Jim Goulart

It's early as I post, but as game time approaches, look for your media notes at these links: Nashville Wisconsin

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.

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

Follow Sunday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Brevard County Wisconsin

Please note the following from the Rattler Radio Blog: If you listen to the Timber Rattlers on the internet feed see below information for IMPORTANT NEWS!! There have been issues with the internet feed the last few nights and the station engineer gave me the story and a few tips on how to listen to the games. The story: The station has moved to a new provider for the internet feed. The new provider is supposed to be able to automatically take out the commercials and go back into programming. There have been a few problems with that on their end, but here are the fixes he suggested. #1: There is a new link or try the Main WNAM page and click on the big LISTEN LIVE button at the top. #2: Download the Silverlight and Adobe Flash programs and start running them on your computer. #3*: Be Patient. If you go to the link and there is dead air, hang with it the programming should come back on. #4**: Test it out before the game. *-This is the most important one. My blood pressure started to go up after I was at the new link and heard nothing for 45 WHOLE SECONDS! The NERVE! **-This one is mine…but it makes sense. If you are in the listening area, feel free to tune in on AM1280, WNAM. __________ We'll post this one more day (Memorial Day), the link in the Daily Menu matches the link Chris suggests.

Sunday's Daily Menu: All times are Central Nashville: RHP Wily Peralta at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 1:50 PM pre-game, 2:05 gametime 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: Idle ********** Brevard County: RHP Taylor Jungmann at Dunedin (Blue Jays), 12:00 PM gametime Free Live Audio Link -- Select the Dunedin 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: LHP Will West at Peoria (Cubs), 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 24 Stars' road games (one Helena series this summer, too).

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

Rattlers with a three-game division lead in the first-half race now, and the Stars just a game out of first -- nice!

Sounds' Conrad continues power surge Brewers farmhand has homered in four straight, eight of nine By Sam Dykstra / Special to MLB.com Sometimes adjustments of mere fractions of inches can produce substantial much more substantial results. That's the case for Brooks Conrad, who homered for the fourth straight game Saturday as the Triple-A Nashville Sounds defeated the Round Rock Express, 7-3. The 31-year-old switch-hitter has gone yard in eight of his last nine contests, totaling 22 RBIs during that stretch. He had homered only twice in his 12 previous games for the Brewers' top affiliate and failed to hit a longball during a 13-game stint with Milwaukee. "It's something I haven't ever done," Conrad said. "But you know, I'm staying on the ball better, I'm seeing the ball better and it's turning into results." The big difference? A small change in the way he holds the bat. After going 0-for-21 during his stay in the Majors from May 4-19, Conrad knew something wasn't quite right at the plate. So he went to work with Sounds hitting coach Al LeBoeuf, trying to correct the problem. "When I came back down, my Triple-A hitting coach turned it around right away and identified something I could work on," Conrad said. "It's just the way I'm holding my hands. We made an adjustment there that keeps me shorter to the ball, allows me to identify pitches better." But Conrad also did not let himself off the hook quite so easily in blaming the juxtaposition of his Major League struggles with his Minor League triumph on a technical issue. "It's two different levels as well," he said. "At the big league level, you make a mistake and you're popping balls up and that's the end of your at-bat. You're not going to get many pitches to hit, either, so everything that you're doing wrong gets magnified." Conrad signed a Minor League deal with the Brewers in January after parting ways with the Braves, the team that gave him his first chance to become a full-time Major Leaguer. The infielder earned the nickname "Clutch Conrad" during the 2010 season in Atlanta for his late-inning heroics. "I played against [the Brewers] a number of times over the past couple years and I gained a huge amount of respect for the way they go about their business," he said. "The whole team hustles, gets after it, slides into second base, plays scrappy baseball. I thought it'd be nice to be on their side because whenever we faced them, we had to pitch our best to win. "When they called in the offseason, I thought, 'Yeah, that'd be a good fit,' and wanted to be part of the team." But everything didn't go according to plan. Conrad lost out on the final utility spot to Travis Ishikawa after hitting .204 (11-for-54) in Spring Training. After being recalled early this month as a replacement for the injured Mat Gamel, he still didn't hit. Conrad, however, remains optimistic about his chances the rest of the season, especially given his recent power surge. "I'm happy to still have a job, no matter where it is," he said. "All you can do is ask for a shot somewhere, and I'm glad to have that. I'd obviously love to help the big club at some point, but I'm really enjoying myself. The entire organization has been tremendous." Brooks Conrad has totaled 22 RBIs over his last nine games. (Mike Strasinger/Nashville Sounds) http://www.milb.com/images/2012/05/26/NhEr42m4.jpg

For MiLB.TV subscribers, a reminder that the upcoming Huntsville series against the Cubs' Tennessee affiliate will be video-streamed online. That would include Tyler Thornburg's (likely) next start (Tuesday or Wednesday depending on how the staff uses Sunday's day off, probably Wednesday), conveniently scheduled before a West Coast Brewers game. Also in the Southern League, the number of teams online now has doubled from two to four, with Mississippi and Pensacola joining the fray. Remember that all Sounds games and all Rattlers home games are video-streamed.

Offensive Barrage Leads Stars to Victory HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- The Huntsville Stars offense exploded with a season-high in runs and 14 hits as they took the series finale with the Birmingham Barons by a score of 12-4 at Joe Davis Stadium on Saturday night. The bats broke out for Huntsville early, as center fielder Josh Prince homered on the third pitch he saw to lead off the game for the Stars. Then in the second inning, a two-run double by shortstop Tommy Manzella gave Huntsville a 3-0 lead. In the third inning, the Stars offense skyrocketed. Beginning with five straight singles to lead off the frame, Huntsville ended up sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring eight runs when all was said and done. The scoring began with RBI singles from catcher Anderson De La Rosa, right fielder Kentrail Davis and left fielder Juan Sanchez off of Birmingham starter Eric Wickswat. De La Rosa scored on a wild pitch from Barons reliever Nevin Griffith. Then, with the bases loaded, first baseman Hunter Morris delivered a three-run triple to give the Stars a commanding 11-0 lead. The run support was plenty for Stars starter Hiram Burgos, who earned the first Double-A win of his career after giving up four runs in six-plus innings of work. The 24-year-old righty improved to 1-1 on the season while striking out eight batters, tying his season-high with the Stars. Aside from Burgos, relievers Brandon Kintzler, Santo Manzanillo and Jesus Sanchez each had scoreless innings. For Birmingham, first baseman Seth Loman went 3-for-5 with a solo home run off of Burgos in the sixth inning and three RBI. Center fielder Jared Mitchell also went 3-for-3 and walked twice. On offense for the Stars, Manzella, Morris and Davis each had two hits. Second baseman Scooter Gennett also went 1-for-3, increasing his hitting-streak to ten games. After winning four-out-of-five against Birmingham, the Stars will hit the road to Kodak, Tennessee on Monday to begin a five-game series with the Tennessee Smokies (Cubs). First pitch is at 6:15 CT.

Peoria Star Newspaper Story -- But Peoria starter Gerardo Concepcion had no answer for Wisconsin second baseman Greg Hopkins, who homered twice and doubled in the game’s first run against the lefty. “Something clicked,” Hopkins said. “I just went out and had some good at-bats and had some fun.” *** Also at that link, despite an 11-3 loss, you'll see video highlights of positive Chiefs' plays. And read the link to see who is joining the Cubs' affiliate later in this series.

The teams continue the series on Sunday afternoon with a 2:05 p.m. matinee. Right-hander Wily Peralta (1-5, 5.63) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Round Rock southpaw Michael Kirkman (3-1, 6.25). Mike Fiers won't be in a Brewer uniform until Tuesday, but gotta believe he'll be in L.A. Monday to begin going over Dodger scouting reports, right? Yes, all speculation for now, but logical, right? The fact they haven't announced anything yet either is just keeping the Dodgers unprepared or means Tyler Thornburg is still in the mix. Stars off Sunday, does Tyler get on the bus to Tennessee?

The newest addition to our growing team of Link Reporters, Brad, was all over the Dunedin broadcast of the Manatees game tonight, and included these notes in his report: Joey Paciorek joined the Manatees today as they have lost three catchers to injury now in the past two days days. Brent Dean landed on the DL a couple days ago. Then Adam Weisenburger and Shawn Zarraga were both injured on plays at the plate last night. Weisenburger left the game after a 6th inning collision and Zarraga was injured running over the Dunedin catcher in the eighth. *** Not sure if Dean's DL stint was one of those taxi squad "healthy" placements, but since he has to stay on the DL for the 7-day minimum, Paciorek was summoned.

So happy for Vinny Rottino, 1st major league HR today. It wasn't the greatest season I've seen in 11-plus years of Link Reporting (.834 OPS, age 24 season in A-Ball), but Vinny's 124 RBI in a single minor league season with Beloit in 2004 has to be the most remarkable single season-long number I've had the chance to chronicle.

Posted this in the Link Report tonight, but for record-keeping, here as well... *** Just keep telling yourself he's only 17, and will come back like a champ in 2013: Via Tom Haudricourt: Short at shortstop It's no secret that the Brewers are thin at shortstop after dealing former top prospect Alcides Escobar to the Royals before the 2011 season in the Zack Greinke deal. That's why the loss of Alex Gonzalez for the season with a knee injury was so discouraging. That shortage was the reason the Brewers claimed Jeff Bianchi, now at Class AAA Nashville, off waivers from the Cubs over the off-season. And why they signed former Houston shortstop Tommy Manzella a few weeks ago to play that position at Class AA Huntsville. Now comes the news that shortstop prospect Orlando Arcia will miss the entire 2012 season after fracturing an ankle sliding into second base during a game in extended spring training. Arcia, 17, was slated to play rookie ball, either at Helena or Arizona, when that level begins play in June. Arcia, a native of Venezuela, attracted attention last summer with a strong performance in the Dominican Summer League at age 16. In 64 games, he batted .294 with 16 doubles, six home runs and 36 RBI, with 30 walks and only 20 strikeouts in 218 at-bats. Arcia also is impressive in the field with great range and a strong arm. At his age, there's plenty of time to bounce back from the injury, but it still is disappointing for the Brewers that he will not play in 2012. "We're hoping he'll be able to do something by instructional ball (in the fall)," said Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash. "He had a plate put in the ankle by Dr. ( William) Raasch. It was a bad break. "Missing the year certainly doesn't help. He should be able to play in our Dominican academy (over the winter)." The Brewers do have another young shortstop they like, 20-year-old Yadiel Rivera, currently playing at low Class A Wisconsin. Selected in the ninth round of the 2010 draft out of Puerto Rico, Rivera is a solid defender who must improve his plate discipline. Through 44 games for the Timber Rattlers, Rivera was batting .244 with 11 doubles, five homers and 17 RBI, with only six walks and 44 strikeouts. He saw a 10-game hitting streak end Friday.

Just keep telling yourself he's only 17, and will come back like a champ in 2013: Via Tom Haudricourt: Short at shortstop It's no secret that the Brewers are thin at shortstop after dealing former top prospect Alcides Escobar to the Royals before the 2011 season in the Zack Greinke deal. That's why the loss of Alex Gonzalez for the season with a knee injury was so discouraging. That shortage was the reason the Brewers claimed Jeff Bianchi, now at Class AAA Nashville, off waivers from the Cubs over the off-season. And why they signed former Houston shortstop Tommy Manzella a few weeks ago to play that position at Class AA Huntsville. Now comes the news that shortstop prospect Orlando Arcia will miss the entire 2012 season after fracturing an ankle sliding into second base during a game in extended spring training. Arcia, 17, was slated to play rookie ball, either at Helena or Arizona, when that level begins play in June. Arcia, a native of Venezuela, attracted attention last summer with a strong performance in the Dominican Summer League at age 16. In 64 games, he batted .294 with 16 doubles, six home runs and 36 RBI, with 30 walks and only 20 strikeouts in 218 at-bats. Arcia also is impressive in the field with great range and a strong arm. At his age, there's plenty of time to bounce back from the injury, but it still is disappointing for the Brewers that he will not play in 2012. "We're hoping he'll be able to do something by instructional ball (in the fall)," said Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash. "He had a plate put in the ankle by Dr. ( William) Raasch. It was a bad break. "Missing the year certainly doesn't help. He should be able to play in our Dominican academy (over the winter)." The Brewers do have another young shortstop they like, 20-year-old Yadiel Rivera, currently playing at low Class A Wisconsin. Selected in the ninth round of the 2010 draft out of Puerto Rico, Rivera is a solid defender who must improve his plate discipline. Through 44 games for the Timber Rattlers, Rivera was batting .244 with 11 doubles, five homers and 17 RBI, with only six walks and 44 strikeouts. He saw a 10-game hitting streak end Friday.

At Wisconsin, OF Ben McMahan goes on the DL with an undisclosed injury (bummer), allows last year's 45th round pick, IF (and some OF) Adrian Williams, out of UCLA, to come off the DL.

Huntsville Media Notes

Wisconsin Media Notes

Nashville Media Notes

Nashville Media Notes: MAYSONET RECALLED BY BREWERS; BIANCHI, GONZALEZ RETURN TO SOUNDS: Infielder Edwin Maysonet’s second stay with the Sounds this season lasted only one game as the veteran was recalled by the Brewers late last night to replace injured shortstop Cesar Izturis. Infielder Andy Gonzalez, who was re-assigned to Double-A Huntsville yesterday but never left town, has been readded to the Sounds’ roster. Gonzalez has been red-hot at the plate, batting .425 (17-for-40) in his last 11 contests, including a current season-best eight-game hit streak. In another set of moves, infielder Jeff Bianchi has been activated from the disabled list after missing eight games with a forearm strain. Prior to his injury, Bianchi hit .333 (10-for-30) in 10 tilts for the Sounds. Veteran utilityman Erick Almonte, who is hitting just .203 in 33 games, has been placed on the Nashville D.L., retroactive to yesterday.

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.

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

Follow Saturday's action as it happens with box score / game log links: Nashville Huntsville Brevard County Wisconsin