Jim Goulart

LHP Juan Perez, like Dillard and Chulk, was able to declare his free agency early due to spending time with the Brewers this season.

RHP's Tim Dillard and Vinny Chulk have formally elected free agency, as per Baseball America. They are able to do so because they were on the 40-man roster for a portion of 2012. Others on the initial post in this thread will become formal free agents just after the World Series, I believe.

RHP's Tim Dillard and Vinny Chulk have formally elected free agency, as per Baseball America. They are able to do so because they were on the 40-man roster for a portion of 2012. Others on the initial post in this thread will become formal free agents just after the World Series, I believe.

RHP's Tim Dillard and Vinny Chulk have formally elected free agency, as per Baseball America. They are able to do so because they were on the 40-man roster for a portion of 2012. Others on the initial post in this thread will become formal free agents just after the World Series, I believe.

Not too surprising that no Brewer position player cracked John Sickels' current Top 50.

Chris with updates (I'm catching up myself after some time away, enjoyed the first New Hampshire snow of the season, even if it was elevated...). I love that Shaun Marcum is excited about his ring.

Baseball America Florida State League Top 20 -- Jimmy Nelson the lone Manatee on the list at #16, no Taylor Jungmann; it's a 12-team league for context and reference

Initial post updated to reflect the re-signing of RHP Darren Byrd, and the spring training invites for Byrd and catcher Dayton Buller

Initial post updated to reflect the re-signing of RHP Darren Byrd, and the spring training invites for Byrd and catcher Dayton Buller

Initial post updated to reflect the re-signing of RHP Darren Byrd, and the spring training invites for Byrd and catcher Dayton Buller

Clint Coulter tweeted that he's going to play a month's worth of Dominican ball this winter. Interesting...

Erickson lobbies to stay put as Timber Rattlers manager by Mike Woods, Post-Crescent staff writer Manager Matt Erickson told the Milwaukee Brewers he would like to remain with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Erickson said he recently spoke with Reid Nichols, the Brewers Special Assistant to the General Manager/Director of Player Development, in their annual end of season meeting and let his wishes be known. “He always asks if I have any questions, what are my long-term goals and if I want to move up,” said Erickson, who led the Timber Rattlers to the Midwest League championship in just his second year. “But it came right back to the present. It’s hard to beat my situation right now, the balance this gives me in my professional life and my family life. “And to be perfectly honest, in my opinion, the affiliate in Appleton is the best in the organization right now. So I told Reid I would like to stay right here at least two more years.” Erickson said he got the response he was looking for from Nichols. “He agreed,” said the 37-year-old Erickson, a graduate of Appleton West High School. “He said it seems like a good marriage. “It’s just something that really works. Obviously, it works for me and the Brewers and the Timber Rattlers are on board as well.” Erickson said he always enjoyed the college level, and the Rattlers’ situation, with players coming right out of college or high school who have a hunger for the game, is a close second and fits what he likes to do best. “There’s a lot of teaching to be done,” he said. Erickson said he also appreciates the Rattlers’ organization and their philosophy. “Since I’ve been here (Timber Rattlers president and general manager) Rob (Zerjav) is constantly finding ways to try to make it a more family-friendly atmosphere, fill the seats and is always conscious of what he can do to make the facility as good as can be for the players. That’s what I’m looking for. “I’m just happy in my current situation and have no desire to move or change positions right now. That may change down the road once my family situation becomes more mature.”

Twitter: Gord Ash stated that @nashvillesounds 1B Sean Halton will be learning LF in Venezuela this winter to help his versatility.

AA – Taylor Jungmann, Jimmy Nelson, Nick Bucci, Drew Gagnon (maybe), Evan Anundson Anundsen is eligible to become a minor league free agent this fall. Really nice job with your work here, effort is evident and appreciated.

As mentioned previously on the forum, Timber Rattlers shut out of the Baseball America Midwest League Top 20. Wisconsin captured the championship with the oldest roster in the league and nary a prospect who received strong consideration for this list. The Timber Rattlers won the finals in four games over Fort Wayne, which led all clubs with five prospects among the Top 20. The Voice of the Rattlers expresses his modest disdain and then backs up the pettiness of the BA "age" comment. EDIT: Blog post from Chris

Many of you have read this week about the story of Adam Greenberg, who will get an at-bat to help make up for an "invisible" baseball career. While the prior Greenberg first-pitch beaning is indeed unfortunate (I shy away from the term "tragic" here), Tim Bausher's story is one for the record as well, and I wonder how many other called-up players never appeared in a game. Currently Brewers RHP Cody Scarpetta, rehabbing from spring Tommy John surgery, is in this category as well (called up for a single day, July 9th, 2011, did not appear in the game). Scarpetta, on the Brewers' 40-man but out of options for 2013 (unless a 5th option year is somehow granted, he was already granted a 4th), will be an interesting name next spring. Jack Z. would likely swoop in on a waiver claim, among other clubs.

Baseball Prospectus on Taylor Jungmann's instructional ball outing

Top post updated for Buller / Kjeldgaard.

Top post updated for Buller / Kjeldgaard.

Top post updated for Buller / Kjeldgaard.

Brewers signed catcher Dayton Buller and OF Brock Kjeldgaard to minor league contracts for 2013. Each would have been eligible for minor league free agency this fall. Kjeldgaard, who spent a good portion of 2012 on the Brewers' 40-man, will be taking part in the Arizona Fall League.

Wisconsin Sports Blog -- Q&A with Michael Garza

Rattler site with details on the clincher's rebroadcast dates and times

Rattler Radio Blog -- More from Chris, including news of championship-clinching TV rebroadcasts

Rattlers site -- Mehring Monday: Minutes to Memories