Jim Goulart

Puerto Rico box -- Youngsters, SS Yadiel Rivera (triple) and C Emmanuel Quiles (double) each went 1-for-3 in a 9-1 loss. Rivera started in left field before moving back to short; veteran SS Luis Figueroa, who was briefly in AAA for the Crew early in 2011, got the start. Quiles committed one error behind the plate. *** Puerto Rico box -- Catcher Martin Maldonado was 0-for-3 but had an RBI on a sacrifice fly. Nobody ran on "Machete".

WSSP - 12/26/12: Former Brewers Pitcher Paul Wagner joins Tim and Joe to talk about the Brewers new bullpen and their very young starting rotation. Are the Brewers the team to beat next year?

Puerto Rico box -- Catcher Martin Maldonado 2-for-4, drove in two. Now at .291/.389/.418 (.807 OPS in 79 AB's). *** Puerto Rico box -- SS Yadiel Rivera doubled in three AB's (.357/.357/.405 in 42 AB's), but committed his 7th and 8th errors in just 18 games.

Actually, Chris confirmed for us that he did not pitch in that game -- box score error, he's home (and golfing today).

Venezuela box -- Two scoreless (and walkless) innings nets RHP Arcenio Leon a victory: Aragua Top of the 4th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Yeiper Castillo. Oswaldo Arcia grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Yangervis Solarte grounds out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Guillermo Rodriguez grounds out, pitcher Arcenio Leon to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Aragua Top of the 5th Harold Garcia singles on a fly ball to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Jose Torres grounds into a double play, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Harold Garcia out at 2nd. Jorge Cortes doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Felix Perez. Jonel Pacheco strikes out swinging. *** Puerto Rico box -- SS Yadiel Rivera's hit streak ends at nine (0-for-3, two K's), and in a late shuffle, action in right field. *** Puerto Rico box -- Martin Maldonado 0-for-3 (walk, two K's); still solid but no longer gaudy .280 average in 75 AB's (.798 OPS); picked a runner off 2nd base, one other stole succssfully.

From 11/02/12 -- MLB pitcher, Hamilton alumn Jim Hoey to host golf tournament By Paul Franklin/For The Trenton (N.J.) Times Relationships are important to Jim Hoey. Whether it’s baseball or golf, he’s all in. That will be a major factor when he decides who to sign with in his free-agent year, and those were factors when he put together his charity golf tournament. A Hamilton High School graduate with two-plus years in the major leagues, he is hosting his first annual Jim Hoey Charity Golf Tournament on Nov. 12 at Old York Country Club in Chesterfield. He doesn’t exactly strike a golf ball with the efficiency he strikes out batters, but as he describes the upcoming day, “It’s gonna be a fun, non-serious event. It’s gonna be an amazing event.” One hundred golfers already have signed on, with the maximum set at 144. Hoey shoots in the low 90s, so the pressure’s off. The event will benefit both the Wounded Warriors Project and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of America. For information and to sign up, visit his website at http://www.jimhoeyscharitygolf.com. “Those are two closest to my heart,” Hoey said of the organizations. “Both my grandfathers and my brother-in-law were in the military and I was in JROTC in high school, and my one grandfather passed from leukemia.” The idea for the charity resulted from his experience when he participated in a similar event while playing for the Minnesota Twins in 2011. “I loved meeting the people and the cause,” he said. “I started golfing four years ago, and it’s something I like to do now and I enjoy raising money for these causes.” He should continue making an income as a professional baseball player as he embarks on the free-agent process this weekend — there is no contact allowed until five days after the World Series. While money certainly is a factor, the relief pitcher’s priorities are being in the right situation along with some familiar faces. Though growing up a Yankees fan, he actually would prefer playing for the Phillies or Orioles. “From a business standpoint,” said Hoey, who was drafted out of Rider University in 2003 by the Baltimore Orioles, “I would have to go to the team where I have the most opportunity to play in the major leagues. “I have to look at that, and that’s the hardest part. I have to do the research. “I would love to be on the Phillies. It’s close to home, and I love the starting pitching staff. “And I’m a real big fan of Roy Halliday. I met him a few years ago, and I really love his personality. He’s just really a nice guy and genuine. So, I look for that. “I don’t look for a team, I look for people on the team. There are guys you’re gonna work with and guys you’re gonna be friends with and build relationships upon that.’’ He has built relationships with pro ball players for nine years now. Following Tommy John surgery in 2004, from which he also missed the 2005 season, Hoey eventually came up to the Orioles in 2006 at age 24. He appeared in 12 games, having made his debut by walking Tori Hunter. He appeared in 23 games the following season before being dealt to the Twins’ organization. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery caused him to miss the 2008 season, and when he returned, he was at the Double-A level in Bowie, Md. In 2011, he appeared in 26 games for Minnesota. Last year, despite a standout spring training with an ERA of 0.00, he was sent to AAA in Toronto’s organization. His major league totals are a 4-7 record and a 7.02 ERA in 59 innings. He has 38 strikeouts and has given up seven home runs. In high school, he was 13-1 as a senior when the Hornets won the Group III state title. He had 131 strikeouts with an ERA of 0.48. His high school number was retired five years ago. He can still bring it, and believes he can still do the job in the bigs. After all, this is a guy who will never forget being introduced coming in from the bullpen by legendary public-address announcer Bob Sheppard in the old Yankee Stadium. And getting out guys like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. And there was that time with Baltimore when, with the bases loaded, he got his first MLB strikeout by blowing three straight fastballs by Minnesota’s Jason Kubel. And of course, there were moments like in Tampa Bay, when Carlos Pena hit a home that hit the dome in Tropicana Field. That’s why, starting yesterday, Hoey began training for next season. He works out at Game Time Performances in Hamilton and gets his cardio work playing hockey at Ice Land Skating Center. He’s not sure what he’ll be doing after baseball, but he knows whether it’s in computers or baseball, he’s not ready to put down the rosin. “I’m a sports guy,” he said. “I like a challenge and I like playing them. I like teaching. That would be cool. I have options. “For me, baseball is fun, it’s a challenge and it’s something I have to work for. “I’ll play until my body gives out,” he said about pro ball. I’ll just do it until I can’t do it anymore.”

New RHP Jim Hoey (@JHOEY5) will be adding some Brewers fans to his already impressive followers count of 4,071. Once added, he'll make for a current count of 95 on the list.

News today via Adam McCalvy that RHP Jim Hoey (career stats) is the latest minor league signing. He'll turn 30 on 12/30.

Career stats at each linked name -- Darn, it wasn't a good week if you were a late round 2011 draft pick or a non-drafted free agent signing that year and you were hoping to be a future LH reliever with the Crew. Combination of age/performance/projection probably factored into these three southpaw releases by the Crew, as noted by Matt Eddy of Baseball America. Two Big East seniors drafted in 2011 -- Elliot Glynn of UConn (39th round) and Mike Francisco of Villanova (48th round), along with non-drafted free agent Conner Whalen, received bad pre-holiday news this week. Whalen, out of UC-Santa Barbara, turns 25 in April. Francisco turned 24 last August, Glynn will be 23 in January. As always, wishing these former Brewer farmhands well in their future efforts, whether another affiliated chance, indy ball, coaching, or non-baseball endeavors.

Dominican box -- RHP's Frankie De La Cruz and Jairo Asencio on opposing sides of this one, with Asencio stranding two inherited runners, allowing one run in a follow-up inning, but holding on to notch his 12th save in what has been an All-Star winter. Toros Bottom of the 5th Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Ben Snyder. Steven Lerud grounds out, second baseman Jonathan Galvez to first baseman Brad Snyder. Pedro Ciriaco flies out to center fielder Felix Pie. Defensive Substitution: Leandro Castro replaces center fielder Felix Pie, batting 1st, playing center field. (Pie just signed with the Pirates, looks like he got hurt on that catch.) Jose Constanza doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Junior Lake. Jose Constanza scores. Fielding error by left fielder Junior Lake. Jose Ramirez grounds out, shortstop Michael Martinez to first baseman Brad Snyder. Toros Bottom of the 6th Esteban German walks. Jamie Romak flies out to right fielder Jerad Head. With Eduardo Nunez batting, wild pitch by Frankie De La Cruz, Esteban German to 2nd. Eduardo Nunez singles on a ground ball to second baseman Jonathan Galvez. Esteban German to 3rd. Eugenio Velez pops out to shortstop Michael Martinez. Mike McDade grounds out, second baseman Jonathan Galvez to first baseman Brad Snyder *** Estrellas Top of the 8th Pitching Change: Jose Diaz replaces Fabio Castillo. Michael Martinez strikes out swinging. Drew Butera singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jamie Romak. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Eliezer Mesa replaces Drew Butera. Leandro Castro singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Jose Diaz. Eliezer Mesa to 2nd. Jerad Head grounds into a force out, shortstop Jose Ramirez to second baseman Pedro Ciriaco. Leandro Castro out at 2nd. Jerad Head to 1st. Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Diaz. Junior Lake strikes out swinging. Estrellas Top of the 9th Defensive Substitution: Diory Hernandez replaces Ricardo Nanita, batting 4th, playing third base. Cesar Puello remains in the game as the left fielder. Brad Snyder called out on strikes. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Danny Richar replaces Jonathan Galvez. Danny Richar singles on a ground ball to left fielder Cesar Puello. Nelson Perez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Eugenio Velez. Danny Richar to 3rd. Miguel Sano grounds out, pitcher Jairo Asencio to first baseman Mike McDade. Danny Richar scores. Nelson Perez to 2nd. Michael Martinez flies out to center fielder Jose Constanza. *** Puerto Rico box -- Wow, SS Yadiel Rivera is really taking advantage of his extra playing time as of late -- more "see it, swing at it", but he's sure finding holes. Rivera, who won't turn 21 until May, has a nine-game hit streak with two base knocks in each of his last four games. Rivera is now at .389 (14-for-36, 13 of the hits singles, no walks, and 12 K's). He did commit his 6th error in this one.

The Brewers have signed longtime Orioles' product, INF Blake Davis, who turns 29 today (Saturday). He's a LH bat. Baltimore drafted Davis in the 4th round of the 2006 draft out of Cal-State Fullerton. The Brewers drafted OF Cole Gillespie in the 3rd round that year and RHP Evan Anundsen in the 4th round. (Gillespie just signed a minor league deal with the Giants, by the way.) Back to Davis -- he saw his lone big league time with Baltimore in 2011, his contract was purchased on June 18th of that year, he was optioned on August 22nd. Two weeks later, he was designated for assignment and removed from the Orioles' 40-man roster, so if the Brewers were to add him to their own 40-man at some point, he'd have two options remaining. Davis batted .254/.323/.390 with one home run, six RBI and a .713 OPS over 65 at-bats during his big league stint of 25 games. Baseball America twice named Davis the best defensive infielder in the Orioles' system, after both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. During that big league stretch, Davis appeared in 18 games at second base, one at third, and two at shortstop. More recently, for his 2012 minor league season at AAA Norfolk, the split was ten games at 2B, 98 at SS, and one OF appearance (58 outfield appearances on and off through his seven-year minor league career, during which he's predominantly played SS). Baseball Reference Career Major League Stats Baseball Reference Career Minor League Stats Davis had one particularly impressive AAA week in 2012. Here are some blog posts of interest -- June 22, 2011 -- Tough major league starting debut VIDEO of that play Here's Davis' full MLB video highlight gallery August 21, 2011 -- The ball found Blake Davis (again) Going back a bit -- January 21, 2010 -- Where's Blake Davis? January 27th, 2011 -- Blake Davis, utility player, does he have a major league future? Wikipedia tells us Davis has Heterochromia iridum, or two different colored eyes. It is unlikely Davis received a major league spring training camp invite, otherwise the Brewers would have annnounced that. Depth-chart wise, Davis would appear to be the leading candidate to be Nashville's starting shortstop. Doesn't appear to be on Twitter... The transaction was tucked away within Baseball America's Minor League Free Agent Tracker. It will likely be included when the oh-so-helpful Matt Eddy releases his next transaction summary for BA.

Venezuelan box -- Nobody sets up his teammates with more inherited runners than RHP Arcenio Leon; fortunately, they are good at bailing him out. La Guaira Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Miguel Sulbaran. C. J. Retherford strikes out swinging. Javier Herrera singles on a fly ball to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Carlos Sanchez strikes out swinging. With Renny Osuna batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Javier Herrera to 2nd. Renny Osuna strikes out swinging. La Guaira Bottom of the 7th Gregor Blanco grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Cesar Suarez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Evan Gattis. Salvador Perez singles on a ground ball to third baseman Henry Rodriguez. Cesar Suarez to 2nd. Alex Cabrera grounds out, pitcher Arcenio Leon to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Cesar Suarez to 3rd. Salvador Perez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Vidal Nuno replaces Arcenio Leon. Hector Sanchez strikes out swinging. *** Venezuelan box -- RHP Chris Jakubauskas returned from the U.S. to pitch a late inning of relief which netted him a victory. Aragua Top of the 9th Pitching Change: Chris Jakubauskas replaces Jose Jimenez. Hector Gimenez strikes out swinging. Yangervis Solarte flies out to right fielder Hernan Iribarren. Oswaldo Arcia strikes out swinging. By the way, the Brewers have only two players in the entire organization over age 31. Two 34 year old's -- Aramis Ramirez and six-month younger Jakubauskas. *** Puerto Rico box -- Apparently Martin Maldonado had a little umpire issue; looks like it happened in the midst of his 4th plate appearance (0-for-3 day with an HBP, he was charged with the K during this at-bat), since it was the first base ump with the heave-ho, perhaps a checked-swing disagreement?). Mayaguez Top of the 7th Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Yovan Gonzalez replaces Martin Maldonado. Indios de Mayaguez catcher Martin Maldonado ejected by 1B umpire Fernando Rodriguez. Martin Maldonado strikes out swinging. In that same game (Game One of a doubleheader), Yadiel Rivera was 2-for-3, but committed another error at SS. *** Puerto Rico box -- The doubleheader included the completion of an earlier game. Rivera again went 2-for-3 (now .375, 12-for-32, one double) and stole his 1st base.

WTMJ Brewers Weekly - 12/20/12 Dan O'Donnell reflects on last season with Brewers starting pitcher Mike Fiers on his first season in the majors, what he expects from next season, and what he thinks of some of the Brewers off-season moves. Dan also talks with Logan Schafer and how he's prepping for the upcoming season, what it was like being called up, and what he looks to improve on for the 2013 season.

Adam McCalvy with Bill Michaels via WSSP

Puerto Rico box -- SS Yadiel Rivera, batting 9th, singled twice in four AB's (8-for-26, .308, zero BB's, nine K's), but also committed two throwing errors. *** Puerto Rico box -- Catcher Martin Maldonado saw two rare steals against him, walked and fanned as part of an 0-for-3 day at the plate. In that game, 36-year-old RHP Javier Vazquez struck out 11 in six innings. He's made four PWL starts after sitting out 2012. Brewer fans?

The Interrogation Room -- RHP Mark Williams

Venezuelan box -- It's tiring, exhausting actually, following 40-man roster RHP Arcenio Leon's control problems for a full winter campaign -- his ERA was so totally saved by his teammate here. It'll be interesting to see what happens when Brewers coaches get him this spring (one option remaining). Caribes Bottom of the 6th Freddy Parejo remains in the game as the right fielder. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Austin Bibens-Dirkx. Alexi Amarista walks. Johermyn Chavez hit by pitch. Alexi Amarista to 2nd. Gustavo Molina flies out to center fielder Gerardo Parra. Jose Gil walks. Alexi Amarista to 3rd. Johermyn Chavez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Marcos Tabata replaces Arcenio Leon. Eduardo Escobar strikes out swinging. Niuman Romero strikes out swinging *** Puerto Rico box -- SS Yadiel Rivera 1-for-4, run, two K's. *** Puerto Rico box -- Catcher Martin Maldonado (no attempted SB's) singled twince in four AB's. *** Dominican box -- Solid (perfect) 1.1 inning effort for RHP Frankie De La Cruz: Gigantes Bottom of the 7th Pitching Change: Miguel Fermin replaces Erick Threets. Robinzon Diaz grounds out, second baseman Alex Valdez to first baseman Brad Snyder. Pitching Change: Claudio Galva replaces Miguel Fermin. Rhyne Hughes called out on strikes. Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Claudio Galva. Marcell Ozuna grounds out, third baseman Luis Jimenez to first baseman Brad Snyder. Gigantes Bottom of the 8th Defensive Substitution: Jhonatan Arias replaces Michael Martinez, batting 9th, playing catcher. Moises Sierra pops out to second baseman Alex Valdez. Wilson Valdez grounds out, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Brad Snyder. Alexi Casilla grounds out, shortstop Juan Diaz to first baseman Brad Snyder. *** Dominican box -- RHP Jairo Asencio made his 25th (!) appearance (4th league highest), a two-inning scoreless stint: Escogido Top of the 9th Wilkin Ramirez remains in the game as the left fielder. Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Arquimedes Caminero. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Abraham Almonte replaces Pedro Lopez. Abraham Almonte grounds out, shortstop Ozzie Chavez to first baseman Jamie Romak. Victor Mendez grounds out, second baseman Jose Ramirez to first baseman Jamie Romak. Fernando Tatis grounds out, third baseman Eduardo Nunez to first baseman Jamie Romak. Escogido Top of the 10th Wilkin Castillo flies out to right fielder Eugenio Velez. Eury Perez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Wilkin Ramirez. With Ramon Santiago batting, Eury Perez caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Danilo Sanchez to shortstop Ozzie Chavez. Ramon Santiago strikes out swinging.

More with Matt Erickson, this time in video -- not a picturesque backdrop #RenovationDumpsters

Brewers sign just-turned 17-year-old Dominican outfielder Geraldy Martinez for $50,000.

"Peace & Glove" twitterview with RHP Tommy Toledo

Never fun when a 23-year-old has to retire before confirming how far his career might have progressed without serious injury. RHP Mitch Conner (2011 Brewer stats) underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow in the summer of 2009, in the midst of his college career. He was a 2011 36th round senior sign out of Elon (NC) University, but underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2012. His tweet today (continued) Never hurts to look back at draft-day articles to capture what it means to these young men. Good luck going forward, Mitch. Elon reliever ends up in good place as draftee Former Ashbrook, G-Braves pitcher drafted, signed by Milwaukee Brewers

WSCO: Matt Erickson The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will have Manager Matt Erickson back in the dugout for 2013. Justin Hull talked with him about his return.

Correction on me via Adam McCalvy (thanks, Adam!): Al LeBoeuf is still in the organization. For personal reasons, he will begin the season in a scouting capacity.

Looks like the Brewers and these 2012 coaches parted ways -- AAA hitting coach Al LeBoeuf Helena Manager Jeff Isom

McCalvy with the full list via the Brewers