Jim Goulart

Ratterree Named League MVP Diggs also honored as Manager of the Year By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers On Saturday it was announced that Michael Ratterree was named the 2013 Ralph Nelles Award winner which is given to the most valuable player in the Pioneer League. Ratterree currently leads the league in RBI (54), runs (56), total bases (141), and slugging percentage (.618). He is also tied for the league lead in home runs with 12 and is fifth in the league with a .320 batting average. Ratteree (photo below by Seth Eikomstead) was also named to the Pioneer League All Star Team. This is Ratterree's first professional season after getting drafted by Milwaukee in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Rice. Ratterree has played in 58 games for Helena this season, the most of any Brewer, and he leads the team in runs (56), hits (73), doubles (20), triples (6), home runs (12), RBI (54), total bases (141), and slugging percentage (.618). Helena manger Tony Diggs was also honored as the Pioneer League Manager of the Year. In his first season as manager of Helena, Diggs has led the team to an overall record of 40-27. The Brewers finished the first half of the season with a 23-15 mark and clinched a playoff spot in the process. First baseman Adam Giacalone and pitcher Anthony Banda were named honorable mentions. Jake Sanchez of Great Falls was named the Logan Hurlburt Pitcher of the Year. The rest of the Pioneer League All-Star Team listed at the link. http://www.milb.com/assets/images/6/2/2/59132622/cuts/Ratterree_muzus9ze_bnfp6f3r.jpg

Via Jeff Hem's blog -- Audio from Music City — Sounds First Baseman Hunter Morris "Tonight’s pregame interview is with Sounds first baseman Hunter Morris, who reflects on his and the team’s 2013 season; his first season at the Triple-A level, which includes both physical and mental demands; his defensive work at first base; and what may have surprised him most about baseball Triple-A compared to other levels."

In a strictly paper move to make room on Brevard County's roster after RHP Mark Rogers was outrighted to the Manatees (read about that here), LHP Brent Suter was "transferred" to the Maryvale roster.

Adam McCalvy follow-up tweets: Door isn't completely closed to re-signing Mark Rogers, #Brewers asst GM Gord Ash said. But no guarantee. Rogers is healthy and touched 93 mph in last start for Brevard County, but results have been so-so. Wasn't considered for a Sept. call-up.

After being drafted fifth overall in June 2004, and a member of the 40-man roster since November 2008, RHP Mark Rogers has been outrighted off the 40-man roster. He cleared waivers, will technically be listed on Brevard County's roster (he is not scheduled to pitch again this season), and will be eligible for minor league free agency this fall.

Weather.com: Nashville, TN Huntsville, AL Viera, FL (Melbourne) Burlington, IA Helena, MT

STANDINGS: AAA - Pacific Coast League American Northern Division AA - Southern League North Division High-A - Florida State League North Division A - Midwest League Western Division Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division Rookie - Arizona Summer League DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division *** NOTE: To view first half or overall standings for Huntsville, Brevard County, Wisconsin, Helena and Maryvale, you'll notice options at the respective links for that. Otherwise it's second-half standings as the default view for those three leagues.

Look for Nashville and Wisconsin media notes at the links just prior to their game times. New this season: Brevard County has media notes; as of now, it's a unique link each day, but look for it just prior to game time each day within the "Stats and Scores" banner here. Also new this season: Helena has media notes; it's a unique link each day, but look for it just prior to game time each day within the "Stats and Scores" banner here.

To see tweets as to when the Link Report has been technically "completed" with available links, as well as to know when the new day's Report has been posted, please follow @Mass_Haas on Twitter.

Follow Saturday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena

Saturday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP Jimmy Nelson at home vs. Iowa (Cubs), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link Jeff Hem is the play-by-play voice of the Sounds; follow him on Twitter @jeffhempbp; we'll link to his blog updates at On the Air…and Off MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; all Nashville games, home and away, will be available to watch via MiLB.TV's $39.99 season-long package ($9.99 to pay for a single month). The audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. ********** Huntsville: RHP Taylor Jungmann at home vs. Jackson (Mariners), 6:28 PM pre-game, 6:43 gametime Free Live Audio Link Alex Cohen is the play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast. It appears four Southern League teams air their home games on MiLB.TV, and we'll let you know when those dates pop up on the schedule. ********** Brevard County: RHP Chad Pierce at home vs. Daytona (Cubs), 5:05 PM pre-game, 5:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the link based on listed schedule Manatees audio, hooray! Dave Walkovic is the first play-by-play voice of the 'Tees since 2007, he's joined by Andy Towne; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio. All home games and many road games are scheduled to be broadcast. When road games are only available via the opponents' audio feed, we'll let you know that. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Tyler Wagner at Burlington (Angels), 6:10 PM pre-game, 6:30 gametime Free Live Audio Link - 1280 AM WNAM Chris Mehring is back to do his customary fantastic work as the Voice of the Rattlers. Follow him on Twitter @CMehring; we'll link to Chris' infamous blog often -- Rattler Radio. MiLB.TV -- for subscribers; Wisconsin is one of four Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV. So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, Stars' road games from four Southern League locales, and all Timber Rattlers home games and some road games. NOTE: Many of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel and WACY-TV My NEW32 will split duties. We'll let you know when and who, and will try to provide day-before DVR reminders, so regularly check with us. ********** Helena: LHP David Otterman at home vs. Billings (Reds), 7:45 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link Voice of the Helena Brewers Steve Wendt is back on board, and this year he's added Twitter to the mix @steve_wendt. We've been treated to Steve's work for many years now (ten!); he is among the very best at the art of the pre-game interview, especially considering how at ease he makes all these first-time professional ballplayers. MiLB.TV -- When the H-Crew makes their way to Grand Junction (August), those games will be available for viewing online. ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Season complete (23-33), final individual stats found here ********** DSL Brewers: Season complete (26-45), final individual stats found here

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Blash's big inning fuels Generals' win in Huntsville Mariners prospect homers twice, drives in five runs in fourth By Jonathan Raymond / MiLB.com

Blash, Big Inning Powers Generals over Stars By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars On Friday night, the Stars fell victim of the big inning and lost to the Jackson Generals by a score of 8-5 in game two of a five-game series at Joe Davis Stadium. Despite taking the loss, the Stars got off to the early start against Jackson starting pitcher James Gillheeney (W, 7-7). Following a leadoff walk by outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard in the bottom of the second inning, an RBI double from outfielder Rene Tosoni put the Stars on the board. One batter later, a throwing error by Generals infielder Ramon Morla on a single by outfielder Micah Owings plated Tosoni to make the score 2-0. Unfortunately for the Stars, that would not be enough of a lead to compensate for the Generals offensive output in the top of the fourth inning. Sending 11 batters to the plate, Jackson tacked on each of their eight runs during the frame, highlighted by a historic performance by outfielder Jabari Bash. After hitting a leadoff homer to begin the inning off of starting pitcher Andy Moye (L, 6-15), Bash stepped up to the plate during his second at-bat of the frame and hit a grand slam against Stars reliever Casey Medlen. Overall, the two homers for Bash on the inning accounted for five of the Generals runs. Aside from Bash, Jackson got a bases-loaded walk from shortstop Chris Taylor, an RBI single by outfielder Leon Landry and an RBI double from outfielder Denny Almonte for the other three runs. The eight runs in the frame were the most against the Stars in any single inning this season. In regards to the Stars offense, they got an RBI single from Owings and a sacrifice fly from third baseman Joey Paciorek in the eighth inning as well as a solo homer from Kjeldgaard in the ninth inning as their only other runs on the night. For Kjeldgaard, the homer was his second in as many nights, giving him a league-leading 23 roundtrippers on the season. To headline their eight-hit output, Owings led the offensive attack with three hits himself. Coming into the game, the former big league hurler turned hybrid-player was just 2-for-31 at the plate in a Stars uniform. For the Stars, the loss was their fifth straight overall and fifth in a row against the Generals dating back to their last series at The Ballpark at Jackson in late July. On Saturday, the Stars will play game three of a five-game series against the Jackson Generals at Joe Davis Stadium. Huntsville will send RHP Taylor Jungmann (6-14, 4.00 ERA) while Jackson will counter with LHP Anthony Fernandez (9-7, 4.26 ERA). First pitch is 6:43 ET.

Quintana Rebounds as Brewers Sweep Helena cruises to 11-3 win in final game with Osprey By Zac Vierra / Helena Brewers Although Zach Quintana did not factor in the decision, his start might have been the most encouraging aspect of Helena's win on Friday. After three straight rocky outings, Quintana bounced back with four quality innings and the Brewer offense did the rest as Helena cruised to an 11-3 victory over Missoula. Quintana (photo below by Seth Eikomstead) allowed just one run on two hits in the game. He struck out four and walked a pair. "A very solid performance, throwing strikes, getting ahead in the count, and giving his defense a chance to play behind him and that's the one thing we have been preaching to him all year, 'give your defense a chance to play behind you,' and he did a good job of it tonight," said Helena skipper Tony Diggs. Not only did the outing assist the Brewers on Friday, it also proved how valuable the right-hander could be with the Pioneer League playoffs on the horizon. "You are still not looking past any game that we have to finish the season…but to get him back in a position where he is starting to get a little bit more feel for it, that's always good," said Diggs. The Brewer offense also had a strong night from the beginning. With two outs in the first inning the Brewers jumped on Missoula starter Justin Van Grouw. Michael Ratterree started the rally with a walk and Adam Giacalone followed with a single to left. Taylor Brennan would then smoke a single to right and Ratterree scored when the throw home was off the mark. With runners on first and second, Jalen Harris sliced a ball into the corner in right field. Giacalone and Brennan scored and Harris was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a triple, but the damage was done as the Brewers took a 3-0 lead. "They came out ready to swing the bats. We got some good balls to hit in the zone and they did a good job connecting with them," said Diggs. Up 4-1, Helena would break the game open in the bottom of the fourth. Harris walked to lead off the frame, advanced to second on a grounder, and moved to third when Jack Cleary hit a bullet up the middle. Harris would score the fourth Helena run when Van Grouw committed a balk. After Nathan Orf reached on a double, Dionis Hinojosa hit a grounder to first. The first baseman Ryan Kinsella went to his right but bobbled the ball and his throw to first was wild allowing Cleary and Orf to score. Ratterree would then crush a triple to the deepest part of the ballpark in center as Hinojosa scored and the Brewers took a 7-1 lead. The Osprey would grab a pair of runs in the top of the seventh off Juan Santiago, but the Brewers would take advantage of an error that should have ended the bottom of the seventh as Omar Garcia hit a bases clearing triple into the left-center gap to make it 10-3. Cleary would add an RBI single in the eighth, his third hit in his first game with Helena, and Tanner Poppe would pitch the final two innings to finish the game out. Santiago earned his fourth win of the season after allowing two runs (one earned) in three innings. Giacalone and Cleary led the 12-hit attack with three base knocks apiece. It was the eighth win in a row at home for the Brewers as they finished off the season series with Missoula with a sweep of a two-game set with the Osprey. http://www.milb.com/assets/images/1/0/6/59086106/cuts/29_Zach_Quintana_P_bdes3ka0_ir8fko5e.jpg

Manatees Media Notes: CHASING HISTORY: Nick Ramirez has 18 home runs, 1 shy of Hunter Morris’ franchise record of 19 (set in 2011). Ramirez has not homered in 42 games since going long in consecutive contests, 7/12-14...This is the longest stretch of his professional career without a home run. *** Congrats to Nick, finally tied the club record tonight.

Via Ramblin' Al: If a player is in the minors for more than 20 total days in a single year, it counts as an option. Anything less and it does not. Figaro was sent down on August 16th, so he did not use his final option. With a guy on the brink of the 25 man roster, like Alfredo likely will be next March, that option may keep him in the system for needed depth. *** Good point.

Helena OF Michael Ratterree via the Brewers Farm Report blog

Veteran infielder Ozzie Chavez activated from the Sounds' DL as RHP Alfredo Figaro's recall to Milwaukee opened up a spot.

The last time the Brewers and Cardinals made a trade was just over ten years ago, 8/22/03, when the Cardinals got 18 innings of 32-year-old reliever Mike DeJean for two PTBNL, RHP's Mike Crudale and John Novinsky. The Cardinals finished 3rd in the NL Central that season. DeJean continued to post inconsistent numbers for the Orioles, Mets, and Rockies through 2006. Crudale appeared in nine games in 2003 for the Brewers (2.89 ERA), and his "Crew-dale" name was pretty cool. He was released by the Brewers in spring training 2004, did not see the big leagues again, and finished his professional career in Italy in 2009. Here are his minor league numbers. Novinsky would toil in AA Huntsville as a 25-year-old in 2004 with decent results, but was released in spring training 2005, and never pitched professionally again. (All links point to their baseball reference pages.)

We have a sighting in the "Team Photo" portion of the minor league season's final Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet. Hunter Morris, 1b, Brewers: When Corey Hart and Mat Gamel went down with injuries in spring training, the club found itself without a first baseman. It was the perfect opportunity for Morris, who had hit .303/.367/.563 at Double-A Mobile last year, winning the Southern League MVP award. But he went out and hit .115/.179/.269 in spring training. That led the Brewers to decide that Yuniesky Betancourt would be a more appealing first-base option for the big league club. Morris, 24, hasn’t exactly made the Brewers regret that decision. He’s hit only .245/.305/.447 this year, but he is finishing strong, going 14-for-30 (.467) with a homer sand three doubles this week at Triple-A Nashville.

Nice honor for Huntsville's Jason Rogers, named as a postseason Southern League All-Star. The Stars tweet 140 characters more for you with added numbers.

Nice to see Brevard County 3B Nicky Delmonico activated for this weekend's action. To make room, RHP Jacob Barnes is assigned to Maryvale in a paper move.

Happy 22nd Birthday to 2013 9th round Helena LHP Tyler Linehan!

Weather.com: Nashville, TN Huntsville, AL Daytona Beach, FL Grand Chute, WI (Appleton) Helena, MT