Jim Goulart

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

It's video from a Missoula perspective, but some of the Helena Brewers may find themselves in their pro debuts in this news report video of the season opener Thursday. RHP Zach Quintana may not want to archive this one.

VIDEO quotes from Martin Viramontes included at link -- the Post-Crescent is a pay site, only so many free clicks... *** Viramontes finding groove for Rattlers by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE — It was hard to tell what was launched with more power Friday night at Fox Cities Stadium. The postgame fireworks, or some of the pitches delivered by Martin Viramontes. Viramontes, a hard-throwing Wisconsin relief pitcher, struck out seven of the 12 hitters he faced in a lights-out performance out of the bullpen in a 5-3 Midwest League loss to Cedar Rapids. Viramontes allowed just two hits and walked one in three scoreless innings. He has struggled with his control at times this season, but threw strikes on 31 of the 53 pitches he threw Friday. It was the most dominant relief performance by a Timber Rattlers pitcher this season. “I just pounded the strike zone,” said Viramontes, a right-hander. “I’m just real confident in my stuff right now. I’m getting ahead of hitters and throwing three pitches for strikes.” Viramontes hit 95 mph on the radar gun Friday, but has been clocked higher. He augments a live fastball with an effective curveball and a nasty slider. He was able to fool Kernels hitters at times, registering four of the Ks on called third strikes. “When you get in a groove like that, the ball just comes out real nice and you get outs,” said Viramontes. Viramontes, 23, isn’t a one-game wonder. He has struck out 34 hitters in 22 2/3 innings. However, control and command have been issues and he has walked 19. Viramontes has a 0-1 record with a 5.96 ERA. Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson thinks the Brewers have a legitimate prospect in Viramontes. “His stuff is electric and when he’s got some confidence, that’s what happens,” said Erickson. “Chavvy (pitching coach Dave Chavarria) and I have been trying to let people know what we have here. As far as raw stuff, from what I gather and have seen, there’s nobody with his stuff in our organization. “He struggled early with command, but I think a lot of that was between the ears. He and Chavvy made a little bit of a mechanical adjustment awhile ago and the last four times out, he’s been building confidence.” The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Viramontes could turn out to be a great bargain for the Brewers. He was a mere 28th-round pick out of the University of Southern California in the 2012 first-year player draft. Viramontes spent his first four seasons at Loyola Marymount before transferring to USC, where he became the Trojans’ closer. “He’s someone who I know the organization is very excited about and is paying close attention to,” said Erickson. Viramontes didn’t get a decision in Friday’s loss, which ended in an unusual manner. Wisconsin loaded the bases in the ninth and had the winning run on first. But with two out, Orlando Arcia’s ground ball to short struck Timber Rattlers baserunner Adrian Williams while he was moving from second to third base for a game-ending third out. “It was an unfortunate deal,” said Erickson. “I asked Willie (Williams) if he was trying to blind the shortstop’s vision, but he said he was just trying to get on the other side of it. Chances are the shortstop would get in front of it, make the play and end the game, but you still have to make the play.” Wisconsin (29-38) outhit the Kernels 10-7, getting two hits from center fielder Tyrone Taylor, including a long solo home run in the bottom of the first. Wisconsin starter Tyler Wagner lasted just four innings, allowing five earned runs. Wagner allowed just four hits, but walked six.

Link Report Alumni Extra: Donovan Hand's hometown paper spoke with him about the spot start he's making today -- Aloha, Mr. Hand

Helena Pre-Game Audio Interviews: Before the Brewers opener in Missoula, Steve Wendt interviewed new Helena manager Tony Diggs *** Before the Brewers played Missoula on Friday, Steve interviewed Helena hitting coach Chuck Caufield Helena audio returns, yes!

Brewers put first notch in win column Helena Independent Record Spurred by a big third inning and a strong performance by their bullpen, the Helena Brewers picked up their first win of 2013 Friday night in Missoula. Helena (1-1) earned a split with the Osprey in the short, two-game set and returns to Kindrick Legion Field for its home opener riding a wave of confidence following a well-rounded performance. Garrett Cooper and Jose Pena continued their torrid starts to the season, the Brewers plated six runs in the top of the third to build some cushion, and Helena’s relievers were lights-out in the 8-6 victory. After the Osprey scored five times through the second and third innings, the Brewers’ bullpen gave up just one run on five hits through the final six frames. Right-handed reliever Chris Razo picked up his first professional win after hurling two innings of one-hit ball, and Harvey Martin and Juan Santiago combined for six strikeouts. After giving up a home run to Missoula center fielder Colin Bray in the eighth, Santiago sat down the next six in order to earn the save. Cooper followed up his electrifying pro debut with another monstrous night. The 6-foot-5 first baseman who connected on two bombs Thursday went 3 for 5 on Friday with a double and two RBIs, the only Brewer with a multi-hit game. He’s batting .500. Pena followed up his 3-for-5 performance with a two-run homer, which came during a pivotal third frame. Cooper’s RBI double scored Angel Ortega after Ortega reached on an error, one of two by the Osprey in the inning. Pena followed that with his home run to right field that helped Helena regain the lead, one the Brewers would never relinquish. Jalen Harris and Renaldo Jenkins also had RBIs in the third. The visitors struck first blood in the initial frame on Cooper’s RBI single. But Missoula third basemen Jake Miller answered in the home half of the inning with a three-run bomb to left field that gave the Osprey the lead. Miller, making his first start of the year, would add a two-run triple in the bottom of the third and finished with five RBIs. Missoula starter Blayne Weller was tagged with the loss after giving up seven runs on seven hits through five innings of work. Anthony Banda got the nod for Helena and started strong, striking out the side in the first, but was roughed up after that and finished with a 15.00 ERA. The Osprey (1-1) outhit Helena 11-8 but had trouble producing runs. Missoula left 10 men on base and batted 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position. The Brewers finished with just one error, compared to three by the Osprey. Missoula now has nine errors through the first two contests of the season. Helena returns home tonight to take on the Billings Mustangs. The Brewers’ tall right-hander Danny Keller takes the mound against Billings’ righty Luke Moran. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). NOTES: Osprey closer Jose Jose’s time in Missoula was short-lived. Jose found out following Friday’s game that he was being promoted to Class A South Bend after just one appearance. He had the save Thursday night. … Cooper is leading the Pioneer League in hits (5) and home runs (2). Helena Brewers pitcher Chris Razo delivers during the fourth inning Friday in a game against the Missoula Osprey at Ogren-Allegiance Park. Arthur Mouratidis Photo For the Independent Record http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/5c/15c56780-db00-11e2-b2b7-001a4bcf887a/51c53c26a4fdf.preview-620.jpg *** Unfortunately the Timber Rattlers don't face South Bend in the 2nd half, so we miss out on Chris Mehring expounding on Jose Jose.

VIDEO: Khris Davis homered in both ends of Nashville's Friday doubleheader, here's the second blast, this one deep to center field

Final: AZL Dodgers 9, @AZL Brewers 5 Arizona Brewers Box Score Welcome back from Tommy John surgery, Austin Ross. The most rewarding run you've ever surrendered: AZL Dodgers Top of the 1st Blake Hennessey walks. James McDonald singles on a ground ball to right fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Blake Hennessey to 2nd. Adam Law reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by first baseman Alan Sharkey. Blake Hennessey to 3rd. James McDonald to 2nd. Justin Chigbogu strikes out swinging. Josmar Cordero grounds out, third baseman Tucker Neuhaus to first baseman Alan Sharkey. Blake Hennessey scores. James McDonald to 3rd. Adam Law to 2nd. Cody Bellinger grounds out, third baseman Tucker Neuhaus to first baseman Alan Sharkey. 19-year-old RHP Alex Lavandero was the Brewers' 2012 9th round pick out of a Miami high school, and to say he struggled last season (check that link) would be a huge understatement. To immediately surrender a six-spot (five earned) in his first inning here (followed Ross) must be disheartening. But kudos to the young man for coming back to follow-up with two scoreless innings. 2013 18th round LHP Clint Terry (one of the three in the "Lee University Arms Trio" from this year's draft class) tossed three shutout innings in his pro debut (one hit, one HBP, six K's). Undrafted free agent RHP Sean Wardour of Cal State - Dominguez Hills also debuted, allowing a two-run HR in the 9th after a scoreless 8th. Wardour did fan four -- in fact, A-Crew hurlers struck out 15 and only walked two in the 104-degree "dry air". 18-year-old SS Luis Aviles, a 30th round pick out of a Miami high school, drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in his pro debut. With Aviles at SS, notice that 2nd round pick Tucker Neuhaus moved over to third base. 13th round pick Tanner Norton, still just 17 years old (18 in July) out of a Kentucky high school, was the DH Thursday, but he was behind the plate for the first time as a pro here. RF D'Vontrey Richardson singled three times, 2B Francisco Castillo continues to find being stateside to his liking with two more singles, and Joe Andrade, an undrafted free agent catcher signed last summer, was the DH here and had both the club's only extra-base hit (a double) and only walk. Arizona Brewers Game Log

VIDEO: Taylor Jungmann gets a punchout in Huntsville's 3-1 win over Jacksonville 1-2-3...

Fine writeup as always on Helena, Sessile. Picked up by Steve's call, and yes, And That, it feels like summer with his ultra-smooth play-by-play (it is June 21st after all). -- 19-year-old 2012 6th round SS Angel Ortega is really strong in the field, Mr. Wendt was duly impressed. Ortega was charged with a tough throwing error on a simple scoop Garrett Cooper didn't handle after Ortega went to a knee to backhand one in the hole. Ortega made an awesome barehand play to end the 3rd inning, and made a strong relay throw to nail a runner at the plate to end the 7th. -- Steve reminded listeners that Jose Pena's very first swing as a Helena Brewer last year was a HR in Missoula. As noted above, he homered in this one, too. -- Taylor Brennan was robbed by a spectacular diving catch in CF to end the 4th. -- While Jalen Harris did fan three times (all looking), one in particular on a 3-2 pitch in a key spot was a horrendous umpire call. When we look at raw numbers, we miss so many nuance moments like that, must be frustrating for the players as all heck. -- Steve also shared Jalen's hearing loss backstory with all. -- Missoula batters were attacking first pitches all night long, knowing that Brewer pitchers were trying to get ahead in the count early. -- Diamondbacks RHP Geordy Parra is in the same organization as big brother OF Gerardo, and looked good to Steve in the 9th. -- Wow, am I a huge Juan Santiago fan after tonight. As mentioned, the 22-year-old LHP jumped past Maryvale from the DSL, and was snapping wicked curve balls and pulling the string to retire all six batters he faced after he was ambushed on his very first Helena pitch for a home run. Steve was pumped. -- Unfortunately for those listening, the still exists. Thankfully, undrafted free agent RHP Harvey Martin fanned the side all swinging (around a walk) to make sure there were no free peanuts in this one. He'll always remember his first pro inning was the infamous Peanut Inning.

Be sure to go back and review the DSL box and game log now that they've been updated by MiLB.com. Trailing 5-0 in the bottom of the 7th, the Cerveceritos put up a six-spot (with lots of Pirate help) only to immediately give up the lead again. Runs in the 8th and 9th led to the walkoff: DSL Brewers Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jesus Paredes replaces Horelbin Ramos. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Daniel Leonardo replaces Kevin Martinez. Daniel Leonardo hit by pitch. With Yerald Martinez batting, Daniel Leonardo advances to 2nd on a balk. With Yerald Martinez batting, wild pitch by Jesus Paredes, Daniel Leonardo to 3rd. Yerald Martinez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Edgar Figueroa. Daniel Leonardo scores. *** I always read into these things way more than I should, but: DSL Brewers Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Luis Brun replaces Eduardo Vera. Juan Ortiz flies out to center fielder Edgar Figueroa. Leudi Otano pops out to second baseman Gustavo Barrios. Yunior Santana singles on a ground ball to center fielder Edgar Figueroa. Jorge Quiterio walks. Yunior Santana to 2nd. Juan De Leon walks. Yunior Santana to 3rd. Jorge Quiterio to 2nd. Kevin Martinez grounds into a force out, shortstop Jesus Ronco to second baseman Gustavo Barrios. Juan De Leon out at 2nd. DSL Pirates2 Top of the 7th Defensive Substitution: Juan De Los Santos replaces first baseman Juan De Leon, batting 7th, playing first base. Injured at second base, or, as we've seen, just more job-sharing by JDL and JDLS. *** Gotta love Leudi Otano. Check out his fielding section at Baseball Reference, Mr. Everywhere, first game of 2013 at second base tonight.

We really need to find out the Brewers' affiliates record when Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) is in town. Amazing that he's made a cottage industry of visiting these minor league sites. Alex and Mr. Belding

Stars Beat Suns in Extra-Inning Thriller Alex Cohen, Huntsville Stars Despite not having a runner on base from the second inning to the eighth inning, the Huntsville Stars won their first game in the second half of the Southern League season in style with a 3-1 victory over the Jacksonville Suns in 10 innings at Bragan Field on Friday. After getting shutout on Thursday night, things started out well on offense for the Stars. Following a leadoff walk by second baseman Nick Shaw, a single from outfielder Rene Tosoni accompanied by a hit-and-run put runners at the corners with nobody out. The next at-bat, an RBI groundout from first baseman Jason Rogers scored Shaw to put the Stars up 1-0. With a pitcher duel from Suns starter Jay Jackson and Stars starter Taylor Jungmann, the score stayed like that all the way until the bottom of the seventh inning. The downfall for Jungmann began when he gave up a leadoff single to first baseman Kyle Jensen. After allowing Jensen to steal second, Jungmann then walked third baseman Ryan Fisher to put runners on first and second with nobody out. During the next at-bat, Jungmann fielded a grounder from left fielder Mark Canha and threw it into right field, allowing Jensen to score to tie up the game. Fortunately for the Stars, the Brewers second-ranked prospect (per MLB.com) settled down. With runners at second and third and nobody out, Jungmann retired the next three batters he faced to end the Suns threat and close out another strong outing (7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 K, 2 BB). The lack of offense for both teams would pour over into extra innings, where the Stars bats began to wake up against Suns righty Michael Brady. Following a leadoff walk by outfielder Brock Kjeldgaard, a perfectly executed hit-and-run by third baseman Mike Walker put runners at first and third with nobody out. With the count 1-0, shortstop Hector Gomez then laid down a suicide-squeeze just in front of the pitcher Brady to score Kjeldgaard for the game-winning run. Later in the inning, a pinch-hit RBI double from Shawn Zarraga put the Stars up 3-1. On the pitching side, righty Eric Marzec improved to 2-0 on the season after earning the win in two innings of scoreless relief. Reliever Santo Manzanillo notched his first save of the season with a scoreless bottom of the tenth. The win for the Stars marked just their fifth extra inning game this season, improving their record to 2-3 in those games. On Saturday, the Stars and Suns will play game four of a five-game series at Bragan Field. Huntsville will send RHP Brooks Hall (0-0, 10.80 ERA) to the bump as Jacksonville will counter with RHP Robert Morey (2-4, 5.28 ERA). First pitch is at 7:05 PM (6:05 Central).

Listening to Steve's Helena call from the start, wild one thus far, love the Pioneer League, has to be the best bang for the buck for the live fan experience baseball-wise. Will pass along anything outside the box score / game log / news article links in the AM.

Via MillerParkProspects.com - The Farm Report: June 21, 2013

To fill the open spot, RHP Leonard Lorenzo is activated from the DL. It appears the organization is making liberal use of the weeklong DL to give a break to many of the heavier innings guys.

Brewers assign RHP Austin Ross to Maryvale via Brevard's DL for rehab. Ross underwent Tommy John surgery May 10th of last year. Good luck, sir, welcome back.

Previously we linked to Jeff Hem's audio call, here's video from Iowa: Nashville's Sean Halton triples home a run as the Sounds fall to Iowa, 6-4, on Thursday

Weather.com: Des Moines, IA Jacksonville, FL Tampa, FL Grand Chute, WI (Appleton) Missoula, MT Maryvale, AZ San Pedro de Macoris, DR

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, and Wisconsin, 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 Friday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Game One Nashville Game Two Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers New MiLB.com feature -- organizational scoreboard, Brewers

Programming Notes: Jacksonville has MiLB.TV coverage, so if you're a subscriber, you can watch this Stars' series (live and/or archived). *** This Brevard County series is available with the Tampa broadcast crew; Dave and Andy return to the airwaves on Sunday. *** DVR Alert! This Timber Rattlers games is available on local TV on MyNew32 TV out of Green Bay. "Showdown: Timber Rattlers Pre-Game" airs at 6:30.

Friday's Daily Menu: TGIF! All times are Central Nashville: RHP's R.J. Seidel and Johnnie Lowe in a doubleheader at Iowa (Cubs), 4:40 PM pre-game, 5:00 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings 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 Jacksonville (Marlins), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:05 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 Jacob Barnes at Tampa (Yankees), 6:00 gametime Free Live Audio Link - Tampa Broadcast ********** Wisconsin: RHP Tyler Wagner at home vs. Cedar Rapids (Twins), 6:45 PM pre-game, 7:05 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: 32 of the Rattlers' 70 home games will be broadcast on TV this season. Time Warner Cable SportsChannel has seventeen games scheduled and WACY-TV My NEW32 plans to show fifteen games. We'll let you know when, but won't be providing day-before DVR reminders, so regularly check for proper channel and time planning (scroll to the bottom of this link). ********** Helena: LHP Anthony Banda at Missoula (Diamondbacks), 7:20 PM pre-game, 7:35 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 Idaho Falls (July) and Grand Junction (August), those games will be available for viewing online. ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at home in an immediate rematch vs. the Dodgers' tykes; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league ********** DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Pirates #2 squad, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until later in the day