Jim Goulart

Office dwellers, enjoy your air conditioning and Wisconsin Timber Rattler action early today: Wisconsin: RHP Brooks Hall at home vs. South Bend (Diamondbacks), 11:45 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link MiLB.TV -- for subscribers *** Box Score / Game Log *** MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Quad Cities 14 9 .609 - - 9-5 5-4 9-1 W3 Beloit 13 10 .565 1.0 - 7-7 6-3 6-4 W1 Kane County 13 10 .565 1.0 - 6-8 7-2 4-6 L5 Clinton 12 11 .522 2.0 47 6-8 6-3 5-5 L4 Cedar Rapids 11 12 .478 3.0 46 8-6 3-6 5-5 L1 * Burlington 9 14 .391 5.0 44 7-7 2-7 3-7 W2 Peoria 9 14 .391 5.0 44 4-10 5-4 4-6 L2 Wisconsin 9 14 .391 5.0 44 4-10 5-4 2-8 L3*** Lineup and Media Notes

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LHP Mitch Stetter has been transferred from Maryvale to Nashville on his rehab assignment while remaining on the 15-day big league DL. Stetter is allowed a 30-day rehab period, which began on July 7th in Arizona. His presence on the Sounds' roster does not count against their team limit. Nashville did re-assign C Patrick Arlis to their DL. Should LHP Zach Braddock join Nashville today, a corresponding move will need to be made to free up a roster spot.

Huntsville Press Release: MONTGOMERY, Ala – The Milwaukee Brewers have made a pair of roster moves that will impact their Double-A affiliate Huntsville Stars prior to their start of tonight’s series finale at Montgomery. RHP Jim Henderson has been promoted to Triple-A Nashville. Additionally, RHP R.J. Seidel has been promoted to Huntsville from Brevard County. Henderson started the season with the Sounds before being sent to Huntsville on May 28. In 16 games with the Stars, he’s gone 3-1 with a 3.15 ERA. He’s converted five of five save opportunities and struck out 23 batters in 20 innings. Seidel is returning to Huntsville after a brief stay with the Manatees. He started the season with the High-A team and is making his third appearance at the Double-A level. Seidel won his last start on July 17, going 5.2 innings allowing just one hit, one walk and striking out five. With these moves, the Stars roster sits at the limit, 24 active.

Timber Rattlers can't beat the heat, Silver Hawks by Tim Froberg, Appleton Post-Crescent GRAND CHUTE — Baseball is the great equalizer — a sport where game patterns have a way of reversing themselves. A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers team that had a knack for winning tight games earlier this season is now experiencing life on the other side. The Rattlers pounded out 14 hits Sunday, but it wasn't enough to pull them out of a mid-July skid with a 7-6, 14-inning setback to the visiting South Bend Silver Hawks. It was the third straight one-run defeat for the Timber Rattlers (47-46 overall, 9-14 second half) and their eighth loss in the past nine games. Wisconsin isn't playing sloppy ball, but hasn't been getting timely hitting and the Rattlers struggled in the clutch again Sunday, stranding 14 baserunners. "We won quite a few one-run games early and now we're in a stretch when we've been losing close games," said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. "It would be nice to come out and bury someone. We're not throwing games away. We're competing nightly. We're in every ballgame. But we need to clean up the little things, the fundamentals. That's how you win close ballgames. "Today, South Bend did a better job of executing the fundamentals. They got a couple bunts down and we got a runner picked off in a key situation. Those little things kind of crept up on us." Fatigue may have hurt the Rattlers' focus Sunday. Temperatures soared as high as 93 degrees on the scorcher of an afternoon and the heat index was 105 at one point. The marathon game lasted four hours and 49 minutes. "The heat was brutal — I'm not going to kid you, man," said Wisconsin third baseman Mike Walker. "I probably lost 15 pounds today. You get a little tired. Maybe you miss some pitches that you would have hit earlier in the game. By the 10th or 11th inning, you're kind of dragging a little and they keep bringing in fresh pitchers who have been sitting around all day. But shoot, what are you going to do? That's baseball." Despite the loss, Walker likes the fight he sees in his teammates, who rallied from a 5-3 deficit to force extra innings. "I thought we battled," said Walker. "Things aren't going our way right now, but it's nice to see we're battling and coming every day. We're losing some tough ones and this was a tough one. But you know what? You've got to kind of love games like this. It sucks to lose, but it was a well-played game." Walker and center fielder Reggie Keen both went three-for-five to lead the Rattlers hitting attack, while designated hitter Jason Rogers slammed a pair of RBI doubles and added a game-tying sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 11th to extend the marathon. Walker slugged a first- inning run-scoring double that pushed his RBI total to a team-high 64. Meanwhile, first baseman Cody Hawn singled in his final at-bat in the bottom of the 14th to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. Another bright spot was the work of Wisconsin's bullpen. Rattlers starter Charly Bashara was chased in the top of the fourth and allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits. But relievers Stosh Wawrzasek, Brian Garman, Greg Holle and Adrian Rosario allowed just two runs on eight hits over the final 10 2/3 innings. Matt Helm's solo two-out homer to left off Rosario in the top of the 14th eventually ended the stalemate. Rosario pitched the final four innings and allowed the one run on four hits with three strikeouts. "Our bullpen was very solid," said Erickson. "It's what extended the game. They did their job. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a run across."

Ex-MTSU star Carroll eyes return trip to MLB by Monte Hale, Jr., Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, TN) NASHVILLE — Brett Carroll wants to be back in the major leagues. However, a whirlwind year has seen him find his way to the Nashville Sounds in Triple-A ball this season. It just might turn out to be the perfect situation for the former MTSU third baseman, who spent three seasons as an outfielder with the Florida Marlins. "Dating back to when Florida took me off their roster after last season, I became a six-year free agent," said Carroll, who climbed up the Marlins' ranks quickly after playing three seasons at MTSU from 2002-04. "There were a handful of interested teams, and one that I knew was interested in me was Kansas City." Carroll didn't last long with the Royals, however, as he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. He has spent a full and prosperous season with the Sounds. "I felt like Kansas City would be a great place to go, but they have got a great minor league system and they traded for Jeff Francoeur and Melky Cabrera," Carroll said. "The Brewers needed a right-handed outfielder. Kansas City's communication was great with me. I didn't get stuck behind anyone in Triple-A without a chance to play. I got traded to Milwaukee and I'm getting to play every day. It's definitely been a strange year. This is my eighth season in pro ball, and any time you go up and down in the big leagues you see the business side of things." Carroll has taken care of his business this season, however, as he is batting .288 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs and 51 RBIs. "It's definitely been encouraging," said Carroll, a 10th-round major league pick. "I've finally been healthy and I'm getting to play every day. Being the fourth outfielder in the big leagues can be discouraging because you might get only one or two at-bats a week. If you don't do well, you feel like a failure. "So this year has been great because the desire has been there, and the ability is still there. I'm thankful for the opportunity to go out there every day and be in the lineup." Carroll called this season a "blessing." "I obviously want to get back to the major leagues, but this season has allowed me to work on a lot of things, and there are still things I need to work on," he said. "As a competitor and player you have high expectations. "I'm looking forward to the next couple of months and to limit my mistakes." The former Knoxville Bearden standout said playing in Nashville also has been advantageous. "It's the first time in my career I've been close to home and to my family, friends and college friends," he said. "It's great to go to the ballpark about every night and see somebody you know and talk to them. "It's really allowed me to get back into the flow of the game." However, Carroll doesn't want to make Nashville a permanent residence. "The only thing I can control is the attitude I have and how I play the game," said Carroll, noted as a player with tremendous work ethic. "Milwaukee is winning and their outfielders are doing well. "It's one of those things where I enjoy coming to the field every day. I want to compete at the highest level. Anything could happen, but I would hope to at least get a September call up." One of Carroll's former MTSU teammates, catcher Michael McKenry, recently got traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates and called up to the major leagues. "I grew up playing against McKenry," he said. "When he came to MTSU, I got to play with him one year, which was nice because he always beat us (in high school). "We work out in the offseason together, so I was really excited for him and the opportunity he had." Despite a year when Carroll has been with three organizations, more big league opportunities could certainly be in his future." Nashville Sounds right fielder Brett Carroll (23) has some fun with Sounds mascot Ozzie at Greer Stadium Tuesday June 28, 2011 in Nashville, Tenn. / The Tennessean http://cmsimg.dnj.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=D4&Date=20110718&Category=BLUERAIDERS04&ArtNo=107180312&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0

Nashville Audio Archive -- July 17 - Chat with outfielder Jordan Brown

Final, Game Two: Huntsville 5, @Montgomery 2 Huntsville Game Two Box Score Sweet seven-inning complete-game effort by LHP Dan Merklinger -- 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR, 94 pitches, 59 strikes; RF Erik Komatsu signled three times in four trips and stole his 12th base in 18 attempts... Huntsville Game Two Play-by-Play 1B Sean Halton hit a two-run HR in the key four-run 5th -- Huntsville Top of the 5th Anderson De La Rosa flies out softly to right fielder Kyeong Kang. Sergio Miranda doubles (7) on a line drive to left fielder John Shelby. Matt Cline doubles (9) on a line drive to right fielder Kyeong Kang. Sergio Miranda scores. Logan Schafer lines out to first baseman Henry Wrigley. Erik Komatsu singles on a line drive to left fielder John Shelby. Matt Cline scores. Sean Halton homers (7) on a fly ball to left field. Erik Komatsu scores. Zelous Wheeler walks. Brock Kjeldgaard strikes out swinging. Steffan Wilson replaced Halton defensively in the 6th and led off the 7th, perhaps just to get Wilson an AB here, otherwise no reason given...

Final: @AZL Diamondbacks 4, AZL Brewers 3 Arizona Box Score Each team committed four errors, but the A-Crew allowed two unearned runs to score, including a walk-off run, and the mini-Snakes allowed one unearned run -- difference in the game; Brewer pitchers threw two wild pitches, there was a balk, and a passed ball, so it was as sloppy as a 4-3 loss gets; RHP Mark Rogers began to stretch out -- he came on in the 2nd inning for rehabbing LHP Brae Wright (another scoreless one-inning outing for Brae), and Rogers tossed 3.1 IP (3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K); RHP Mike White tossed three innings (one run); RF Jose Garcia singled, walked, scored a run and drove one in; 3B Jalen Harris drew two of the club's six walks; 2B Kevin Berard can always say he got a hit off a big leaguer -- singled off rehabbing J.J. Putz to lead off the game; Brewers stranded nine and were 1-for-13 with RISP to fall to 4-17... Arizona Play-by-Play Gave away the first run of the game -- AZL D-backs Bottom of the 4th Socrates Brito reaches on throwing error by third baseman Jalen Harris. Joseph Weik reaches on force attempt, fielding error by third baseman Jalen Harris. Socrates Brito to 2nd. Pat Donahue bunt pops out to catcher Steve Felix. With Derek Luciano batting, Socrates Brito steals (4) 3rd base, Socrates Brito scores. Throwing error by catcher Steve Felix. Derek Luciano strikes out swinging. Jacob Williams grounds out, third baseman Jalen Harris to first baseman Hitaniel Arias. Steve Felix got a bit greedy on this steal of third base -- AZL Brewers Top of the 8th Steve Felix doubles (3) on a fly ball to right fielder Socrates Brito. With Hitaniel Arias batting, Steve Felix steals (6) 3rd base. Steve Felix out at home, left fielder Derek Luciano to catcher Tyson Van Winkle. Hitaniel Arias strikes out swinging, catcher Tyson Van Winkle to first baseman Jacob Williams. Jalen Harris walks. Matthew Franco reaches on fielding error by second baseman John Leonard. Jalen Harris to 3rd. With Malcolm Dowell batting, Matthew Franco steals (1) 2nd base. Malcolm Dowell grounds out, second baseman John Leonard to first baseman Jacob Williams. This may just be the most ridiculous losing rally we've ever seen here -- AZL D-backs Bottom of the 9th Defensive Substitution: Jimmie Pharr replaces catcher Steve Felix, batting 4th, playing catcher. Pitcher Change: Mitchell Conner replaces Michael White. Tyson Van Winkle reaches on fielding error by shortstop Brandon Macias. Pedro Ruiz out on a sacrifice bunt, first baseman Hitaniel Arias to second baseman Kevin Berard. Tyson Van Winkle to 2nd. John Leonard strikes out swinging. With Wagner Mateo batting, wild pitch by Mitchell Conner, Tyson Van Winkle to 3rd. With Wagner Mateo batting, Tyson Van Winkle scores on a balk.

Final: @Casper 4, Helena 3 The Helena Independent Record summarizes the road contest from a Brewer perspective -- Brewers fall again in Casper The Helena Brewers led after one inning, but dropped a 4-3 decision against the Casper Ghosts on Sunday afternoon at Mike Lansing Field in Casper, Wyo. With the loss, the Brewers remained last in the Pioneer League’s North Division and slipped to 12-15 overall — 5-11 this month. Casper improved to 9-18, but is still bringing up the rear in the South Division. First baseman Nick Ramirez paced Helena’s offense, going 2 for 5 with a home run. Shortstop Yadiel Rivera was 2 for 4 with a double and two runs, and left fielder John Dishon was 2 for 3. Helena starter Chad Pierce (0-2) pitched four innings and allowed three runs on seven hits before giving way to Kevin Shackelford and David Goforth, who each pitched two innings. Shackelford gave up Casper’s fourth run in the fifth inning. Raul Fernandez collected the win for Casper to improve to 2-4, while Michael Wolford collected the save. *** Thomore's catch helps preserve Ghosts winCasper Ghosts Carl Thomore's diving catch in the 8th inning with two runners on base, helped preserve a 4-3 win over the Helena Brewers at Mike Lansing Field. Helena struck first with a run in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead, but the Ghosts took the lead in the second. Trevor Story singled with one out. He stole second, and took third on a wild pitch, which allowed him to score on an error by catcher Tyler Roberts. After that, Harold Riggins doubled and stole third. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt Argyropoulos to give the Ghosts a 2-1 lead. Sam Mende drove the Ghosts last two runs home, the first was on a ground out, the second on a double, which put the Ghosts in front 4-1. Helena scored a run in the sixth on a Nick Ramirez solo homer, and they made it a one run game in the 8th, and could've had more, but Carl Thomore made a diving catch with two on base to end the inning. Mike Wolford allowed two base runners in the ninth, but was able to hold the lead to pick up his 3rd save of the season. Raul Fernandez picked up his second win of the season, allowing just one run over five innings. The Ghosts and Brewers will continue their series Monday night at Mike Lansing Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 (8:05 Central). Helena Box Score Nick Ramirez has only walked twice in 77 AB's, otherwise he's showing the power is legit -- he'll turn 22 next month; Yadiel Rivera continues to intrigue, there are holes in his game that will slowly fill in... Helena Play-by-Play How did catcher Tyler Roberts apparently hurt himself here (a throw to third base)? Casper Bottom of the 2nd Samuel Mende grounds out, second baseman Gant Elmore to first baseman Nick Ramirez. Trevor Story singles on a line drive to center fielder Robert Garvey. With Harold Riggins batting, Trevor Story steals (2) 2nd base. With Harold Riggins batting, wild pitch by Chad Pierce, Trevor Story scores. Throwing error by catcher Tyler Roberts. Harold Riggins hits a ground-rule double (5) on a line drive down the right-field line. Carl Thomore walks. Defensive Substitution: Douglas Elliot replaces catcher Tyler Roberts, batting 4th, playing catcher. With Matthew Argyropoulos batting, Harold Riggins steals (1) 3rd base. Carl Thomore steals (4) 2nd base. Matthew Argyropoulos out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Max Walla. Harold Riggins scores. Yafistel Roja flies out to left fielder John Dishon.

Thanks, adjusted to TBD.

Against Brevard County, the 20-year-old southpaw retired the first seven batters he faced. He held the Manatees hitless for five innings, then issued a leadoff walk to Scott Krieger in the sixth. The following batter, Scooter Gennett, laid down a bunt that was placed well enough to be the first hit off James. James said he knew in the back of his mind that he had a no-hitter going but was more focused on each batter. "When the bunt was laid down and I couldn't get to first base, once [Gennett] got on base, I didn't even realize that it was a hit," he said. "I didn't know until after the next batter. I got on the mound, I was pitching, focusing on getting out of the inning and keeping them scoreless. After that, I was like, 'Oh my God, they got the first hit and it was that bunt.' There's nothing I can do about it, it didn't really affect me that much." James got out of the inning as Kentrail Davis popped up a bunt and Hunter Morris and Khris Davis struck out. *** The following batter, Scooter Gennett, laid down a bunt that was placed well enough to be the first hit off James. Unwritten rule!

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 51 43 .543 - - 27-20 24-23 5-5 W1 Memphis 49 45 .521 2.0 49 28-19 21-26 4-6 L1 Iowa 43 51 .457 8.0 43 26-21 17-30 2-8 W2 Nashville 43 51 .457 8.0 43 29-21 14-30 5-5 L2 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Chattanooga 14 9 .609 - - 7-6 7-3 6-4 W1 Carolina 10 12 .455 3.5 45 5-7 5-5 6-4 L3 Huntsville 10 12 .455 3.5 45 4-6 6-6 3-7 L1 Jackson 10 13 .435 4.0 44 4-6 6-7 6-4 W3 * Tennessee 10 13 .435 4.0 44 6-4 4-9 2-8 L2 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tampa 12 10 .545 - - 7-5 5-5 6-4 L1 * Daytona 11 11 .500 1.0 48 4-6 7-5 4-6 W1 Dunedin 11 11 .500 1.0 48 4-5 7-6 4-6 W1 Lakeland 10 10 .500 1.0 49 5-5 5-5 6-4 L1 Clearwater 10 12 .455 2.0 47 6-6 4-6 5-5 W1 Brevard County 8 12 .400 3.0 47 5-6 3-6 3-7 L3 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Kane County 13 9 .591 - - 6-7 7-2 5-5 L4 Quad Cities 13 9 .591 - - 8-5 5-4 8-2 W2 Beloit 12 10 .545 1.0 48 6-7 6-3 5-5 L2 Clinton 12 10 .545 1.0 48 6-7 6-3 5-5 L3 Cedar Rapids 11 11 .500 2.0 47 8-5 3-6 6-4 W5 Peoria 9 13 .409 4.0 45 4-9 5-4 5-5 L1 Wisconsin 9 13 .409 4.0 45 4-9 5-4 2-8 L2 * Burlington 8 14 .364 5.0 44 6-7 2-7 3-7 W1 PIO North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Missoula 15 11 .577 - - 6-6 9-5 7-3 L1 Billings 14 12 .538 1.0 12 7-7 7-5 5-5 W1 Great Falls 12 13 .480 2.5 11 6-7 6-6 5-5 W1 Helena 12 14 .462 3.0 10 6-6 6-8 4-6 L1 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak AZL Indians 11 9 .550 - - 5-5 6-4 6-4 W2 AZL Reds 11 10 .524 0.5 36 7-4 4-6 6-4 L1 AZL Dodgers 10 10 .500 1.0 36 5-5 5-5 2-8 L6 AZL Brewers 4 16 .200 7.0 30 2-8 2-8 2-8 L3 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak DSL Mariners 31 10 .756 - - 17-4 14-6 8-2 W3 DSL Brewers 27 14 .659 4.0 28 13-8 14-6 7-3 L1 DSL Cardinals 13 29 .310 18.5 13 9-12 4-17 3-7 L3 DSL Athletics 13 30 .302 19.0 12 8-12 5-18 2-8 W1

Timber Rattlers profile: No. 16 Greg Holle, pitcher compiled by Mike Woods, Appleton Post-Crescent Quick hits - Age: 22. - Height, weight: 6-8, 240. - Position: Relief pitcher. - Bats/throws: Right/right. - Residence: Fort Worth, Texas. - Notes: Selected by the Brewers in the 11th round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. … Was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 35th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, but did not sign. … Attended Christian Brothers Academy (New York) High School and then Texas Christian University. … Selected by Perfect Game as the Player of the Year in New York in 2007. Favorites - MLB team: "Seattle Mariners. I was always a big Ken Griffey Jr. fan. He was my idol growing up." - MLB player: "Griffey Jr. He just did it all. He had a personality. His son was always with him and he always interacted with the fans, and his on-field ability just stood out over everyone." - Sport other than baseball: "Basketball. Growing up, I originally thought I could play in college. I actually quit baseball my freshman year in high school. I played AAU and, actually, one of my teammates all through AAU was Jimmer Fredette. Awesome kid. In high school, he was dominant. He played in one of the lower classes. The kid could always shoot. I think the thing that changed his game was, at least from what I got to see, was his ability to create shots. A great guy." - Food: "My mom made this shepherd's pie. Something that was always easy but you'd get home from practice and she'd have that at home." - Thing about New York: "New York's home. That's where all my family is. I have a small family. My brother (Gary) is in Iraq right now. Going home has always been a big holiday thing and, during the holidays, I get to see everyone. It brings back a lot of stuff — see some people you haven't seen in a while. It's home." - Item you own: "I guess I'd say my car. I have a Ford Focus. It's a small car, but I try to take care of it the best I can. It gets me around. I do a lot of driving, so just the gas mileage, I'm covered with that. Comfort's fine for a small car." - Thing to do in Appleton: "Going to the gym. Especially in the profession you're in, you have to take care of yourself. Get there basically every day in some facet, whether I'm lifting or doing some recovery stuff. Being in relief, you have to throw every day so you have to keep your body in shape. It's a long season. That, and hanging around the house. You're playing so much, the down time you get, you want to take advantage of it." - NFL team: "I never was a huge follower of too many teams. But I guess the Cowboys, since I got down to Fort Worth. It's sort of like a cult with the fans. Living so close to Cowboys Stadium, I just grew to like them." Q&A Q: Being a graduate of TCU, have you worn any 2011 Rose Bowl Champions T-shirts around town? A: "My girlfriend was in town and she wore it to the gym one day and some of the people there were asking her about it. And she turned to me and said, 'What's the deal?' And I asked her, 'Do you realize where you're at?' But when I've worn stuff like that, it's almost more like a conversation starter than anything." Q: Did you know any of the guys on the team? A: "I was in class with a bunch of them. The quarterback, Andy Dalton, I'm pretty good friends with him. It was a lot of fun following them and then actually having time off to go to the Rose Bowl." Q: What was it like to watch guys you know play in the Rose Bowl? A: "It makes it more interesting. You go to other sporting events when you're younger, you know who people are, but to get to know them on a personal level and hang out with them, it makes it more interesting. It's always cool to have someone else to pull for. Usually it's you out there. You just have to return the favor and be there for them." Q: How'd you rate your experience at TCU? A: "I didn't know much about them beforehand. I'd heard the name somehow. I thought about going to Ole Miss and some other schools like that. TCU, well, Fort Worth is actually a lot like where I'm from in New York. It's like the southern version of it, if you can call it that. I went down there and I liked the guys, I liked the fit, the rest is history." Q: You were drafted by the Yankees in 2007 but said no thanks. Why? A: "I was a big kid and I threw hard but, honestly, I didn't think I was ready. Unless it was out-of-this-world, life-changing-type money, then I think you look at it a little different. But it's one of those things, knowing what you know now. I'd watch high school guys go and, having played against them — there are definitely your exceptions, guys who are ready for it — but I don't think I was one of them." Q: What was it like throwing in front of general manager Brian Cashman at old Yankees Stadium? A: "That was cool. You walk out onto the field — I'd been there a bunch of times when I was younger to watch games — but when you go out there and see the entire place empty and at the same time seeing front office guys while you're throwing … I threw pretty well. It was cool. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience. At that time, being in high school, a young kid, it was like I was star struck, as far as looking around." Q: How neat was it for both you and your dad to be drafted by the Brewers? A: "There's always these ties and stuff like that, but when you get picked up by any of the teams, that's special, let alone the same team your father (Gary) did however many years earlier. You look back and think, 'What are the odds of that?' Two guys, who could have gone to 30 teams two separate times and they end up going to the same team. That's pretty neat." Q: What's your favorite way to pass time in the bullpen? A: "You just get different conversations going the first couple of innings, about whatever. Then talk about how to pitch guys. Then, in about the sixth inning, you get up and start moving around and just get yourself ready." Q: When the phone rings, do you feel anticipation? A: "Obviously, you always want the ball in your hands when the game is on the line. But I think (pitching coach Chris) Hook and Matty (manager Matt Erickson) have done a good job of establishing roles. Basically, we have a 90 to 95 percent idea, even early on in the game, who's going to throw, based on who has thrown earlier in the week. I think that part says a lot as far as the way they're managing the team." Q: What's the feeling like of getting the last out of the game? A: "It's pretty awesome. It's pretty cut and dried what you have to do. But I'd have a couple of times this year where you get those first two outs, bang, bang. That third out, that's what makes the job so tough. You have to slam that door and don't give them any breathing room at all." Q: How'd you spend your first check? A: "Honestly, I haven't. I take that back. I bought some boots and some clothes and some cowboy hats. But it wasn't that much money I spent. Everything else has been invested and taken care of. I'm planning to get engaged this offseason and, down the road, you have to buy a house and there's rent. There's stuff you have to spend your money on, buying a car. Spur-of-the-moment kind of stuff isn't one of the things I've wanted to do." Q: Most prized sports possession? A: "I'm not a huge autograph guy but, when I was younger, my cousin gave me this box that said Barbie rollerblades and I thought, 'What's going on?' I opened it up and inside that box was an autographed framed picture of Ken Griffey Jr., my favorite player." Q: Anything you wish you could do over? A: "Slow college down. You get there and it's an awesome experience. I think a lot of stuff you want to slow down. Honestly, I don't really regret anything I've done. I'm pretty happy." Q: Hardest thing about minor-league baseball? A: "The travel is tough, but travel is one thing. Playing every day and having the right mindset. Being away from my family. Having a fiancé and planning to get married. It's just everything. It's a test. You're not making great money and you're not in the best towns, but that gives you the drive to keep playing better and keep pushing on to get better." Q: Any significance to No. 16? A: "I've worn 44 my whole life and then I thought about 16. My mom always mentioned it because I was born Nov. 16. So there's that and not too many people have it. And I sort of like it. It's treated me pretty well for the most part this year." Q: Favorite sports moment you've been a part of? A: "I think it was the (College) World Series. It was real cool when we beat the University of Texas in the super regional in Austin. Any time you can beat them there, being a TCU guy, one of your rivals, especially on a baseball level, that was cool." Q: Best advice? A: "Take advantage of every opportunity you have. You only get the opportunity once, so whether it's taking care of your body or making the right decisions. Guys want to go out but it really doesn't benefit you. You go out and have a good time, but it really doesn't matter as far as the way they're coming after you the next day. So you have to make the right decisions and be ready to go out there." Q: What's it like to play baseball while your brother, Gary, is in Iraq? A: "I love him to death. You're playing a game and he's over there, life-is-on-the-line type of thing. It puts stuff in perspective big time. I think having a member of your family over there will do that for you. I honestly think it just puts everything in perspective. I mean, you're playing a game. People are over there risking their lives and putting us in a situation where we can have this stuff and live the way we do." Q: Is it impossible not to wonder if your name is on the list for the Francisco Rodriguez trade? A: "Anytime you hear that, you can't really worry about the stuff that's out of your control. If it's going to happen, it's going top happen. Just like who you get drafted by, one of the billion things that throughout the course of the day is just going to happen. It's going to go down and, if it were to happen, you'd just go and give it your all the same way you would here." The Tool Box Timber Rattlers pitching coach Chris Hook breaks down Greg Holle: "Greg has an upper 80s, low 90s sinking fastball. Good, hard, heavy sinker. Developing both the slider and the split. Came in with the slider that we changed a little bit. But he's developing a good, average split finger and the slider is coming along. Big, athletic guy. Durable guy. And a guy I feel once he's in the big leagues could pitch every night. For us, he's done a great job on the back end of the bullpen. He's got the chutzpah on the back end of the bullpen where he enjoys that moment. It's been a pleasure to watch him work. We've put him in all kinds of fires and he's put the fires out. Right now, he's in a position where we're trying to extend him out. We're trying to get him some extended innings where he can work on those pitches and develop those pitches." Wisconsin Timber Rattlers photo http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20110717&Category=APC020602&ArtNo=107170527&Ref=AR&MaxW=300&Border=0

Rattlers by the numbers by Jim Oskola, Appleton Post Crescent T.J. Mittelstaedt has been one hot hitter for the Timber Rattlers. Following Friday night's one-for-four against West Michigan, the left-handed hitter is batting .324, good for the Midwest League batting lead. Other Rattlers near the top of the league leaderboard include: Mike Walker with 14 home runs (Yazy Arbelo, South Bend, 22); Reggie Keen, 31 stolen bases (Billy Hamilton, Dayton, 66); Mittelstaedt, .516 slugging percentage (Jesus Aguilar, Lake County, .551); Nick Shaw, 54 runs scored (Cody Rogers, Bowling Green, 67); Walker, 62 RBI (Arbelo, South Bend, 69); Mittelstaedt and Walker, .432 and .396 on-base percentage (Nate Roberts, Beloit, .434) and Greg Holle, 17 saves (Bruce Rondon, West Michigan, 17). As a team, the Rattlers are sixth in batting with a .254 average, compared to Peoria's .263 team batting average. Quad Cities has a league-leading 3.16 team earned run average. The Rattlers are 12th at 3.92. Defensively, the Rattlers have committed 112 errors. Bowling Green with 87 errors has committed the fewest in the Midwest League.

The Montgomery Advertiser's A. Stacy Long: Left-hander Matt Moore, who leads the Southern League in ERA and strikeouts, will start today's opener and right-hander Shane Dyer the nightcap for the Biscuits. The Stars will have right-hander Michael Bowman and left-hander Dan Merklinger on the mound. Both games are scheduled for seven innings. Moore (7-3, 2.14 ERA) has not lost in his last nine starts and has won four straight. Bowman (2-7, 5.40) is 0-5 with a 7.27 ERA in his last seven games. Dyer (4-4, 4.32) is winless in his last six starts and Merklinger (5-6, 4.67) has lost his last two outings. *** Infielder Zelous Wheeler just recently rejoined the Huntsville Stars, just in time for this week's trip to Montgomery, which coincided with the AHSAA's All-Star Sports Week. Wheeler was part of the baseball festivities in 2004 as a pitcher from Childersburg High. "I remember it was such a good time," Wheeler said. "Coming down here and playing with a lot of great players was something memorable." Wheeler was with Triple-A Nashville before a knee injury and, once healthy, returned to Huntsville so he could play every day. Saturday marked his 20th game this season with the Stars. It was convenient timing. He's close to home this series and will be even closer later this month. "I have quite a few people coming this weekend, but I can't say how many," Wheeler said. "When we go to Birmingham, it will be even more." *** Center fielder Isaias Velasquez authored the surprising second piece of the final crescendo. With Zach Quate on for his 14th save, the Stars had a runner at second base with one out. Anderson de la Rosa, who cracked a two-run home run in the fifth inning, hit a ball into the right-center field gap. Velasquez got to it just in time and, with a Willie Mays-style, back-to-the-plate basket catch, pulled it in. Huntsville baserunner Brock Kjeldgaard retreated to second, and was stranded by a game-ending flyout. "Off the bat, in my head, I thought the ball was down," Henry Wrigley said. "That catch was unreal. I honestly thought he had dropped it, too. "That definitely saved the game for us."

The Helena Independent Record summarizes the road contest from a Brewer perspective -- Ghosts bruise BrewersThe Casper Ghosts weren’t so friendly to Helena Brewers starting pitcher Eric Arnett on Saturday night. The hosting Ghosts rocked Arnett for 11 hits and eight earned runs in just 4.1 innings of work and held on for the 9-8 victory despite a late Brewers rally. Helena fell to 12-14 on the year and a half-game behind Great Falls for last place in the Pioneer League’s North Division. Casper improved to 8-18. Helena trailed 8-3 before Arnett was replaced by Seth Harvey in the bottom of the fifth. Arnett combined with Sean Albury for a two-hit relief effort the rest of the way, but the Brewers’ bats couldn’t quite help their team crawl out of the early hole. Nick Ramirez’ two-run homer to right center in the top of the seventh helped the visitors cut the deficit to 9-6, and the momentum carried over to the final stanza. Yadiel Rivera and Ramirez both singled and then advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch by Casper reliever Benjamin Hughes to start the Brewers’ final push with one out in the top of the ninth. Parker Bereberet’s sacrifice fly to center plated Rivera and Ramirez followed him home soon after on a double by Max Walla, but Kyle Dhanani struck out swinging to end the threat. Casper’s Sam Mende went 3 for 4 with a pair of home runs, four RBIs and three runs scored to lead his team to the win. Ramirez was 3 for 5 with a pair of RBIs and two runs scored to lead the visitors. Daniel Winkler pitched five innings, allowing six hits and three runs to get his first win.

Look for the Nashville and Wisconsin media notes here and here later on, respectively. If Huntsville posts theirs, it will be found by placing your cursor over the "roster" banner at the Stars' home page. Enjoy your summer Sunday.

Follow Sunday's action as it happens: Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville Game One (Gameday also available) Huntsville Game Two (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin Helena Arizona Rookie (Maryvale)

This is the unique eight-game Brevard road trip where each contest is in the same ballpark -- Jupiter and Palm Beach share the same complex.

Sunday's Daily Menu: Nashville: RHP Amaury Rivas at home vs. Albuquerque (Dodgers), 6:20 PM pre-game, 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: RHP Michael Bowman and LHP Dan Merklinger in a doubleheader at Montgomery (Rays), 5:05 PM gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Live Audio Link -- This is the Biscuits' feed Brevard County: TBD at Palm Beach (Cardinals), 4:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Palm Beach feed from the MiLB main audio page Wisconsin: LHP Charly Bashara at home vs. South Bend (Diamondbacks), 12:45 PM pre-game, 1:05 gametime Live Audio Link MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Helena: RHP Chad Pierce at Casper (Rockies), 1:50 PM pre-game, 2:05 gametime Live Audio Link -- Select the Helena feed from the MiLB main audio page Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): at the Diamondbacks' complex in Phoenix; 9:00 PM gametime; never audio for games in this league DSL Brewers: Idle

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Wrigley Homer Caps Comeback Victory Wrigley crushes two-out, two-run blast in 8th to beat Stars 5-4 MONTGOMERY, AL - Henry Wrigley crushed an eighth inning, two-out, two-run homer to push the Biscuits (12-10) past the Huntsville Stars (10-12) in a 5-4 comeback-win Saturday night at Riverwalk. A Stephen Vogt single kept the inning alive for Wrigley to nail the homer to left off Robert Hinton (1-2), turning a one-run deficit into a one-run lead. The Biscuits trailed 4-1 before the seventh, when Kyeong Kang and John Shelby both delivered RBIs to cut the deficit to one. The ninth inning wasn't easy, with Brock Kjeldgaard leading the inning off with a single. He'd move to second on a groundout before Isaias Velasquez made a game-saving over-the-shoulder catch on the warning track. Zach Quate (14) got Anderson De La Rosa to fly out to left to end the game. Frank De Los Santos (3-6) was the winner for the Biscuits, allowing just one hit over 3.1 scoreless innings of relief. Both starters took no-decisions, with Jim Paduch allowing four runs on six hits over 4.2 and Kyle Heckathorn giving up three runs on four hits over 6.1. The Stars had scored four straight in the middle innings after Cole Figueroa homered to stake the Biscuits to a 1-0 second inning lead. The Biscuits will play a double-header against the Stars tomorrow. LHP Matt Moore will go in game one with RHP Shane Dyer taking the ball in the second game. *** a game-saving over-the-shoulder catch Darn...

Chris musters up a few Rattler Post-Game Thoughts