezuela. He was charged with only one run in a game that was tied 5-5 after just one inning, an eventual 7-6 loss for his club in 11 innings (box). Leon would allow as many hits (four) as he recorded outs. Caribes Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Silvino Bracho. Gorkys Hernandez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Freddy Galvis. With Leslie Anderson batting, Gorkys Hernandez steals (2) 2nd base. Leslie Anderson strikes out swinging. Jose Castillo singles on a ground ball to third baseman Jose Flores. Gorkys Hernandez to 3rd. Cory Aldridge singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Gorkys Hernandez scores. Jose Castillo to 2nd. Luis Nunez grounds into a double play, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Ali Castillo to first baseman Francisco Arcia. Cory Aldridge out at 2nd. Caribes Bottom of the 8th Oscar Salazar singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jose Pirela. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Carlos Duran replaces Oscar Salazar. Jose Gil out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Jose Flores to second baseman Ali Castillo. Carlos Duran to 2nd. Pitching Change: Daryl Maday replaces Arcenio Leon. Eduardo Escobar grounds out, first baseman Luis Ugueto to pitcher Daryl Maday. Carlos Duran to 3rd. Niuman Romero strikes out swinging. *** In the Dominican, three Brewers saw action in this game (box), as Juan Francisco and Sean Halton's Licey club defeated Robinzon Diaz' Gigantes squad, 6-4, despite Diaz' nice game. Diaz, behind the plate here and batting 3rd, hit a two-run home run in the 1st and later singled. Francisco, again batting cleanup and playing error-free first base, singled and walked twice, along with two K's, and Halton, batting 5th and playing right field, doubled and scored a run in four trips (three K's). With his team up in the 7th, Halton was pulled as part of a defensive switch. The box score provides up-to-date batting averages. The links provided by clicking on the players' names here are usually not updated through the latest game until mid-afternoon most days.

The Saguaros of Surprise lost a nailbiter, 10-9, on Thursday. Given the score, nice to report no Brewers' pitchers saw action (box score). Somewhat lost in the early-season excellence of OF Mitch Haniger (.959 OPS in 45 AB's with a day off here), has been a fine start for Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year Jason Rogers. Batting 2nd and playing left field, Rogers hit a solo home run, singled, and walked twice in a 2-for-4 day with two runs scored. Rogers is 8-for-25 with seven walks, batting .320/.485/.520 (1.005 OPS). Good stuff... A bit of a rough day for catcher Adam Weisenburger, 0-for-4 with a walk, and saw basestealers successful in all four attempts (there was one double steal). On Friday night at 7:35 CT, RHP Taylor Jungmann gets the start, his 2nd AFL appearance, and first in 11 days. You can follow the Gameday at this link.

VIDEO: Plans Revealed For New Sulphur Dell Ballpark in Nashville VIDEO / Article: New Sulphur Dell ballpark would nod to history, show off downtown Community hears about Sulphur Dell ballpark plan, but questions about cost, parking, traffic remain Not discussed in those two linked video stories, but a reminder that the Brewers' association with Nashville is only guaranteed through 2014, this potential (let's say "likely") ballpark would open in 2015 if aggressive plans are met. There is no shortage of potential suitors for Nashville's affiliation, as this always up-to-date information shows. 2015 could be a tremendous "new stadium" year for the Brewers at the AAA and AA levels. If the Huntsville Stars are sold to the Biloxi, MS ownership group (still waiting on that potential news), the Crew's AAA and AA squads could be christening new ballparks. Hopefully the Brewers' patience will be rewarded, and they are given the opportunity to renew their player development contracts through at least 2016, perhaps even through 2018 (the maximum extension allowed).

Also in the Dominican (box) -- Robinzon Diaz, DH'ing again, successfully hacking again (no walks on the island for him, either) was 2-for-5 (double, one K). Eugenio Velez singled twice in four trips to get back to .500 (8-for-16, three walks). Another game in left field for Velez. One day after homering in his lone at-bat, SS Hector Gomez was 0-for-3 to fall to 1-for-12 in the early going.

Winter League action from the Dominican -- Box Juan Francisco saw his first action this winter season at first base, 1-for-5 batting cleanup (double, run scored, no K's). Francisco is now 6-for-20 with two XBH's, one walk but only three K's, as we follow his batting stance/approach progress. Sean Halton again batted 5th behind his Brewers teammate, and was 1-for-3 with an HBP. Halton played LF here to make room for Francisco at first. Halton was replaced in LF to begin the 7th, his HBP was back in the 3rd, so it's likely not related. Hopefully not, Sean's now 8-for-17 with three walks, just scorching (five extra-base hits). Technically, he's not part of this thread (not a Brewer under contract for 2014), but LHP Chris Narveson made his DWL debut pitching for the same squad as his Brewers mates (Licey), but didn't post great numers, as the box link above will show you.

Surprise scored three runs in the bottom of the 8th to grab an 8-6 victory Wednesday (box). RHP Kevin Shackelford was the beneficiary as he got the win after a scoreless frame in which he pitched himself in and out of trouble. Shackelford followed up two scoreless innings from RHP Tyler Cravy, who still hasn't allowed a run this AFL season (7.1 innings). Salt River Top of the 6th Pitching Change: Tyler Cravy replaces Shawn Armstrong. Mike Freeman walks. Dustin Garneau strikes out swinging. Ryan Brett lines out to right fielder Dariel Alvarez. James Ramsey flies out to center fielder Tyler Naquin. Salt River Top of the 7th Jake Lamb strikes out swinging. Kyle Parker singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mitch Haniger. Kyle Parker out at 2nd, left fielder Mitch Haniger to second baseman Mookie Betts. Tim Wheeler strikes out swinging. Salt River Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Kevin Shackelford replaces Tyler Cravy. Andy Burns called out on strikes. Nick Ahmed singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mitch Haniger. With Mike Freeman batting, wild pitch by Kevin Shackelford, Nick Ahmed to 2nd. Mike Freeman singles on a line drive to left fielder Mitch Haniger. Nick Ahmed to 3rd. Dustin Garneau pops out to second baseman Mookie Betts. Ryan Brett grounds into a force out, third baseman Ryan Rua to second baseman Mookie Betts. Mike Freeman out at 2nd. That outfield assist by Mitch Haniger was the highlight of his day, as he finally had a rough day at the plate (0-for-5, one K). You can check out Cravy's and Shackelford's pitch choices and speeds in the 6th, 7th, and 8th, by going to the pitch-by-pitch feature at Gameday. *** Afternoon rematch Thursday afternoon at Salt River. Your early box score link is here.

The three players outrighted by the Brewers today (RHP's Santo Manzanillo, Josh Ravin, and Jesus Sanchez) all have over seven years of professional experience. Each will become a minor league free agent five days after the World Series unless they agree to a new minor league deal with the Brewers. Even if Sanchez did not have the service time (he's an eight-year pro), because this is the second time he's been outrighted (late in 2010 by the Phillies), he could have elected free agency. Their names have been added to the top post within our "Brewer Minor League Free Agents After the 2013 Season" thread. Guessing we'll learn about at least one re-signing this week, but nothing from the Brewers yet.

VIDEO: MLB.com discusses Taylor Jungmann and Mitch Haniger

Tuesday's Winter League activity -- In Venezueala - Box Score: 40-man roster RHP Jesus Sanchez earned a "hold", it was both shaky yet clutch. Caracas Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Jose Ortega. Luis Rodriguez walks. Gregorio Petit doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Lew Ford. Luis Rodriguez to 3rd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Raul Padron replaces Rico Noel. Raul Padron pops out to third baseman Mario Lisson. Daniel Mayora lines out to second baseman Rougned Odor. Pitching Change: Deolis Guerra replaces Jesus Sanchez. Danny Dorn grounds out, second baseman Rougned Odor to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo. The pitching change was for another RHP, so Sanchez wasn't pulled for a LOOGY situation for the final out save. *** Also in Venezuela -- Box Score: RHP Arcenio Leon earned a save; his squad led 7-2 going into the bottom of the 9th, so Leon likely figured he had a night off - he walked a man before ending the madness in a 7-6 win: Lara Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Daryl Maday replaces Yeiper Castillo. Paulo Orlando grounds out, third baseman Henry Rodriguez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Joe Thurston singles on a ground ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Jesus Solorzano strikes out swinging. With Jose Yepez batting, Joe Thurston advances to 2nd on defensive indifference. Jose Yepez doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Freddy Parejo. Joe Thurston scores. Gabriel Noriega singles on a ground ball to left fielder Freddy Parejo. Jose Yepez to 3rd. Oswaldo Navarro homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Jose Yepez scores. Gabriel Noriega scores. Joc Pederson walks. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Daryl Maday. Jairo Perez walks. Joc Pederson to 2nd. Jesus Montero grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. *** Dominican Republic -- What's this, an 18-8 game full of five Brewers? Here we go: Box Score For the winners, Juan Francisco, batting cleanup and playing third base, was 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored (one K). He committed his first error of the season. Francisco's teammate, Sean Halton, batting 5th and playing first base, was also 3-for-5, also homered, doubled (triple shy of a cycle), walked, drove in four, and scored twice. 40-man roster RHP and 2013 Huntsville Star Ariel Pena made his winter debut and tossed a mop-up 9th inning to close out the rout, and was greeted rudely by his Huntsville teammate: Toros Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Ariel Pena replaces Cesar Valdez. Hector Gomez homers (1) on a fly ball to left field. Pedro Feliz grounds out, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to first baseman Sean Halton. Juan Ciriaco walks. Donell Linares grounds into a double play, shortstop Jurickson Profar to second baseman Anderson Hernandez to first baseman Sean Halton. Juan Ciriaco out at 2nd. For the losing Licey squad, that HR (Huntsville on Huntsville crime) was Hector Gomez' only plate appearance, late sub at third base. We jinxed veteran Eugenio Velez with our recent notations of his hot streak - 0-for-4 with a strikeout. To see the situations behind the Francisco and Halton big nights, here's the game log.

Surprise scored three runs in the bottom of the 7th to overcome a 2-1 deficit and grab a 4-2 win Tuesday afternoon. Jason Rogers walked late in that three-run frame, and Mitch Haniger's spot didn't come up then, but each was 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. Rogers hit was an RBI double: Surprise Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Kenny Faulk replaces Blaine Hardy. Tyler Naquin walks. Jason Rogers doubles (2) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Brian Goodwin. Tyler Naquin scores. Garin Cecchini strikes out swinging. Mitch Haniger walks. Jonathan Schoop pops out to first baseman Matt Skole in foul territory. With Brett Nicholas batting, Adrian Nieto picks off Mitch Haniger at 1st on throw to Matt Skole. RHP David Goforth closed out the 9th -- Mesa Top of the 9th Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Keith Couch. Max Muncy lines out to left fielder Jason Rogers. Adrian Nieto strikes out swinging. Dixon Machado singles on a line drive to right fielder Mitch Haniger. With Albert Almora batting, Dixon Machado advances to 2nd on defensive indifference. Albert Almora lines out to second baseman Joe Wendle Goforth touched 97 and mixed in a nice speed-differential slider and curveball as Gameday shows. It'll be another afternoon affair Wednesday hosting Salt River. You'll be able to find that box score here.

Jason Rogers (LF) batting 2nd, Mitch Haniger (RF) cleanup in Tuesday afternoon's AFL game. We'll probably see some of the pitchers this afternoon (Cravy, Shackelford, Goforth). Also, Taylor Jungmann hasn't pitched since 10/14, but is listed as Surprise's starter for Friday. Why the lengthy layoff between outings, no word.

This thread encompasses both AFL and Caribbean Winter league action.

At some point (don't know when), the sale of an existing Southern League franchise to the new Biloxi ownership team will be announced formally. When that sale is announced, it will include the news that the sold club will play in Biloxi in 2015.

Surprise fell on Monday, 9-6, to drop to 6-5 on the AFL season (box). Mitch Haniger, playing LF and batting 3rd, was the only Brewer to see action, 1-for-4 (single) with a walk. A .400 OBP for the day actually dropped Haniger's AFL OBP to .467. The Brewers designated Haniger their "priority player" before the AFL season, thus Mitch's near-everyday presence, which he's earning as well. It's a rematch Tuesday afternoon, this time in Surprise. This will be your box score / Gameday link.

Mobile was awarded the 2015 Southern League All-Star Game today. Their inclusion in this conversation was very peripheral at best. With this announcement, Mobile is staying put.

Well, the missing Sunday box score is in, and the Eugenio Velez madness has to stop. The switch-hitting veteran IF/OF finished his AAA Nashville season with a 22-game hitting streak. In 38 games for Nashville after being plucked off the unemployment line, the 31-year-old Velez hit .377/.437/.523 over 175 plate appearances. On Sunday, Velez doubled, singled twice, walked, stole two bases, scored two runs and drove in another. In three Winter League games, Velez is 6-for-8 with a HR, double, and three walks. That's .750/.818/1.250 (2.068 OPS). Obviously a tiny sample, but the bigger picture is a ridiculously hot 41-game stretch for a versatile switch-hitting veteran. If Velez were to continue this run in some form until the November 20th deadline for adding players to the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 draft, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Brewers would do so, thus protecting a potential target. Not saying they will, but it could be envisioned. Here's a reminder about the Rule 5 protection considerations the Brewers must make.

Late Saturday box from the Dominican: Eugenio Velez, playing LF, two-run HR, single, sacrifice bunt (3-for-4 with two walks in first two games) SS Hector Gomez, 0-for-4, one K, one error, 0-for-7 thus far *** Sunday box for Velez / Gomez pending *** Sunday box from the Dominican: Juan Francisco, batting cleanup and playing third base, 1-for-3, single, HBP, one K Sean Halton, batting 5th and playing first base, 1-for-3, single, sac fly RBI, one K *** Sunday box from the Dominican: Robinzon Diaz, batting 3rd as the designated hitter, 1-for-6 (double), one K, team lost in 11 innings

More Brewers under contract for 2014 made winter league debuts recently, all in the Dominican. Sean Halton has played first base for Licey in his first two games, and is 3-for-6 with two walks (all three of those hits were doubles in his impressive debut). Halton's teammate is Juan Francisco, who is 1-for-7 with a walk (and only one K) in the two games. Francisco was the DH and then the third baseman in his two starts. Three players who re-signed minor league deals with the Brewers (all with major league camp invites), are also underway. Catcher Robinzon Diaz is 2-for-8 with an RBI playing for Gigantes del Cibao. He served as DH in his first game. Shortstop Hector Gomez and IF/OF Eugenio Velez are each playing for Toros del Este. Gomez was 0-for-3 and Velez, playing LF, was 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI (picking up where he left off in Nashville) in their debut game. Saturday's game hasn't been posted yet. As for players who had already been mentioned as active in this thread, RHP Arcenio Leon made his 4th appearance in Venezuela, and tossed two scoreless innings in his team's 6-1 win. Caribes Top of the 7th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Deivis Mavarez. Luis Nunez lines out to second baseman Jose Pirela. Oscar Salazar singles on a fly ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Carlos Duran strikes out swinging. Gustavo Molina grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Mark Minicozzi. Caribes Top of the 8th Eduardo Escobar grounds out, pitcher Arcenio Leon to first baseman Mark Minicozzi. Gorkys Hernandez flies out to right fielder Felix Perez. Leslie Anderson flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Haniger's homer sets tone for Saguaros Brewers prospect has amassed 12 RBIs over nine AFL games By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com Mitch Haniger has posted a .475 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage through nine AFL games, and he has 12 RBIs and eight runs scored. (Jason Wise Photo/MLB.com) http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/1/8/63172118/cuts/Haniger480_ipq2n2k9_sjkv1key.jpg *** As you just read at that link, Haniger (who played CF Saturday) also leads the AFL in feature stories at MiLB.com. Also, Jason Rogers was 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Adam Weisenburger singled in four trips as the DH, driving in two, one on an RBI groundout. It was also a good night for RHP's Kevin Shackelford and Tyler Cravy, who each tossed a hitless inning (one walk apiece) to close out the 7-0 win. Glendale Bottom of the 8th Pitching Change: Kevin Shackelford replaces Shawn Armstrong. Jared Mitchell grounds out sharply, second baseman Jonathan Schoop to first baseman Brett Nicholas. Tucker Barnhart grounds out, second baseman Jonathan Schoop to first baseman Brett Nicholas. Danny Black walks. Marcus Semien grounds out, shortstop Derrik Gibson to first baseman Brett Nicholas. Glendale Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Tyler Cravy replaces Kevin Shackelford. Colin Moran walks. Chris O'Brien called out on strikes. Eddie Rosario grounds into a double play, second baseman Jonathan Schoop to shortstop Derrik Gibson to first baseman Brett Nicholas. Colin Moran out at 2nd *** Surprise enjoys Sunday off before heading to Mesa on Monday afternoon, you can click on that box score via this link.

It's not just because he still has friends with the Cardinals, Michael Blazek has to be feeling pretty good about the World Series and his wallet these days (and it's not like 35th round picks, as Blazek was in 2007, see huge signing bonus money). This chart shows the history of World Series gate receipts and player shares. 2012 shows a $377.002.64 winner's share and a $284,274.50 runnerup share. Blazek (stats) only appeared in 11 games for the Cardinals, tossing 10.1 innings. Even if the Cardinals only voted Blazek a half-share, that's a pretty chunk of change, potentially more than doubling what Blazek earned in August and September with the Brewers. Of course, Blazek's trading partner John Axford is going to get paid as well.

RH reliever and 40-man roster member Jesus Sanchez (career pitching stats) made his 2013-14 winter league debut in his native Venezuela Friday. The former pro catcher (2005-2008) appeared in 48 games for AAA Nashville this past season, posting a 2.83 ERA while fanning 50 and walking 18 in 70 innings, so this one inning was a bit of a microcosm of his season, effective but not flashy. Sanchez is entering his 10th pro season, but only turned 26 last month. Sanchez has one minor league option remaining (he was optioned in 2010 while on the Phillies 40-man roster). Lara Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Danny Rondon. Jesus Solorzano grounds out, pitcher Jesus Sanchez to first baseman Jose Osuna. Joc Pederson flies out to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Jesus Montero singles on a line drive to center fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Joe Thurston flies out to left fielder Adonis Garcia in foul territory. Here's a May 2013 audio interview with Sanchez via the Voice of the Sounds, Jeff Hem. *** So, along with RHP Arcenio Leon, also in Venezuela, there are two Brewers under contract for 2014 who have begun winter league play. We'll keep you posted as others debut or are acquired.

Surprise won a wild game Friday afternoon, scoring two runs in the top of the 9th to break a 9-9 tie. Box Score Mitch Haniger started in LF and batted 3rd, and had another nice game, single, two walks, RBI, and two runs scored. (The Fall League twitter feed initially had Mitch with a three-run HR, but later corrected themselves.) Jason Rogers was a late-game sub in RF, no AB's. RHP David Goforth was asked to preserve a 9-8 lead in a tough situation in the bottom of the 8th. He ended up charged with a blown save that was definitely not his fault, but got the win when the Saguaros rallied in the 9th. Goforth still hasn't allowed a hit in four AFL appearances covering 3.2 innings. Mesa Bottom of the 8th Taylor Lindsey grounds out, first baseman Travis Shaw to pitcher Jason Gurka. C. J. Cron doubles (2) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Tyler Naquin. Pitching Change: David Goforth replaces Jason Gurka. Kris Bryant strikes out swinging. Kris Bryant advances to 2nd, on a throwing error by catcher Jorge Alfaro. Passed ball by catcher Jorge Alfaro. C. Cron scores. Matt Skole walks. Jorge Soler strikes out swinging. Zach Borenstein grounds out to first baseman Travis Shaw. *** Next is a Saturday night game in Glendale, click on the box score here as part of your Saturday night internet experience.

As per Matt Eddy of Baseball America, we've updated the detailed initial post in this thread to indicate switch-hitting IF/OF Hainley Statia has re-signed a minor league deal with the Brewers. It will be Statia's 4th year with the Brewers after six in the Angels' system. Statia turns 28 in January and is still hoping to make his big league debut. The Brewers have not announced an invite to big league camp for the Curacao native, although that could change as February nears. Here's a Nashville pre-game audio interview from June via Jeff Hem with Statia.

As per Matt Eddy of Baseball America, we've updated the detailed initial post in this thread to indicate switch-hitting IF/OF Hainley Statia has re-signed a minor league deal with the Brewers. It will be Statia's 4th year with the Brewers after six in the Angels' system. Statia turns 28 in January and is still hoping to make his big league debut. The Brewers have not announced an invite to big league camp for the Curacao native, although that could change as February nears. Here's a Nashville pre-game audio interview from June via Jeff Hem with Statia.

It's another afternoon outing for the Saguaros today (1:35 Central), and the box score from Mesa can be found here.