Jim Goulart

For Sounds, wins are hair-raising experience Players believe mustaches end losing streak by Greg Sullivan, the Tennessean Their waitress was caught off guard but was duly impressed. Watching Sounds slugger Brendan Katin and pitcher Chase Wright carefully eat their breakfasts last week so as to not get food caught in their groomed mustaches, she even managed to crack a few jokes at their expense. “She kept laughing at us,” said Katin, who admitted to darkening his mustache with hair coloring. “She said we wore it well. ‘It’s about time somebody learned how to grow a real mustache.’ Stuff like that. “People keep telling me mine looks good, but I don’t believe them. I think they just don’t want me to shave it off.” And with the way things have been going for the Sounds lately, as winners of five of their past seven games, none of them will be making plans to search for the trimmers any time soon. Nashville opens an eight-game road trip Thursday at Salt Lake. Tuesday’s 11-10 win over Sacramento was their second victory in three days in which they rallied from a five-run deficit. Half of Nashville’s regular starters now have mustaches. And while there is debate as to how exactly the mustache movement started, they all agree the team could not manage to break a recent nine-game losing streak until their old stubble slowly sprouted into whiskers. “We figured, what else can we do?” Wright said. “We’ll see how long we’re going to roll with them. We figured, why not?” “We’re just trying to get some wins, that’s about it. We’re not trying to look like anything,” said infielder Edwin Maysonet, who looks like a 1970s-era baseball card come to life. “It’s working right now.” Like any new team trend, the mustache trend picked up followers along the way. “I know Jeremy Reed was going to shave his on Sunday but then he hit the walk-off (home run) so he had to keep his,” Katin said. “Since he kept his, I kept mine and now we’ve got Mat Gamel on board and he put some Just for Men in his.” But like a lot of other baseball superstitions, the mustaches aren’t for everybody. Outfielder Brett Carroll declined to participate, claiming at first he couldn’t grow one. “That may not be completely true because, quite frankly, the ’staches are just gross,” Carroll said. “I have to give them credit for the boldness of it, though. The ’staches seem to be carrying us right now.” Sounds Manager Don Money played in the big leagues from 1968 to 1983, and two of his former teammates — Rollie Fingers and Robin Yount — had memorable mustaches. Money even briefly had a blond mustache of his own. “They’re allowed to have them as long as they’re not below the lip. Technically, that’s the rule,” Money said. “But if we win a few games we might stretch the rules a little bit. “If things go the other way we may have to clean it up. Gamel came in here with a Fu-Manchu (Monday) and I said, ‘Nope. Below the lip.’ Reed’s got one. Reed looks odd. He just looks different with it, but to each his own.” Nashville Sounds right fielder Jeremy Reed (20) shows a bunt at Greer Stadium, as the Nashville Sounds vs. Sacramento, Tuesday morning May 17, 2011 in Nashville, Tenn. (SAMUEL M. SIMPKINS/THE TENNESSEAN) http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20110518&Category=SPORTS04&ArtNo=305180082&Ref=AR&Profile=2072&MaxW=640&Border=0

You may not have noticed given the lack of media coverage (unless you study the posted standings here), even from road outposts, but the Stars have now lost six in a row to fall to .500.

Might as well continue the negative ebb about Jimmy Nelson's evening -- His ugly line might have been even worse had not Brian Garman stranded three of his runners: Beloit Top of the 6th Andy Leer singles on a line drive to center fielder Reggie Keen. Tobias Streich called out on strikes. Daniel Santana flies out to center fielder Reggie Keen. With Wang-Wei Lin batting, Andy Leer steals (1) 2nd base. Wang-Wei Lin walks. Jamaal Hawkins walks. Andy Leer to 3rd. Wang-Wei Lin to 2nd. Nate Roberts hit by pitch. Andy Leer scores. Wang-Wei Lin to 3rd. Jamaal Hawkins to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Brian Garman replaces Jimmy Nelson. Michael Gonzales flies out to left fielder Chris Dennis.

Update from the Post-Crescent in Tuesday's Link Report

Braddock anxious to help Brewers after strong outing in Rattlers' loss to Snappers by Tim Froberg, Post-Crescent staff writer GRAND CHUTE — Zach Braddock is eager to return to the big leagues and feels ready to rejoin the Milwaukee Brewers. But the left-handed reliever has valued his rehab stint with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers — and not just from a physical standpoint. Braddock, who threw three scoreless innings in his second rehab outing for the Rattlers on Tuesday night, feels he has made sufficient progress in dealing with the sleep disorder condition which landed him on the 15-day disabled list May 3. After holding the Beloit Snappers hitless in a 33-pitch appearance, Braddock talked like a major leaguer who had gained perspective from his stay in the minors. "I've enjoyed coming here," said Braddock, who started for the Rattlers, but didn't get a decision in a 7-0 loss to the Beloit Snappers. "It makes you realize where you came from and what you're thankful for. It also gives you insight into what this game is all about. It's about team." As for his sleep disorder, Braddock didn't shed much light about his treatment, but said it's an issue he has battled for some time. "I've been working with team doctors and it's been a pretty steady progression," he said. "It's something I've had most of my life, probably since puberty. But I feel healthy. I feel like everything is headed into the right direction. I'm excited about getting back (to Milwaukee)." Braddock wasn't as overpowering Tuesday as he was Thursday when he struck out all five hitters he faced in a dazzling 22-pitch appearance against Cedar Rapids. But he was solid, retiring nine of the 11 Beloit hitters he faced. He threw primarily fastballs, clocking consistently in the low 90s and topping out at 93 mph. "It wasn't as pretty as the last outing – it was a little more democratic," said Braddock. "I didn't feel any different than I did the other night. I felt good. I stayed around the strike zone and attacked hitters." Braddock walked one, struck out two and didn't allow a hard-hit ball. The only other baserunner he allowed came in the top of the third when he fielded Daniel Santana's tapper back to the mound, but threw wildly to first. Santana reached second on the throwing error, but was gunned down moments later by strong-armed catcher Tyler Roberts while trying to steal third. "He was pretty clean," said Wisconsin manager Matt Erickson. "The ball didn't come out of his hand as good as it did last time, but he was around the plate and I think he threw the ball where he wanted to." Braddock could come off the Brewers' disabled list as early as today, but it's not clear when he will be activated by Milwaukee, or if he will remain longer with the Rattlers. "I don't know what his next step is," said Erickson. "They (the Brewers) haven't released that to us to be honest. I think it's a day-by-day thing."

Apparently there is nothing wrong with George Kottaras nor Mike Rivera, as Buller was added to the AAA roster via the fact that RHP Sean Green has been designated for assignment. He will remain on the Sounds' temporary inative list until his status is resolved. And as we now know, Mike Rivera heads to Milwaukee, better explaining the need for Buller in Nashville.

Stetter to DL (hip), Mike Rivera to Milwaukee, Sean Green DFA'd to make room on 40-man Being reported by the J-S, the Sounds, etc. Hopefully a pre-cursor to saying goodbye to Wil Nieves at some point...

Nashville Media Notes

Update from the Stars -- RHP Robert Hinton has been promoted to Triple-A Nashville. In 13 appearances with the Stars this season, Hinton went 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA (18.0 IP / 5 ER). His strongest outing was on May 7 against Jacksonville. He struck out eight batters in just three innings of work, getting his first win of the season. Hinton split time between Huntsville and Nashville in 2010. He has spent part of the last four seasons with the Stars. RHP Rob Wooten has been transferred to Huntsville from High-A Brevard County. In 12 games with the Manatees, Wooten has recorded two wins and a save with a 2.53 ERA (21.1 IP / 6 ER). Wooten spent part of the 2009 season with the Stars, going 0-1 with a 4.28 ERA in 27 appearances. He converted 11 of 12 save opportunities. Wooten did not play in 2010 due to injury (Tommy John surgery). Additionally, catcher Dayton Buller has been activated from the disabled list and transferred to Nashville. Buller was placed on the DL back on May 6. He was batting .154 (4-26) in nine games with Huntsville. With these moves, the Stars active roster remains at 24, the Southern League limit. *** So Hinton was added to Nashville via the spot that opened up upon Mark Rogers' demotion to Brevard County. Apparently there is nothing wrong with George Kottaras nor Mike Rivera, as Buller was added to the AAA roster via the fact that RHP Sean Green has been designated for assignment. He will remain on the Sounds' temporary inative list until his status is resolved. Three catchers for the Sounds, and that's with the always-willing Patrick Arlis on the DL a while back. That may mean Arlis is actually sidelined, otherwise they may have played the Helena roster game with him.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 22 16 .579 - - 11-5 11-11 6-4 W3 Iowa 17 21 .447 5.0 102 7-8 10-13 4-6 W2 Memphis 15 22 .405 6.5 101 12-10 3-12 5-5 W3 Nashville 13 24 .351 8.5 99 10-11 3-13 4-6 L1 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Jackson 21 15 .583 - - 9-7 12-8 6-4 W4 Tennessee 22 16 .579 - - 10-5 12-11 5-5 L1 Chattanooga 20 18 .526 2.0 31 11-12 9-6 6-4 W1 Huntsville 19 18 .514 2.5 31 10-4 9-14 3-7 L5 Carolina 11 27 .289 11.0 22 7-13 4-14 3-7 L1 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Daytona 27 11 .711 - - 13-5 14-6 7-3 W2 Clearwater 24 14 .632 3.0 30 13-7 11-7 5-5 L1 Dunedin 20 18 .526 7.0 26 7-10 13-8 7-3 W2 Lakeland 19 19 .500 8.0 25 9-7 10-12 6-4 W2 Tampa 15 23 .395 12.0 21 7-13 8-10 6-4 W2 Brevard County 14 24 .368 13.0 20 7-15 7-9 4-6 W1 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Burlington 27 9 .750 - - 13-2 14-7 8-2 W3 Beloit 19 16 .543 7.5 - 11-7 8-9 3-7 L2 Cedar Rapids 20 17 .541 7.5 - 10-6 10-11 2-8 L7 Peoria 20 17 .541 7.5 - 11-5 9-12 6-4 W1 Wisconsin 18 16 .529 8.0 35 10-9 8-7 8-2 L1 Quad Cities 19 18 .514 8.5 33 8-10 11-8 7-3 W2 Kane County 13 25 .342 15.0 26 9-13 4-12 4-6 L1 Clinton 10 28 .263 18.0 23 5-17 5-11 2-8 W1

Follow Tuesday's action as it happens: Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin

Tuesday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Josh Butler at home vs. Sacramento (Athletics), 10:50 AM pre-game; 11:05 gametime Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen MiLB.TV -- for subscribers Huntsville: RHP Jesus Sanchez at Jackson (Mariners), 7:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- look for the Jackson feed off the master MiLB.com audio list Brevard County: RHP Adrian Rosario at St. Lucie (Mets), 9:30 AM gametime Live Audio Link -- look for the St. Lucie feed off the master MiLB.com audio list Wisconsin: LHP Zach Braddock at home vs. Beloit (Twins), 6:15 PM pre-game; 6:35 gametime; RHP Jimmy Nelson will follow Braddock Live Audio Link

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

It's wall-to-wall audio today including Brevard County at (gulp) 9:30 AM Central. Sounds 90 minutes later, then Stars and Rattlers pre-Brewers. We'll hustle up a Tuesday Link Report prior to the Manatees' start.

Sacramento's Jemile Weeks takes credit for Rickie's dreadlocks 50 pounds lighter...

You can listen to Brendan Katin's home run via this link. If the Brewers ever decide to return to a seven-man bullpen, Katin certainly makes sense as a RH power bat, certainly moreso that Erick Almonte, knee be damned, he'd only be needed for 2-3 AB's per week.

Nashville Audio Archive -- May 15 - Chat with Outfielder Brett Carroll

Both Chris (and we) wished this had happened in the Florida State League, but congratulations nonetheless -- Midwest League Player of the Week Chris Dennis, Wisconsin .421/.500/.895, 6 G, 8-for-19, 2 2B, 2 3B, HR, 9 RBI, 4 RS, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 SB, 1 CS After struggling in the Florida State League for the start of the season, Brewers farmhand Chris Dennis has regained his confidence back in the Midwest League, where he hit .270 with 18 homers in 2010. Dennis banged out two hits on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and he knocked his way aboard in every game of the week until Saturday's 0-for-4 cool-off. He tripled and plated two runs Tuesday and delivered a grand slam on Wednesday. On Thursday, he doubled and tripled, and called upon to pinch hit on Friday, he came through with a double.

Eric will fill us in later on, but kudos to Manatees' RHP Nick Bucci, won't be 21 for another two months, and he's been as solid as any pitcher in the system. No walks in seven innings tonight -- Fred Dabney doing wonders with another high-A pitcher. Bucci's always limited the base hits, doing so while throwing strikes -- huge.

Technically a major league interview, but we'll honor Tim here. WSSP Interview with Tim Dillard

Nashville Media Notes Huntsville Media Notes

Even though he's eligible to be activated for the West Coast, Zach Braddock is now scheduled to start Tuesday's Timber Rattlers game, so look for his activation on Friday instead (as many assumed given the odd travel schedule this week).

At least the Brewers don't have a player who pulled this stunt recently (watch).

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 21 16 .568 - - 11-5 10-11 5-5 W2 Iowa 16 21 .432 5.0 103 7-8 9-13 3-7 W1 Memphis 14 22 .389 6.5 102 11-10 3-12 4-6 W2 Nashville 13 23 .361 7.5 101 10-10 3-13 4-6 W1 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tennessee 22 15 .595 - - 10-5 12-10 6-4 W1 Jackson 20 15 .571 1.0 34 8-7 12-8 6-4 W3 Huntsville 19 17 .528 2.5 32 10-4 9-13 4-6 L4 Chattanooga 19 18 .514 3.0 31 10-12 9-6 5-5 L1 Carolina 11 26 .297 11.0 23 7-13 4-13 3-7 W1 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Daytona 26 11 .703 - - 12-5 14-6 7-3 W1 Clearwater 24 13 .649 2.0 32 13-7 11-6 6-4 W1 Dunedin 19 18 .514 7.0 27 6-10 13-8 7-3 W1 Lakeland 18 19 .486 8.0 26 9-7 9-12 5-5 W1 Tampa 14 23 .378 12.0 22 7-13 7-10 5-5 W1 Brevard County 13 24 .351 13.0 21 7-15 6-9 3-7 L2 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Burlington 27 9 .750 - - 13-2 14-7 8-2 W3 Beloit 19 16 .543 7.5 - 11-7 8-9 3-7 L2 Cedar Rapids 20 17 .541 7.5 - 10-6 10-11 2-8 L7 Peoria 20 17 .541 7.5 - 11-5 9-12 6-4 W1 Wisconsin 18 16 .529 8.0 35 10-9 8-7 8-2 L1 Quad Cities 19 18 .514 8.5 33 8-10 11-8 7-3 W2 Kane County 13 25 .342 15.0 26 9-13 4-12 4-6 L1 Clinton 10 28 .263 18.0 23 5-17 5-11 2-8 W1

Follow Monday's action as it happens: Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County