Jim Goulart

Former Brewers star Don Money likes organization's young talent And a Bryce Harper-related reference you may have missed this week...

I'm guessing there's some tongue-and-cheek there, otherwise that's a pretty significant dig at the prior regime and your current forum landlord... EDIT: OK, just saw your own edit in the prior post.

FloridaToday.com Manatees video and article preview One typo - Nick Ramirez not a shortstop...

VIDEO: Sounds ready for season opener -- Sounds manager Mike Guerrero and players Hunter Morris and Caleb Gindl discuss preparing for the season ahead. Sean Halton and Tyler Thornburg are quoted in the article linked with the video above. *** Other Sounds notes from the Tennessean: “Milwaukee has been telling me this is the cream of the crop coming up,” Sounds owner Frank Ward said. “They never really talk about hitting, but they think their future pitching staff is here with us." Moving around: After starting 100 games at first base for the Sounds last season, Sean Halton is prepared to expand his defensive horizon this year. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder is expected to see time in left field, right field and at third base in addition to his natural spot at first. The addition of Gold Glove-winning first baseman and Southern League MVP Hunter Morris to the roster made the adjustment for Halton necessary. “I’ll do whatever I can do to get in the lineup and help us win,” Halton said. “Versatility helps, and the closer you get (to the big leagues) it really makes you a valuable person. It is tough to sneak in if you play just one position, so anytime you can help your chances you try to do so.”

NEW FEATURE! Weather.com: Nashville Chattanooga Daytona Peoria

Feature article: Vinny Rottino resurrecting career in Japan

Jeff Hem's blog: Pitching Probables and Roster Notables

Look for Nashville and Wisconsin media notes at the links just prior to their game times. Once we're aware of the new online location for Huntsville's Media Notes this season, we'll let you know.

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.

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

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

Thursday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP Tyler Thornburg at home vs. New Orleans (Marlins), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Nashville feed from the MiLB main audio page 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 Jimmy Nelson at Chattanooga (Dodgers), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:15 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Huntsville feed from the MiLB main audio page 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 Jed Bradley at Daytona (Cubs), 5:35 PM pre-game, 6:05 PM gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Brevard County feed from the MiLB main audio page Manatees audio, hooray! Dave Walkovic is the first play-by-play voice of the 'Tees since 2007; follow the Brevard broadcast booth staff on Twitter @BCManateesRadio. All home games and road games in Daytona and St. Lucie, are scheduled to be broadcast. When road games are only available via the opponents' audio feed, we'll let you know that. NOTE: Dave indicates that he hopes to include a pre-game interview prior to each game; it's a 30-minute pre-game! We'll fill you in if Brevard masters archiving a la Nashville and/or Helena. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Tyler Wagner at Peoria (Cardinals), 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: 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).

Welcome to the 2013 Link Report season, everyone! If you come to the Daily Link Report directly via Twitter links, please remember that this Minor League Forum contains many threads with feature articles, transaction updates, and other news that is not necessarily game-related. Enjoy it all. They may not see my formal thanks again until year-end, so allow me to give big shout-outs now to the affiliates' broadcasters and media relations directors, the local journalists, our intrepid crew of dedicated nightly Link Reporters, and of course, all of you who follow us here day after day (oh, the players, too.). We've been at this since 2001, and if anybody across MLB is doing it as well as we are, promoting the webcasts (love those morning matinees!), collecting the timely recaps, providing the miscellaneous tidbits and analysis as well as the next-morning media reports, well, then good for them... Here's to a healthy, productive and entertaining year on the Brewers farm! http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

Manatees rotation indicated via Twitter Bradley, Gagnon, Hall, Goforth, Barnes. Barnes will pitch behind Hall this Saturday, then slot in regularly after the first rd.

Perez was in the media guide published in March, so yes. Here's the backstory.

Who? Teenage Venezuelan pitcher

These guys do a thorough job - here you go, including a Zach Quintana sighting

Photo gallery - each individual Sound for 2013's opener

Video interviews with LHP Brent Suter, OF Mitch Haniger and RHP Tyler Wagner

Brief video highlights -- Kentrail Davis kicks us off this year

Stars Duel with Alabama A&M in Exhibition Game By Alex Cohen, Huntsville Stars In a brisk, chilly two-hour affair, the 2013 Huntsville Stars played their first contest of the young season at the friendly confines of Joe Davis Stadium. During an exhibition game against local Alabama A&M, the Stars used all but three of their pitchers and every single one of their position players in a 4-1 victory in seven innings on Tuesday night. While the margin of defeat may be a bit misleading (Stars pitchers threw against both teams), the Bulldogs got a pair of hits from outfielder Patrick Dodson and an RBI single from shortstop Jordan Friend. The Stars scored all four of their runs in the third inning, as their first seven batters of the frame reached base. Catcher Adam Weisenburger, second baseman Nick Shaw and shortstop Ozzie Chavez began the inning with back-to-back-to-back singles. With the bases loaded and nobody out, outfielder Kentrail Davis drove home Wesienburger and Shaw with a two-run double down the right-field line to put the Stars on the board. One batter later, first basemen Jason Rogers knocked in Chavez and Davis with a two-run double of his own. On the night, the Stars offense had nine nits total, with two apiece from Shaw, Chavez and Weisenburger. Third baseman Mike Walker also chipped with a single. After a day off on Wednesday, the Stars begin the 2013 regular season campaign on the road in Chattanooga for five games on Thursday night starting at 6:05 CT. They will return to "The Joe" on Wednesday, April 10 to open up their home slate against the Jacksonville Suns for a five-game series immediately followed by a five games against the Tennessee Smokies.

Stars top Alabama A&M in relaxed exhibition game Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- In a relaxed atmosphere and chilly temperatures, the Huntsville Stars slightly opened the door on their 2013 season Tuesday night. The Stars met Alabama A&M in a seven-inning exhibition game at Joe Davis Stadium, taking a 4-1 win. However, that comes with a big asterisk. The Stars provided the pitching (and catching) for both teams, so any celebration over a four-run third -- on back-to-back two-run doubles by Kentrail Davis and Jason Rogers -- is tempered by the fact it came off a Huntsville pitcher. The Stars will work out again Wednesday at home before traveling to Chattanooga and the season opener Thursday night (weather permitting) against the Lookouts. "We got our work done and everybody threw and we got to hit against live pitching," manager Darnell Coles said. "It was cold, but Chattanooga's going to be cold. "It was good for our guys and very good for (Alabama A&M). They got to see professional pitching." Alabama A&M coach Michael Tompkins concurred. "It was a good experience for our guys. They got to mingle with minor league players and it was a relaxed atmosphere for them. There was no pressure," Tompkins said. "We've been struggling (3-24, with a raft of injuries) so I told our guys to just go up there and get their hacks and have fun. We got to go back to the Little League mindset for a while."

Ex-Alabama standout Jimmy Nelson will be Stars' opening day pitcher by Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times Huntsville Stars' pitcher Jimmy Nelson had remarkable run at Alabama (Photo - The Huntsville Times/Eric Schultz) http://media.al.com/sports_impact/photo/12515541-large.jpg HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- There were nearly 13,000 people in the stadium and, as Jimmy Nelson recalls, "probably another 13,000 trying to get to the game." Alabama was facing Auburn in the opener of the 2010 Southeastern Conference tournament at Regions Park in Birmingham. "It was a moment I'll never forget my entire life," said Nelson, who'll be the Huntsville Stars' starting pitcher when they open the 2013 Southern League season at Chattanooga Thursday night. "I still feel it to this day. I don't think until I get to the big leagues will I feel the experience of that game. Especially the ninth inning." Nelson, then a junior at Alabama, had pitched consecutive complete games against Ole Miss and Tennessee leading into the tournament. He made it three in a row against Auburn. So devastating was Nelson in that stretch that Auburn coach John Pawlowski ordered three bunts early in the game, including a run-producing squeeze, figuring the Tigers would have to manufacture runs rather than get any help from Nelson. Nelson wrapped up the complete game with a strikeout, finishing with a five-hitter. (Hunter Morris of Huntsville, who'd become Nelson's teammate with the Stars in 2012, went 0-for-4 against him.) "It's a feeling you'll never forget and that feeling is why I work so hard in the off-season and why I like to get here and get my work done and put myself in the best position to succeed," Nelson said Tuesday afternoon before the Stars' exhibition game against Alabama A&M. Indeed, Huntsville pitching coach Chris Hook said, "I get here really early, and he beats me to the ballpark. He's a great competitor." "He's a bulldog," said manager Darnell Coles. The work ethic is never ending. Said Nelson, "I'm addicted to kicking my own butt in the off-season, and you see the payoffs." After pitching in the Arizona Fall League, he went to the Houston suburb of Tomball, to a facility where 40 or so other pro players worked out, doing everything from baseball skills to yoga. "You just want to do all you can and work your hardest in the off-season so you have no regrets," he said. Nelson, at 6-6, 245 pounds, looks like one of those kids who was stuck in the back row of every class photograph he ever posed for as he grew up in Niceville, Fla. But he didn't make the middle-school baseball team as a sixth-grader. In the seventh-grade, he only made the JV. Then he began to pick up even more size and velocity. "When I was younger and growing up through middle school, I always had a lot of people that doubted me, doubted my ability, how far I could go," he said. "I really love the game. I have a genuine love for the game." There's little doubting now. Nelson was listed as the Brewers' No. 5 prospect by Baseball America, coming off a season in which he was a Florida State League All-Star pick with a 4-4 record but a skinny 2.21 ERA. After a brief hiccup with shoulder woes, Nelson was 2-4 with a 3.91 in the second half at Huntsville. Being back in Huntsville for another go-'round has given him "a comfort thing." There was something else about being here, though. As he Tweeted Tuesday on his first full day back in his temporary home, "Good to see all the Alabama A's everywhere."

Stars' RHP Johnnie Lowe entered the game pitching for the college club to begin a scoreless bottom of the 4th, and thus far (still in progress), five Stars' base hits have opened a 4-0 lead thus far. Told Alex I'd listen in till the Brewers game begins...

Matt Erickson and Brent Dean photos at link Rattlers to begin new season with a young, talented lineup by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent Media GRAND CHUTE — The teaching aspect may be the part of his job that Matt Erickson enjoys the most. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager loves the challenge of turning potential into production. Erickson will get plenty of opportunities to keep his instructional skills sharp while trying to defend the Midwest League championship with a talented Timber Rattlers team that lacks experience. “We’re going to have a very young club, but it’s probably the highest-ceiling ballclub we’ve had in five years,” Erickson said Tuesday at the team’s media day. “It’s probably the best talent we’ve brought here in five years, but it’s also the youngest team. We’re going to have a 19-year-old (Clint Coulter) behind the plate, an 18-year-old (Orlando Arcia) at short and a 19-year-old (Tyrone Taylor) in center. So we’re really young up the middle. I’m excited what kind of progress we’ll make.” When Wisconsin opens the season Thursday at Peoria, the Rattlers will return just six players from last year’s championship team and no starting position player with the possible exception of outfielder Mitch Haniger, who played 14 games with the Rattlers before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The revamped Rattlers roster includes 15 players selected in last year’s major league baseball draft, plus two No. 1 picks from 2012 — Haniger and Coulter — along with a second-round selection in outfielder Tyrone Taylor. Wisconsin will start the season with five players ranked among the Milwaukee Brewers’ top-30 prospects by Baseball America. Coulter and Haniger are rated ninth and 10th, respectively, followed by Taylor (15), Arcia (17) and pitcher Jorge Lopez (23). A year ago, the Rattlers opened the year with just three prospects rated among the organizations’ top 30. That didn’t stop Wisconsin from exceeding expectations and winning the Midwest League title. This year’s squad appears to have more raw talent, but matching last year’s success will be a tough task considering it’s a brand-new team. “Our No. 1 goal is player development,” said Erickson. “We need to get them better and move them along and get them one step closer to their dream. At the same time, we’re all very competitive people. We’re trying to win games every time we step onto the field.” Pitching and defense were the strengths of the wildly successful 2012 team, but that might not be the case this summer. Brent Suter and Mike Strong, a pair of left-handers, and right-hander Eric Semmelheck are the only returnees on the pitching staff. Meanwhile, defense was a bit of an issue in spring training. On the other hand, Erickson liked what he saw at the plate. “There were days when we swung the bat real good,” said Erickson, who is starting his third season as Timber Rattlers manager. “I think we’re going to have some tough outs in this lineup. We were inconsistent taking care of the baseball, which drove me nuts. We’ll spend a lot of time early in the year working on defense. “But it’s a good group of guys. I think we’ll have another good clubhouse, which was essential to the success we had last year.” Additional players returning from last year’s championship team are infielder Mike Garza and catcher Parker Berberet. Catcher Brent Dean was on Wisconsin’s roster briefly, but didn’t play in a game. “Being here last year was great,” said Suter. “That team had such good chemistry and camaraderie and played to win every night. “It’s a little weird having so many guys gone. A couple of us have already told the guys that if we want to be like last year’s team, we have to play together as a group and sacrifice for the good of the team. If you do that, good things will happen.” Wagner to start opener Tyler Wagner, a 22-year right-hander from Las Vegas, will be the Rattlers’ opening-day starting pitcher in Peoria. Wagner was Milwaukee’s fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft Damien Magnifico, a 21-year-out right-hander, will start for the Rattlers Friday followed by Suter on Saturday and Lopez on Sunday. Preston Gainey, a 22-year-old right-hander, will start the Rattlers’ home opener Monday night against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. “It’s definitely an honor,” said Wagner. “I didn’t find out until today and it was a nice surprise. I’ll probably have a few butterflies with it being opening day, but you have to treat it like any other game.” Rattlers' house looking sharp Suter was among the players who raved about the $6.2 million renovation that took place over the winter at Fox Cities Stadium. “It’s unreal,” said Suter. “The luxury boxes are incredible and the weight room is awesome. This stadium was great last year and it’s really top-notch now. Fort Wayne was the best ballpark I had ever played in, but I’d say our stadium probably ties it now.” Second mascot added Fang, the team’s long-time mascot, will have some company this summer. The Timber Rattlers will introduce a second mascot named Whiffer. No dead ringer One of the countless promotions the Rattlers will offer will be Matt Erickson Bobblehead Night, scheduled for Monday’s home opener. Erickson, though, isn’t sure his face bears much resemblance to the bobblehead. “They sent us a picture of it and my son looked at it and said, ‘Dad, you look just like Barack Obama.’ I don’t know what that means.” Remembering Davis Erickson wasn’t surprised to see former Timber Rattlers outfielder Khris Davis land a job with the Brewers after showing considerable power in spring training. “He can flat-out hit and he proved that again in spring training,” Erickson said. “When he was here, he wasn’t real consistent with his pitch selection. But when he swung at strikes, he’d put the barrel of the bat on the ball and hit with power to all fields. It was exciting to watch him in spring training. I wish him the best with the Brewers.”