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Jim Goulart

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  1. Monday 7/22: Via WTMJ's Morning News (Download Link): Dom Cotroneo Via WTMJ's Afternoon News (Download Link): Lane Grindle Via the "Barrel Banter Podcast": "Dan Zielinski of Baseball Prospect Journal (baseballprospectjournal.com) joins us to break down the Brewers' draft! - Why Braylon Payne was well worth the risk - Blake Burke as the answer at 1B - The potential steal(s) of the draft with the arms - Why the Brewers deviated from their typical strategy" Via the "Wisconsin Sports Daily Show" with Steve "Sparky" Fifer: Andrew Wagner of Forbes Sports Postgame shows after the 3-1 loss in Wrigley -Via WTMJ: Dom Cotroneo hosts, Craig Coshun is the guestVia 97.3's "Baseball Postgame Show" - Tim Allen hostsLocked on Brewers with Chuck Freimund - "Who Should the Brewers Covet as Trading Deadline Nears?"
  2. Every MLB organization's farm system is made up of several veteran minor leaguers, and for those players who have accumulated over six full seasons of experience, season's end brings minor league free agency. In actuality, a player needs to have been active in a 7th season, because the partial rookie season (post-draft or post-international signing) isn't considered a full-season. For this exercise, we look at players who became professionals in 2018 or earlier. Thus, the 2018-2024 stretch of seven seasons fills the experience qualification necessary. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers For players on this list, their future continuing in the Brewers' system relies on one of two paths. Milwaukee could add the player to their 40-man roster before the late October deadline to finalize rosters pre Rule 5 draft. Last October 23rd, Nashville outfielder Chris Roller, coming off one hot month after being acquired in a cash deal with Cleveland, impressed enough to net a 40-man roster spot which he carried all offseason (Roller was designated for assignment on June 29th, cleared waivers and remains in the system today). Another prime example of this type of 40-man addition was Tyrone Taylor, added in October 2018 after his 7th season with the Crew, completing a roller coaster minor league portion of his journey. The other way a player can remain in the system is if the Brewers, the player and his agent agree to a new minor league deal to extend the relationship. From last fall, RHP Harold Chirino, C Brian Navarreto and 1B Ernesto Martinez went this route. Players who sign such contracts before the actual Rule 5 draft are eligible to be plucked in Rule 5. Here is the alphabetical list of the players who will reach minor league free agency in late October 2024. This article will be pinned to the top of the BrewerFanatic Minor League Forum for your future reference, and the list will be edited as circumstances warrant. Below this alphabetical list will be a brief grouped breakdown that may help your own review. An asterisk (*) indicates a player has been with Milwaukee the entirety of his career-to-date. INF/OF Jose Acosta INF Christian Arroyo RHP Sam Carlson *RHP Harold Chirino *1B Jesus Chirinos RHP Taylor Clarke - Elected free agency on 10/09 INF Patrick Dorrian C David Garcia - - Reported by Baseball America to have agreed to a minor league deal in October *1B Ernesto Martinez - Reported by our contributor ARobsBrewCrew to have agreed to a minor league deal in early October C Francisco Mejia *OF Reidy Mercado INF Owen Miller C Brian Navarreto *OF Carlos D. Rodriguez C Ramon Rodriguez - No formal announcement of a re-signing, but is now playing in the Arizona Fall League OF Chris Roller OF Connor Scott OF Lamar Sparks INF/OF Felix Valerio RHP Mitch White - Elected free agency on 10/01 C Andrew Yerzy Perhaps the toughest consideration: OF Carlos D. Rodriguez was signed out of Venezuela in July 2017 at age 16. Now 23 years old (24 in December), the current Biloxi Shuckers CF has yet to reach AAA, but in nearly 200 games at the AA level, sports a line of .295/.371/.375 for a .746 OPS, including only three home runs at that level (two of them coming this past week). Rodriguez has 29 steals in 41 attempts while with Biloxi this season and last. Rodriguez has a solid but not elite glove. Despite the career-long lack of pop, Rodriguez has perhaps worked his way into the 40-man consideration conversation. Rodriguez was also absolutely fantastic in a 36-game sample in the Venezuelan Winter League this past winter, posting an .891 OPS while with players averaging six years older than he. It's more likely Milwaukee will approach Rodriguez about an 8th minor league contract year than go for the 40-man add. Done enough during the return engagement? Ernesto Martinez turned 25 years old in May, and the outgoing 6'6", 250 pound native of Cuba is sporting a .264/.352/.432 line (.784 OPS) in 2024, with 29 of 72 hits being of the extra-base variety. His bombs are as prodigious as his splits: Have MLB Experience, Will Travel: INF Christian Arroyo RHP Taylor Clarke INF Yonny Hernandez C Francisco Mejia INF Owen Miller C Brian Navarreto OF Chris Roller RHP Mitch White This is likely the end of the Brewers' relationship with these veterans of varying MLB experience. Hoping to extend the dream: INF/OF Jose Acosta RHP Nolan Blackwood RHP Sam Carlson *RHP Harold Chirino INF Patrick Dorrian C David Garcia *OF Reidy Mercado C Ramon Rodriguez OF Connor Scott OF Lamar Sparks INF/OF Felix Valerio C Andrew Yerzy Two players to highlight here. Keep a sneaky eye on outfielder Connor Scott, because the recent signee (released by Pittsburgh) is off to a scorching start with Biloxi, won't turn 25 until October, and has a prospect pedigree (drafted 13th overall in 2018 out of a Florida high school). Also wanted to give a shoutout to OF Reidy Mercado, the 23-year-old Dominican native who topped out with 22 games at Wisconsin in 2022, and is currently in a backup role at Carolina. Mercado's career OPS is only .610, though he has racked up 112 steals in 142 attempts. The young man is I'm guessing a respectful teammate and a willing contributor in any regard for the coaching staffs. Within the next week, I'll be posting BrewerFanatics' annual list and rundown of the players who need to be considered for protection from Rule 5 in October via addition to the 40-man roster. Those players are not minor league free agents at season's end. View full article
  3. For players on this list, their future continuing in the Brewers' system relies on one of two paths. Milwaukee could add the player to their 40-man roster before the late October deadline to finalize rosters pre Rule 5 draft. Last October 23rd, Nashville outfielder Chris Roller, coming off one hot month after being acquired in a cash deal with Cleveland, impressed enough to net a 40-man roster spot which he carried all offseason (Roller was designated for assignment on June 29th, cleared waivers and remains in the system today). Another prime example of this type of 40-man addition was Tyrone Taylor, added in October 2018 after his 7th season with the Crew, completing a roller coaster minor league portion of his journey. The other way a player can remain in the system is if the Brewers, the player and his agent agree to a new minor league deal to extend the relationship. From last fall, RHP Harold Chirino, C Brian Navarreto and 1B Ernesto Martinez went this route. Players who sign such contracts before the actual Rule 5 draft are eligible to be plucked in Rule 5. Here is the alphabetical list of the players who will reach minor league free agency in late October 2024. This article will be pinned to the top of the BrewerFanatic Minor League Forum for your future reference, and the list will be edited as circumstances warrant. Below this alphabetical list will be a brief grouped breakdown that may help your own review. NOTE: As of today, 7/22/24, RHP Joel Kuhnel is in DFA purgatory. The last time the Brewers DFA'd him, Kuhnel chose to remain in the organization even though he had the right to seek opportunities elsewhere. Should that situation again play out later this week, Kuhnel's name will be added to this list. An asterisk (*) indicates a player has been with Milwaukee the entirety of his career-to-date. INF/OF Jose Acosta INF Christian Arroyo RHP Nolan Blackwood RHP Sam Carlson *RHP Harold Chirino RHP Taylor Clarke INF Patrick Dorrian C David Garcia INF Yonny Hernandez *1B Ernesto Martinez C Francisco Mejia *OF Reidy Mercado INF Owen Miller C Brian Navarreto *OF Carlos D. Rodriguez C Ramon Rodriguez OF Chris Roller OF Connor Scott OF Lamar Sparks INF/OF Felix Valerio RHP Mitch White C Andrew Yerzy Perhaps the toughest consideration: OF Carlos D. Rodriguez was signed out of Venezuela in July 2017 at age 16. Now 23 years old (24 in December), the current Biloxi Shuckers CF has yet to reach AAA, but in nearly 200 games at the AA level, sports a line of .295/.371/.375 for a .746 OPS, including only three home runs at that level (two of them coming this past week). Rodriguez has 29 steals in 41 attempts while with Biloxi this season and last. Rodriguez has a solid but not elite glove. Despite the career-long lack of pop, Rodriguez has perhaps worked his way into the 40-man consideration conversation. Rodriguez was also absolutely fantastic in a 36-game sample in the Venezuelan Winter League this past winter, posting an .891 OPS while with players averaging six years older than he. It's more likely Milwaukee will approach Rodriguez about an 8th minor league contract year than go for the 40-man add. Done enough during the return engagement? Ernesto Martinez turned 25 years old in May, and the outgoing 6'6", 250 pound native of Cuba is sporting a .264/.352/.432 line (.784 OPS) in 2024, with 29 of 72 hits being of the extra-base variety. His bombs are as prodigious as his splits: Have MLB Experience, Will Travel: INF Christian Arroyo RHP Taylor Clarke INF Yonny Hernandez C Francisco Mejia INF Owen Miller C Brian Navarreto OF Chris Roller RHP Mitch White This is likely the end of the Brewers' relationship with these veterans of varying MLB experience. Hoping to extend the dream: INF/OF Jose Acosta RHP Nolan Blackwood RHP Sam Carlson *RHP Harold Chirino INF Patrick Dorrian C David Garcia *OF Reidy Mercado C Ramon Rodriguez OF Connor Scott OF Lamar Sparks INF/OF Felix Valerio C Andrew Yerzy Two players to highlight here. Keep a sneaky eye on outfielder Connor Scott, because the recent signee (released by Pittsburgh) is off to a scorching start with Biloxi, won't turn 25 until October, and has a prospect pedigree (drafted 13th overall in 2018 out of a Florida high school). Also wanted to give a shoutout to OF Reidy Mercado, the 23-year-old Dominican native who topped out with 22 games at Wisconsin in 2022, and is currently in a backup role at Carolina. Mercado's career OPS is only .610, though he has racked up 112 steals in 142 attempts. The young man is I'm guessing a respectful teammate and a willing contributor in any regard for the coaching staffs. Within the next week, I'll be posting BrewerFanatics' annual list and rundown of the players who need to be considered for protection from Rule 5 in October via addition to the 40-man roster. Those players are not minor league free agents at season's end.
  4. Via the Journal Sentinel Podcast: "The Brewers came out of the all-star break with two tense wins over the Minnesota Twins, and 20-year-old Jackson Chourio is still on fire. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe look at a busy week, including the draft, the all-star game and two games with several highlights. As the trade deadline approaches, doesn't this team have to address its pitching, and who are the odd guys out when that happens (or if the team gets healthy). They look at the MLB draft and Milwaukee's surprise first-round selection of Braylon Payne, plus make some second-half predictions. In Three Up Three Down, there are some roster moves to discuss (Dallas Keuchel out, a minor trade taking up a 40-man spot, Brewer Hicklen to the 40-man roster), and Remembrew When looks at another time the U.S. presidency collided with the Brewers in light of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Curt Blanche goes deep into the minors to discuss some future gems. Then, JR sits down with new Brewers starter Aaron Civale (1:12:00), acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays and already with three starts under his belt. He talks about kinda-sorta sneaking in to see the 2013 Red Sox win the World Series, why his corgi is named Stetson West, where he was during the brawl between the Rays and Brewers earlier this year and getting traded midseason in back-to-back years."
  5. Sunday 7/21: Postgame shows after the 8-7 thrilling win in Minnesota - Via WTMJ: Dom Cotroneo hosts Via 97.3's "Baseball Postgame Show" - Tim Allen hosts Locked on Brewers with Chuck Freimund - "Back from Break... and the Brewers Get Back to Winning!" Latest Milwaukee Tailgate Podcast - "On this week's episode the guys discussed the Brewers sweep of the Twins, Jackson Chourio's progress, where things stand with the pitching staff coming out of the break and what makes a dive bar."
  6. At the Dominican Summer League All-Star Game: Box Score RHP Oliver Camilo pitched a perfect 2nd inning - K swinging, groundout to 1st, 1-3 groundout. Second baseman Luis Pena was 1-for-2: OF Jose Anderson grounded out in a pinch-hit appearance. 3B Jesus Made fanned in his lone at-bat.
  7. Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Monday. Organizational Scoreboard
  8. Nashville Sounds activated RHP Easton McGee from the 60-day injured list.
  9. Should you wish to discuss David Stearns picking up RHP TJ Shook in this deal (I imagine @Joseph Zarr may wish to), feel free to do so here. However, regarding the newest member of the Brewers' 40-man roster (yes, can be optioned), please make use of the thread that was started on the Major League side.
  10. Oliver Camilo pitched a perfect 2nd inning - K swinging, groundout to 1st, 1-3 groundout. As Joseph would say, “Noice”!
  11. Saturday 7/20: Postgame shows after the wild (and long) 8-4 win in Minnesota -Via WTMJ: Dom Cotroneo hostsVia 97.3's "Baseball Postgame Show" - Tim Allen hosts
  12. Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Sunday. Organizational Scoreboard MiLB Audio Links Bonus Link: DSL All-Star Game
  13. Saturday was an example that a win is a win is a win, whether the margin of victory is one, or, hey there, 18! We never know if our daily Link Report efforts will be detailing a rather routine slate of action (never boring, always worthwhile) during the course of a long season, or whether circumstances will provide some spice. Consider this edition spicy! Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic Mother Nature kicks off the report and impacts the transaction news - Devin Williams has had to arrange for one-night-extra hotel stays in first Appleton, and now, Norfolk, Virginia. Transaction: Milwaukee Brewers sent RHP Devin Williams on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds. Via the Sounds: Norfolk, Va. – Saturday night’s game between the Nashville Sounds and Norfolk Tides (Orioles) has been postponed due to wet grounds and unplayable field conditions at Harbor Park. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday, July 21. The first pitch for Sunday’s pair of seven-inning games will be at 1:05 PM Central Time. After tomorrow’s doubleheader, the Sounds will return to First Horizon Park to take on the Charlotte Knights, affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, on Tuesday, July 23 at 6:35 PM. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 19, Montgomery (Rays) 1 Box Score and Game Log Shuckers Rewrite Record Books in Dominant 19-1 Win over Biscuits - Biloxi sets single-game franchise record, Brown Jr. sets career-high with seven RBI From the Media Notes (so prior to this game) - BEST IN CLASS: Since dropping to 19-32 on the season on June 5, the Shuckers are 24-11, the best record in Double-A and the 2nd-best record in Minor League Baseball... Over that span, the Shuckers have averaged 5.54 runs per games, the 2nd-best mark in Double-A... The Shuckers are also 8th in Double-A with a 3.56 ERA over that span... Entering today, the Shuckers overall record is at .500 for the first time since May 11, when they were 16-16. After Saturday's game, the 36-game stretch has them averaging 5.91 games. Early AM math, always fun! We mentioned yesterday that Eric Brown, Jr. had not played in the final two games before the All-Star break nor Friday's game. Well, folks, he played in this one. Be aware that in the very first highlight here, the double was with the bases-loaded, but the MiLB editing jumps to the man on first base (Darrien Miller) being thrown out. EBJ (is there a reason we don't refer to Ernesto Martinez as EMJ?) - EBJ started the month of July 0-for-6. This is following up well-documented struggles in April (.581 OPS in 11 games), May (.382 OPS in 22 games), and June (.576 OPs, 21 games). Brown, Jr. has 14 hits in his last 33 at-bats (.424), five of the 14 hits going for extra bases, 15 RBI, 5 BB, just 3 K's. He'll never be able to get those first three months of 2024 back, and regardless of how hot he remains, the final line on this season will be marred, however, we know attitude won't be an issue for Eric. Continued success, young man. At 14-6 and with a three-game division lead, we know it's still early in the 2nd half. Yet it would be fun to see the Shuckers join both the Timber Rattlers and Mudcats in September's playoffs. Biloxi put 30(!) men on base via H, BB, HBP (yes, of course Darrien Miller was plunked again). Miller and Dylan O'Rae each reached base four times. Brown and Connor Scott combined to drive in 12 runs. Brown and Carlos Rodriguez scored eight runs between them. Nine of the team's 15 hits were of the XBH variety. Slice up that offensive box score however you wish, enjoy the ride. Not to be overlooked are clean team defense and the mound efforts (just one walk and nine punchies), led by still-just-21-year-old first-year pro Brett Wichrowski. The righty was pushed to AA after just four Timber Rattler starts, and while it hasn't always been smooth (1.39 Biloxi WHIP over 12 starts), the New Jersey native should benefit in the long run via the aggressive placement. Given the past two drafts, seems the organization has quite the pipeline of starting pitching talent from the NY/NJ area enroute to Milwaukee. We don't have to tell you, the Biloxi "X" feed is loaded this AM. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link) Final: Wisconsin 4, Cedar Rapids (Twins) 3 Box Score and Game Log Rattlers Survive Late Kernels Rally While not nearly as epic as the near four-hour marathon between these organizations on the big-league level Saturday night, this seemingly routine T-Rats winning performance for eight innings morphed into so much more. Keep in mind, this was a road game, and in Cedar Rapids, where apparently MLB blackout rules also apply to the Kernels placing any video on their media feeds. Now, we get fine game summaries from other affiliates, especially at the two highest levels. But given the lack of other media being able to paint the picture, we dare you to read Chris Mehring's game summary linked above as he pretty much places us in the stands with his outstanding description of the game's events. In particular, we learn via Chris of left fielder Jheremy Vargas' heroic effort and subsequent injury departure in the eventful 9th. So helpful, Chris, thanks. Wisconsin is now 15-7 and in first place in the second half standings. There's nothing but bragging rights at play for the Rattlers, but of course Cedar Rapids is in 2nd place, because the Kernels always make the playoffs. So, we could be seeing more matchups like this in the postseason. Solid mound efforts (scoreless, so clearly pretty solid) from southpaws Tate Kuehner and Mark Manfredi. Did you catch the feature article on Kuehner we linked to on our forum this week - Kuehner’s homecoming - Former Bobcat makes local stops ahead of weekend series in Cedar Rapids Tate showed his appreciation for the love last night: Shoutout to catcher Matt Wood (though DH'ing in this one) for his double and two singles (sweet OBP of .373 on the season). UPDATE: One of our readers with first-hand observations. Final, Game One: Carolina 2, Lynchburg (Guardians) 1 Box Score and Game Log Suspended, Game Two: Carolina 3, Lynchburg 3, through three innings Box Score and Game Log (thus far) Carolina Beats Lynchburg, Second Game Suspended 18-year-old RHP Josh Knoth hasn't missed a start in his debut season, now with 16. Knoth walked the first batter of the game, who was promptly thrown out by catcher David Garcia on a steal attempt. Knoth would retire the next 11 batters to complete his outing having thus faced the minimum number of batters. The youngster was then pulled after four innings with just 47 pitches, but we won't make any rash conclusions on the rather early exit. With a seven-inning game and coming off the All-Star break, other pitchers need work as well. Can't quibble with the Brewers' handling of Knoth thus far (part of that northeast pitcher factory mentioned above). Cooper Pratt was 21-of-23 in stolen base attempts after snagging one here. Sneaking ahead to a highlight from Game Two, Pratt would make it 22-of-24 and then show off his wheels further here - keep in mind he couldn't initially advance on the play: Speaking of highlights from Game Two: 21-year-old Venezuelan RHP Jesus Rivero is a talent, but you simply can't have 31 walks and 16 HBP's through 46.2 innings. More math, that's one free baserunner each and every inning. Rivero only recorded five outs in the scheduled nightcap and can thank RHP Harrison Durow for stranding three of his baserunners with a 4-3 groundout. Final: ACL Dodgers 11, ACL Brewers 8, seven innings as scheduledBox Score and Game Log These two teams will meet again this coming Wednesday the 24th in the regular season finale day for the Arizona Complex League. The Brewers' entry will not qualify for the brief postseason. MiLB's wish to avoid late July and August heat will impact the status of the 2024 Brewers draft picks, the likely promotions of a few players to Carolina, and the subsequent chain-of-reaction moves that will commence. You can bet, however, that the Maryvale complex will still be teeming with activity beyond Wednesday, just not the official game action variety. The few friends, families and/or scouts in attendance (109 degrees, but partly cloudy - yeah, like that'll help) were treated over the first three innings to a ton of action, as things were knotted at 8-8 at that point. The game saw seven errors, unfortunately five committed by the A-Crew (so, not on their A-game). Each of the first three Maryvale pitchers allowed a single unearned run among the earned runs that also crossed home plate. The YTD ERA's in the box score are an indication of the hyper-offensive environment in the league, but also some ineffectiveness, can't chalk all the runs allowed up to environment only. Shortstop Tyler Rodriguez comes from the Darrien Miller / Luke Adams school of HBP. In 62 pro games almost evenly split between the DSL and Maryvale, Rodriguez has been plunked 18 times, to go along with 35 walks, leading to a pro OBP of .437. Rodriguez was hit in all three plate appearances here and was pulled off the basepaths for pinch runner Luiyin Alastre in the 4th. Hopefully Rodriguez is just fine and only counting bruises. Naturally, in his own first plate appearance in the 6th, Alastre was HBP'd himself. It must be terrifying facing complex-level power arms, it's almost shocking so many big-league clubs allow their prized big-money players to get rehab bats at that level. Second baseman Josh Adamczewski has been consistently excellent (.941 OPS in June, .931 OPS in July). Plus, it seems he has a new locker mate, or is about to (click photo for full view): Kids are so online talented these days. Couldn't be a Photoshop effort, right? I'd like to personally thank the Dominican Summer League for the Saturday All-Star Break reprieve, shortening my duties here by two contests. Good luck to these four Cerveceros in their home park at the Brewers' new complex! Follow that box score and Gameday as of 11:30 AM Central here. My fellow Link Reporter Daniel gets a heavier Sunday slate than normal - Sounds play twice, Mudcats make-up game, plus the island All-Star Game. He'll be up to the task, 80-grade linking :). Enjoy your summer Sunday, everyone! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores MiLB Audio Links Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article
  14. Mother Nature kicks off the report and impacts the transaction news - Devin Williams has had to arrange for one-night-extra hotel stays in first Appleton, and now, Norfolk, Virginia. Transaction: Milwaukee Brewers sent RHP Devin Williams on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds. Via the Sounds: Norfolk, Va. – Saturday night’s game between the Nashville Sounds and Norfolk Tides (Orioles) has been postponed due to wet grounds and unplayable field conditions at Harbor Park. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Sunday, July 21. The first pitch for Sunday’s pair of seven-inning games will be at 1:05 PM Central Time. After tomorrow’s doubleheader, the Sounds will return to First Horizon Park to take on the Charlotte Knights, affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, on Tuesday, July 23 at 6:35 PM. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 19, Montgomery (Rays) 1 Box Score and Game Log Shuckers Rewrite Record Books in Dominant 19-1 Win over Biscuits - Biloxi sets single-game franchise record, Brown Jr. sets career-high with seven RBI From the Media Notes (so prior to this game) - BEST IN CLASS: Since dropping to 19-32 on the season on June 5, the Shuckers are 24-11, the best record in Double-A and the 2nd-best record in Minor League Baseball... Over that span, the Shuckers have averaged 5.54 runs per games, the 2nd-best mark in Double-A... The Shuckers are also 8th in Double-A with a 3.56 ERA over that span... Entering today, the Shuckers overall record is at .500 for the first time since May 11, when they were 16-16. After Saturday's game, the 36-game stretch has them averaging 5.91 games. Early AM math, always fun! We mentioned yesterday that Eric Brown, Jr. had not played in the final two games before the All-Star break nor Friday's game. Well, folks, he played in this one. Be aware that in the very first highlight here, the double was with the bases-loaded, but the MiLB editing jumps to the man on first base (Darrien Miller) being thrown out. EBJ (is there a reason we don't refer to Ernesto Martinez as EMJ?) - EBJ started the month of July 0-for-6. This is following up well-documented struggles in April (.581 OPS in 11 games), May (.382 OPS in 22 games), and June (.576 OPs, 21 games). Brown, Jr. has 14 hits in his last 33 at-bats (.424), five of the 14 hits going for extra bases, 15 RBI, 5 BB, just 3 K's. He'll never be able to get those first three months of 2024 back, and regardless of how hot he remains, the final line on this season will be marred, however, we know attitude won't be an issue for Eric. Continued success, young man. At 14-6 and with a three-game division lead, we know it's still early in the 2nd half. Yet it would be fun to see the Shuckers join both the Timber Rattlers and Mudcats in September's playoffs. Biloxi put 30(!) men on base via H, BB, HBP (yes, of course Darrien Miller was plunked again). Miller and Dylan O'Rae each reached base four times. Brown and Connor Scott combined to drive in 12 runs. Brown and Carlos Rodriguez scored eight runs between them. Nine of the team's 15 hits were of the XBH variety. Slice up that offensive box score however you wish, enjoy the ride. Not to be overlooked are clean team defense and the mound efforts (just one walk and nine punchies), led by still-just-21-year-old first-year pro Brett Wichrowski. The righty was pushed to AA after just four Timber Rattler starts, and while it hasn't always been smooth (1.39 Biloxi WHIP over 12 starts), the New Jersey native should benefit in the long run via the aggressive placement. Given the past two drafts, seems the organization has quite the pipeline of starting pitching talent from the NY/NJ area enroute to Milwaukee. We don't have to tell you, the Biloxi "X" feed is loaded this AM. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link) Final: Wisconsin 4, Cedar Rapids (Twins) 3 Box Score and Game Log Rattlers Survive Late Kernels Rally While not nearly as epic as the near four-hour marathon between these organizations on the big-league level Saturday night, this seemingly routine T-Rats winning performance for eight innings morphed into so much more. Keep in mind, this was a road game, and in Cedar Rapids, where apparently MLB blackout rules also apply to the Kernels placing any video on their media feeds. Now, we get fine game summaries from other affiliates, especially at the two highest levels. But given the lack of other media being able to paint the picture, we dare you to read Chris Mehring's game summary linked above as he pretty much places us in the stands with his outstanding description of the game's events. In particular, we learn via Chris of left fielder Jheremy Vargas' heroic effort and subsequent injury departure in the eventful 9th. So helpful, Chris, thanks. Wisconsin is now 15-7 and in first place in the second half standings. There's nothing but bragging rights at play for the Rattlers, but of course Cedar Rapids is in 2nd place, because the Kernels always make the playoffs. So, we could be seeing more matchups like this in the postseason. Solid mound efforts (scoreless, so clearly pretty solid) from southpaws Tate Kuehner and Mark Manfredi. Did you catch the feature article on Kuehner we linked to on our forum this week - Kuehner’s homecoming - Former Bobcat makes local stops ahead of weekend series in Cedar Rapids Tate showed his appreciation for the love last night: Shoutout to catcher Matt Wood (though DH'ing in this one) for his double and two singles (sweet OBP of .373 on the season). UPDATE: One of our readers with first-hand observations. Final, Game One: Carolina 2, Lynchburg (Guardians) 1 Box Score and Game Log Suspended, Game Two: Carolina 3, Lynchburg 3, through three innings Box Score and Game Log (thus far) Carolina Beats Lynchburg, Second Game Suspended 18-year-old RHP Josh Knoth hasn't missed a start in his debut season, now with 16. Knoth walked the first batter of the game, who was promptly thrown out by catcher David Garcia on a steal attempt. Knoth would retire the next 11 batters to complete his outing having thus faced the minimum number of batters. The youngster was then pulled after four innings with just 47 pitches, but we won't make any rash conclusions on the rather early exit. With a seven-inning game and coming off the All-Star break, other pitchers need work as well. Can't quibble with the Brewers' handling of Knoth thus far (part of that northeast pitcher factory mentioned above). Cooper Pratt was 21-of-23 in stolen base attempts after snagging one here. Sneaking ahead to a highlight from Game Two, Pratt would make it 22-of-24 and then show off his wheels further here - keep in mind he couldn't initially advance on the play: Speaking of highlights from Game Two: 21-year-old Venezuelan RHP Jesus Rivero is a talent, but you simply can't have 31 walks and 16 HBP's through 46.2 innings. More math, that's one free baserunner each and every inning. Rivero only recorded five outs in the scheduled nightcap and can thank RHP Harrison Durow for stranding three of his baserunners with a 4-3 groundout. Final: ACL Dodgers 11, ACL Brewers 8, seven innings as scheduledBox Score and Game Log These two teams will meet again this coming Wednesday the 24th in the regular season finale day for the Arizona Complex League. The Brewers' entry will not qualify for the brief postseason. MiLB's wish to avoid late July and August heat will impact the status of the 2024 Brewers draft picks, the likely promotions of a few players to Carolina, and the subsequent chain-of-reaction moves that will commence. You can bet, however, that the Maryvale complex will still be teeming with activity beyond Wednesday, just not the official game action variety. The few friends, families and/or scouts in attendance (109 degrees, but partly cloudy - yeah, like that'll help) were treated over the first three innings to a ton of action, as things were knotted at 8-8 at that point. The game saw seven errors, unfortunately five committed by the A-Crew (so, not on their A-game). Each of the first three Maryvale pitchers allowed a single unearned run among the earned runs that also crossed home plate. The YTD ERA's in the box score are an indication of the hyper-offensive environment in the league, but also some ineffectiveness, can't chalk all the runs allowed up to environment only. Shortstop Tyler Rodriguez comes from the Darrien Miller / Luke Adams school of HBP. In 62 pro games almost evenly split between the DSL and Maryvale, Rodriguez has been plunked 18 times, to go along with 35 walks, leading to a pro OBP of .437. Rodriguez was hit in all three plate appearances here and was pulled off the basepaths for pinch runner Luiyin Alastre in the 4th. Hopefully Rodriguez is just fine and only counting bruises. Naturally, in his own first plate appearance in the 6th, Alastre was HBP'd himself. It must be terrifying facing complex-level power arms, it's almost shocking so many big-league clubs allow their prized big-money players to get rehab bats at that level. Second baseman Josh Adamczewski has been consistently excellent (.941 OPS in June, .931 OPS in July). Plus, it seems he has a new locker mate, or is about to (click photo for full view): Kids are so online talented these days. Couldn't be a Photoshop effort, right? I'd like to personally thank the Dominican Summer League for the Saturday All-Star Break reprieve, shortening my duties here by two contests. Good luck to these four Cerveceros in their home park at the Brewers' new complex! Follow that box score and Gameday as of 11:30 AM Central here. My fellow Link Reporter Daniel gets a heavier Sunday slate than normal - Sounds play twice, Mudcats make-up game, plus the island All-Star Game. He'll be up to the task, 80-grade linking :). Enjoy your summer Sunday, everyone! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores MiLB Audio Links Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth
  15. Turns out that it will be RHP Oliver Camilo (not previously mentioned RHP Wenderlyn King) representing the Crew Sunday.
  16. Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Saturday. Organizational Scoreboard MiLB Audio Links
  17. The full-season affiliates all attempted to return to action with three-game weekend series before the MiLB schedule returns to the cadence of Monday's off, then six-game series. I say attempted because Mother Nature has been messing with the Mudcats as of late. Biloxi had the strongest showing. Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic Let's catch up on the post-All Star slate of games and roster movement. Transactions: Milwaukee Brewers sent C Gary Sánchez on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds. Milwaukee Brewers sent LHP Jared Koenig on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds. Biloxi Shuckers activated RHP Sam Gardner from the 7-day injured list. RHP Aidan Maldonado assigned to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers from Carolina Mudcats. Carolina Mudcats activated IF Juan Baez from the 7-day injured list. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes (not available for this date) Final: Norfolk (Orioles) 12, Nashville 11 Box Score and Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Lose Shootout in Series Opener Versus Tides - Chris Roller hit a three-run home run in 12-11 loss Not ideal from a Joe Ross rehab perspective - click the post here to view both gopher balls. RHP Mitch White had a very Mitch White outing. Immediately after Nashville scored two (one unearned) in the top of the 7th to tie things at 9-9, White entered and three runs scored, despite a Joey Wiemer outfield assist. Speaking of Wiemer, in ten July games, he's posted a .395/.500/.628 line, six of his 17 knocks for extra bases, and as many walks (8) as K's in the 11 games. With a clear need for RH pop in the OF mix in Milwaukee, this is encouraging should trade season see any kind of shakeup in the roster. Switch-hitting Isaac Collins had yet another big game, and has a .909 OPS vs. RHP's, .905 vs. southpaws. Dude has had an amazing season. If Chris Roller could parlay 16 strong 2023 games with Nashville into an offseason 40-man roster spot, then Collins, at the very least, should be added to the 40-man this fall to protect him from Rule 5. Collins will not qualify for minor league free agency in October. Newly-added 40-man OF Brewer Hicklen tripled and singled, so the 3-4-5 spots in the lineup (Collins, Hicklen, Wiemer) shined. As one might imagine given the final score, others performed as well, with Tyler Black, Owen Miller, Brian Navarreto and Roller combining to reach base nine times. Tyler Zobrist (um, Black) played his 3rd game at third base, and committed his third error at the hot corner (this one fielding). Black has six errors in 51 games at first base in 2024. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 6, Montgomery (Rays) 4 Box Score and Game Log Rodriguez, Martinez Homers Lead Shuckers to 6-4 Win - Yeager notches 10th save of the year in Shuckers’ 13th win of the half Very solid team effort. It's tough not to read too much into an effective but brief start from RHP Shane Smith, who exited after three scoreless innings and only 49 pitches (30 strikes). Smith went six innings in his last start before the break. So, let's not go crazy, just putting it out there. I caught the 9th inning live for RH closer Justin Yeager's save, which was not without drama (four-pitch leadoff walk, one-out line drive single). Nice job finishing up, including a game-ending swinging strike three. This other strike three swinging is very entertaining, by the way - Javik Blake's "spins himself into a top" is awesome: Speaking of entertaining: Ernesto Martinez is one of four players in the starting lineup who qualify for minor league free agency at season's end, along with OF's Carlos D. Rodriguez, Connor Scott and Lamar Sparks, I have the official list of 22 players in that upcoming free-agent pool, and I plan on posting a feature article on that topic within a couple of days. Sorry about the "tease" and thanks for your patience. There was hit-by-pitch news in Appleton as you'll read below, but catcher Darrien Miller says "hold my beer" as he was plunked twice more, placing his 2024 league-leading OBP at .427, and moving his career HBP count to 69. Eric Brown, Jr. missed the final three games of the first half and was absent for this one. Frustrating because in nine July games Brown has a sweet .797 OPS. There are a bunch more videos at the Shuckers' Friday night "X" feed. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link) Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 2, Wisconsin 1 Box Score and Game Log Cedar Rapids Stops Rattlers Six-Game Win Streak with Late Rally Cedar Rapids doesn't post video, so we have the rare sightless Timber Rattlers game. But Chris Mehring squeezes so much info into the linked game summary despite the seeming lack of action (including the HBP update regarding Luke Adams, so it's must-read. Go ahead, I'll wait while you find out why scheduled starting LHP Brian Fitzpatrick didn't make his start, among so many more tidbits. Manager Victor Estevez is currently working with a lean position player group, On the bench here were OF/INF Jheremy Vargas and the two backup catchers, Ramon Rodriguez and Victor Torres, who has only three AB's since joining Wisconsin from Carolina on June 4th. Torres is effectively the bullpen catcher while maintaining a roster spot. Not the high-A debut RHP Aidan Maldonado hoped for (five baserunners and two runs allowed in two innings, taking the loss), but he'll bounce back, as he did in his 2nd frame after placing the first two men on. Stiven Cruz and Tyler Wehrle didn't fan any batters but managed six scoreless innings between them. They also combined for zero walks. That must be a very rare tandem statistical effort. Postponed, wet grounds: Lynchburg (Guardians) at Carolina We missed out for a day on third baseman Juan Baez' return from his Maryvale injury rehab, as well as Cooper Pratt's return from the Futures Game (so much for that automatic promotion to Wisconsin many of us envisioned). Patience... Final: ACL Brewers 6, ACL Rangers 2, called in the bottom of the 6th Box Score and Game Log Bonus video out of the desert - The teams waited out a 43-minute delay in the bottom of the 6th before the game was called (rain on a cloudy 111-degree evening, we imagine, but dust can't be ruled out). Hopefully the rain cooled things off a bit. Rehabbing veteran infielder Christian Arroyo picked up his rehab stint again. Final: DSL Padres Gold 5, DSL Brewers #1 Squad 1, seven innings as scheduled Box Score and Game Log Shortstop Luis Pena continues to post video game numbers (heck, they are beyond video game numbers). He doubled, singled and was HBP, and now sports a .425/.488/.623 line in this, his rookie age-17 campaign through 121 plate appearances. Pena also stole his 31st base in 34 attempts. Insane. 18-year-old All-Star RHP Wenderlyn King struggled in his outing. We don't get pitch counts at this level, but don't expect King to make an appearance in Sunday's All-Star Game (see note below) after the 2.1 innings here. Final: DSL Brewers #2 Squad 3, DSL Astros Blue 1, game called in the top of the 6th Box Score and Game Log Team Dos caught a break here. Though gametime weather was sunny, apparently there were concerns in the 6th inning, something you don't see in the log at all, but our @Joseph Zarr was tracking live on Gameday. The Houston kids rallied but it was all wiped away: "The Astros Blues were still in their half of the sixth frame - up 4-3, two down, and the bases still juiced - the game is called after 5 complete innings." Joseph provided player insights for this game within two forum posts here. The Dominican Summer League takes a rare Saturday off before Sunday's All-Star Game, to be played at the Brewers' spanking new complex. But we still get a six-pack of games today with Carolina's twinbill. Enjoy your summer Saturday, everyone! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores MiLB Audio Links Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article
  18. Let's catch up on the post-All Star slate of games and roster movement. Transactions: Milwaukee Brewers sent C Gary Sánchez on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds. Milwaukee Brewers sent LHP Jared Koenig on a rehab assignment to Nashville Sounds. Biloxi Shuckers activated RHP Sam Gardner from the 7-day injured list. RHP Aidan Maldonado assigned to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers from Carolina Mudcats. Carolina Mudcats activated IF Juan Baez from the 7-day injured list. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes (not available for this date) Final: Norfolk (Orioles) 12, Nashville 11 Box Score and Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Lose Shootout in Series Opener Versus Tides - Chris Roller hit a three-run home run in 12-11 loss Not ideal from a Joe Ross rehab perspective - click the post here to view both gopher balls. RHP Mitch White had a very Mitch White outing. Immediately after Nashville scored two (one unearned) in the top of the 7th to tie things at 9-9, White entered and three runs scored, despite a Joey Wiemer outfield assist. Speaking of Wiemer, in ten July games, he's posted a .395/.500/.628 line, six of his 17 knocks for extra bases, and as many walks (8) as K's in the 11 games. With a clear need for RH pop in the OF mix in Milwaukee, this is encouraging should trade season see any kind of shakeup in the roster. Switch-hitting Isaac Collins had yet another big game, and has a .909 OPS vs. RHP's, .905 vs. southpaws. Dude has had an amazing season. If Chris Roller could parlay 16 strong 2023 games with Nashville into an offseason 40-man roster spot, then Collins, at the very least, should be added to the 40-man this fall to protect him from Rule 5. Collins will not qualify for minor league free agency in October. Newly-added 40-man OF Brewer Hicklen tripled and singled, so the 3-4-5 spots in the lineup (Collins, Hicklen, Wiemer) shined. As one might imagine given the final score, others performed as well, with Tyler Black, Owen Miller, Brian Navarreto and Roller combining to reach base nine times. Tyler Zobrist (um, Black) played his 3rd game at third base, and committed his third error at the hot corner (this one fielding). Black has six errors in 51 games at first base in 2024. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 6, Montgomery (Rays) 4 Box Score and Game Log Rodriguez, Martinez Homers Lead Shuckers to 6-4 Win - Yeager notches 10th save of the year in Shuckers’ 13th win of the half Very solid team effort. It's tough not to read too much into an effective but brief start from RHP Shane Smith, who exited after three scoreless innings and only 49 pitches (30 strikes). Smith went six innings in his last start before the break. So, let's not go crazy, just putting it out there. I caught the 9th inning live for RH closer Justin Yeager's save, which was not without drama (four-pitch leadoff walk, one-out line drive single). Nice job finishing up, including a game-ending swinging strike three. This other strike three swinging is very entertaining, by the way - Javik Blake's "spins himself into a top" is awesome: Speaking of entertaining: Ernesto Martinez is one of four players in the starting lineup who qualify for minor league free agency at season's end, along with OF's Carlos D. Rodriguez, Connor Scott and Lamar Sparks, I have the official list of 22 players in that upcoming free-agent pool, and I plan on posting a feature article on that topic within a couple of days. Sorry about the "tease" and thanks for your patience. There was hit-by-pitch news in Appleton as you'll read below, but catcher Darrien Miller says "hold my beer" as he was plunked twice more, placing his 2024 league-leading OBP at .427, and moving his career HBP count to 69. Eric Brown, Jr. missed the final three games of the first half and was absent for this one. Frustrating because in nine July games Brown has a sweet .797 OPS. There are a bunch more videos at the Shuckers' Friday night "X" feed. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link) Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 2, Wisconsin 1 Box Score and Game Log Cedar Rapids Stops Rattlers Six-Game Win Streak with Late Rally Cedar Rapids doesn't post video, so we have the rare sightless Timber Rattlers game. But Chris Mehring squeezes so much info into the linked game summary despite the seeming lack of action (including the HBP update regarding Luke Adams, so it's must-read. Go ahead, I'll wait while you find out why scheduled starting LHP Brian Fitzpatrick didn't make his start, among so many more tidbits. Manager Victor Estevez is currently working with a lean position player group, On the bench here were OF/INF Jheremy Vargas and the two backup catchers, Ramon Rodriguez and Victor Torres, who has only three AB's since joining Wisconsin from Carolina on June 4th. Torres is effectively the bullpen catcher while maintaining a roster spot. Not the high-A debut RHP Aidan Maldonado hoped for (five baserunners and two runs allowed in two innings, taking the loss), but he'll bounce back, as he did in his 2nd frame after placing the first two men on. Stiven Cruz and Tyler Wehrle didn't fan any batters but managed six scoreless innings between them. They also combined for zero walks. That must be a very rare tandem statistical effort. Postponed, wet grounds: Lynchburg (Guardians) at Carolina We missed out for a day on third baseman Juan Baez' return from his Maryvale injury rehab, as well as Cooper Pratt's return from the Futures Game (so much for that automatic promotion to Wisconsin many of us envisioned). Patience... Final: ACL Brewers 6, ACL Rangers 2, called in the bottom of the 6th Box Score and Game Log Bonus video out of the desert - The teams waited out a 43-minute delay in the bottom of the 6th before the game was called (rain on a cloudy 111-degree evening, we imagine, but dust can't be ruled out). Hopefully the rain cooled things off a bit. Rehabbing veteran infielder Christian Arroyo picked up his rehab stint again. Final: DSL Padres Gold 5, DSL Brewers #1 Squad 1, seven innings as scheduled Box Score and Game Log Shortstop Luis Pena continues to post video game numbers (heck, they are beyond video game numbers). He doubled, singled and was HBP, and now sports a .425/.488/.623 line in this, his rookie age-17 campaign through 121 plate appearances. Pena also stole his 31st base in 34 attempts. Insane. 18-year-old All-Star RHP Wenderlyn King struggled in his outing. We don't get pitch counts at this level, but don't expect King to make an appearance in Sunday's All-Star Game (see note below) after the 2.1 innings here. Final: DSL Brewers #2 Squad 3, DSL Astros Blue 1, game called in the top of the 6th Box Score and Game Log Team Dos caught a break here. Though gametime weather was sunny, apparently there were concerns in the 6th inning, something you don't see in the log at all, but our @Joseph Zarr was tracking live on Gameday. The Houston kids rallied but it was all wiped away: "The Astros Blues were still in their half of the sixth frame - up 4-3, two down, and the bases still juiced - the game is called after 5 complete innings." Joseph provided player insights for this game within two forum posts here. The Dominican Summer League takes a rare Saturday off before Sunday's All-Star Game, to be played at the Brewers' spanking new complex. But we still get a six-pack of games today with Carolina's twinbill. Enjoy your summer Saturday, everyone! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores MiLB Audio Links Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth
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