Jim Goulart

Full story River Bandits manager Johnny Rodriguez said the non-drafted free agent already has the makeup to be a star. "I've been in baseball more than 30 years and he could be a No. 1 guy in St. Louis," Rodriguez said. "He was better than I had expected. "He reminds me of when I saw a young Pedro Martinez in Albuquerque in the early '90s. In fact, he shows me more than what Pedro did at his age, and you know how his career went." When he's torturing the Brewers in future years, last night's Appleton crowd can say they saw his American debut.

Final: Quad Cities (Cardinals) 1, Wisconsin 0 Bandits edge Rattlers 1-0 By Chris Mehring / Wisconsin Timber Rattlers GRAND CHUTE, WI - The fans in attendance for the game between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Quad Cities River Bandits Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Field were treated to a pitcher's duel. St. Louis Cardinals top prospect Carlos Martinez and Kevin Siegrist combined on a two-hit shutout of the River Bandits for a 1-0 win. Austin Ross, the starter for the Rattlers and a pitching prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers, allowed one run on six hits over 7-1/3 innings. Martinez, the #3 prospect in the Cardinals organization, tossed four hitless innings. He walked one, struck out six, and left after reaching his pitch count. Siegrist did not allow a hit until a two-out single by Chris Dennis in the seventh inning. Ross scattered five hits and struck out six through the first seven innings. But, the River Bandits (14-15) broke through in the eighth. Ross retired the first batter. But a walk and a single put two runners on base. That was the end of the line for Ross. Oscar Taveras greeted reliever Stosh Wawrzasek with a single to right on a 1-2 pitch to drive in the decisive run. Wisconsin (11-15) had an opportunity to score off Siegrist in the bottom of the eighth. Catcher Tony Pechek drew a walk to start the inning. A sacrifice bunt attempt went awry and Pechek was still at first with one out when Quad Cities catcher Juan Castillo lost the ball out of his glove as he attempted a pickoff throw to first. The error allowed Pechek to get into scoring position. Franklin Romero went into the game as a pinch runner for Pechek with Reggie Keen at the plate. Keen lined a single to right. Romero had to hold for a moment to make sure the ball would go through, but took off for third when it did get through to right field. Romero was going to stop at third, but Taveras bobbled the ball. Romero took off for home, but Taveras threw a strike to the plate, and Romero was out. Siegrist got the final out of the eighth and retired the side in order in the ninth to record the shutout. Game two of the series is Sunday afternoon at Time Warner Cable Field. Tyler Thornburg (1-0, 2.37) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. Quad Cities sends Zach Russell (0-2, 6.75) to the mound. Game time is 1:05 PM. On Mother's Day, the Timber Rattlers will be wearing special jerseys to promote breast cancer awareness. The jerseys will be up for bid during a silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to local cancer initiatives. If you can't make it out to the game, 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 This was the American debut for the 19-year-old Cardinals' wunderkid Carlos Martinez, who posted ridiculous numbers vs. DSL opponents last season. With a WHIP still under 1.00 and nearly a K per inning, what more can we say about Austin Ross (check out the stat lines). The dude will be 23 in August -- push him to Brevard ASAP. Ross also shined a 9/3 GB/FB ratio in this one. Carlos George is the only true shortstop on the roster, so we'll have to keep an eye on that if he's hobbled for a while. Wisconsin Play-by-Play

Final: Daytona (Cubs) 15, @Brevard County 5 BC pounded by Daytona 15-5 By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- Another short outing for a Brevard County starting pitcher set the tone early as the Manatees were clobbered by the Daytona Cubs 15-5 on Saturday night at Space Coast Stadium, in a game that lasted almost four hours. Manatees (10-20) starter Maverick Lasker lasted just 1 1/3 innings as he allowed seven runs (six earned) on five hits and three walks. The biggest blow came off the bat of Daytona's Jae-Hoon Ha, a grand slam off of Lasker in the Cubs (22-8) eight-run second inning. Brevard County's bullpen - which was lights out on Friday against Daytona - was not strong on Saturday as they allowed eight runs (seven earned) off of 11 hits in relief of Lasker. The bulk of the 'Tees production at the plate came from Scooter Gennett, Kentrail Davis and Khris Davis as they combined to go 8-for-12 (.666) with three RBI and three runs scored. The rest of the Brevard County line-up was 2-for-28 (.080) with eight strikeouts. The loss was the seventh in a row for the Manatees as Brevard County has yet to win a game in the month of May. It also brings the 'Tees record against the Cubs to 0-6 on the season. With a league-wide off-day set for Sunday, Brevard County will return to action on Monday night at Daytona to close out the three-game set with the Cubs. The Manatees will send Kyle Heckathorn (3-2, 2.52) to the rubber, while Daytona will counter with Brett Wallach (2-1, 3.97). Brevard County will then return home for a six-game home stand beginning on Tuesday with the opener of a four-game series with the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Brevard County Box Score Unlike Nashville, at least Brevard has a split-season second half to look forward to -- the natives must be restless, poor record, shoddy play overall, and winless against your dreaded neighbor. Maverick Lasker had only allowed four earned runs over 17 innings in his three prior starts, but outings like this will balloon an ERA to 6.43 this early in the season. Sea Cow pitchers allowed 16 hits (five for extra bases), ten walks, hit a batter, and threw a wild pitch. Hunter Morris committed two errors at first base, and now has eight miscues overall (20 games at 1B, six games at 3B). Eric noted that Scooter Gennett's hit streak now stands at 16. Scooter and the Davis boys all have OBP's of at least .370. Of the bullpen crew on this evening, at least Santo Manzanillo is interesting -- the fireballer walked two in two scoreless innings but did strike out four for a 20-to-7 ratio in 14.2 innings (11 hits). The Manatees' team ERA is 9th in the 12-team league at 4.45. On the bright side, the 'Tees again played in post-card weather, 78 degrees and clear. Brevard County Play-by-Play You could argue which was more painful to watch, the eight-run 2nd or five-run 9th. I vote for the 9th -- you can just imagine the ground crew and office staff saying 'let's go already' -- Daytona Top of the 2nd Nelson Perez singles on a line drive to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Michael Burgess singles on a pop up to second baseman Scooter Gennett. Nelson Perez to 2nd. Evan Crawford doubles (6) on a ground ball to left fielder Khristopher Davis. Nelson Perez scores. Michael Burgess to 3rd. Michael Brenly walks. Logan Watkins reaches on fielding error by first baseman Hunter Morris. Michael Burgess scores. Evan Crawford to 3rd. Michael Brenly to 2nd. Junior Lake out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder D' Vontrey Richardson. Evan Crawford scores. Michael Brenly to 3rd. David Macias walks. Logan Watkins to 2nd. Jae-Hoon Ha hits a grand slam (6) to left field. Michael Brenly scores. Logan Watkins scores. David Macias scores. Pitcher Change: Evan Anundsen replaces Maverick Lasker. Justin Bour homers (7) on a fly ball to right center field. Nelson Perez flies out to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Michael Burgess grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris. Daytona Top of the 9th Pitcher Change: Mark Willinsky replaces R. J. Seidel. Logan Watkins walks. Junior Lake walks. Logan Watkins to 2nd. David Macias walks. Logan Watkins to 3rd. Junior Lake to 2nd. Jae-Hoon Ha strikes out swinging. Justin Bour walks. Logan Watkins scores. Junior Lake to 3rd. David Macias to 2nd. Nelson Perez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Kentrail Davis. Junior Lake scores. David Macias to 3rd. Justin Bour to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Jonathan Pokorny replaces Mark Willinsky. Michael Burgess grounds out, second baseman Scooter Gennett to first baseman Hunter Morris. David Macias scores. Justin Bour to 3rd. Nelson Perez to 2nd. Evan Crawford singles on a pop up to second baseman Scooter Gennett. Justin Bour scores. Nelson Perez scores. Michael Brenly pops out to second baseman Scooter Gennett.

Final: @Huntsville 4, Jacksonville (Marlins) 3 Stars Take Series Finale from Suns By Jill Cacic / Huntsville Stars Huntsville, AL - The Huntsville Stars (17-12) took game five from the Jacksonville Suns (15-15) in a 4-3 final Saturday night. Reliever Robert Hinton closed out the game, pitching three complete innings and only allowing one hit. Of the 11 batters faced, eight were sent right back to the dugout. The Suns got on board early with a solo home run from Jake Smolinski in the top of the second. They added two more runs in the top of the fourth after a leadoff walk from Jim Negrych. Stars starter Cody Scarpetta hit Luke Montz with a pitch, putting two men on with no outs. Scarpetta threw a wild pitch to advance the runners and catcher Anderson de la Rosa mis-handled a fly pop up in foul territory to keep Smolinski alive -- Smolinski would eventually walk to load the bases. After Scarpetta fanned Kyle Skipworth, Alex Romero followed up with a groundout to score both Negrych and Montz, as De La Rosa committed his second error of the inning when he dropped a catch at home plate. The Stars finally got on board in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff single from brand new Star Angel "Andy" Gonzalez. First baseman Sean Halton followed up with a single to deep right field to score Gonzalez. Huntsville trailed by two going into the bottom of the sixth. They put up two more runs with help from a handful of singles from Gonzalez, Halton, outfielder Brandon Jones and third baseman Steffan Wilson. Starter Scarpetta was pulled from the game after six innings. He gave up three runs on three hits, just one earned. He walked two and struck out seven. Neither team scored again until the Stars put up the winning run in the bottom of the eighth. Erik Komatsu hit a sacrifice fly to score Jones. The Suns hadn't put up a run since the fourth and wouldn't for the rest of the game. Suns starter Graham Taylor went 5.1 innings, giving up three runs on nine hits. He walked two and struck out four. The Suns took the series from the Stars, three games to two. Huntsville has an off day Sunday before heading on the road for a ten-game road trip. They'll play the Smokies for five games in Tennessee and continue on to Jackson to face the Generals for a five-game series. They return home to Joe W. Davis Stadium on Thursday, May 19 for a five-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits. Huntsville Box Score This was Cody Scarpetta's strongest start in six efforts thus far -- the big righty won't be 23 until August, but will need to be in Milwaukee to stay in 2013 (if the expected 4th option year is granted to him for 2012). Reliever Robert Hinton has no business being back at AA, and is now sporting a 23-to-3 K-to-BB ratio in 14.1 innings. Forum contributor and Huntsville Stars' historian David Weiser has tracked Hinton's lengthy Stars' career, as Hinton joins former Stars' hurlers Derek Lee and David Welch as "mayors of Huntsville". CF Erik Komatsu walked and added the go-ahead sacrifice fly as noted in the recap -- OBP is .413, the same as it was for his full 2010 season at Brevard County. As my fellow Link Reporter Eric would note, Komatsu returned to the six-spot in the lineup. Matt Cline, playing a more familiar second base, reached in all three plate appearances. Huntsville Play-by-Play The Stars' two-run rally to tie things in the 6th should have been more rewarding -- an out at 3rd base for the first out, and left the bases juiced... Huntsville Bottom of the 6th Angel Gonzalez singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kevin Mattison. Sean Halton singles on a fly ball to center fielder Kevin Mattison. Angel Gonzalez to 2nd. Brandon Jones singles on a ground ball to right fielder Alex Romero. Angel Gonzalez scores. Sean Halton out at 3rd on the throw, right fielder Alex Romero to first baseman Luke Montz to third baseman Jim Negrych. Brandon Jones to 2nd on the throw. With Steffan Wilson batting, passed ball by Kyle Skipworth, Brandon Jones to 3rd. Steffan Wilson singles on a line drive to right fielder Alex Romero. Brandon Jones scores. With Erik Komatsu batting, wild pitch by Graham Taylor, Steffan Wilson to 2nd. Erik Komatsu walks. Pitcher Change: Jeff Allison replaces Graham Taylor, batting 9th. Anderson De La Rosa flies out to center fielder Kevin Mattison. Matt Cline walks. Steffan Wilson to 3rd. Erik Komatsu to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Sergio Miranda replaces Cody Scarpetta. Sergio Miranda grounds out, second baseman Ryan Curry to first baseman Luke Montz.

Final: @Round Rock (Rangers) 9, Nashville 8 From the "you've got to be kidding" category... Sounds Blow Late Lead Again In Round Rock, Lose 9-8 By Nashville SoundsROUND ROCK, Texas - In his first game with the Round Rock Express, Omar Quintanilla hit a game-winning two-out single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to give the Round Rock Express a 9-8 win over the Nashville Sounds on Saturday night at the Dell Diamond. After trailing for much of the contest, Round Rock scored three runs in the eighth inning and one in the ninth to hand Nashville (9-19) its fourth consecutive last-at-bat defeat and sixth loss in row. The loss was also the club's PCL-leading 12th one-run defeat of the year. Round Rock battled back to tie the contest at 8-8 in the bottom of the eighth. Recording the first two outs of the frame, Tim Dillard walked Doug Deeds and gave up a single to Quintanilla before being replaced by Mark DiFelice (1-1), who proceeded to hit Matt Kata and load the bases. Kevin Cash then came to the dish and knocked a three-run double off the left field wall to knot the contest. In the bottom of the ninth Brian Barden hit a one-out double to start the Express rally. DiFelice intentionally walked Brad Nelson to pitch to Chad Tracy, who proceeded to single and load the bases. DiFelice then fanned Deeds before surrendering the game-winning hit to Quintanilla. Mat Gamel went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, three RBIs, and four runs scored in a losing effort for Nashville. Gamel's two-home run performance marked the second time this season that a Sound has gone yard twice in a game after Taylor Green first achieved the feat in game two of April 17's doubleheader at Omaha. It was also the sixth time in Gamel's career that he hit two homers in a game, last occurring on July 23, 2010 at Albuquerque. For the second consecutive night, Round took an early lead after Esteban German led off with a triple to center off starter Josh Butler and scored the night's first run on Endy Chavez's ensuing groundout. Later in the inning with two outs, Tracy knocked in Round Rock's second run on an RBI base hit to score Barden, who previously reached on Caleb Gindl's two-base fielding error. The Sounds struck back in the next frame, plating three runs on five hits to take a 3-2 advantage. Gamel started the rally with a one-out single and scored on the next play as Jordan Brown doubled down the right field line. Luis Figueroa and Gindl followed with RBI base hits for the final two runs in the inning. Gamel's first home run of the game extended the Sounds lead to 4-2 in the fourth, after the first baseman tattooed a solo home run off the equipment shed in center field. Nashville scored two more runs in the next inning to take a 6-2 lead. After Brett Carroll doubled to right-center, Gamel belted his second homer of the contest to center field, his third of the season. Butler lasted five plus innings for Nashville, departing the contest in the bottom of the sixth after allowing the first two hitters to reach base. Dillard came into the game and gave up a three-run home run to Tracy on the second pitch of the at-bat, which brought the Express within one run at 6-5. The home run was Tracy's fourth of the season. The Sounds tacked on their final two runs in the seventh to go up 8-5, beginning with Gamel's one-out double. After George Kottaras walked, Taylor Green hit an infield-single to score Gamel and advance Kottaras to third. Cash then attempted to pick off Green at first, but committing a throwing error that allowed Kottaras to score the other run (that audio is available via the lead link in this post). Dillard was charged with three runs in 2 2/3 innings in relief, striking out one. DiFelice took the loss, giving up two runs in one inning. Express starter Derek Hankins surrendered six runs on 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision. Justin Miller (1-0) came away with the win with two innings of scoreless ball. The Sounds and Express will continue their series with a 1:05 pm CT Sunday matinee on Mother's Day at the Dell Diamond. Sounds southpaw and Texas native Chase Wright (0-2, 5.40) makes his second start for Nashville against former Sounds right-hander Seth McClung (1-0, 2.91). Nashville Box Score Unbelievable, really -- Kevin Cash?! The two veteran relievers, Dillard and DiFelice, just can't let an 8-5 8th inning lead get away like that. Don Money's going to have a challenge on his hands -- things normally sour quickly in AAA clubhouses when things go this poorly early on (9-19 as noted above). Hopefully there's the right mix of character in that dugout if not the right mix of talent. Caleb Gindl hitting leadoff and playing center field is an interesting spot, at least it provides the 22-year-old with AB's. Mat Gamel's OPS is at .868, he's been inconsistent but effective overall. Jordan Brown on base three times. Taylor Green doubled and singled. Josh Butler became an afterthought quite a while ago. 37-year-old Luis Figueroa has stabilized the shortstop position. Once again, Jeremy Reed is your AAA cleanup hitter (at DH) and went 0-for-5. Nashville does not thank you this year, Doug Melvin... Nashville Play-by-Play A lot to digest if you so choose...

Did not jinx Austin Ross with our original Link Report thread title "Need a bright spot? Austin Ross pitches tonight". He's pitched scoreless ball through six (thus far), and just escaped a 2nd and 3rd, one out jam in the 6th. But speaking of jinxes, it's time for a reverse no-hit jinx. Wisconsin only has a T.J. Mittelstaedt walk through five frames. Listening to Chris... *** Don't check the Brevard box -- ugh. *** As of 8:00 PM Central, Sounds and Stars in tight contests as they enter the middle innings. *** SS Carlos George had to leave the Rattler game -- a leg injury attempting to beat out a ground ball leading off the 6th.

Huntsville Media Notes

Wisconsin Lineup and Media Notes

Huntsville has announced that catcher Dayton Buller has been placed on the DL (no injury status given). Buller pinch-hit Friday night. Jill Cacic of the Stars' front office notes that in nine games with the Stars, Buller is 4-for-26 (.154) with one double, one triple and five RBI. The Stars now carry two veteran-type catchers on their DL, with Buller joining Shawn Riggans there. Martin Maldonado and Anderson De La Rosa remain active. Taking Buller's spot is 29-year-old Andy Gonzalez, who like 25-year-old Hainley Statia, also recently added to the Stars' roster, was an independent league signee. Matt Cline and Sergio Miranda remain on the Stars' roster as capable of seeing time in the middle infield.

Chris' Rattler thoughts going back to Friday's win.

Nashville Media Notes

Have fun! Wouldn't mind seeing Tyler Roberts -- how he carries his 226 lbs. on his 6'0" frame. Stosh if he tosses. Thanks!

LHP Marques Kyles, the 6'9" son of bullpen coach Stan Kyles and who was released in spring training, has signed with the Joliet (IL) Slammers of the independent Frontier League.

Milwaukee 7-game losing streak, Nashville 5, Brevard 6...

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Omaha 16 12 .571 - - 9-4 7-8 5-5 L2 Iowa 13 15 .464 3.0 114 6-6 7-9 3-7 L2 Memphis 10 17 .370 5.5 112 8-7 2-10 4-6 L4 Nashville 9 18 .333 6.5 111 6-8 3-10 1-9 L5 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Jackson 16 11 .593 - - 6-6 10-5 8-2 W4 Tennessee 17 12 .586 - - 7-3 10-9 4-6 L1 Huntsville 16 12 .571 0.5 42 9-4 7-8 4-6 L1 Chattanooga 15 14 .517 2.0 40 8-11 7-3 4-6 W1 Carolina 9 20 .310 8.0 34 7-12 2-8 4-6 W1 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Daytona 21 8 .724 - - 10-4 11-4 8-2 W5 Clearwater 19 10 .655 2.0 40 10-5 9-5 8-2 L1 Dunedin 14 15 .483 7.0 35 5-8 9-7 7-3 W4 Lakeland 14 15 .483 7.0 35 9-7 5-8 4-6 W1 Brevard County 10 19 .345 11.0 31 4-11 6-8 2-8 L6 Tampa 9 20 .310 12.0 30 3-11 6-9 1-9 L9 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Burlington 20 7 .741 - - 10-2 10-5 7-3 W2 Cedar Rapids 18 10 .643 2.5 - 8-5 10-5 6-4 L2 Beloit 16 10 .615 3.5 43 10-5 6-5 7-3 L1 Peoria 14 14 .500 6.5 39 6-4 8-10 4-6 L1 Quad Cities 13 15 .464 7.5 38 5-10 8-5 4-6 W1 Wisconsin 11 14 .440 8.0 39 5-8 6-6 6-4 W1 Clinton 9 20 .310 12.0 33 4-12 5-8 4-6 W1 Kane County 9 20 .310 12.0 33 5-11 4-9 2-8 L1

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

So much for MiLB.TV -- tried to watch the last-inning archive of the Sounds' and Zack Segovia's 9th inning "devastating" loss, and nothing is pulling up. So far my $10 discounted subscription isn't even close to worth it from a Brewers' perspective. Maybe that will change down the road...

Saturday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Josh Butler at Round Rock (Rangers), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen MiLB.TV (for subscribers) Huntsville: RHP Cody Scarpetta at home vs. Jacksonville (Marlins), 6:43 PM gametime Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen Traditional broadcast via the Jacksonville feed: Listen Brevard County: RHP Maverick Lasker at home vs. Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link -- Cubs' feed Wisconsin: RHP Austin Ross at home vs. Quad Cities (Cardinals), 6:15 PM pre-game; 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link

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Frank's summary from Space Coast tells us Hunter Morris was too enthusiastic at the very end of the game -- Despite 9th inning rally, 'Tees lose sixth straight By Frank Longobardo / Brevard County Manatees VIERA, Fla. -- The Brevard County Manatees entered Friday night's game on a five-game losing streak and with an 0-4 record against their opponent, the Daytona Cubs. A furious rally in the ninth inning almost ended both of those skids, but the tying run in the form of Hunter Morris was thrown out at the plate to end the game as the Manatees (10-19) fell 5-4 to the Cubs (21-8). The Cubs roughed up Manatees starting pitcher Adrian Rosario as they scored five runs off of seven hits in just three innings. Brevard County's bullpen though was able to keep the game within reach. The trio of Efrain Nieves, Jonathan Pokorny and Rob Wooten combined for six shutout innings of relief work and allowed just one hit. Brevard County's bats were quiet all night, but finally awoke in the ninth inning. Sean McCraw and Scott Krieger led off the frame with back-to-back singles. A force out then put runners on the corners with one out and then Josh Prince reached on an error by Daytona's second baseman Logan Watkins, as McCraw came into score to put the Manatees on the board. With runners on first and second, Scooter Gennett then singled to load the bases and prompted a Daytona pitching change as Jeffrey Beliveau came in. Kentrail Davis lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Shea Vucinich as Daytona's lead was cut to 5-2. A two-out RBI single from Hunter Morris plated Prince and moved Gennett to third as Brevard County scored its third run of the inning and put runners on the corners. Beliveau was then taken out as Daytona brought in Frank Batista to try and shut the door. D'Vontrey Richardson stepped up to the plate and delievered a single to shallow right center, that scored Gennett. Morris raced home and ran through a stop sign at third base as right fielder Nelson Perez's throw was up the line but Michael Brenly was able to haul it in and just apply the tag to Morris to end the game and thwart the Manatees thrilling comeback. The loss was the sixth straight for the 'Tees as they are now 0-6 in May. Brevard County is now 0-5 against its division rival Daytona. The three-game series between the two clubs will continue on Saturday night at 7:05 PM (6:05 Central) at Space Coast Stadium. The Manatees will send Maverick Lasker (0-4, 4.72) to hill, while the Cubs will counter with Aaron Kurcz (1-0, 3.74).

Wisconsin Media Notes and Lineup

Thanks to Chris Mehring for pointing this out...Ty Goes to the Pitcher by Bob Brainerd, sports32.com At 6-0, 188 pounds, Timber Rattlers pitcher Tyler Thornburg is anything but intimidating in appearance on the mound. A drink of water in size compared to a handful of the other pitchers on the current Wisconsin roster, Thornburg still packs a punch when he toes the rubber, understanding that size matters only when it comes to your heart and willingness to utilize the baseball gifts from within. “First off, God given ability for my arm strength,” said Thornburg, when asked to detail where he generates his power on the mound. “And probably a little bit of genetics from my parents. But it’s something I’ve worked on, looking at mechanics, trying to figure out where my arm slot is as far as how fast I am throwing at that time using my rotator cuff, triceps and forearm all to work together to create the maximum velocity.” His mother Dottye, a Junior Olympic swimmer back in the day, helped provide the athleticism. She was also a handful of family members tabbed by Tyler to keep him sharp, but it wasn’t crouching down in the backyard so the youngster could practice throwing strikes into a mitt. “I would always get my grandma, my mom, my dad, whoever was around to throw extra BP to me, throw Wiffleballs…whatever I could do to get better in hitting because that was something I really enjoyed doing,” said Thornburg. You see, this pitcher was a hitter first. Thornburg enjoyed swinging for the fences so much he pulled double duty in high school and then college, where he was a two-way standout at Charleston Southern University in South Carolina. Tyler hit and pitched his way into the spotlight, tabbed a Second Team All-Big South player in 2010. But at some point, there had to be that proverbial fork in the road. “There was, early on in college when I played both and I was doing a little bit better hitting than pitching,” said Thornburg. “But when I started getting into my sophomore and junior years, started getting a lot of attention as far as pitching, my college coach kind of maneuvered me to pitch more, get my bullpens in rather than take some extra hacks in the cage, so I could get geared more toward a future in pitching.” Even though the upside was brighter, it was a gut twisting tussle for Thornburg to retire the bat along with chasing down balls in the outfield. Not easy for a player with legit power (24 career home runs at Charleston Southern, fourth most in Buccaneers history) making full throttle, on the run circus catches. “It was fun playing the outfield,” said Thornburg with a grin. “That was my freshman year, and I loved playing in the outfield, getting a chance to throw guys out trying to take extra bases…that was the most fun. “As hard as it is to stop hitting, because hitting is a lot more fun than pitching because you get to play every day, but I know it’s what I needed to do. And I’m willing to give it all I’ve got to make that next step in pitching.” There was never any wavering once Thornburg bought into the notion of plying his trade on the bump instead of the batter’s box. “I was always on the computer looking at ways to improve arm strength, mechanics to improve my arm,” said Thornburg. “I think there’s been a little bit of a change once I got here (Appleton). I’ve been concentrating more on how to work on my command rather than velocity. I’ve got it up to where I think I can be successful and I’m pretty much maxed out for my size. But now I’m working on command and trying to throw to both sides of the plate and keep the ball down.” Work began in earnest last season, when Thornburg kick started his professional career with the Brewers. Selected in the third round, Tyler had supporters on hand to wait out the moment. “They were all at my house, family and friends, about 15 people sitting and watching it on the computer because I didn’t go in the first round, so it wasn’t on TV,” said Thornburg. “But it was definitely exciting. My parents were the most excited, apart from me. They were jumping up and down, and it was real fun.” And how long does the fun last? “You have your time for being excited, but then you’ve kind of got to move on in the next couple of days,” said Thornburg. “It’s time to begin to work harder than the next person.” Aware that the spotlight would shadow a lofty draft pick, Thornburg made the most of his trip to the Brewers rookie team in Helena. Just as he was a student of the game back in college, Thornburg found out class was always in session in Montana. “In Helena, all I tried to do was blow it by guys,” said Thornburg. “And then I learned going to instructs that if you throw it to both sides of the plate, you can throw it five miles per hour less. If you’re down in the zone, you’re going to get guys out without wasting a bunch of your energy trying to strike everyone out. “You just have to take your game to the next level. You’ve been pitching against college hitters, and it helps that I get to go to face wood (bats), but you’ve got all of these much better hitters. It’s like facing the three and four guys in college one through nine. You’ve just got to try and prove that you were worth that pick and that you can make it in the bigs.” Able to notch 98 mph when he dials it up for some serious heat, Thornburg’s ticket just might be his nasty curveball. It has been a decade in the making, but may be in need of a tune-up tweak. “I developed that when I was about 12,” said Thornburg.” “It’s funny because I actually just changed the grip this year. Didn’t change the grip from when I was 12 to this spring actually. I wasn’t throwing it for enough strikes, because as you get into the higher levels hitters stop swinging at that bouncing curveball that I had success with in college and last year. So now I’ve tried to develop a grip to throw more strikes with it and still be able to do similar stuff.” Thornburg dominated the Pioneer League, posting an ERA of 1.93 in nine games. He punched out 38 batters in 23 innings of work, and perhaps most noteworthy, Tyler never glanced back in the rearview mirror to his days as a position player. “I enjoy being up there knowing that the entire game is based on how well you do,” said Thornburg.” If you do badly, your team is probably going to lose. If you do really well, there’s no chance that you’re going to lose. “I love having that kind of dependency on me, but I kind of wish I could do a little bit of both…maybe hit a home run here and there to help out when the hitters aren’t doing too hot. “Yeah, I love being up on that mound.” http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Thornburg-4.jpg http://www.sports32.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Thornburg-newest.jpg

Nashville Media Notes

started 2010 with the mets, was put on the disabled list 4/11/10. he was activated from the disabled list on 8/12/10 after completing a rehab assignment at triple-a, but he remained at triple-a after being optioned on that date. he was recalled by the mets on 9/6/10. his stint in the minors was longer than 20 days. Think I've figured this out. As of September 1st, the 25-man roster in effect becomes a 40-man roster with all players on the 40-man eligible to be on the major league roster, as we all know. So as of September 1st, there is no more "counting of the 20 days" going on. The counting stops after August 31st. Since Green was optioned on August 12th, the 20 day period which would have made the option formal extended past August 31st just barely into September. It didn't matter that the Mets waited until September 6th to bring back Green. The option period was only 19 days. So there you go. I think. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

Some Huntsville Stars share their sense of loss, concern from recent storms By Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Lee Haydel was one of the fortunate ones. When Hurricane Katrina began unfurling her destruction, Haydel and family were able to evacuate their home in Reserve, 30 miles from New Orleans, and go north to Monroe. Their home sustained little damage. A few trees were gone, a power outage lasted a week, "but no flooding, nothing like that," he said. "A couple of days, we couldn't even get into our hometown. Just seeing (New Orleans) it was just devastating," Haydel said. "So I understand kinda what's going on here." Haydel, a Huntsville Stars outfielder, is part of a geographically diverse roster. Many of the Stars have seen and endured the capricious nature of weather and disaster. Outfielder Chuckie Caufield, for instance, is from Oklahoma, several loops west of here in that deadly Tornado Belt that stretches across the country's midsection. Manager Mike Guerrero and reliever Roque Mercedes are from the Dominican Republic, a small gem in the Caribbean that is annually in the path of hurricanes. "I know what they're going through here," Guerrero said, "with the loss of life and loss of material things." While Haydel's home avoided damage, he had some cousins who lost their homes to flooding, as well as some former junior college teammates. Even now as he looks at New Orleans, "parts of the city are normal. But there are some parts that might not ever be the same." To find a parallel between Katrina and what has happened in our area, "you've just got to believe in God and Him helping you through it," Haydel said. "It'll make your community stronger. It'll make everybody help out. And hopefully the government will send some money and help out." The Dominican Republic is a small country with little modern infrastructure, except the capital of Santo Domingo or around the luxury golf resorts in a mushrooming tourist trade. When I was there 13 years ago, I noticed a flattened, devastated area. "That's where the hurricane hit," I was told. "When?" I asked. "Four or five years ago." "You don't recover from a hurricane," Guerrero said. "It takes years for a small country like ours. Here in the United States, it takes some time. But in the Dominican, it takes years. "Hurricanes," he said, "just play football with a small country." He was just 11, living in Santo Domingo, when some of the worst devastation in Dominican history occurred. Hurricane David struck the island as a Category 5 storm. More than 2,000 were killed. It was quickly followed by Hurricane Frederick, less powerful but more rainy. "They came back-to-back," Guerrero said. "One just killed the country, destroyed everything with the winds, then Frederick stormed for 10 days. The first one comes and destroys the country, the other one comes and floods the country." Growing up in Oklahoma, the tornado sirens, the anxiety, the ugly aftermath are nothing new to Caufield. But the storms that have ravaged our state have stunned even him. "In Oklahoma, most of the tornados just touch down and take off," he said. "The ones here, I heard they stayed on the ground for miles and miles." Caufield then summed it up for all of us, no matter the geographic diversity of our lives, no matter the hurricanes and storms of our past. "I've never seen anything like this."