Jim Goulart

Programming notes: Jackson has their games on MiLB.TV, so you'll be able to watch this Huntsville series live and on archive if a subscriber. *** Brevard County audio only available via the opponent audio feed until the next homestand August 7th.

Wednesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP Jimmy Nelson at home vs. Las Vegas (Mets), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Ariel Pena at Jackson (Cubs), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Jupiter (Marlins), 5:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the opponent coverage with the Jupiter link ********** Wisconsin: RHP Tyler Wagner at Kane County (Cubs), 11:40 AM pre-game, 12:00 PM 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 Eduard Reyes at 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 the Indians' complex in Goodyear, 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league ********** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Blue Jays, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day

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Sounds Win Water-Logged Opener Nashville's Johnny Hellweg Picks Up League-Leading 10th Victory Nashville Sounds http://www.milb.com/assets/images/4/3/8/55342438/cuts/730_hellweg_gm6a7qy6_tqjkoxwy.jpg Mike Strasinger Photo of Johnny Hellweg NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Following a two-hour and 18-minute pregame rain delay, the Nashville Sounds edged the Las Vegas 51s, 3-1, in a rain-shortened contest Tuesday night at Greer Stadium. In the third inning, infielder Robinzon Diaz, 1-for-3, got the Sounds on the board with an RBI single into centerfield (audio). The hit scored Kentrail Davis from third, who singled and stole second earlier in the frame. The Sounds added to their lead in the sixth on Josh Prince's solo home run to right field (audio). The two-out shot was Prince's 10th dinger of the season. Starting pitcher Johnny Hellweg (10-4) kept the 51s silent over the game's first six innings en route to his ninth consecutive PCL victory. The 6-foot-9 hurler held Vegas to three hits, walking four and fanning three. Hellweg shaves his season-long ERA from 2.44 to a league-leading 2.28. Hellweg has not allowed an earned run in his last 24 innings and has only allowed one earnie over his last 42 frames. Hellweg's win ties Sacramento's Bruce Billings for league-most, at 10 each. Las Vegas worked their lone run off reliever Zach Kroenke with two outs in the top of the eighth inning. Pinch hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit an RBI single off Kyle Heckathorn to score Kroenke's runner on second. Heckathorn had the next batter groundout to end the inning and pick up his first save. Las Vegas starter Rafael Montero (2-3) took the loss after holding Nashville to two runs over six innings of work. The Sounds loaded the bases in the home half of the eighth inning before Josh Prince drew a walk for his second RBI of the night. Before the next batter made it up to bat, the rain had picked up enough to have the umpires call for the tarp. The game ended after a 40-minute delay. The Sounds play game two against Las Vegas Wednesday night at Greer Stadium. Throwing for Nashville will be RHP Jimmy Nelson (2-4, 3.86) opposite the 51s' RHP Chris Schwinden (4-9, 6.03). First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM. Nashville Box Score Worst team in the league, best PCL pitcher this year. Sure, it helps Hellweg hasn't had to pitch in many of the western parks, but still, 1 ER in 42 IP is utterly remarkable. Robinzon Diaz has doubled his walk rate from Huntsville with the Sounds. Given his catching ability, would love to see Milwaukee entice him to sign a minor league free agent deal again for 2014, but without a 40-man roster addition, he's likely headed elsewhere. Possible September addition, though. Who's a better 3rd catcher on the 40-man roster, Diaz or Blake Lalli? Nashville Game Log

VIDEO: Huntsville's Taylor Jungmann strikes out Joseph Dunigan in the Stars' 5-1 Tuesday loss to Jackson

Video from Monday's game, as we get a parade of Jason Rogers HR videos as of late -- Jason Rogers hits a two-run homer in the Stars' 5-3 win over the Jackson Generals

Stars Streak Stopped by Generals By Alex Cohen / Huntsville Stars After winning the first two games of their series and four straight overall dating back to May at The Ballpark at Jackson, the Huntsville Stars took the loss against the Jackson Generals by a score of 5-1 on Tuesday night. Unlike the first two games of the series, the Generals were able to take the initial lead of the contest. In the bottom of the first inning, an error from shortstop Hector Gomez on a grounder from Jackson shortstop Chris Taylor began a downward spiral against starting pitcher Taylor Jungmann. Two batters later, an RBI triple from Julio Morban scored Taylor to put the Generals on the board. Morban scored later in the inning on an RBI groundout from first baseman Ji-Man Choi to make the score 2-0. However, Jungmann would then settle down. From the second through the seventh inning, Jungmann sent down the Generals in order four times, giving up just two hits during that span without giving up a run. With the score still 2-0 in the top of the eighth inning, the Stars were finally able to chase Generals starting pitcher Anthony Fernandez (W, 5-3) from the game with runners on first and second and two outs. After Fernandez was replaced by righty Dominic Leone, an infield single by Gomez accompanied by a throwing error from Generals second baseman Jack Marder allowed designated hitter Mike Walker to score to make it a one-run game. Unfortunately for the Stars, that's as close that they would get. Against a combination of Jungmann and righty Eric Marzec, Jackson tacked on three runs in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a pair of RBI singles from Choi and outfielder James Jones in addition to another RBI triple by Morban. In a losing effort, Jungmann fell to 9-7 on the season after giving up five runs (three earned) on five hits while striking out seven batters and walking four. His seven strikeouts tied a season-high and the 7.1 innings pitched marked his longest start of the season. On offense, the Stars were paced from two hits apiece by Gomez and outfielder Rene Tosoni. Aside from those two, a first-inning double from first baseman Jason Rogers extended his season-high hitting streak to 11 games. The hit streak is the longest for any Stars player this season. The Stars will play game four of a five-game series at The Ballpark at Jackson against the Jackson Generals on Wednesday. Huntsville will send RHP Ariel Pena (5-7, 4.06 ERA) to the bump to try to earn a series victory while Jackson will counter with LHP Anthony Vasquez (1-1, 3.09 ERA). First pitch is 7:05 PM.

Ex-Illinois State pitcher Razo acing relief test so far in minors By Randy Reinhardt, (Bloomington, IL) Pantagraph A magnet for the most coveted statistic in sports, former Illinois State pitcher Chris Razo has had a winning approach to his first professional season. In a mere eight appearances out of the bullpen, Razo sports a 6-0 record for the Milwaukee Brewers organization. “It’s been a lot of luck, I guess, going my way,” said Razo, who was recently promoted from the rookie level Pioneer League to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Class A Midwest League. “A lot of guys are giving me a hard time, calling me a vulture. I come in and somehow get a win.” A 24th-round draft choice in June, Razo was even credited with a victory when giving up a hit on his only pitch of the game. “I gave up a hit and we threw a guy out at the plate,” he said. “Somehow, I got the win.” Razo has adjusted well to a relief role. The Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year as a starter with the Redbirds this spring, Razo has a 1.35 ERA in 13 1/3 innings. “I feel better than I have in a long time. Getting into this type of pattern, I’ve figured out what I need to do to be ready to go,” he said. “I prepared myself all spring to throw basically 120 pitches (at ISU) and be fine with it. My body is rewarding me for all the hard work building stamina. “It’s nice to go out there and pitch one or two innings, sometimes three. That’s all they need out of me that day then I get a couple days’ rest.” After debuting in Helena, Mont., Razo is glad to be back in the Midwest. The right-hander and the rest of the Timber Rattlers will be in Peoria, near his hometown of Chillicothe, on Aug. 7-9. “My goal coming into the summer was to get closer to home so check another goal off the list,” said Razo. “Peoria next week will be pretty exciting. There will be a lot of people there.”

Sounds' woes can be summed up in five reasons by Nick Cole, The Tennessean The article includes a chart of those full-season minor league teams with the worst records, Nashville has the bottom-most record in that regard in all of MiLB.

This week's Sounds notes column from the Tennessean Diehards here are aware of most of the notes, however, it is good that Nick Cole is working to keep the locals updated.

*** Here's Brewers.com's June 2012 brief note on Torres' signing, promising so far: CHICAGO -- The showcase hosted by Major League Baseball for Puerto Rican players who weren't selected in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft on June 12-13 at the Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium in Carolina, Puerto Rico, benefitted the Brewers. Milwaukee signed right-handed pitcher Joshua Torres out of the showcase, joining the Cardinals, Rangers and Rockies as one of four teams to sign a player from the showcase. Torres is a teenage prospect who projects as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Fourteen-year Major League infielder and three-time All-Star Carlos Baerga, a Puerto Rican native, attended the event and addressed the players. The showcase provided undrafted, unsigned players with additional exposure before MLB scouts and coaches. "By coordinating scouting opportunities for these aspiring players, we hope to provide additional avenues for young Puerto Rican players who wish to play professionally," said Kim Ng, MLB's senior vice president of baseball operations.

Text from Adam McCalvy: Right-hander Marco Estrada threw 34 pitches in a successful start for Rookie-level Arizona on Monday, the first of at least three Minor League rehabilitation appearances before the Brewers consider reinstating him from the disabled list. Assuming no setbacks, Estrada will start again Friday on three days' rest, though assistant general manager Gord Ash said the club was still considering where to send him. "I think two more starts would be the minimum, and I think if we go a fourth [rehab] start, it would be either because we need him extended or he just needs to pitch better," Roenicke said. Another injured right-hander, Hiram Burgos, remains shut down with a shoulder injury, but Ash said no surgery was being contemplated at this time.

Video news report on Victor Roache features a rare Dusty Rhodes sighting

OF Michael Reed goes on the Wisconsin DL with an undisclosed injury, thus the Roenicke demotion to fill in. The Post-Crescent needs to cut back on its player profiles for a bit, RHP Austin Blaski and Reed get DL'd immediately after being interviewed.

Lance Roenicke has been transferred from Brevard down to Wisconsin. Now 25 years old, it's been a tough .612 OPS in 205 AB's, plus only 3-for-9 in SB attempts. Roenicke's OPS in 143 2012 AB's with the Rattlers was actually lower, .606. Roenicke was the Brewers' 25th round pick last year. Manatees roster now one short at 24, no word yet on a corresponding Rattlers move.

Perhaps you're just now getting back to a daily Link Report routine. If so, welcome back. Richardson has been a Link Report staple here since June 18th (looked it up ) when our own Brad caught wind of him working out in Maryvale. He's been up with the Manatees for a bit more than three weeks, and had a five-game multiple-hit streak just last week to keep his name prominent here for some time now. On July 5th, we linked to his pre-game interview.

Disciples of Uecker - 1-15 16-30

Happy 25th Birthday to the Manatees' D'Vontrey Richardson! Happy 20th Birthday to 2012 1st round pick Clint Coulter!

Weather.com: Nashville, TN Jackson, TN Jupiter, FL Eastlake, OH San Pedro De Macoris, DR

STANDINGS (YEE-HAH, Helena!): 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 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.

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 Tuesday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin DSL Brewers New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Programming notes: Jackson has their games on MiLB.TV, so you'll be able to watch this Huntsville series live and on archive if a subscriber. *** Brevard County audio only available via the opponent audio feed until the next homestand August 7th.

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP Johnny Hellweg at home vs. Las Vegas (Mets), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Jackson (Cubs), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 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 Jupiter (Marlins), 5:35 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the opponent coverage with the Jupiter link ********** Wisconsin: RHP Eric Semmelhack at Kane County (Cubs), 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: Idle ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): Idle ********** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Tigers, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day