Jim Goulart

Puerto Rico playoff box -- SS Yadiel Rivera's club fell to 1-4 in the round robin format, but Yadiel had a fine game -- 3-for-5 with a double, RBI, run (two K's, one CS). Catcher Emmanuel Quiles dropped a foul pop-up that led to three unearned runs, he was 0-for-2 and was pinch-hit for in the half-inning following the error. *** Puerto Rico playoff box -- Big win for Martin Maldonado's club, now 4-1, as they won 3-2 rallying for three runs in the 9th against former Brewers farmhand Saul Rivera. Maldonado walked in four plate appearances (but fanned three times). In the midst of that three-run rally, this happened, so Maldy didn't get to celebrate until the guys got back to the clubhouse: Mayaguez Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Saul Rivera replaces Cole McCurry. Irving Falu doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Angel Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Luis Mateo to first baseman Carlos Rivera. Daniel Ortiz singles on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Irving Falu to 3rd. Martin Maldonado called out on strikes. Indios de Mayaguez catcher Martin Maldonado ejected by HP umpire Kelvin Bultron. Eddie Rosario singles on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Irving Falu scores. Daniel Ortiz to 2nd. Danny Gonzalez doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Miguel Abreu. Daniel Ortiz scores. Eddie Rosario scores. Yasiel Puig flies out to center fielder Jorge Padilla. *** Venezuela playoff box -- Catcher Anderson De La Rosa contributed to his club's 8-5 win, scored as a pinch-runner in the 7th, singled in the 8th.

Jimmy Nelson Bio and Q&A

Dominican Playoff Box -- Rough middle relief outing for Frankie De La Cruz, his teammate, the Cubs' Rafael Dolis, couldn't help him, either... Aguilas Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Manauris Baez. Miguel Tejada singles on a fly ball to center fielder Felix Pie. Juan Carlos Perez grounds into a force out, shortstop Ray Olmedo to second baseman Carlos Colmenares. Miguel Tejada out at 2nd. Juan Carlos Perez to 1st. Erick Almonte walks. Juan Carlos Perez to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Gilberto Mejia replaces Erick Almonte. Rafael Ynoa singles on a fly ball to right fielder Rene Reyes. Juan Carlos Perez scores. Gilberto Mejia to 2nd. Pitching Change: Rafael Dolis replaces Frankie De La Cruz. Francisco Pena hit by pitch. Gilberto Mejia to 3rd. Rafael Ynoa to 2nd. Elian Herrera strikes out swinging. Leury Garcia doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Junior Lake. Gilberto Mejia scores. Rafael Ynoa scores. Francisco Pena to 3rd. Hector Luna strikes out swinging. *** Dominican Playoff Box -- RHP Fautino De Los Santos stranded an inherited runner, but ran into trouble in his third inning of work, again not picked up by a subsequent reliever -- Toros Bottom of the 5th Guillermo Rodriguez grounds out, third baseman Fernando Tatis to first baseman Mauro Gomez. Cesar Puello walks. Jose Ramirez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Javier Herrera. Cesar Puello to 3rd. Manny Mayorson strikes out swinging. Ricardo Nanita doubles (2) on a fly ball to center fielder Starling Marte. Cesar Puello scores. Jose Ramirez scores. Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Randy Keisler. Donell Linares walks. With Angel Villalona batting, Ricardo Nanita steals (2) 3rd base. Angel Villalona grounds out, second baseman Jordany Valdespin to pitcher Fautino De Los Santos. Toros Bottom of the 6th Willis Otanez singles on a fly ball to right fielder Javier Herrera. Moises Sierra called out on strikes. Guillermo Rodriguez grounds into a double play, first baseman Mauro Gomez to shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman Mauro Gomez. Willis Otanez out at 2nd. Toros Bottom of the 7th Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jose Constanza replaces Cesar Puello. Jose Constanza grounds out, third baseman Fernando Tatis to first baseman Mauro Gomez. Jose Ramirez walks. Manny Mayorson singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ramon Santiago. Jose Ramirez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Santos Rodriguez replaces Fautino De Los Santos. Ricardo Nanita flies out to center fielder Starling Marte. Donell Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Frank Diaz. Jose Ramirez scores. Manny Mayorson to 2nd. Pitching Change: Jonathan Arias replaces Santos Rodriguez. With Angel Villalona batting, passed ball by Henry Blanco, Manny Mayorson to 3rd. Donell Linares to 2nd. Angel Villalona walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Eugenio Velez replaces Angel Villalona. Willis Otanez hit by pitch. Manny Mayorson scores. Donell Linares to 3rd. Eugenio Velez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Carlos Pimentel replaces Jonathan Arias. Moises Sierra called out on strikes. *** Venezuelan Playoff Box -- RHP Arcenio Leon entered with his team holding a 7-0 lead. Next thing you know, it was 7-3, and Leon was gone. (Guys like De Los Santos and Leon are sweating out the expected official Mike Gonzalez signing today, as somebody, perhaps other than those two, will be losing 40-man roster status. Frankie De La Cruz is not on the 40-man.) Magallanes Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Austin Bibens-Dirkx. Jesus Flores grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Alex Cabrera. Ramon Hernandez doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Reegie Corona pops out to shortstop Freddy Galvis. Endy Chavez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Felix Perez. Ramon Hernandez to 3rd. With Elvis Andrus batting, Endy Chavez steals (1) 2nd base. Elvis Andrus singles on a fly ball to left fielder Felix Perez. Ramon Hernandez scores. Endy Chavez scores. Elvis Andrus to 2nd on the throw. Pitching Change: Miguel Sulbaran replaces Arcenio Leon. Marcos Vechionacci singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Elvis Andrus scores. Pitching Change: Yeiper Castillo replaces Miguel Sulbaran. Juan Rivera pops out to first baseman Alex Cabrera in foul territory. *** It was a day off in Puerto Rico, and Martin Maldonado took the opportunity to contribute in his community (story / photo gallery).

Boy, my first reaction was that was silly money and these guys agree.

Sickels final analysis

Actually, another teaser discussion thread before his 4th post with the formal list.

Dominican playoff box -- Catcher Dayton Buller had his first playoff at-bats (1-for-3, run scored). Buller's squad is 5-3 in round-robin play, tied for the best mark. *** Puerto Rico playoff box -- Catcher Emmanuel Quiles was 0-for-3 but his pitchers were effective, winning a 2-1 game. Quiles threw out one baserunner. SS Yadiel Rivera 1-for-4 (2 K's). *** Puerto Rico playoff box -- Martin Maldonado's team fell to 3-1 in round-robin playoff action in the 7-2 loss. Maldonado was 0-for-3 with a walk.

John's approach is three-fold, two portions released, final analysis with his prospect grades to come later this week: Milwaukee Brewers Organization Discussion Milwaukee Brewers Preliminary Prospect List

Outfielder Cole Garner signed. Those numbers sure adjusted in 2012 -- tough to leave those Rockies affiliate locations (it would be so frustrating to follow the Colorado system in detail and try and make sense of the numbers). So, along with the signing on Rene Tosoni, here's the mix of AAA / AA outfielders as of now: Caleb Gindl Khris Davis Josh Prince Rene Tosoni Cole Garner Kentrail Davis Brock Kjeldgaard Lee Haydel Reggie Keen T.J. Mittelstaedt (IF/OF) Haydel has 1303 plate appearances at AA, having spent the past three seasons completely at Huntsville.

Puerto Rico box score -- Martin Maldonado's squad moves to 3-0 in the round-robin playoffs. Maldonado looks to be entrenched behind the plate for the postseason, setting the first base experience aside. No one attemped to run against Maldy, and the game was close until late. Martin was 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and run scored. Should his team qualify as league champion, you'd think Maldonado would then participate in the Caribbean World Series, which takes place the first week of February. Would Maldonado also represent Puerto Rico in March's WBC if asked? Pool C games take place in Puerto Rico. We'll see... *** Visit our Transaction Rumor thread to see if free agent Javier Vazquez impressed the scouts last night and comment there if you wish.

Gee, do you think Javier Vazquez expressed the scouts last night? Were the Brewers there? That's like Greinke's last start before the trade to Anaheim in terms of beneficial impact.

Puerto Rico Playoff Box -- Apparently management at Mayaguez knows how to get the most out of ther pitching staff for the postseason -- place their cleanup hitter, Martin Maldonado, behind the plate. Two playoff games, and Maldy has guided his club through 18 scoreless. No baserunners attempted stolen bases. The Machete doubled and scored a run in four AB's (three K's). *** Dominican playoff box -- If you believe that his Japanese team is going to relinquish his rights to the Brewers this winter, then check out RHP Alfredo Figaro's rough start at the link. If not, see you for tomorrow's update!

We're reminded that a 21-year-old catcher and former 2nd round pick who posts a .910 OPS over 225 now-healthy 2012 at-bats deserves an off-season Q&A.

AUDIO: Huntsville Manager Darnell Coles briefly discuses his time coaching in this year's Arizona Fall League before talking about the 2012 Stars

Coles, Stars Reunite for 2013

RHP and 40-man roster member Hiram Burgos, drafted in the 6th round in 2009 out of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, is briefly quoted in this feature article on the status of Puerto Rican baseball. Of course, catcher Martin Maldonado is a flagbearer for his island among current Brewers. Another young catcher, Emmanuel Quiles, played winter ball there this spring as well. All top ten commitments in recent drafts -- 2012 6th round - SS Angel Ortega 2012 8th round - CF Edgardo Rivera 2011 2nd round - RHP Jorge Lopez 2009 9th round - SS Yadiel Rivera *** Puerto Rico playoff box -- Although opposing baserunners were successful in all three attempts vs. Maldonado Wednesday, he guided Dodgers' farmhand Aaron Miller and three relievers through nine scoreless innings (combined 12 K's) as his club won their playoff opener 1-0. Maldonado singled in four trips to the plate.

WSSP 1/3 Hot Stove Weekly -- Full Show From within the show, just the Tom Gorzelanny interview (also within above link)

Ozzie "Smith" Chavez, yes.

Dominican playoff box -- Another near four-hour extravaganza, this an 11-inning affair. Catcher Dayton Buller only received eight winter at-bats, but has been with his club for several weeks. He appeared briefly here, did not see a plate appearance as his club won. Frankie De La Cruz's squad lost, and although he did not allow a run, he was bailed out big-time: Aguilas Top of the 10th Nelson Perez remains in the game as the designated hitter. Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Rafael Dolis. Hector Luna grounds out, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Ed Rogers. Manny Ramirez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Leandro Castro. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Gilberto Mejia replaces Manny Ramirez. With Oscar Taveras batting, wild pitch by Frankie De La Cruz, Gilberto Mejia to 2nd. Oscar Taveras strikes out swinging. Miguel Tejada walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Rafael Ynoa replaces Dayton Buller. With Rafael Ynoa batting, wild pitch by Frankie De La Cruz, Gilberto Mejia to 3rd. Miguel Tejada to 2nd. Rafael Ynoa walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Juan Lagares replaces Efren Navarro. Pitching Change: Wander Perez replaces Frankie De La Cruz. Juan Lagares grounds out, third baseman Alex Valdez to first baseman Ed Rogers. *** Dominican playoff box -- If you've been following this thread regularly, you know that 28-year-old RHP Jairo Asencio has had a fantastic winter. He will be in big league camp on a non-roster invite, and you can bet he's looking to carry over his DWL performance into February. Cake for the non-save, but close-out 9th: Escogido Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Diaz. Victor Mendez grounds out to first baseman Angel Villalona. Eury Perez grounds out, shortstop Jose Ramirez to first baseman Angel Villalona. Alexi Casilla called out on strikes. *** Puerto Rico box -- Martin Maldonado closed out the winter regular season .276/.373/.388 (.761 OPS) with a nice 2-for-4 performance that included a double, run scored, and two RBI although his team fell. Maldonado threw out two of three attempted basestealers. *** Venezuela box -- Another regular season ends, catcher Anderson De La Rosa was 0-for-2.

Here's your detailed look at Saturday's Brewers Winter League action. In the six-team Dominican Winter League, four teams qualify for the round-robin playoffs. The only thing that could limit Jean Segura's mega at-bat total for 2012 was his Gigantes not qualifying, and that's what happened. But hey, RHP Alfredo Figaro, the perhaps Brewer based on whether his Japanese team relinquishes their rights, made all six of his DWL regular season appearances for Tigres del Licey, yet was the playoff opening game starter for Toros del Este. So who knows, maybe we'll see Segura yet again. Remember, the winning teams of these respective winter leagues will take part in the 2013 Caribbean Series in Mexico, now 33 days away. It seems there will be some creative roster manipulations for that, too. Dominican Playoff Box -- RHP Frankie De La Cruz took the loss, allowing one run in middle relief. Aguilas Bottom of the 5th Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Omar Javier. Juan Carlos Perez grounds out, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Brad Snyder. Elian Herrera hits a ground-rule double (1) on a fly ball down the left-field line. Joaquin Arias singles on a line drive to center fielder Felix Pie. Elian Herrera to 3rd. Hector Luna grounds out softly, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Brad Snyder. Elian Herrera scores. Joaquin Arias to 2nd. Manny Ramirez strikes out swinging. *** Dominican Playoff Box -- Two Brewers relievers were on opposing sides of this box score. It was a four-run non-save situation, but impressive and busy major league camp invite RHP Jairo Asencio was still handed the ninth inning and wrapped things up perfectly. If not on the final 25-man, one can envision him as Nashville's primary closer this summer. Escogido Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Diaz. Fernando Tatis grounds out, third baseman Donell Linares to first baseman Angel Villalona. Victor Mendez grounds out, first baseman Angel Villalona to pitcher Jairo Asencio. Wilkin Castillo pops out to second baseman Diory Hernandez. In the same game, 40-man roster RHP Fautino De Los Santos (George Kottaras trade, no options remaining) made his first appearance since December 19th and it was only one batter in length -- Toros Bottom of the 7th Defensive Substitution: Abraham Almonte replaces Willy Aybar, batting 9th, playing center field. Diory Hernandez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Abraham Almonte. Rene Rivera out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Fernando Tatis to first baseman Mauro Gomez. Diory Hernandez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Santos Rodriguez replaces Runelvys Hernandez. Jose Constanza walks. With Jose Ramirez batting, wild pitch by Santos Rodriguez, Diory Hernandez to 3rd. Jose Ramirez strikes out swinging. Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Santos Rodriguez. With Esteban German batting, Jose Constanza steals (1) 2nd base. Esteban German walks. Pitching Change: Nelson Payano replaces Fautino De Los Santos. Ricardo Nanita doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Jordany Valdespin. Diory Hernandez scores. Jose Constanza scores. Esteban German scores. Donell Linares flies out to right fielder Jordany Valdespin. *** The Puerto Rico and Venezuela regular seasons will end after Sunday's games. Puerto Rico box -- Young catcher Emmanuel Quiles (Helena, 2012) is seeing increased playing time, he started here, was 1-for-4 (two K's), one SB against. Quiles' teammate, SS Yadiel Rivera, sat this one out. *** Puerto Rico box -- Cleanup man Martin Maldonado drew a bases-loaded walk, but was otherwise 0-for-3 (now .266/.368/.372 in 94 AB's). Behind the plate, this winter rarity -- Ivan De Jesus singles on a ground ball to second baseman Eddie Rosario. With Wilberto Ortiz batting, Ivan De Jesus steals (2) 2nd base. Ivan De Jesus advances to 3rd, on a throwing error by catcher Martin Maldonado. *** Venezuela box -- Big day for longtime farmhand, catcher Anderson De La Rosa, 2-for-3 with a three-run home run in a win. His former Brewer mates formed the top of his squad's batting order -- Guilder Rodriguez (still a Ranger), Hernan "the Hurricane" Iribarren (recently a Rockie signee), and stud Alcides Escobar, who is raking in 109 VWL at-bats thus far. De La Rosa did have one error on a pickoff attempt. *** A quick note of thanks to my 996 Twitter followers -- pretty amazing and a bit humbling that nearly a thousand Brewer fans (and a few spam-bots ) are willing to peek at my updates, 98% of which are dedicated to the Crew's farm system. Want to put me over the thousand mark today? I'm here. Thanks again!

Absolute gold, that's what this is -- gold, Jerry, gold! Mr. Lucroy - 13:$0.75M, 14:$2M, 15:$3M, 16:$4M, 17:$5.25M club option ($0.25M buyout) And no, that doesn't address the focus of this forum topic, but let Maldonado contine to build up value in his backup role this year. He's most valuable right now in being Wily Peralta's personal catcher. It was great theatrics to watch them in tandem last year. It's a dual investment, and in no way sours me (nor should sour others) like the Wolf - Kottaras arrangement. Melvin has his catcher situation (and apparently shortstop, and of course, left field) cinched in for the likely remainder of his GM career. Definitely sleeping well...

Dominican Playoff Box -- Will his Japanese club release him to the Brewers or not? RHP Alfredo Figaro made a playoff start, and although he fanned no one, Figaro pitched scoreless ball for 5.1 innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. *** Venezuela box -- RHP Arcenio Leon may be sweating out his 40-man roster spot status at the moment, but he had perhaps his winter shining moment on Friday, stranding two inherited runners while tossing two perfect innings. Caracas Bottom of the 6th Bobby Abreu walks. Daniel Mayora singles on a ground ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Bobby Abreu to 2nd. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Dwayne Pollok. Ramon Cabrera strikes out swinging. Jesus Aguilar grounds into a double play, second baseman Jose Flores to shortstop Adrian Sanchez to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Daniel Mayora out at 2nd. Caracas Bottom of the 7th Jose Duarte flies out to right fielder Felix Perez. Darren Ford strikes out swinging, catcher Humberto Quintero to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Luis Rodriguez grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia *** Puerto Rico box -- Of course nobody dared run on catcher Martin Maldonado, and he reached twice in six plate appearances, with a single and a walk. *** Puerto Rico box -- One of Helena's 2012 catchers, 23-year-old former Padres farmhand, Emmanuel Quiles, had his shining winter moment with a home run and single. In the same game, Yadiel Rivera grounded out as a pinch-hitter and made a late defensive appearance at third base.

My guess on the 40-man roster move that will be necessary -- this November 2nd waiver claim from the Astros. Wonderful news on this signing!

Dominican box -- It's playoff time in the D.R., and RHP's Jairo Asencio (an invitee to major league camp) and Frankie De La Cruz were on opposing sides, with Asencio entering a 3-0 game allowing one run on a HR by Felix Pie while netting a save. De La Cruz also allowed a run in his inning. Estrellas Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Diaz. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Christian Marrero replaces Drew Butera. Christian Marrero flies out to right fielder Ricardo Nanita. Felix Pie homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Alex Valdez flies out to left fielder Cesar Puello in foul territory. Junior Lake flies out to center fielder Moises Sierra. *** Toros Top of the 6th Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Victor Moreno. Moises Sierra doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Felix Pie. Eugenio Velez singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Luis Jimenez. Moises Sierra to 3rd. Jamie Romak grounds into a double play, second baseman Alex Valdez to shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Ed Rogers. Moises Sierra scores. Eugenio Velez out at 2nd. Diory Hernandez grounds out, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Ed Rogers. *** Puerto Rico box -- Yadiel Rivera singled in three AB's (3rd inning), which was significant because it was his club's only hit of the game. The 6'2" 20-year-old also made the start at third base in this one. *** Puerto Rico box -- Martin Maldonado, playing first base and batting cleanup, singled and walked in five plate appearances.

WTMJ Brewers Weekly - 12/27/12 Dan O'Donnell looks at the Brewers pitching situation with Jim Breen of Disciples of Uecker. They discuss the possible number two starters, who the Brewers might look at in free agency, and what other moves the Brewers could make during the off-season. Dan also checks in with former Brewers pitcher, and current FOX Sports Wisconsin analyst, Jerry Augustine on how the Brewers bullpen is shaping up for the upcoming season, what moves he thinks might happen, and what concerns him the most going into the 2013 season.