Jim Goulart

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, 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 Wisconsin media notes at the link just prior to game time. 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 Wednesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Wednesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: Idle ********** Huntsville: TBD at Chattanooga (Dodgers), 6:00 PM pre-game, 6:15 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: LHP Brent Suter at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 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 Austin Ross at Peoria (Cardinals), 6:40 PM pre-game, 7:00 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: RHP Taylor Williams at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 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): at home vs. the Cublettes, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league ********** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Yankees #1 squad, 9:30 AM gametime, although game data won't be available until later in the day

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The Brewers once again go with a 13-man pitching staff at the big league level, so Scooter Gennett has to return to Nashville to make room for a returning Marco Estrada. Nashville had a spot open.

Final: AZL Brewers 5, @AZL Royals 4 AZL Brewers Box Score Consecutive 5-4 wins over the Royals' kids, nice! We detailed Devin Williams' five-inning start earlier, so now we link to season-long stats for two of the Maryvale Crew's better pitchers this summer, 21-year-old 18th round LHP Clint Terry and undrafted free-agent RHP Scott Harkin, who celebrated his 22nd birthday by bailing out Eric Arnett in the 9th for the clutch save. LF Brandon Diaz' 2nd HR of the season in the top of the 9th was the eventual game-winner as it turned out. Diaz had replaced Johnny Davis in the 6th. It was Davis' first game in five days, so perhaps he's part-time coming back from an injury. Like elsewhere in the system tonight, the bottom of the order did well, although everyone but CF Eric Williams, who had a rough offensive night, contributed, as you'll see. Elvis Rubio is only 2-for-5 in SB attempts, the only part of his game hurting (he had been 7-for-9 in two DSL seasons). We love typing "17-year-old", so we'll do it again to say 1B David Denson (single, two walks) now has his OBP up to .404. Seven of his 20 hits have gone for extra bases, but has only one XBH, a double, in his last ten games. AZL Brewers Game Log Nice birthday treat for yourself, Mr. Harkin! AZL Royals Bottom of the 9th Brandon Dulin pops out to third baseman Tucker Neuhaus. Cristian Cano walks. Riley King singles on a ground ball to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Cristian Cano to 3rd. Riley King to 2nd on the throw. Xavier Fernandez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Elvis Rubio. Cristian Cano scores. Riley King to 3rd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Cesar Gonzalez replaces Xavier Fernandez. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Samir Duenez replaces Ryan Dale. Pitching Change: Scott Harkin replaces Eric Arnett. Samir Duenez grounds into a double play, shortstop Luis Aviles to second baseman Steven Halcomb to first baseman David Denson. Cesar Gonzalez out at 2nd.

VIDEO INTERVIEW with Michael Reed at the link (several of his comments included in the story below) -- *** Reed sparks Wisconsin victory by Mike Woods, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE — This is the time of year when many young players hit the wall. In Michael Reed’s case, the only thing he’s hitting is the ball. Reed came up with three more hits Tuesday to push his hitting streak to 12 games and scored three runs to lead the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to an 8-5 Midwest League victory over Beloit on Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Reed has been sizzling, hitting .476 (10-of-21) this month, has had multiple hits in five of his last six games and has seen his team-leading batting average move to .311. This after spending a week on the disabled list in late July with a hamstring injury, which proved to be a good thing. “His body looks refreshed and he looks a little bit hungry,” said Timber Rattlers manager Matt Erickson. Reed said that has played a role, but so has both his off-season and in-season preparation. “There was a lot of stuff I needed to work on last year,” said Reed. “In Helena, I struggled a little bit (.246 average, 58 strikeouts in 48 games). “I knew what I had to work on. I had to find my swing and what kind of player I was going to be. So I really worked hard in the offseason and did everything I could to make myself a better ballplayer.” As for in the in-season work, it’s something Erickson and his staff preach from Day One. “You try to educate them and teach them about preparation throughout the season,” said Erickson, “and the more you stay on it physically the better off you’ll be. “It’s tough for some of these younger players to get into that later season. They’re not used to a full season.” Of his three hits on the day, it was Reed’s bunt single in the first that put runners on first and second with nobody out and helped send the Rattlers on their way to a six-run inning. “I told him before the game that, their third baseman, somebody needs to bunt on him today,” said Erickson. “Because he plays up a little bit, he shows it, then he backs off quite a bit. “With Reed, the short game, the bunting game, has to be a part of his game because he’s the type of player who can put pressure on the defense with his feet and he’s developing well with the bat. Before his at-bat, I told him to look for it and then actually gave him the bunt-for-hit sign in that particular situation and he executed it perfectly and got us rolling there in that first inning.” While Snappers starter Andres Avila didn’t make it out of the first inning, Rattlers starter Jorge Lopez managed to after he was put on the ropes, pitching out of a two-on, no-out jam. “That’s the difference in Lopy from the first half to the second half,” said Erickson. “He did not have command of the strike zone early and got into some deep counts but made some pitches later in those counts to get some ground balls. “He was in trouble a little bit but found a way to get out of it. Earlier in the year, he would struggle in those situations but, the last few times out, we expect him to consistently get out of those situations. He’s not always going to have his best stuff but guys who can find a way to get it done is key.” The same could be said for Reed. “This year, since the start of the season, he’s done a good job of commanding the strike zone,” said Erickson. “He’s a guy who stays inside the ball and makes some contact. He has decent speed and speed rarely goes into a slump so he gives himself a chance when he puts the ball in play.” Wisconsin shortstop Orlando Arcia throws to first against Beloit at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute on Tuesday. / Wm. Glasheen Photo, Post-Crescent Media http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20130806&Category=APC02060201&ArtNo=308060327&Ref=AR&MaxW=600&Border=0

Stars Snag Series Finale Against M-Braves Alex Cohen, Huntsville Stars After a two-hour rain delay, the Huntsville Stars were able to wrap up their five-game series against the Mississippi Braves with a 2-1 win on Tuesday night. Despite being outhit by a 10-3 margin, the Stars were able to earn the victory with tremendous pitching, beginning at the start of the game from starting pitcher Brooks Hall. Hall was able to notch the first win of his Double-A win by tossing five scoreless innings while scattering six hits. The 23-year-old righty improved to 1-4 on the year with the victory. To preserve the win for Hall, reliever Greg Holle tossed two innings of scoreless baseball while righty Kevin Shackelford earned his fourth save of the year after giving up one unearned run in two innings. Shackelford stranded runners on first and third when he retired M-Braves catcher Braeden Schelhuber to end the game. While the Stars only were able to manage a season-low three hits on the night, they were able to manufacture them into runs. After outfielders Chadwin Stang and Brock Kjeldgaard drew walks against Mississippi starting pitcher Ian Thomas, an RBI single by catcher Anderson de la Rosa broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning. A similar instance would occur two frames later. Following back-to-back singles from Stang and second baseman Nick Shaw that put runners on first and third with nobody out, a sacrifice fly from Jason Rogers put the Stars up 2-0 and gave them all the run support they needed. With the victory, the Stars improved their record to 6-9 against the M-Braves this season. Five of their six wins have been decided by just one run. The Stars and M-Braves will play five more games this year at Trustmark Park in late August. On Thursday, the Stars will travel to AT&T Park to start up a five-game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts. Huntsville will send a starting pitcher to be determined to the bump while Chattanooga will counter with RHP Garrett Gould (2-2, 3.98 ERA ERA). First pitch is 6:15 CT. *** (So perhaps it won't be Drew Gagnon Wednesday, we'll see...)

Sounds heat up in summer with first long win streak by Mack Burke, The Tennessean Although they have the worst record in the Pacific Coast League, the Sounds have been one of the more consistent teams in the league lately. After Tuesday’s win over Tucson, the Sounds have won eight of their past nine games and 13 of their past 21. Until the last week of July, the Sounds hadn’t had a winning streak of more than three games this season. Then they captured their first series sweep, and winning homestand, of the season by winning four straight over Las Vegas from July 30-Aug 2. On July 29, the Sounds started a six-game winning streak that ended Sunday. On Monday, the Sounds bounced back with a 5-4 walkoff win over Tucson. There have been a few bright spots for the Sounds over the past couple of months: Nashville is second in the PCL in home runs since July 1 with 32. It also has the most home runs of any PCL team in August (six). • Nashville ranked second in the PCL in batting (.325, 66-for-203) in August. • Since the All-Star break, Nashville starting pitchers had a combined 3.30 ERA entering Tuesday’s game. “Well, pitching sets the tone,” manager Mike Guerrero said. “And, we have guys that have speed and have been able to set the table for the bigger guys to get better pitches to hit. “I believe we have so much energy on the basepaths that that transfers into us being a very aggressive ball club. That’s the way the game should be played.” “The guys have worked really hard,” hitting coach Bob Skube said. “We’ve had some guys that have had some swing changes, and the hitters have really come around and have been diligent about their work; it’s starting to pay off.” The recent surge of offensive production has come from several directions in the Sounds’ lineup. Paired with the improved pitching, Nashville has found its consistency without regulars such as outfielders Caleb Gindl and Khris Davis, who have been spending time in Milwaukee. “I think everyone is adjusting to everyone,” Guerrero said. “I believe that once you have the same lineup for about two weeks, everybody (starts) to feel comfortable and the grind of the way you want to play the game — aggressive and with energy — transmits to everyone in the lineup.” The Sounds signed veteran utility player Eugenio Velez on July 26. He has hit .359 with a .479 on-base percentage and five steals. “You can see the dynamic of (Velez),” Guerrero said. “He’s a switch hitter that you know can be there every day in the lineup somewhere, and he has the talent to help out in (all the areas of the game).” Newcomers Kentrail Davis and Robinzon Diaz, who were both with Double-A Huntsville at one point in June and July, have both made major contributions at the plate. Diaz leads the team in batting average (.363) and is second in slugging percentage (.490). Kentrail Davis has hit .250 with a .330 on-base percentage while providing a solid bat near the top of the lineup. Hunter Morris has a nine-game hitting streak (.333, 12-for-36), and he is second in the PCL with 22 home runs. Josh Prince is hitting .351 (13-for-37) in his last nine games, and Sean Halton continues to provide power with his team leading slugging percentage (.504). Taking back the hill: Leading the surge and accompanying the consistent offense exhibited by the Sounds recently is the effectiveness of the pitching staff, which has been a downfall for Nashville for most of the season. In the past 10 games, Sounds starting pitchers have a 3.00 ERA in 63 innings. “Everything starts with the starting pitchers,” Guerrero said. “Once the starting pitcher can set the table and get us into the dugout (quickly) so we can (get our offense going), I think that’s the point of success.” Said Morris: “The pitching statistics are definitely a big part of our (recent) success. Our pitchers are giving our offense some confidence right now. “Whatever it takes to win at this point. When we pitched well, we didn’t hit, and when he hit well we didn’t pitch, so that was kind of the story for the first 80 games of the season.” The return of top starter Johnny Hellweg (10-4, 2.44 ERA), on July 16 from the Brewers helped. Also, the consistent arm of 2013 Futures Game participant Jimmy Nelson, who is 2-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 10 starts with the team, has been a boost. Starter Chris Narveson delivered seven innings of two-hit shutout pitching on Tuesday. Reliever Kyle Heckathorn hasn’t been scored upon and has given up only three hits in his last four appearances (4.0 innings) while reliever and spot starter Johnnie Lowe has a 2.82 ERA in his last 13 relief appearances. The Sounds have an off day Wednesday before hitting the road for Colorado Springs and starting an eight-game trip that will wrap up against the Reno Aces. The Sounds will return home Aug. 16 to face the Round Rock Express. *** Any time the media makes use of the awesome "Giraffe" uniforms, we'll take notice -- Sounds pitcher Johnny Hellweg, left, has a 10-4 record and a 2.44 ERA this season. / Mark Zaleski file photo, The Tennessean (Tyler Thornburg on the right) http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20130807&Category=SPORTS04&ArtNo=308070073&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Nashville-Sounds-heat-up-summer-first-long-win-streak

The Tennessean: Getting to know: Sounds hitting coach Bob Skube

Via the Great Falls Tribune: Brewers manager Tony Diggs was ejected by the home plate umpire in the top of the sixth, arguing a triple by Helena designated hitter Jesse Weiss. Diggs thought the ball hit off the left foul pole, signaling a home run.

Odd but in a way, encouraging outing for Devin Williams tonight in Arizona -- a manic three-run first inning that included three wild pitches, and then composes himself to pretty much dominate the next three innings, before a bit of madness in the 5th, thankfully another scoreless inning, his fifth and final frame for the night. AZL Royals Bottom of the 1st Amalani Fukofuka singles on a ground ball to second baseman Steven Halcomb. With Jeckson Flores batting, Amalani Fukofuka steals (8) 2nd base. Jeckson Flores out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Devin Williams to first baseman David Denson. Amalani Fukofuka to 3rd. Edinson Rincon doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Diaz. Amalani Fukofuka scores. With Brandon Dulin batting, wild pitch by Devin Williams, Edinson Rincon to 3rd. Brandon Dulin doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Brandon Diaz. Edinson Rincon scores. With Cristian Cano batting, wild pitch by Devin Williams, Brandon Dulin to 3rd. Cristian Cano reaches on a fielder's choice out, third baseman Tucker Neuhaus to catcher Jack Cleary. Brandon Dulin out at home. Riley King reaches on a fielding error by third baseman Tucker Neuhaus. Cristian Cano to 2nd. With Xavier Fernandez batting, Cristian Cano steals (3) 3rd base. Riley King steals (3) 2nd base. With Xavier Fernandez batting, wild pitch by Devin Williams, Cristian Cano scores. Xavier Fernandez strikes out swinging. AZL Royals Bottom of the 2nd Ryan Dale strikes out swinging. Alfredo Patino strikes out swinging. Amalani Fukofuka grounds out, second baseman Steven Halcomb to first baseman David Denson. AZL Royals Bottom of the 3rd Jeckson Flores lines out to third baseman Tucker Neuhaus. Edinson Rincon singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eric Williams. Brandon Dulin grounds into a double play, second baseman Steven Halcomb to shortstop Luis Aviles to first baseman David Denson. Edinson Rincon out at 2nd. AZL Royals Bottom of the 4th Cristian Cano grounds out, shortstop Luis Aviles to first baseman David Denson. Riley King strikes out swinging. Xavier Fernandez grounds out, shortstop Luis Aviles to first baseman David Denson. AZL Royals Bottom of the 5th Ryan Dale grounds out, second baseman Steven Halcomb to first baseman David Denson. Alfredo Patino hit by pitch. Amalani Fukofuka walks. Alfredo Patino to 2nd. Jeckson Flores singles on a ground ball. Alfredo Patino out at 3rd, hit by batted ball, shortstop Luis Aviles unassisted, Amalani Fukofuka to 2nd. With Edinson Rincon batting, Amalani Fukofuka steals (9) 3rd base. Jeckson Flores steals (6) 2nd base. Edinson Rincon strikes out swinging. *** Also, Maryvale MVP for the season RF Elvis Rubio has a two-run double in the early going.

From Friday's Link Report -- Wow, what a big league debut Tuesday night! Good for him.

You heard it in Monday's Link Report, now watch from Monday's game -- Nashville's Sean Halton's fourth hit gives the Sounds a 5-4 walk-off win

Now posted with the proper link -- . You're encouraged to spend four minutes with Jeff here, it's a well-done piece on a talented broadcaster.

AUDIO: Helena outfielder Jose Pena talks about his approach at the plate, his time with Helena last year, & his time growing up in the D.R. Very cool, Jose rocks it! Good for you, young (20 years old) man!

Top 2013 pick Devin Williams starts for Maryvale tonight. He proclaimed himself determined earlier today.

Appreciator of classic TV Chris Mehring will love that "Samantha Stephens" - even spelled as in Bewitched, performed the National Anthem in Nashville tonight. I married a Stevens, we still joke about her "skills".

Gord still pronounces "Gennett" with a hard "G". Must be a Canadian thing...

Via Jeff Hem's blog -- Audio from Nashville — Brewers Asst. GM Gord Ash Tonight’s interview is with Gord Ash, the assistant general manager for the Sounds’ parent-club Milwaukee Brewers. Ash discusses why he likes to make a late-season visit to the Brewers’ Double-A and Triple-A clubs; some of the positives in the Brewers’ otherwise below-average season, including several ’13 Sounds who’ve been given a major league opportunity; how the Brewers are approaching potential September call-ups and winter ball opportunities for players; an analysis of the season first baseman Hunter Morris has had; and what still can be discovered in the Sounds’ remaining games.

Beloit's Covey has no regrets passing up Brewers' offer

First baseman Garrett Cooper is the subject of the latest Bob Brainerd feature.

So Chris had tough duty on the pre-game, as the FS Wisconsin Girls were at the Rattlers game. Pre-game interview was with Chyna if I remember correctly (the blonde). That's Fang below, not Chris .