Jim Goulart

Nice job by Ryan at Cream City Cables -- Chat with Phil Elson, who for 12 seasons has been the radio broadcaster with the Arkansas Travelers, the AA affiliate for the Angels.

Here's Joe Block's Brewer pre-game audio interview with Mark Rogers

Wish we knew more, but since Gord Ash is normally willing to update the beat guys on 40-man roster players, we'll learn more shortly, as Nashville OF Logan Schafer has been placed on the 7-day DL (we've typed that a few times over the years). That made room for the Khris Davis call-up.

I wish he was off to a better start, but Maryvale 1B/3B Jalen Harris (stats) hasn't played since July 14th.

*Channeling Maxwell Smart* Beat me by *that* much! For whatever reason, Huntsville does not post its game summaries online, but with access to them, I post them here when they add to the discussion. Sorry, great write-up by you.

Season debut for 5th year (yet still just 21-year-old) RHP Francisco Rivero, a scoreless inning starting the Maryvale game. This is only the 22nd pro appearance overall for the Venezuelan (career stats).

STARS TAKE SERIES OPENER AGAINST LOOKOUTS Huntsville Stars HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – To open up a five-game series and a ten-game homestand at Joe Davis Stadium, the Huntsville Stars beat the Chattanooga Lookouts by a score of 3-1 on Sunday night. Taking the early lead, Chattanooga scored their only run of the ballgame in the second inning. Right fielder Blake Davis started the rally with a one-out double off of Stars starting pitcher Dan Meadows. The next at-bat, Davis was plated by another double from catcher Griff Erickson to give the Lookouts a 1-0 lead. Fortunately for the Stars, they began their spurt of three unanswered runs to end the game in the fourth inning. To begin the inning, newly acquired shortstop Jean Segura doubled off Chattanooga starter Matt Magill. Segura then scored on a RBI single by left fielder Khris Davis to tie up the game at one. In the sixth inning, Segura and Davis struck again. The shortstop singled to lead off the frame. After stealing second, Segura was plated on a RBI double by Davis to give the Stars the lead. The next at-bat, first baseman Hunter Morris drove in Davis with an RBI double of his own to put the Stars up 3-1. That lead was plenty for the Stars pitching staff on this night. After relieving Meadows in the fourth, LHP Dan Merklinger improved to 4-7 on the year in tossing a scoreless 3.2 innings. Reliever Darren Byrd added 1.1 innings of scoreless baseball and RHP Brandon Kintzler threw a hitless ninth for his sixth save on the season. On offense, Segura took center stage. In his Huntsville Stars and Brewers organization debut, the highly-touted shortstop went 2-for-4 with a single, double, stolen base and scored two runs. Aside from Segura, Khris Davis increased his hitting streak to 13 games with a 3-for-4 night at the plate with a double and two runs batted in. Also, with his sixth inning double, Morris now leads the Southern League in two-baggers with 33. Game two of a five-game series with the Lookouts will take place on Monday. First pitch is at 6:43 PM.

Huntsville Times Mark McCarter on the importance of the ten-game homestand with Chattanooga and Pensacola, particularly the current series -- Not to place too much emphasis on it, but the season is on the line for the Stars the next five days. They're chasing Chattanooga in the Southern League North for a playoff spot (Jackson won the first half and has already clinched one berth). Huntsville can't afford to let the Lookouts create even more space between the two. This will be the last head-to-head meeting between the Stars and Lookouts, despite being in the same division. In another of the obvious flaws in the league schedule, Huntsville plays 20 of its final 30 games against teams from the opposite division, limiting opportunity to make up ground head-to-head.

Sounds Tweet: Albuquerque's Jerry Sands ties PCL record with 2 grand slams off Seth McClung in first four innings of tonight's second game.

Red-hot Huntsville OF Khris Davis promoted to AAA Nashville Congrats!

Stars' Khris Davis stays hot in team's latest win By Bill Bryant, The Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Khris Davis grounded into a routine 5-4-3 double play in his last at-bat for the Huntsville Stars today. But it's what he did before his fourth appearance at the plate that went a long way toward giving them a 3-1 victory over Chattanooga at Joe Davis Stadium. And, combined with what he did on the Stars' recent road trip, it's what earned him a spot in Triple-A Nashville, starting Monday. Davis went 3-for-4 in what may very well have been his last Double-A game, raising his average to .383, and he also drove in a pair of runs for Huntsville (17-19). The outfielder had hit safely in six straight at-bats before his ground ball in the eighth inning, and, prior to Saturday night, had homered in five straight games. That will get you noticed by the front office. "His numbers speak for themselves," Stars manager Darnell Coles said. They spoke volumes against first-place Chattanooga (21-15), which held a 1-0 lead until the bottom of the fourth inning. That's when newcomer Jean Segura, a shortstop with, as Coles put it, "talent that's off the charts," started things with a double off of the wall in center field. The shortstop, one of three prospects acquired by the Brewers from the Angels in exchange for pitcher Zack Greinke, was soon sent home by a Davis single. In the sixth inning, Segura and Davis were at it again, this time with the former singling and stealing, and the latter sending him across the plate with a double. "I'm in one of those situations where I'm in the zone, and everything's slowed down," Davis said. "You enjoy it while it lasts and try to keep it going as long as you can, because you know it won't go on forever. It's a beautiful thing." Hunter Morris followed Davis' hit with another double off of the wall to give the Stars an insurance run. That proved to be more than enough for four Huntsville pitchers to handle. Dan Meadows started and went three innings before being relieved by Dan Merklinger, whose three-plus innings came and went without incident. Merklinger allowed just two hits, no runs and struck out three to improve to 4-7 on the season. "No question, it was (one of his best outings)," Coles said. "Merk came right at them. He had an exceptional breaking ball, and he had quick innings." Indeed, the game was completed in a tidy 2:14. "That's been our recipe for winning all year," Coles said. "We need good pitching in the middle." The tail end wasn't too shabby either, with reliever Darren Byrd striking out three of the four hitters he faced, and Brandon Kintzler wrapping things up with a scoreless ninth for his sixth save. After the game, Davis went directly to Coles' office and got the news about Nashville. "He's done an exceptional job after coming back from his calf injury (in June)," Coles said. "He came back prepared to play. He worked hard on his defense, his base running, all of it. Hitting-wise, (coach Dwayne) Hosey took care of that. "That's what we're here for ... to develop these guys to move on to Triple-A, or hopefully, to the big leagues. I couldn't be happier for him."

Post-Crescent Q&A with catcher Cameron Garfield

Brutal July for Logan Schafer - stat page

Pioneer League Fun: Billings and Helena combined to uncork 10 wild pitches Saturday (no passed balls in the game, apparently not previously an Arizona League official scorer) *** What's up with the Michael Reed strikeouts? Now 40 in 123 H-Crew AB's, golden sombrero Saturday night.

Billings Gazette Photo by Paul RuhterRobert Ramirez of the Mustangs looses a ball near second base while Helena's Kevin Berard records a steal on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Dehler Park. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/88/9889e8e7-1b08-57fd-8e18-1ef58547b734/5014ce372da5a.preview-620.jpg

Tedaldtada said: "On a serious note, I have to get married Saturday evening. So, just reminding any relevant folks that I hope to have the next 2 nights off from Link Reporting. One night for fun and one night for putting my life back together after putting on a party for 175. My house is a monstrous pile of garbage and in-the-box home appliances and that needs to be remedied." *** That was yeoman work by TC07 Saturday night, thanks so much. Let's see if we can ease the burden by having someone else step in for the Brevard County and Helena matinees today, which Tedaldtada would normally get. If somebody's up for the late Maryvale game, great, otherwise I'll plug in Monday AM. Thanks.

Look for Nashville and Wisconsin media notes at the links just prior to their game times. Huntsville is posting theirs more consistently (and last did so Friday). Rest your pointer under the "Roster" banner on the Stars' home page to see the link.

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.

FYI: Notice that it's a fresh start for Helena, 2nd half standings commence. Go get 'em, boys!

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 Rookie Advanced - Pioneer League North Division Rookie - Arizona Summer League DSL - Dominican Summer League San Pedro de Macoris Division *** NOTE: AAA Nashville does not play a split schedule. The other leagues, including the rookie leagues, do. When you click on a standings link for Huntsville, Brevard County or Wisconsin, you'll then be able to choose 1st half and/or overall standings in addition to the current 2nd half standings.

Follow Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Game One Nashville Game Two Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Maryvale DSL Brewers

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP's Hiram Burgos and Seth McClung in a doubleheader at home vs. Albuquerque (Dodgers), 4:50 PM pre-game, 5:05 gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Free Live Audio Link Jeff Hem is the new 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). We imagine the audio feed is from the home team. All MiLB.TV details available at the link. ********** Huntsville: TBD at home vs. Chattanooga (Dodgers), 3:48 PM pre-game, 4:03 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Huntsville feed from the MiLB main audio page Alex Cohen is the new play-by-play voice of the Stars; follow him on Twitter @alexmcohen. It's fantastic that Huntsville is returning to what will be a traditional broadcast format this year. All games, home and away, are scheduled to be broadcast. MiLB.TV subsciption note: Huntsville road games in four locales (Mississippi, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Pensacola) will be broadcast. ********** Brevard County: LHP Jed Bradley at Fort Myers (Twins), 12:05 PM gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Fort Myers feed from the MiLB main audio page Once again this season, Brevard does not have its own audio coverage. It appears two teams in the Manatees North Division (within which the majority of games are played) have audio, and all six teams in the South Division have audio (at least for their home games), so there will be opportunities to listen to approx. 70% or Brevard's games this season, just all from the opponent's perspective. There are no Florida State League games on MiLB.TV this year. ********** Wisconsin: RHP Jacob Barnes at Clinton (Mariners), 1:40 PM pre-game, 2:00 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 only two (Great Lakes) Midwest League clubs that have all their home games available via MiLB.TV; Chris' call provides the audio. So for the $39.95 season-long package, fans in Brewer Nation can watch all Sounds games, all Timber Rattlers home games, and Stars' road games from four Southern League locales, plus one July Helena series (11th-13th). ********** Helena: RHP Ryan Gibbard at Billings (Reds), 2:50 PM pre-game, 3:05 gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page We're lucky to have Steve Wendt back on board for another H-Crew season. ********** Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Royals' complex in Surprise; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league ********** DSL Brewers: at the DSL Braves, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

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Mondesi brothers in same league as famous father dominated Scott Mansch, Great Falls Tribune Loyal readers of Down On The Farm realize that we often trek down memory lane in this space. It's not so difficult to do these days in the Pioneer League, what with two Mondesi men in the loop. While it seems like yesterday, it was actually 1990 when we recall covering a truly great Pioneer club from Great Falls. One fine summer afternoon is especially memorable, for two teenagers from the Dominican Republic had been instrumental in a victory for the Dodger farm club. We remember them sitting side by side in the clubhouse, and when we asked young Raul Mondesi a question, he shook his head and pointed to his buddy to interpret. It was Pedro Martinez. Mondesi, who went on to a tremendous big-league career that included 271 homers, 1,589 hits and the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1994, is one of the finest players the Pioneer League has ever produced. And Martinez is regarded as perhaps the best pitcher in league history. The three-time Cy Young Award winner pitched 18 years in the big leagues and collected 219 victories to go along with a fantastic 2.93 earned-run average. Raul spoke very little English 22 summers ago, but Pedro got by OK. We remember they were both gracious kids. And, of course, great players. Mondesi batted .303 with 10 doubles, 4 triples, 8 homers, 31 RBI and a team-high 30 stolen bases for Great Falls in 1990. He made the Pioneer League All-Star team and led Great Falls to the league championship. Those numbers are outstanding in any league, and difficult for any player to match. But imagine the burden for a son or two now trying to make a name for himself in the same league? Raul Mondesi Jr. is a 19-year-old outfielder for the Helena Brewers. His little brother, Idaho Falls shortstop Adelberto Mondesi, is a 16-year-old who last week displayed considerable skill at Centene Stadium. "Every day I talk with (his father)," said Adelberto in a brief interview last week. "And every day I talk to my brother, to find out how he played." Adelberto was born in Los Angeles when his father was playing for the Dodgers. But he's grown up in the Dominican Republic and is still learning the language here. But that's OK. Because his skills speak loudly. "He's a great guy," said Idaho Falls manager Omar Ramirez. He's young and still learning, but he's a guy who can play the shortstop position. And he's gonna be a star one day. He can run, he can steal bases — he's a very exciting player. He has made some unbelievable plays this year. Plays that make us go 'Wow.' " Adelberto, who signed for signed with the Kansas City organization for a reported $2 million bonus, was hitting .313 entering Saturday's action. "Being a 16-year-old in this league and competing like he's competing, that's pretty special," Great Falls manager Ryan Newman said. "The tools that he's shown us defensively and offensively, obviously he's grown up around the game. It's pretty cool to have two boys like that in this league and playing at the level they're playing at." Raul Jr., who signed with the Milwaukee organization in 2010 for a reported $800,000 bonus, has three homers this summer. But it's not his bat that impresses so much. "Great outfielder," said Ramirez, who played 17 seasons or organized ball in the minors. "Raul's probably the best outfielder that I've seen so far in this league. Like most of the hitters in this league, he's still learning. "They both are very good runners, and they both have good arms." Their father, you might recall, could run, throw and hit. In fact, he was truly considered a five-tool player. And now maybe, just maybe, the two young brothers will add to the Mondesi big-league legacy. "Those boys have a ton of talent," Newman said. "The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, that's for sure." If you think Down On The Farmis living in the past today, you should talk to Shelley Haffner. For 10 years, Shelley and her husband John housed professional ballplayers for the summer. In 1990, the Haffner household included both Pedro Martinez and Raul Mondesi. "We had so much fun that year," Shelley said. "It was our best year. Those boys called me Mom." And, she said, they were not shy about helping with the chores. "Really good kids," Shelley said. "They helped around the house and they helped me with the yardwork. If I needed them to take out the garbage they did. Just very polite and nice." Shelley took time to visit with Raul Jr. when the Helena Brewers were at Centene earlier this summer. And this week, she sought out Adelberto to talk a bit and reminisce about days gone by. "I told those boys they're like my grandkids," Shelley said. "And they just laughed". Have there ever been brothers playing in the Pioneer League at the same time? Well, we remember one particular set of slugging siblings. In 1987 and 1988, the Helena Brewers were powered by the Marrero boys, twin brothers from Puerto Rico. Oreste Marrero batted .325 as a 17-year-old for Helena in 1987, with seven homers in 51 games. The next summer, Oreste hit .354 with 16 homers for the team. In 1987, Vilato Marrero batted .288 with 14 doubles, 3 triples and six homers. Then in 1988, Vilato hit .270 with 14 doubles and three homers. Vilato played only five seasons of organized ball, while Oresto's career spanned 19 years and included 32 big-league games for the Montreal Expos in 1993 and 10 games in the majors for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1996. There's one more memory of Mr. Mondesi we'd like to share. About 14 years ago we were at Coors Field in Denver when the Dodgers were playing the Rockies. Here's what Raul Mondesi had to say about his days in Great Falls: "I appreciate all the things people did for me there," he said. "Everybody treated me real fine. Sometime, I'm going to go back to visit." A few weeks ago, Raul Mondesi Sr. was in Helena to watch his oldest son. While he hasn't been to Centene Stadium this summer, that could still happen. The Great Falls Voyagers play host to Helena for a four-game series starting Aug. 30. "It would be so great to see him again," Shelley said. "He and Pedro meant a lot to me. It was great to meet Raul's sons."

Billy Hamilton reaches 115 steals in Wahoos' win by Bill Vilona, Pensacola News-Journal For a second night, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos continued their balanced production. It resulted in a second win. Seven of the eight position players contributed at the plate, catcher Mark Fleury helped with his glove and reliever Wilkin De La Rosa earned his first save for Pensacola in a 6-4 victory against the Huntsville Stars. “It was a well-played game, we had a chance to run the bases a little bit and got a couple timely hits,” said Wahoos manager Jim Riggleman, whose club improved to 54-50 overall, 20-15 in the second half of Southern League play. “(Stars) are a very good ballclub. They are going to get even better with a trade (the Milwaukee Brewers) made for three (minor league) ballplayers, so it will be an even better club when we see them again next week (on road).” The 34th sellout of 54 home games watched the Blue Wahoos end the five-game series with a pair of solid wins, plus a post-game fireworks display, before the team hit the road for 10 games. It matches their longest break between homestands since April. The hitting contribution began with Billy Hamilton. He produced a pair of singles, including a run-scoring hit in the fourth inning that drove in the fifth run. He was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double after the runner crossed the plate. But Hamilton stole two bases after leading off the first inning with a single, later scoring on Bryson Smith’s sacrifice fly. Brodie Greene, who has struggled at the plate, delivered a two-out, two-run single to complete the first-inning rally. The steals pushed Hamilton to 115 for the season, which stands 30 behind the all-time professional baseball record of 145 set by former St. Louis Cardinals great Vince Coleman in 1983 with Low-A Macon of the South Atlantic League. Hamilton’s RBI hit in the fifth added another run, then Donald Lutz and Smith produced back-to-back triples in the eighth. De La Rosa, who combined with Daniel Corcino for the team no-hitter earlier this season, was solid in pitching the final two innings for the save. “He is a great kid, a great competitor,” Riggleman said. “Hopefully he builds on that and realizes he can be a real effective guy at this level and move on.” The Pensacola Blue Wahoos' Billy Hamilton slides head-first while stealing second base during the first inning of Saturday night's game against Huntsville. Awaiting the late throw is Stars' shortstop Tommy Manzella. / Photo courtesy the Pensacola Blue Wahoos http://cmsimg.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DP&Date=20120729&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=307290023&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Billy-Hamilton-reaches-115-steals-Wahoos-win