Jim Goulart

Friday 3/29: Via WTMJ's Morning News (Download Link): Rick Schlesinger, Brewers President of Business Operations Via 97.3's "Nine2Noon Show": Tim Allen Via ESPN Wisconsin's "Wilde and Tausch" (download link): Tyler Barnes, Brewers VP of Communications Via WTMJ's Midday News (Download Link): Lane Grindle Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour Two)": Tim Allen (go to the 26:00 minute mark) Via the "Cream City Pod" with BrewerFanatic's own Spencer Michaelis: "Brewers Season Preview" Reviewing the Brew's" Cold Brew Podcast: "Co-hosts David Gasper and Matt Carroll break down the Brewers Opening Day roster decisions, Eric Haase missing out on a spot, and how injuries late in spring training had big implications. Also, David and Matt go through their bold predictions for the 2024 Brewers season" Via WSCO's "The Show with Leo and Balky (Hour One): Jack Stern of "BrewerFanatic" joins the show in the midst of the Brewers game (go to the 35:40 minute mark) Via 97.3's "Baseball Postgame Show": - "Tim Allen joins Drew & KB for a merged postgame show after the Brewers beat the Mets 3-1!" Locked on Brewers with Chuck Freimund - "Pitching carries the way on Opening Day for the Brewers"

Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Saturday, lineup updates, etc.Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores

The folks in baseball's hierarchy realized it'd be smart to have MLB-ready AAA players active during the first week of the major league schedule, and as such, we were able to ease into our daily season-long grind - a pleasurable grind, our labor of love here at BrewerFanatic. We'll have to wait until next Friday's schedule to see the likes of the Shuckers, Timber Rattlers, and Mudcats. Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic As is our norm, the first bucket of info for each report focuses on transaction or known injury news in the system: TRANSACTIONS / INJURY UPDATE: Final: Toledo (Tigers) 4, Nashville 2 Via the Sounds' site, we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of your season-long Link Report routine: Sounds Come Up Short on Opening Day in Toledo Patrick Dorrian homers, Owen Miller doubles twice in 4-2 loss Pre-Game Media Notes Box Score / Game Log We knew the Nashville game in Toledo was going to get underway a touch under two hours after the big-league Crew started their own rain-delayed-by-a-day opener. So nearly all of our eyes were focused on the tight matchup at Citi Field when this news crossed our timelines from the very first inning of the Sounds' contest: While we're all led to speculate, we are only left with this: The implications here are massive, so it's not surprising we are holding our collective breaths. This is Jeferson Quero's age 21 season, as he won't even turn 22 until October. Quero is the only other catcher on the team's 40-man roster, but that can be navigated if and when necessary. The bigger concern is that so much of Quero's value is in his golden rifle of an arm, and that 2024 stood to be a critical developmental year of refinement in his offensive game, which is already solid. March 8th quote: "That kid is -- I mean, that's the gem of our organization right now," - Pat Murphy Note to Player Development - unless a prospect is going to require speed to be a big part of their value, just have the runner always take a half-step lead off first base. That's said in half-jest, but how do you even practice that dive back without risking injuries? OK, let's move on with hopeful minds for Jeferson's sake. For now, the Sounds still have two catchers available, defensive maestro Brian Navarreto, 29, and 6th-year backstop Nick Kahle, 26. We mentioned this often last year, but our daily/nightly Minor League Forum threads are just so cool. Here's the one from Friday. Now granted, the thread can get a bit unwieldy when all four full-season affiliates are in action, but that's part of its charm among Brewers prospect diehard fans. My fellow Link Reporter Daniel killed it with his updates last evening, do yourself a favor with that quick read. As for the box score analysis, Tyler Black started at perhaps his strongest position, designated hitter. At least the universal DH doesn't limit Milwaukee's trade partners to American League teams any longer. Joey Wiemer's 0-for-4 with three K's entry reminds us of that work-in-progress. We shouldn't be too surprised in RH starter Carlos Rodriguez' four walks in three innings, his BB/9 in 2023 was 4.00, so yes, this line was not good, but seven of his nine batters retired were via K. Why we love Media Notes, tidbits like this: "At 22 years and 123 days, Rodríguez is Nashville's youngest Opening Day starter since the Sounds moved to the Triple-A level in 1985." I was among those who flipped from the Milwaukee postgame to Voice of the Sounds Jeff Hem's radio call. Even Jeff can't smooth over these results, which almost entirely came in the later innings. There were some exasperating at-bats, and it's much too early in the season to already get upset by such things, but we do. Team RISP: 1-for-10. Team LOB: 9. We get to do this all again on Saturday, and what the heck, the game times are the same so prepare to multi-task. RHP Evan McKendry toes the rubber for Nashville - had to get my first "toes the rubber" in right away. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

Tanner Shears signed in January 2023 after one indy ball season the season prior. In 41 appearances split between Carolina and Wisconsin, Shears posted gaudy marks - an ERA of 1.45, 26 hits allowed in 49.2 IP, with 77 K's. Equally gaudy on the flip side were 42 walks and 11 hit batters in those 49.2 IP. That ERA is evident of how dominant Shears could be when in the zone. Best wishes on the rehab. A July 2025 return, when he'd be 26 years old, would be welcome news.

Thursday 3/28: Via WTMJ's Morning News (Download Link): SVP, GM Matt Arnold Via the Journal Sentinel Podcast: "Brewers reporter Curt Hogg and host JR Radcliffe give you one last look at the 2024 Milwaukee Brewers season, with the rainout delaying the start to Friday. They discuss the injury to center fielder Garrett Mitchell, the last-second roster tweak that did not include hot-hitting catcher Eric Haase and some preseason awards predictions. National writers generally feel like this Brewers team won't compete for the division title; are we sleeping on the Brewers as a contender?" Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour Two)": Jeff Levering (go to the 27:40 minute mark) Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour Three)": Will Sammon, who covers the Mets for The Athletic - but used to cover the Brewers (go to the 23:45 minute mark) Via WTMJ: Dom Cotroneo hosts "Brewers All Access" (Brewers Weekly) - "Dom gets you ready for Brewers opening day despite the postponement by recapping the headlines, predicting the final roster and previewing the pitching staff/lineup." NOTE: This aired Wednesday night but was made available Thursday.

It was sports hernia surgery in December for Thompson, per this article.

As recently as two weeks ago the job opening was posted. Still an active listing It is going to be difficult to acclimate to the position quickly. Would not be surprising if things are unfilled for a bit. From a baseball perspective purely, it’s the PBP calls (home games only) and media notes in terms of the obvious fan impacts. The position entails much beyond that, especially in the offseason. Remember, the Mudcats are owned by the Brewers so they will have the call on the hire. Welcome to the forum!

Wednesday 3/27: Via 97.3's "The Steve Czaban Show": Jeff Levering Via ESPN Wisconsin's "Jen, Gabe and Chewy" (download link): Sophia Minnaert Via WTMJ's Morning News (Download Link): "Brewers Community Foundation Director Cecelia Gore joins the program ahead of the season opener on Thursday! So many ways you can support the foundation and so many ways the foundation helps our area here in Milwaukee. Cecelia talks about all the efforts that will happen throughout the season, and how grateful she is for the help of the players and Brewers fans." VIDEO via MLB Network: Rhys Hoskins Locked on Brewers with Chuck Freimund - "The Brewers are headed North!" Via 97.3's Mike Heller Show (Hour One): "Manager Pat Murphy shares some breaking news ahead of Opening Day." Via 97.3's Mike Heller Show (Hour One): "Senior Director of Grounds Ryan Woodley talks about the playing surface and more at American Family Field" (go to the 31:30 minute mark) Via 97.3's Mike Heller Show (Hour Three): "Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger talks about renovations, parking and more! (go to the 22:35 minute mark) Via 97.3's Drew & KB: "Loren Rue (Executive Chef for Delaware North at AmFam Field) joins the show to preview the new food at the ballpark this season!" (go to the 04:30 minute mark) Via 97.3's Drew & KB (Hour Two): Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation (go to the 24:45 minute mark) Via 97.3's "Brewing the Offseason" - "Tim Allen and Hunter Baumgardt preview the 2024 season for the Brewers! Brewers 1B Jake Bauers (available as a stand-alone archive here) and P Hoby Milner (available as a stand-alone archive here) join the show from New York. Plus, TV Analyst Tim Dillard (at the 01:15:30 hour/minute mark) joins the program as well! Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour One)": Mark Sheldon of MLB.com previews the Reds (go to the 24:30 minute mark) Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour Two)": Matt Pauley (old friend alert) of KMOX previews the Cardinals (go to the 26:55 minute mark) Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour Three)": Jason Mackey from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette previews the Pirates (go to the 29:20 minute mark) Via "The Bill Michaels Show (Hour Four)": Jesse Rogers of ESPN previews the Cubs (go to the 26:15 minute mark) Via the "Barrel Banter Podcast": "Opening Day is here - the Brewers enter with less certainty on the roster than they've had in a long time. How will their rookies fare? What can we expect from a team without Burnes, Woodruff, and half a season of Devin Williams? Is the offense good enough to carry the team this year? This and many more questions answered in the episode!"

Thread will be utilized for any minor league news Friday, lineup updates, etc. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores *** Wow, we're here (already)! 3:05 Central Link Report Saturday morning as we ease into things (Biloxi, Wisconsin and Carolina all begin play on Friday 4/5). Nashville has to get this roster down to 28 active players. It's at 31 as of this post date and time. Jeff Hem enters his 13th year in Music City and his 19th overall season behind the microphone, as per the Sounds' site. An MLB.TV subscription gets you MiLB.TV access. For road games, listen for free here in order to hear Jeff's call.

Tuesday 3/26: Via the "Brewers Unfiltered" Podcast: "Before Opening Day, Sophia Minnaert sat down with Pat Murphy to discuss a wide variety of topics – Freddy Peralta as Opening Day starter, Jackson Chourio’s impact, year two for William Contreras, the team’s defensive identity, using TBA for starting pitchers, and a whole lot more." Via WTMJ's Morning News (Download Link): Brewers VP of Consumer Entertainment Tom Hecht: "Putting the Jumbo in Jumbotron" Via WTMJ's Midday News (Download Link): Dom Cotroneo Via ESPN Wisconsin's "Homer Hour" (Download Link): "Journal-Sentinel Brewers beat writer Todd Rosiak discusses the potential impact of Jackson Chourio, could Chourio be the new Robin Yount, who should fans compare Chourio to, what is Chourio's best skill of his vast skill set and how many wins does he think the Brewers will have this season?" Via 97.3's Drew & KB: "Bill Schroeder (Rock) previews the Brewers 2024 season!" Via "The Bill Michaels Show": Chuck Freimund chats with Bill (go to the 32:50 minute mark)

VIDEO: Left fielder Carlos D. Rodriguez gets the ball in to shortstop Gregory Barrios who completes the relay, nabbing Alan Trejo at home *** Thanks for following along! So ends this topic thread for another year.

Tuesday's Game at the Rockies - Media Notes Actually, they were all from Minor League camp! Box Score

Solid discussion:

Monday 3/25: Via WTMJ's Morning News (Download Link): "Baseball is almost here! Marti Wronski, Brewers Chief Operating Officer, joins the program to plug the season opener! We ask Marti about her path up to the big leagues and how women are champion each other to take more positions in MLB front offices. So, what waits for Brewers fans at AmFam? A brand-new scoreboard that is twice the size of the old one." Via WTMJ's Midday News (Download Link): "Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger discusses the unveiling of new scoreboards at American Family Field and what that will mean for fans at the ballpark. He also discusses remodeling and expanding the team store and long-term renovations in store for American Family Field." Locked on Brewers with Chuck Freimund - "The Brewers are ramping up to Opening Day!" Via 97.3's Mike Heller Show: Garrett Mitchell (pre-injury news) Via WSSP's Steve "Sparky" Fifer: "Sparky is joined by Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger to discuss the new things Brewers fans will notice at American Family Field this season. Lots of new great stuff!! Give a listen!!" Via the "Brewers Babes" Podcast (NSFW, language): "In this bonus episode of Brewers Babes Erin rants about the obstruction rule called against Francisco Lindor in Spring Training and Lisa gives a rundown of the Ohtani scandal timeline. We talk about why we think gambling is bad for the sport and make our Opening Day lineup predictions."

Monday's Game vs. the Rockies - Media Notes MINOR DETAILS: Over from Minor League camp: INF José Acosta (90), INF Luke Adams (92), INF Juan Báez (98), OF Eduarqui Fernández (96), C David García (89), INF Ethan Murray (91), OF Carlos Rodríguez (94), INF Jheremy Vargas (93), RHP Nolan Blackwood (68), RHP Bo Bowman (36), RHP Sam Carlson (83), RHP Chase Costello (84), RHP Jeferson Figueroa (47), RHP KC Hunt (57), RHP Enoli Paredes (67) and RHP Shane Smith (65) Box Score

Sunday 3/25: Latest Milwaukee Tailgate Podcast - "It's time once again for our big annual preview, starting with the NL Central, the rest of the league, postseason picks and answers to your questions on the eve of the season." Via the Journal Sentinel Podcast: "The Brewers are a mere four days away from the start of the 2024 Major League Baseball season, but this still looks like a pitching staff that has a ton of questions. Brewers reporter Curt Hogg joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss why that's cause for alarm, and why it may not be. Can the offense overcome the losses taken by the pitching staff? Let's zoom in on Christian Yelich, Joey Wiemer and Eric Haase as we get closer to the season beginning in New York."

Always good photos via Phrake Photography