Jim Goulart

Martin Maldonado tweets that the fun begins for him today (Saturday) in Puerto Rico.

In the Dominican, Jairo Asencio with another scoreless, if not perfect, inning. No save # 10 (four-run lead). Estrellas Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Osiris Matos. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Ed Rogers replaces Leandro Castro. Ed Rogers hit by pitch. Michael Martinez singles on a soft ground ball to pitcher Jairo Asencio. Ed Rogers to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Nelson Perez replaces Alberto Rosario. Nelson Perez strikes out swinging. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Miguel Sano replaces Juan Diaz. Dropped foul pop error by catcher Steven Lerud. Miguel Sano grounds out softly, shortstop Ozzie Chavez to first baseman Angel Villalona. Ed Rogers to 3rd. Michael Martinez to 2nd. Daniel Robertson strikes out swinging. *** 20-year-old SS Yadiel Rivera made his Puerto Rico Winter League debut Friday. He entered in the 7th inning and committed a throwing error that allowed two runs to score (his squad was already well behind) and fanned looking later in the game. Better times ahead, Yadiel... *** Side notes -- In Venezuela, Jeremy Jeffress (now with Toronto) made his second scoreless appearance, and trademate Alcides Escobar debuted, despite playing in 155 games this past season.

Diehards will remember 2008 30th round 3B/OF Wayne Dedrick, who played 46 games in Maryvale in 2009, then missed 2010 with a knee injury, and was suspended for a drug of abuse in 2011, never suiting up for the organization again. But as the Huntsville Times' and our friend Mark McCarter documented, Dedrick is now doing well in life, in the classroom (studying Information Systems), and athletically (but on the basketball court) with Division II University of Alabama-Huntsville (which recently beat Div. I North Texas in the preseason NIT).

*** Latest: Thielbar will represent the Twins in the Arizona Fall League. More "latest": And despite a weak AFL performance, the Twins have now added Thielbar to their 40-man roster. Have to admit, I just can't get past these Brewer lost loogy's. Still waiting for a five-team trade in which Thielbar, Craig Breslow, Joe Thatcher, and Lucas Luetge are all re-acquired . Search on July 2012, this includes a worthwhile podcast with Caleb.

Two new 40-man roster right-handed relievers each made their 10th appearance in the Venezuelan League Thursday (in the same game). Jesus Sanchez got credit for stranding two runners he inherited (it was a foolish caught stealing), had a subsequent clean inning, then was charged with three runs (one earned, via his own error). Zulia Top of the 3rd Jose Pirela walks. Ernesto Mejia flies out to left fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Gerardo Parra flies out to left fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Evan Gattis singles on a line drive to left fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Jose Pirela to 2nd. Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Toru Murata. With Darin Mastroianni batting, Jose Pirela caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Francisco Cervelli to third baseman Mario Lisson. Zulia Top of the 4th Darin Mastroianni flies out to right fielder Juan Rivera. Sandy Leon flies out to left fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Jose Flores grounds out, third baseman Mario Lisson to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo. Zulia Top of the 5th Freddy Galvis singles on a line drive to right fielder Juan Rivera. Henry Rodriguez singles on a line drive to left fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Freddy Galvis to 2nd. Jose Pirela reaches on a force attempt, throwing error by pitcher Jesus Sanchez. Freddy Galvis to 3rd. Henry Rodriguez to 2nd. Pitching Change: Amalio Diaz replaces Jesus Sanchez. Ernesto Mejia out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Juan Rivera. Freddy Galvis scores. Pitching Change: Gabriel Garcia replaces Amalio Diaz. Gerardo Parra walks. Henry Rodriguez to 3rd. Jose Pirela to 2nd. Pitching Change: Yoel Hernandez replaces Gabriel Garcia. Evan Gattis singles on a line drive to left fielder Ezequiel Carrera. Henry Rodriguez scores. Jose Pirela to 3rd. Gerardo Parra to 2nd. Darin Mastroianni flies out to center fielder Endy Chavez. With Sandy Leon batting, wild pitch by Yoel Hernandez, Jose Pirela scores. Gerardo Parra to 3rd. Evan Gattis to 2nd. Sandy Leon grounds out to first baseman Eliezer Alfonzo. *** RHP Arcenio Leon, the waiver claim via the Astros, walked three, but they were all intentional in extra-inning crunch time. Leon has now walked ten in eleven winter innings, after walking 33 in 63.2 AA innings in 2012. Of course, like Jesus Sanchez's successfully stranded runners via caught stealing detailed above, stats don't always provide the big picture. Magallanes Bottom of the 10th Defensive switch from center field to left field for Gerardo Parra. Defensive Substitution: Ender Inciarte replaces left fielder Evan Gattis, batting 6th, playing center field. Pitching Change: Miguel Sulbaran replaces Marcos Tabata. Endy Chavez walks. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Miguel Sulbaran. Mario Lisson strikes out swinging. Jesus Flores grounds into a double play, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Endy Chavez out at 2nd. Magallanes Bottom of the 11th Chris Nowak singles on a ground ball to left fielder Gerardo Parra. Darwin Perez out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Arcenio Leon to second baseman Jose Flores. Chris Nowak to 2nd. Arcenio Leon intentionally walks Ezequiel Carrera. Juan Rivera grounds out to pitcher Arcenio Leon. Chris Nowak to 3rd. Ezequiel Carrera to 2nd. Arcenio Leon intentionally walks Carlos Maldonado. Eliezer Alfonzo grounds into a force out, shortstop Freddy Galvis to second baseman Jose Flores. Carlos Maldonado out at 2nd. Magallanes Bottom of the 12th Endy Chavez singles on a line drive to left fielder Gerardo Parra. Mario Lisson out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Endy Chavez to 2nd. Jesus Flores flies out to right fielder Darin Mastroianni. Arcenio Leon intentionally walks Chris Nowak. Pitching Change: Jesus Yepez replaces Arcenio Leon. Darwin Perez flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte.

Since Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second day of October, Brewers Supervisor of Canadian Scouting tweeted today: Putting together player recommendations for the upcoming rule 5 draft

Since Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second day of October, Brewers Supervisor of Canadian Scouting tweeted today: Putting together player recommendations for the upcoming rule 5 draft

Save # 9 for Jairo Asencio -- Aguilas Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jairo Asencio replaces Jose Diaz. Omar Luna grounds out softly, first baseman Angel Villalona to pitcher Jairo Asencio. Hector Luna walks. Manny Ramirez grounds into a double play, second baseman Diory Hernandez to shortstop Ozzie Chavez to first baseman Angel Villalona. Hector Luna out at 2nd. *** A Venezuelan native, catcher Anderson De La Rosa fanned as a pinch-hitter, he's had 20 winter AB's thus far.

The Interrogation Room: RHP Chad Pierce

It was an effective, but eventful, save for 40-man roster (and out-of-options) Fautino De Los Santos in the Dominican -- Toros Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Fautino De Los Santos replaces Enny Romero. Angel Villalona walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter D'Angelo Jimenez replaces Dan Butler. D'Angelo Jimenez strikes out swinging. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jose Constanza replaces Angel Villalona. With Charlie Blackmon batting, wild pitch by Fautino De Los Santos, Jose Constanza to 2nd. Charlie Blackmon singles on a ground ball to second baseman Justin Turner, deflected by pitcher Fautino De Los Santos. Jose Constanza to 3rd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Willis Otanez replaces Ozzie Chavez. Willis Otanez strikes out swinging. Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Jefry Marte replaces Manny Mayorson. Jefry Marte called out on strikes.

Frankie De La Cruz with a scoreless 1.2 innings, but had help on the back side -- Gigantes Bottom of the 6th Pitching Change: Frankie De La Cruz replaces Dusty Hughes. Moises Sierra singles on a ground ball to shortstop Junior Lake. With Francisco Peguero batting, Moises Sierra caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Drew Butera to shortstop Junior Lake. Francisco Peguero grounds out, second baseman Michael Martinez to first baseman Todd Linden. Rene Rivera grounds out, third baseman Ed Rogers to first baseman Todd Linden. Gigantes Bottom of the 7th Hanser Alberto flies out to right fielder Denis Phipps. Alexi Casilla strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Frankie De La Cruz. Alexi Casilla to 1st. Jean Segura flies out to left fielder Leandro Castro. Robinzon Diaz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Felix Pie. Alexi Casilla to 2nd. Pitching Change: Eury De La Rosa replaces Frankie De La Cruz. Rhyne Hughes flies out to left fielder Leandro Castro. Now in that same game, Jean Segura was 2-for-7 and stole a base. Why seven AB's? It was a 16-inning game, and remarkably, in the final 1/2 inning, down one run, the home team loaded the bases with none out but failed to score (perhaps thankfully). Segura was lifted after flying out in the 13th, but we shouldn't read into that.

The 40-man roster, now at 39, including option info The "young in experience" players who are out of options are Mat Gamel, Mark Rogers, Jeff Bianchi, and RHP Fautino De Los Santos (Kottaras trade).

The 40-man roster, now at 39, including option info The "young in experience" players who are out of options are Mat Gamel, Mark Rogers, Jeff Bianchi, and RHP Fautino De Los Santos (Kottaras trade).

If you've got a Journal-Sentinel free view left, Tom H.'s blog with quotes from Gord Ash is a good read.

If you've got a Journal-Sentinel free view left, Tom H.'s blog with quotes from Gord Ash is a good read.

The five players "green-lighted" in the prior post have been added to the 40-man roster and are protected from the Rule 5 draft. I don't see an obvious candidate to be "snagged" in Rule 5 by another organization, unlike last year when I expressed concerns about loogy Lucas Luetge, who enjoyed a nice rookie season with Jack Z. and Seattle. Any concerns out there? I also don't feel that any of the five protected were borderline. In recent years, we've seen players added in November only to be removed and exposed to regular waivers within the next few months or partial season (Dan Merklinger, Brock Kjeldgaard).

The five players "green-lighted" in the prior post have been added to the 40-man roster and are protected from the Rule 5 draft. I don't see an obvious candidate to be "snagged" in Rule 5 by another organization, unlike last year when I expressed concerns about loogy Lucas Luetge, who enjoyed a nice rookie season with Jack Z. and Seattle. Any concerns out there? I also don't feel that any of the five protected were borderline. In recent years, we've seen players added in November only to be removed and exposed to regular waivers within the next few months or partial season (Dan Merklinger, Brock Kjeldgaard).

Not to be confused with our Brewer Minor League Free Agency Eligibles After the 2012 Season Thread, this thread focuses on those players who will be eligible to be selected in December 6th's Rule 5 Draft, and considers who Milwaukee should add to the 40-man roster to protect. Remember -- Players who signed when 18 or younger are eligible for the draft after five years. Players who signed when 19 or older are eligible after four years. According to the rules, it's how old a player was on the June 5th immediately preceeding his signing. So in terms of 40-man roster consideration, these are the players not eligible for free agency, but who would be Rule 5 eligible if not placed on the 40-man roster. Players listed alphabetically within level: Current AAA Players -- RHP Jairo Asencio C Dayton Buller RHP Hiram Burgos OF Khris Davis RHP Frankie De La Cruz 2B Eric Farris 1B Sean Halton RHP Donovan Hand LHP Zach Kroenke C Blake Lalli RHP Rob Wooten Current AA Players -- RHP Darren Byrd OF Kentrail Davis 2B Scooter Gennett OF Lee Haydel RHP Kyle Heckathorn OF Brock Kjeldgaard RHP Andre Lamontagne RHP Johnnie Lowe LHP Daniel Meadows OF/INF Josh Prince RHP Cody Scarpetta RHP R.J. Seidel Current A-Level (or below) players -- RHP Hitaniel Arias RHP Eric Arnett RHP Nick Bucci RHP Tyler Cravy C Jose Garcia SS Carlos George SS Hector Gomez OF Yonki Hernandez RHP Maverick Lasker C Joey Paciorek C Emmanuel Quiles LHP Jose Ramos RHP Francisco Rivero OF Franklin Romero, Jr. OF Chadwin Stang RHP Stosh Wawrzasek C Shawn Zarraga

Not to be confused with our Brewer Minor League Free Agency Eligibles After the 2012 Season Thread, this thread focuses on those players who will be eligible to be selected in December 6th's Rule 5 Draft, and considers who Milwaukee should add to the 40-man roster to protect. Remember -- Players who signed when 18 or younger are eligible for the draft after five years. Players who signed when 19 or older are eligible after four years. According to the rules, it's how old a player was on the June 5th immediately preceeding his signing. So in terms of 40-man roster consideration, these are the players not eligible for free agency, but who would be Rule 5 eligible if not placed on the 40-man roster. Players listed alphabetically within level: Current AAA Players -- RHP Jairo Asencio C Dayton Buller RHP Hiram Burgos OF Khris Davis RHP Frankie De La Cruz 2B Eric Farris 1B Sean Halton RHP Donovan Hand LHP Zach Kroenke C Blake Lalli RHP Rob Wooten Current AA Players -- RHP Darren Byrd OF Kentrail Davis 2B Scooter Gennett OF Lee Haydel RHP Kyle Heckathorn OF Brock Kjeldgaard RHP Andre Lamontagne RHP Johnnie Lowe LHP Daniel Meadows OF/INF Josh Prince RHP Cody Scarpetta RHP R.J. Seidel Current A-Level (or below) players -- RHP Hitaniel Arias RHP Eric Arnett RHP Nick Bucci RHP Tyler Cravy C Jose Garcia SS Carlos George SS Hector Gomez OF Yonki Hernandez RHP Maverick Lasker C Joey Paciorek C Emmanuel Quiles LHP Jose Ramos RHP Francisco Rivero OF Franklin Romero, Jr. OF Chadwin Stang RHP Stosh Wawrzasek C Shawn Zarraga

Jean Segura with yet another multi-hit game, that's four of those in six games. Perhaps most impressive is only eleven K's in 95 Dominican AB's thus far. SS Hector Gomez 0-for-2, two K's, with an error in the only other Brewer action Monday.

Nice job by MiLB.com's Ashley Marshall here getting the Reid Nichols quotes -- adds much more context to the list.

Brief outings in Venezuela for Jesus Sanchez (not his best) -- Margarita Bottom of the 9th Pitching Change: Jesus Sanchez replaces Jean Machi. Edgar Duran walks. Wilmer Flores walks. Edgar Duran to 2nd. Jonathan Herrera grounds into a force out, shortstop Argenis Diaz to second baseman Jose Altuve. Edgar Duran to 3rd. Wilmer Flores out at 2nd. Jonathan Herrera to 1st. Javier Brito singles on a ground ball to right fielder Erold Andrus. Edgar Duran scores. Jonathan Herrera to 2nd. Pitching Change: Deolis Guerra replaces Jesus Sanchez. Frank Diaz strikes out swinging. Dave Sappelt strikes out swinging. and Arcenio Leon -- La Guaira Top of the 6th Alex Cabrera flies out to center fielder Ender Inciarte. Darin Ruf homers (11) on a fly ball to left field. Pitching Change: Arcenio Leon replaces Adys Portillo. Oscar Salazar grounds out, second baseman Jose Flores to first baseman Ernesto Mejia. Jose Martinez walks. With Miguel Rojas batting, wild pitch by Arcenio Leon, Jose Martinez to 2nd. With Miguel Rojas batting, passed ball by Juan Apodaca, Jose Martinez to 3rd. Miguel Rojas pops out to catcher Juan Apodaca in foul territory. *** How about the raw power of the Phillies' Darin Ruf? 38 AAA HR's, three in Philly, and now 11 in 33 Venezuelan League games.

Rob Wooten (stats) hasn't appeared in a Venezuelan box score since 11/6, and he tells us why.

So ESPN's Christina Kahrl is just the latest who can't help but picture a Brewers - Josh Hamilton marriage

Isn't that what Dempster calls his pre-pitch glove waggle?