Jim Goulart

Rattler Radio Post-Game Thoughts -- read them before watching the video in the next post.

Final: Burlington 8, @Wisconsin 2 Bees top RattlersBy Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber RattlersGRAND CHUTE, WI - The Burlington Bees bopped out 14 hits to beat the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 8-2 on Saturday night at Time Warner Cable. A.J. Kirby-Jones did most of the damage to spoil Wisconsin's first home game since July 18. The Bees' first baseman drove in five runs in the game with a double and a home run. Wisconsin (51-53 overall, 13-21 second half) had an early opportunity against Burlington starting pitcher Jose Macias. The Rattlers loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, but Macias escaped. Burlington (56-48, 11-23) took the lead in the top of the second inning. Tony Thompson homered with one out and the Bees were up 1-0. Kirby-Jones stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out in the top of the third inning and doubled off the wall in left to send three runs home, An RBI single by Douglas Landaeta later in the frame got Kirby-Jones home for a 5-0 Burlington lead. The Rattlers cashed in an opportunity in the bottom of the third. Nick Shaw tripled to start the inning. T.J. Mittelstaedt drove him in with a grounder. But Burlington got that run back in the top of the fourth on an RBI grounder by Tyreace House. Jason Rogers pulled the Rattlers back to within four runs with a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning. Then, Kirby-Jones struck again. He lifted a two-run home run to left in the top of the seventh inning and the Bees had an 8-2 lead. Macias pitched five innings and allowed two runs (one earned for the win). The two Burlington relievers used in the game each went two innings, allowed one hit, walked one, and struck out two to close out the Rattlers. Game two of the series is Sunday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Field. Charly Bashara (4-3, 4.90) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Blake Hassebrock (5-6, 2.48) gets the call for the Bees. Game time is 1:05 PM. Sunday is "Bring Your Pup to the Park" Day at Time Warner Cable Field. The left field berm has been set aside as a seating area for canines and their owners. Tickets for dogs are $2 and $5 for their owners. Proceeds from the dogs' tickets will be donated to the Fox Valley Humane Association. Before the game, fans may play catch on the field presented by momslikeme.com. During the game, the Timber Rattlers players will be wearing jerseys and caps based on those of the 1975 Milwaukee Brewers as part of Brewers Sunday. After the game, players will be available for a post-game autograph session. If you can't make it out to the ballpark on Sunday, tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM or timberrattlers.com starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 12:45 PM. Wisconsin Box Score RHP Matt Miller wasn't mentioned by name in Chris' summary, for which Miller should be thankful -- 11 baserunners in four innings, six earned runs; LHP Brian Garman hit around a bit as well, and baby-step scoreless outings for RHP's Seth Lintz and Adrian Rosario in mop-up mode; 22-year-old RF Chad Stang had a fine game, 3-for-3 (two doubles) and a walk; Nick Shaw singled in addition to his triple; 1B Nick Ramirez 0-for-5, now 1-for-his-first-16 (one BB, 3 K's) since joining the club from Helena... Wisconsin Play-by-Play

Final: Bradenton 7, @Brevard County 0 Brevard County blanked by Bradenton By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees woes continued as the 'Tees were shut out 7-0 by the Bradenton Marauders in front of 2,248 fans on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium. Manatees (43-61 overall, 16-18 second half) starting pitcher Austin Ross allowed seven runs - six earned - in five innings of work. He gave up ten hits and walked three. It was the third straight start in which Ross allowed five or more earned runs. After plating one run off of Ross in the first, the Maraduers (51-56, 21-16) extended their lead to 4-0 in the third on a two-out opposite field three-run homer by Evan Chambers. Bradenton would add another run - this time unearned - in the fifth inning to make it 5-0. Ross started the sixth and allowed back-to-back singles and was then replaced by Jon Pokorny. After getting one out, Pokorny proceeded to walk three straight hitters, which led to two more Marauders runs. Offensively, the 'Tees were shut down for the second night in a row as they managed just six singles and only had one runner get past second base. Both Scooter Gennett and Kentrail Davis went 2-for-4 in the loss. The Manatees and Marauders will continue their four-game set on Sunday evening at 5:05 PM (4:05 Central). Brevard County will send Tyler Thornburg (2-2, 3.13) to the mound, in hopes of snapping a four-game losing streak. Bradenton will counter will Brian Leach (1-4, 8.60). Brevard County Box Score Well, there goes the positive vibes thus far for the evening's action; there's no sugar-coating it -- only one of Austin Ross' seven Manatee starts since his promotion has been quality, he's walked more than he's fanned as well (stat lines here); Ross, the LSU product, turns 23 in August; D'Vontrey Richardson (seven errors in CF) and Scooter Gennett (19 errors at second base) reached those totals in this one; Chris Dennis, DH'ing here (0-for-3) drew some walks this week, but it's been a tough go still at high-A... Brevard County Play-by-Play The Sea Cows seem to have a ton of really stinko clunkers at home in Space Coast Stadium especially -- tough season for the small Manatee season ticket holder fan base...

Final: Huntsville 7, @Birmingham 1 Statia’s Four-RBI Night Shoots Stars to Victory Over Barons BIRMINGHAM, AL – Hainley Statia used the power of the long ball to shoot the Huntsville Stars (53-52) to a game five victory over the Birmingham Barons (55-50), 7-1 in the series rubber match. Statia had his second home run of the season in the first inning with Lee Haydel on base. He drove in two more in the second inning with a single. With plenty of run support, Cody Scarpetta (7-5) allowed the Barons just three hits and one run over six innings. Justin Edwards (3-5) gave up all seven runs; only five were earned, on seven hits and two walks. Greg Paiml made a costly error for the second straight night that set the stage for two runs to score. The Stars return home for a ten-game home stand against the Carolina Mudcats and Tennessee Smokies. RHP Wily Peralta (8-6, 3.45 ERA) will lead the charge for game one of the series with the Mudcats on Sunday. *** Stars Melt Barons, 7-1Hoover, AL - Hainley Statia homered and drove in four runs as the Huntsville Stars (16-19, 53-52) melted the Birmingham Barons (15-20, 55-50), 7-1, in front of 5,118 fans Saturday night at Regions Park. Huntsville hung two runs on the scoreboard in the first inning when Lee Haydel drew a leadoff walk and Statia followed with his second home run of the season over the left-center field wall, 2-0. The Stars doubled their lead in the second inning when Brock Kjeldgaard singled, Khris Davis reached on an error and Anderson de la Rosa singled to load the bases. Statia's single up the middle brought home Kjeldgaard and Davis as the Stars claimed a four-run edge, 4-0. Huntsville tacked on three runs in the fifth inning when Haydel walked, stole second base and raced home on Steffan Wilson's double down the left field line. After Wilson stole third base and Zelous Wheeler walked, Kjeldgaard smashed a double to right field that plated both runners, 7-0. Birmingham scored one run in the bottom of the fifth inning when Ross Wilson walked, bumped to second base on a walk to Luis Sierra and dashed to third base when Greg Paiml grounded into a double play. Alden Carrithers singled to left field that drove home Wilson for the Barons only run, 7-1. Huntsville starter Cody Scarpetta (7-5) earned the victory after he tossed 6.0 IP with one earned run on 3 hits, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. Justin Edwards (3-5) suffered the defeat for the Barons after he surrendered seven earned runs with 7 hits, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in 5.0 IP. Huntsville Box Score Stars with one of their best efforts all season -- clutch hitting makes the most of seven base hits and four walks, clean defense, a nice, if slighly imperfect start from Cody Scarpetta, and three relievers tossing a shutout inning, including Santo Manzanillo striking out the side around a two-out single for the save. Scarpetta walked three and hit two batters, which isn't ideal, but still a good night; Hainley Statia was drafted in the 9th round by the Angels out of a Florida high school back in 2004, but he's still only 25 years old, and is proving to be quite an astute independent league signing by the Crew - OBP of .351 with only 22 K's in 202 AB's -- Statia's Saturday power show a bonus; 1B Sean Halton's pace has slowed, 4-for-34 in his last ten games; 3B Zelous Wheeler walked, but overall it's been a tough return to AA after his DL stint... Huntsville Play-by-Play Clutch 1st inning for Cody -- Birmingham Bottom of the 1st Alden Carrithers singles on a line drive to center fielder Lee Haydel. Jose Martinez doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Lee Haydel. Alden Carrithers to 3rd. Brandon Short grounds out, pitcher Cody Scarpetta to first baseman Sean Halton. Jon Gilmore pops out to second baseman Matt Cline. Seth Loman strikes out swinging. SANTO! Birmingham Bottom of the 9th Pitcher Change: Santo Manzanillo replaces Jesus Sanchez. Justin Greene strikes out swinging. Ross Wilson strikes out swinging. Luis Sierra singles on a line drive to left fielder Khris Davis. Greg Paiml called out on strikes.

Here's video of Logan Schafer's triple in the Sounds' Friday night loss at Oklahoma City.

To make room for Eric Farris back in Nashville, C Patrick Arlis is once again placed on the DL.

Great news, the Nashville Media Notes indicate that RHP Mike Fiers (bruised finger) will come off the DL Wednesday to make his start.

Final: @Nashville 3, Round Rock 2 Packed House Watches Nashville Win, 3-2, Over Round Rock In Home Opener Schafer, Farris account for six of the club's eight hits Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds topped the Round Rock Express in an exciting 3-2 victory in the opener of a four-game set in front of 9,503 fans at Greer Stadium on Saturday night. Center fielder Logan Schafer and second baseman Eric Farris each doubled while recording three hits in the victory. The three-hit game for Schafer was his first of the season and also extended his hitting streak to nine games, the longest active streak on the club. In his first game back with the Sounds, Farris went a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Jordan Brown and Taylor Green accounted for the club's other two hits. Nashville has played a PCL-high 45 one-run games this season, going 21-24 in those contests. The Sounds' 21 one-run wins are the second-most in the PCL behind Sacramento's 22 victories. In his eighth quality start, Sounds starter Sam Narron (5-4) allowed one run on five hits with six strikeouts in six innings of work. Narron's six strikeouts all occurred through the first 10 batters he faced. Narron has recorded a 2.66 ERA (6 ER / 20.1 IP) with 16 strikeouts in three starts against Round Rock this season. The Express plated their first run in the top of the fifth inning. Right fielder Joey Butler singled to lead off the frame. The next batter Matt Kata then lined a double off the wall in left field, but Butler was victim of Nashville's 36th outfield assist as Jordan Brown threw out Butler at home. Two batters later, Leonys Martin singled home Kata. The Sounds knotted the contest at 1-1 in the next frame as Farris hit a one-out double over the first baseman's head to reach. Farris then stole third base and scored on Schafer's two-out double that one-hopped the center field wall. Nashville took a 3-1 lead in the next inning as Taylor Green led off the frame with a single. Green moved to second on a wild pitch, so Round Rock starter Ryan Tucker intentionally walked Mat Gamel. Later in the frame after Caleb Gindl worked a two-out walk, Farris lined a two-run single to center that chased Tucker from the game. The Express made the game exciting by scoring an unearned run in the top of the ninth inning. Butler lined a two-out double down the left field line and scored on the next play as Edwin Maysonet made a throwing error. Robinson Diaz then belted a long fly ball to deep center field, but Schafer was there to make a running catch at the wall to finish the game. Zack Segovia struck out one batter over two shutout frames in relief for his fifth straight scoreless appearance. Mike McClendon notched his sixth save. Tucker surrendered three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings for the loss. The Sounds and Express continue their series at 6:35 PM CT on Sunday night at Greer Stadium. Right-hander Josh Butler (6-5, 4.70) takes the mound for Nashville against Round Rock southpaw Martin Perez (1-2, 8.10). Nashville Box Score As noted in the prior post, Logan Schafer on fire -- 1.095 OPS in his first nine AAA games, two stolen bases, great defense -- we love Logan Schafer, and guarantee you the Brewers do, too; a return to a normal defensive alignment here; Gamel 1B, Farris 2B, Green 3B, Gindl RF; if Eric Farris is rejuvanated offensively by his one-day Miller Park stint, great... Nashville Play-by-Play Here's the Sounds' two scoring innings, sandwiched around Sam Narron getting thre consecutive force outs, don't see that often... Nashville Bottom of the 5th Caleb Gindl grounds out, second baseman Matt Kata to first baseman Brad Nelson. Eric Farris doubles (15) on a line drive to right fielder Joey Butler. With Edwin Maysonet batting, Eric Farris steals (15) 3rd base. Edwin Maysonet grounds out, third baseman Esteban German to first baseman Brad Nelson. Logan Schafer doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Leonys Martin. Eric Farris scores. Jordan Brown flies out to left fielder Val Majewski. Round Rock Top of the 6th Esteban German singles on a line drive to left fielder Jordan Brown. Brad Nelson grounds into a force out, second baseman Eric Farris to shortstop Edwin Maysonet. Esteban German out at 2nd. Brad Nelson to 1st. Chad Tracy grounds into a force out, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to second baseman Eric Farris. Brad Nelson out at 2nd. Chad Tracy to 1st. Val Majewski grounds into a force out, second baseman Eric Farris to shortstop Edwin Maysonet. Chad Tracy out at 2nd. Nashville Bottom of the 6th Taylor Green singles on a line drive to left fielder Val Majewski. Erick Almonte strikes out swinging. With Mat Gamel batting, wild pitch by Ryan Tucker, Taylor Green to 2nd. Ryan Tucker intentionally walks Mat Gamel. Mike Rivera called out on strikes. Caleb Gindl walks. Taylor Green to 3rd. Mat Gamel to 2nd. Eric Farris singles on a line drive to center fielder Leonys Martin. Taylor Green scores. Mat Gamel scores. Caleb Gindl to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Pedro Strop replaces Ryan Tucker. Edwin Maysonet flies out to center fielder Leonys Martin.

Rattler Radio Media Notes

Barnes only turned 21 last April, and at 6'2", 230, is a somewhat intriguing power arm to keep an eye on...

FGCU alum Barnes adjusting just fine to pro ball, Big Sky country By Andrew Sodergren, Naples Daily News Jacob Barnes has adjusted to life in professional baseball just fine. As for living in Montana, that’s taken some getting used to for the St. Petersburg native. Barnes, drafted out of Florida Gulf Coast University by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 14th round of this year’s draft, is pitching for the Helena Brewers in the remote rookie-level Pioneer League. “I’m playing my home games in Montana and road games in Wyoming, Idaho and Utah,” Barnes said. “I never really expected to end up at any of these places, but here I am. It’s a lot different than Florida. There’s not a whole lot to do and things are much quieter, which is fine because I can just focus on playing baseball.” So far, Barnes is playing baseball at a high level. In his first 10 relief appearances, Barnes has gone 2-0 with a 1.53 earned run average. In 17 2/3 innings, he’s allowed 13 hits with five walks and 22 strikeouts. Using a fastball that touches the mid-90s to go along with a solid slider and change-up, Barnes has found immediate success in the pros. “Here, you just have to realize that you can’t leave things up in the zone,” Barnes said. “In college, you can get by throwing your fastball by guys. In the pros, you’ve got to locate much better and keep the ball down.” Barnes was confident he could compete in the pros at a high level. That’s why he signed a professional contract instead of returning to FGCU for his senior season. “I thought at this point in my career, I was ready to take the next step,” Barnes said. “I felt I had the ability to compete at this level and I’m happy I’ve gotten a chance to prove myself. It’s all working out pretty well so far.” Barnes is proud to be one of the latest FGCU players to make an impact in the pros. Former FGCU pitchers Chris Sale and Casey Coleman have both made it to the major leagues, while there are a growing crop of former Eagles toiling for various organizations. “It shows that smaller schools like FGCU can produce prospects,” he said. “FGCU is pretty young as an athletic program and has already produced two major-league players. If you can do well there, you can do well anywhere.”

Good luck to Erik Komatsu, traded to the Nationals for Jerry Hairston (Major League Forum discussion). We've had fun following your career thus far and wish you well. Erik would have been # 9 on the Power 50 that will be posted before the weekend's out.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 57 49 .538 - - 32-24 25-25 4-6 W1 Memphis 52 54 .491 5.0 33 30-21 22-33 3-7 L3 Nashville 52 55 .486 5.5 33 32-23 20-32 7-3 L1 Iowa 47 60 .439 10.5 28 27-25 20-35 3-7 W1 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Chattanooga 20 14 .588 - - 9-10 11-4 6-4 L1 Carolina 15 19 .441 5.0 32 8-11 7-8 3-7 W1 Huntsville 15 19 .441 5.0 32 5-10 10-9 4-6 W1 * Tennessee 15 19 .441 5.0 32 9-6 6-13 4-6 L3 Jackson 14 20 .412 6.0 31 6-9 8-11 4-6 W1 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tampa 21 14 .600 - - 10-7 11-7 8-2 W5 Clearwater 18 17 .514 3.0 33 13-7 5-10 8-2 W2 Dunedin 17 18 .486 4.0 32 6-8 11-10 5-5 W1 Brevard County 16 17 .485 4.0 33 5-8 11-9 5-5 L3 * Daytona 16 19 .457 5.0 31 6-9 10-10 4-6 L3 Lakeland 14 19 .424 6.0 31 8-10 6-9 3-7 W1 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Kane County 20 13 .606 - - 9-9 11-4 7-3 W2 Quad Cities 20 13 .606 - - 12-6 8-7 6-4 W4 Clinton 18 15 .545 2.0 36 10-8 8-7 6-4 W4 Beloit 16 17 .485 4.0 34 8-7 8-10 3-7 L1 Cedar Rapids 14 19 .424 6.0 32 8-7 6-12 3-7 L2 Wisconsin 13 20 .394 7.0 31 5-10 8-10 4-6 L3 * Burlington 10 23 .303 10.0 28 8-10 2-13 1-9 W1 Peoria 10 23 .303 10.0 28 4-11 6-12 1-9 L5 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Missoula 24 13 .649 - - 13-6 11-7 8-2 L1 Billings 19 18 .514 5.0 E 8-10 11-8 5-5 L2 Helena 18 19 .486 6.0 E 9-10 9-9 6-4 W2 Great Falls 17 20 .459 7.0 E 9-9 8-11 4-6 W1 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Dodgers 17 14 .548 - - 8-8 9-6 6-4 W5 AZL Indians 15 15 .500 1.5 25 7-7 8-8 4-6 L1 AZL Reds 15 16 .484 2.0 24 8-8 7-8 4-6 L2 AZL Brewers 8 21 .276 8.0 19 4-11 4-10 4-6 W1 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak DSL Mariners 36 16 .692 - - 19-6 17-10 5-5 L2 DSL Brewers 32 20 .615 4.0 17 16-10 16-10 5-5 L1 DSL Cardinals 20 32 .385 16.0 5 13-14 7-18 7-3 W4 DSL Athletics 18 35 .340 18.5 2 11-15 7-20 5-5 W1

Follow Saturday's action as it happens: Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Arizona Rookie (Maryvale) DSL Brewers

Saturday's Daily Menu: Nashville: LHP Sam Narron at home vs. Round Rock (Rangers), 6:20 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Nashville feed from the MiLB main audio page MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: RHP Cody Scarpetta at Birmingham (White Sox), 6:30 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- It's the Barons' feed... Brevard County: RHP Austin Ross at home vs. Bradenton (Pirates), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Bradenton feed from the MiLB main audio page Wisconsin: RHP Matt Miller at home vs. Burlington (Athletics), 6:15 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Helena: LHP Mike Strong at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): LHP Del Howell at home vs. the Reds' youngsters; 1:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league DSL Brewers: at home vs. the DSL Cardinals, 9:30 AM, although game data won't be available until late afternoon at the earliest

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First posted back on June 8th -- Miller Time by Bob Brainerd, sports32.com (Time Warner Cable) http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Miller-head-shot.jpg For all the tales and feel-good stories about a kid born with a baseball in his crib who goes on to become a Major Leaguer, consider the unexpected journey of Wisconsin Timber Rattlers pitcher Matt Miller, who sort of casually stumbled into the conversation. “I was a late bloomer in high school, I grew late,” said the 6-6 Miller, a fifth round draft pick of the Brewers in 2010. “I had two older brothers so I was a little overshadowed coming through high school. I played basketball and baseball; decent at both, but my junior year is when I really started to get good at baseball. But for some reason, nobody gave me an honest look.” Perhaps it was Miller’s lanky frame that scared off the scouts. His brothers teased him and tabbed him the nickname Gumby. He was a competitive, talented pitcher at Zionsville (IN) Community High School, but something was missing to catch the eye of a college coach. “My senior year, I was working with an ex-pitching coach of the Cardinals, Mike Snyder, and he was convinced I was going to get a shot somewhere,” said Miller. “Me and my Dad sent out videos of my senior year games just for fun, and got a couple replies back very late.” Michigan, Wake Forest and Kansas State all showed interest, but Miller admits it was a tough time to scramble and gauge a budding pitcher so late in the season. So the athlete was fully prepared to focus on academics and put the game on the backburner. http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Miller-pitch-300x200.jpg “I was all set and ready to go to school just to be a student at Purdue and maybe walk on, but it was just kind of weird,” said Miller. Weird because out of nowhere, Miller received a scholarship offer from Michigan. The Wolverines saw something in Miller’s makeup that other Big Ten schools did not. “Indiana’s head coach said I couldn’t play D-1 baseball, and I always got a kick out of that every time we played against (Hoosiers Head Coach) Tracy Smith,” laughed Miller. On board with the Wolverines, Miller had the normal adjustments settling into the college scene. He posted a 3.70 ERA his sophomore season pitching in relief 22 of the 23 times he took the bump. He then ventured into the Northwoods League the summer of 2009 to fine tune his game with the Alexandria Beetles. “I had a great summer coming out after my sophomore year playing in Minnesota,” said Miller, who was named the Northwoods League fifth best prospect according to Baseball America. “That was one of the times that I look back and think baseball was fun.” But Miller wasn’t able to parlay his summer success back in Ann Arbor. His junior campaign was a struggle, watching his ERA balloon to 5.06 as he flip-flopped between starting assignments and the bullpen. Doubt creeped in as Miller could appear lights out one outing, then need a GPS to find the strike zone the next. And it didn’t help matters that there was an internal battle waging with his head coach. “College kind of wears you down a little; I’m not going to lie,” said Miller. “When your head coach has a lot of pressure to win he can sometimes find a scapegoat. My head coach and I didn’t see eye to eye on some things and naturally everybody saw that I was in the doghouse for awhile. Not that I said anything wrong, it’s just that when you have two brain cells, sometimes it’s not the best thing in the world.” Miller was determined to turn himself into a factor rather than a question mark as the Wolverines fought to make a Big Ten championship run. It was in a historic 15-14 come-from-behind win over Northwestern where Miller turned the corner, tossing 5.2 innings of shutout baseball, striking out seven Wildcats and allowing just two hits while his teammates rallied from an improbable 14-0 deficit. “When you get excited because you know every day you can put the ball where you want it, plus a second or third pitch along with it, it’s a different kind of mentality,” said Miller. “It feels easy.” Finally dialed in on a consistent basis, Miller time had arrived. He felt comfortable in his own pitching skin, but thoughts of playing beyond his days at Michigan were still to be determined. “That was an interesting experience, my junior year before the draft and that whole process,” said Miller. “If anything, the step from high school to college is a difficult step, but I think it’s necessary for kids to play and mature if you want to play pro ball.” http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Miller-pitch-2-300x200.jpg There was a growing up process that went hand in hand with the mechanical tweaks. Miller saw the two working in harmony when he was shuttled to Helena in 2010 for a rookie league season that included a spot on the Pioneer League All-Star roster, posting a league-best seven wins and the seventh best ERA (4.06). “Mentally, I think college guys have a little more wherewithal being though college and the process and having a little more tutelage,” said Miller. “But when you come to pro ball, the first year is really teaching you to become a professional. Dealing with your teammates, the media and situations like that. So for me, there wasn’t a whole lot of shifting gears.” Miller capped off his inaugural campaign as a professional with a win over Ogden in the Pioneer League Championship game last September. Hopes remain high, but so do the expectations the Brewers now demand of Miller at the Class A level. “I think physically some of the stuff they wanted me to do they still have me doing, we’re all out here developing and that’s part of the experience,” said Miller. “It’s coming in every day, doing your work and work on being efficient and just work on giving it everything you’ve got. “We’re not trying to win a World Series down here in Appleton, but we are trying to get better and win some ballgames.” The latest challenge for Miller will be how the right-hander responds once he comes off the disabled list. Prior to taking a seat on the sidelines, Miller’s numbers were 2-3 in eight starts with a 4.50 ERA. He does have two complete games, but also sports a sore spot stat, walking one more (23) than he’s struck out (22). (For reference, hereis Miller's current stat page -- MH). “Right now I’m still working on delivery and mechanics to allow me to be the best pitcher I can be, starting with my fastball and going from there,” said Miller. “Already, I’ve accomplished a lot with the changeup and developing a solid secondary pitch where I can feel comfortable pitching it. I feel like I’ve made progress, and now I want to pick out the good things and move forward. “When I look back on the 2011 season I want to feel like I went out every day and got the work done that I needed to do. Obviously you’re going to have little adjustments as the season goes along, you’re not going to feel the best every day, but if you give 100% or whatever you have that day you can feel good walking away from it knowing that you gave an honest effort. I want to see in my video reviews and the reviews I get from my coaching staff that it’s all positive. I want them to say he came out every day, he’s a hard worker, he got his work done, he came out and threw strikes and got ground balls, and that’s the key…getting people out.” Living up to his own expectations is quite enough motivation for Miller, who prefers to lay low despite his lofty draft selection in the fifth round a year ago. “There’s always a little pressure but what’s nice, being in my position as well as (since-promoted) Austin (Ross) and others is that we have pitchers drafted in front of us, so the pressure kind of trickles down the line, it gets weakened, and you kind of spread it around,” chuckled Miller. “There’s always a lot of pressure on that first guy, poor Dylan Covey, he would have a lot of pressure on him right now! “I’m just out here trying to give it my best. If I can show them that I’m a hard worker, that I’m honestly trying to make the adjustments that they want me to do, because the ultimate goal for everybody on this team is to make it to Milwaukee and part of that is accomplishing the goals and tasks they put in front of you.” Miller admits “I’m probably just riding the train right now,” on a journey he hopes will be ticketed for a familiar stop on his baseball career itinerary. “A few of us were fortunate enough to play in the Futures Game in Milwaukee, and those two days where we lived like a pro, that was enough inspiration to say hey, this is the life,” said Miller. “We walked away from that, coming back down to A-ball after living like a pro; it’s like going from Mercedes Benz to a Ford Taurus. That was a dream in itself, just experiencing that and having something to always reach toward. But you have to take this step by step, and the next step after this is Brevard County. “I’m focusing on the here and now just trying to get better here in Appleton.”

Final: @DSL Red Sox 2, DSL Brewers 1, 14 innings DSL Brewers Box Score This is the 3rd time the DSL Red Sox have allowed the Cerveceritos to take a break from their repetitive Mariners / Athletics / Cardinals troika and visit the Caribbean Fenway Park, and the Sox' always over-hyped kids have won all three games; the Sox scored their first run in a scratch unearned manner in the very 1st inning -- the good guys tied it when 21-year-old C / 1B Deivi Mejia (DH'ing in this one) followed up his other-worldly histrionics from Thursday night with a "ho-hum" leadoff home run in the top of the 9th. The losing run scored on a groundout in the 14th. I don't understand how the Brewers get the out at 1st and don't make a play at the plate first, unless the ground ball to first base was so near the bag Jorge De La Cruz stepped on it, eliminating the force, before throwing home -- odd... DSL Red Sox Bottom of the 14th Andres Garcia grounds out, third baseman Sthervin Matos to first baseman Jorge De La Cruz. Ynoel Aguero walks. Deiner Lopez walks. Ynoel Aguero to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Orlando Torrez replaces Javier Belen. Aneudis Peralta walks. Ynoel Aguero to 3rd. Deiner Lopez to 2nd. David Sopilka grounds out to first baseman Jorge De La Cruz. Ynoel Aguero scores. Deiner Lopez to 3rd. Aneudis Peralta to 2nd. DSL Brewers Play-by-Play So how about that pitching? Wonderful seven-inning outing by the previously PED-suspended Leonard Lorenzo (at some point, we'll stop pointing that out, but that's one of the prices you pay) -- 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K for the just-turned 20-year-old 6'0" RHP; another 20-year-old, 6'5" Juan Francisco, followed with five scoreless frames, although he did walk four and has walked more than he's fanned thus far in 2011; while one higher-priced bonus baby, Jose Garcia, is doing some nice work in Maryvale, the younger projected corner outfielder, 18-year-old Jose Pena, continues to struggle on the island... The Cerveceritos never challended in extra innings after they squandered the momentum after Mejia's 9th inning home run -- Pena with a fail here: DSL Brewers Top of the 9th Deivi Mejia homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Sthervin Matos grounds out, shortstop Cleuluis Rondon to first baseman Jair Bogaerts. Juan De Leon walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Dionis Hinojosa replaces Juan De Leon. Raul Mondesi walks. Dionis Hinojosa to 2nd. With Jose Pena batting, Dionis Hinojosa steals (21) 3rd base. Raul Mondesi steals (3) 2nd base. Jose Pena strikes out swinging. Leudi Otano walks. Pitcher Change: Ellis Jimenez replaces Jose Espitia. Yonki Hernandez grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Deiner Lopez. Leudi Otano out at 2nd.

The Billings Gazette provides the best coverage of anyone we've seen, Brewer affiliate or opponent, and you'll catch multiple Brewer highlights in this video report. Here's the Helena numerical roster in case you want to cross-reference and better identify players.

All photos by Paul Ruhter / Billings Gazette Staff Cristobal Rodriguez of the Mustangs jumps for a high throw as Ben McMahan of Helena steals second base during their game on Friday at Dehler Park. The Mustangs trailed 9-0 early in the game before making a late charge, but the Brewers held on for the 10-7 win. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/db/8db6d80d-0ec8-531b-9e86-da434b1762d5/4e33a749a6fd2.image.jpg Ben McMahan of Helena crosses home plate to give the Brewers a 8-0 lead over the Mustangs http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/00/2009e43f-1b77-5f5a-afbe-4d021881518d/4e33a62a3aea8.image.jpg Parker Berberet of Helena hits a two run RBI single http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/ab/eabcc2ff-01bc-5aca-a6e0-f15c8bdeacd9/4e33a6298f0be.image.jpg

The Brewers need to continue using later round picks on pitchers from Nova Southeastern University in lovely Fort Lauderdale. First it was Mike Fiers, and now check out the numbers for native Bahamian and now Helena closer Sean Albury.

The Helena Independent Record provides a Brewers perspective from a distance for the road game in Billings -- BILLINGS — Even with the Helena Brewers holding a comfortable 9-0 lead, the Billings Mustangs wouldn’t back down. The Mustangs went yard twice in a seven-run sixth inning to make Friday night’s Pioneer League game interesting, but the visiting Brewers held off the hosts for a 10-7 victory at Dehler Park. Helena relievers Jacob Barnes and Sean Albury combined for seven strikeouts over the final three innings, allowing just one hit — a double by Cristobal Rodriguez — and no runs the rest of the way. The Brewers (18-19) broke the game open in the fourth frame, peppering Billings starter Wes Mugarian (2-4, 7.00 ERA) for two hits and three runs to go along with a pair of walks in the inning. Mugarian was wild out of the gate Friday, walking three, hitting a batter and taking two balk calls before the Mustangs ever even came to the plate. Helena got on the board courtesy of one of the balks, then tacked on another run in the second inning when a wild pitch by Mugarian scored Williams. Mugarian was chased with just one out in the fourth, but the Brewers proceeded to score three more runs on Daniel Jensen to pad their lead. But with runners on in Billings’ half of the sixth — due to an error, a walk and a wild pitch — Nick O’Shea stroked a two-out, three-run home run off reliever Chad Pierce to break up the shutout bid. Thomas Keeling then entered and hit two batters, walked one, and the next run scored on a wild pitch from the lefty. Drew Poulk then came to the plate and hit Billings’ second homer of the game, a three-run shot over the right-field fence. Brewers starting right-hander Tommy Toledo threw three strong innings of three-hit, shutout ball, fanning five. Pierce picked up his first win of the year, and Albury earned his third save of the season. Mugarian took the loss. John Dishon led Helena at the plate, going 3 for 4 with a triple and two runs scored. Ben McMahan, Yadiel Rivera and Robbie Garvey also had multi-hit games for Helena, which had a dozen base knocks in the contest.

This particular audio link will only be available until early evening Saturday, so we'll place it here: WSSP interviews Eric Farris in the clubhouse Friday (after he's learned he's returning to Nashville)

Manatees' Gennett big hit so far by Mark DeCotis, Florida Today VIERA — Scooter Gennett is on a roll and that could be continuing bad news for Florida State League pitchers. Heading into Friday night's home game against the Bradenton Marauders, the Brevard County Manatees' diminutive (5-foot, 9-inch) second baseman was leading the league in hits with 119 and at-bats, 410, had the second-best batting average among current Manatees at .290 and was tied for second on the team in runs scored with 54. The Sarasota High graduate and midseason league All-Star also was tied for the team lead in games played with 98, a total he shares with outfielder Kentrail Davis. The grind of the long season -- FSL teams play 140 games -- hasn't seemed to wear down Gennett. He has been given three days off and he asked for one, feeling tightness before an early season doubleheader. But that's it. He wants to play. "I feel good," he said. "If I take a day off, I feel weird the next day. I feel uncomfortable. It takes a little while to bring that back." He has gotten into the rhythm of pro baseball, taking care to not take too many pre-game swings in order to conserve his energy for when it matters. And it is mattering now for the Manatees. After finishing the first half with the league's worst record -- 27-43 -- they headed into Friday night in the thick of the North Division race, sitting only second, three games behind first-place Tampa. Part of the resurgence can be tied to Gennett. After all, heading into Friday's game, he is hitting .370 with nine runs, a home run and five runs batted in during the past 10 games. "I haven't changed my approach," he said of his hot streak. "I'm trying to stay consistent on the thing that is making me have success." He is also trying to let the hits happen, not putting pressure on himself. It's all part of the science of hitting and Manatees hitting coach Dwayne Hosey is taking notice. "He's a very consistent player when it comes to swinging the bat," Hosey said. "He's here bright and early. He's a guy who loves to hit. "It's not a surprise to me. He puts a lot of effort into it, a lot of work into it. He's passionate about it. I think that has a lot to do with his success right now." That hard work has allowed Gennett to rebound from a sub par May when he hit around.212. And because of that start, he gave himself a C for his effort so far this season. "I've got a lot of improving to do," Gennett said. "If I gave myself an A I wouldn't be getting any better." For his part, Hosey was more generous on the grading curve. "I think he's weathered the storm and now's his time to shine a little bit," Hosey said. "I think still the best is yet to come. "I would probably give him higher than a C. The attitude is right. You always have room for improvement to get better and I think he answered that one pretty well." Photo by Michael R. Brown, Florida Today http://cmsimg.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A9&Date=20110730&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=107300319&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0

Hainley Statia was at third when Childersburg native Zelous Wheeler hit a slow grounder to the left of the mound. Birmingham's Jake Oester charged the ball but his off-balance throw sailed down the right-field line. -- Birmingham News