Jim Goulart

Normally we only "link" to blogs, but the formatting of blog posts at the new Post-Crescent site is just brutal, so we'll copy and link, always sure to provide the credit name... Post-Crescent blog -- posted by Jim Oskola Manny Parra looked sharp in his two-inning rehab assignment during the Timber Rattlers' 4-3 win over Kane County at Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday. Twenty-two pitches, 16 strikes, four strikeouts and two 1-2-3 innings. One hopes that he makes steady progress as he continues to rehab his back. After he was done pitching and doing his post-game work, he met with the assembled media and talked about playing in Appleton. "I think it's great for the Brewers to be here (in Appleton)," Parra said. "When I was in Beloit, this is a place where I wondered why we weren't here. It just seems like a good city. The ballpark is a nice ballpark. There are a lot of parks that were underpar. This place is really nice. For these guys to have this (indoor) batting cage here, we don't even have that at the Triple-A level. Nashville doesn't have an indoor batting cage like this. This is a really nice facility. It should generate a lot of excitement for these fans to come out and see these guys because these guys are going to be on the big league team at some point." As a former Midwest League ballplayer, Parra also talked about what he would want these players to remember as they work toward becoming major league players. "It's just going to be the bumps and bruises that come along with being a baseball player," he said. "There's a saying that I heard in this organization when I was younger. There are those who are humble and those who are about to be. It means this game will humble you. It's how you bounce back from those situations. I have had my fair share of things I've had to battle through whether it's surgery or just poor performances. You look at them and everything's fresh and everything's new. I remember when I was at this point in 2003 when I was in this league. It's just fun and you don't think about too much. I want them to enjoy that and enjoy the game for what it is. I look at the innocence of everybody and the fun that they're having and it's nice to see."

Daytona Cubs' Evan Crawford (7) slides in safe at second when Brevard County Manatees' Josh Prince (17) misses the tag at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Saturday. (Daytona News-Journal Photo | Sean McNeil) http://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/assets_c/2011/04/cubs2410-thumb-180xauto-16274.jpg Larger version available at game story here.

BOB MACK/The Times-Union On a disputed play at the plate in the third inning Saturday, Suns catcher Kyle Skipworth tries to tag Huntsville's Sergio Miranda. Home plate umpire Blake Davis called the runner safe. http://jacksonville.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/editorial/images/images/mdControlled/cms/2011/04/10/813018843.jpg

Banning bad foods could make Brevard County Manatees more formidable on the field Florida State League team issues dietary guidelines by Mark DeCotis, Florida Today Name the staples of the diet of an average 19 to 22 year old and it's a safe bet that it's not on the approved list for the Brevard County Manatees. Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers, the parent team of the Advanced Class A Florida State League Manatees, for the first time issued expanded nutritional guidelines for all its minor leaguers. And just so there are no doubts and no one can claim ignorance, the list is posted at the entry to the Manatees clubhouse at Space Coast Stadium. It contains the following non-approved substances: Soda including diet Snack cakes Pizza Bologna Pop Tarts Cheese puffs Sugary drinks (Gatorade OK) Cookies/cakes/desserts Energy drinks Twizzlers Salami Fried cheese curds Fried mozzarella sticks Potato chips Slim Jims Skittles Hot dogs Nachos All packaged, processed junk foods All non-NSF supplements such as 5-Hour Energy and Monster Rock Star For right-handed pitcher Rob Wooten, the guidelines are welcome. "A little surprised just because a lot of guys in the minor leagues like to snack a little bit," he said of his reaction upon seeing the guidelines for the first time. "But for me, I try to eat healthy as much as I can. I kind of like that (guidelines), it kind of shows me the proper action of getting us the right things in our body to perform the right way. Surprised but happy too at the same time." Under the guidelines, players can purchase items on the list themselves -- the team will not supply them -- and bring them into the clubhouse. But, they cannot store them in a team refrigerator, locker or other container. The guidelines won't affect Wooten as much as it might others. "I'm not a real big snack person," he said. "I know a lot of people were upset about the Diet Cokes and the chips and all that stuff being gone." Manatees Manager Jeff Isom said the guidelines are an expansion of previous efforts to help everyone in the minors, including managers. "I like to get my bag of chips every once in a while," he said. "No more chips for me, no more sodas as well. We have to be healthy as well and, hopefully, I'll lose some weight this summer. "We've always had dietary guidelines throughout our organization. This year, they've expanded that. They want to make sure that nutrition is a big thing with these players." However, the guidelines were not universally welcomed, initially. "There was some eye rolling and that type stuff," Isom said. "But they understand we're looking out for their best interests. If they want to perform at a top level, they're going to have to do things and this is just part of that developmental process." Ensuring players adhere to the guidelines falls to strength and conditioning coach Jonah Mergen, who is following guidelines handed down by Brewers Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Jeff Mester and Leslie Bonti, a Brewers nutritional adviser. Mergen, armed with an extra $75 a day from the Brewers to ensure the quality of nutrition, works with clubhouse manager Ryan McDonald to set menus for the team meals. "I'm in contact with him . . . to talk about the food options, what's being done," Mergen said. "He does the shopping, does the preparation and everything and he then brings me the receipt. I have to sign off on the receipt in order for him to get the money." And while much effort is going into the process, there are going to be days when the circumstances dictate some wiggle room. "You're dealing with 140 games here, there's going to be room for adjustment," Mergen said. "We're going to have some times where it might need to be bent. And that's where I come in and just try to work with Ryan and say what's a better choice?"

Jonathan Lucroy update and quotes after Saturday's Huntsville game (Link Report post)

From the Florida Times-Union Huntsville-Jacksonville game report -- "This is my spring training. It's the shortest spring training I've ever had — five games, one week," Jonathan Lucroy said. "I'm feeling good right now though, and I'm thinking I'll get the call from the Brewers to join the team once this series is over on Monday. I'm anxious to get back there. It's always tough being on the sidelines. You want to help your team as much as you can." Lucroy has collected two hits in nine at-bats in the three games against the Suns, but he's drawn four walks and has hit the ball hard on several occasions, just right at a Suns fielder. Jacksonville (1-2) was successful in all three stolen base tries against Lucroy, however. "The finger feels good. Right now, I'm just trying to get some good ABs under my belt and get my timing down," said the 24-year-old catcher who's from Eustis and played high school ball at Umatilla. " ... I'm not worried about my stats right now. I just want to have some quality at-bats and be ready when I get the call next week."

Nashville audio archive page: April 9 - Chat with Pitching Coach Rich Gale Gushing over Amaury Rivas, honestly critical of Mark Rogers' pace, and alarmingly, Rogers was sitting at only 88-90 on Friday...

Post-Game Chris Narveson audio with Cory Provus

Nashville audio archive page: April 8 - Chat with Hitting Coach Sandy Guerrero

No formal roster move on Caleb yet. Probably Sunday... Komatsu is not formally on a full-season roster right now, so no formal DL move required for him that we're aware of.

Haudricourt tweet on Gindl will miss about a month at AAA Nashville with a left oblique strain. McCalvy tweet on Gindl, Komatsu Erik Komatsu, Caleb Gindl latest Brewers down with oblique injuries and club is looking for answers.

Nashville Media Notes Huntsville Media Notes

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Iowa 2 0 1.000 - - 0-0 2-0 2-0 W2 Nashville 2 0 1.000 - - 2-0 0-0 2-0 W2 Memphis 1 1 .500 1.0 142 1-1 0-0 1-1 W1 Omaha 0 2 .000 2.0 141 0-0 0-2 0-2 L2 SOU North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Tennessee 2 0 1.000 - - 0-0 2-0 2-0 W2 Huntsville 1 1 .500 1.0 68 0-0 1-1 1-1 L1 Jackson 1 1 .500 1.0 68 0-0 1-1 1-1 W1 Carolina 0 2 .000 2.0 67 0-2 0-0 0-2 L2 Chattanooga 0 2 .000 2.0 67 0-2 0-0 0-2 L2 FSL North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Clearwater 2 0 1.000 - - 1-0 1-0 2-0 W2 Daytona 2 0 1.000 - - 1-0 1-0 2-0 W2 Lakeland 1 1 .500 1.0 68 1-0 0-1 1-1 L1 Tampa 1 1 .500 1.0 68 1-0 0-1 1-1 W1 Brevard County 0 2 .000 2.0 67 0-1 0-1 0-2 L2 Dunedin 0 2 .000 2.0 67 0-1 0-1 0-2 L2 MID Western Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak Quad Cities 1 0 1.000 - - 1-0 0-0 1-0 W1 Burlington 1 1 .500 0.5 - 0-0 1-1 1-1 L1 Cedar Rapids 1 1 .500 0.5 - 0-0 1-1 1-1 L1 Clinton 1 1 .500 0.5 - 1-1 0-0 1-1 W1 Kane County 1 1 .500 0.5 - 0-0 1-1 1-1 W1 Peoria 1 1 .500 0.5 - 1-1 0-0 1-1 W1 Wisconsin 1 1 .500 0.5 - 1-1 0-0 1-1 L1 Beloit 0 1 .000 1.0 69 0-0 0-1 0-1 L1

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

Saturday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Josh Butler at home vs. New Orleans (Marlins), 6:20 PM pre-game; 6:35 gametime Live Audio Link iPad/iPhone: Listen Huntsville: RHP Jesus Sanchez at Jacksonville (Marlins), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link (Jacksonville feed) If that feed is unavailable tonight, click the Jacksonville feed link from the MiLB.com audio page here Brevard County: RHP Nick Bucci at Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link (Daytona feed) Wisconsin: RHP Jimmy Nelson at home vs. Kane County (Royals), 12:45 PM pre-game; 1:05 gametime Live Audio Link

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

Reggie Keen is Tony Plush in training. *** Chris Mehring pointed out -- Nick Shaw ran the count full in his first four plate appearances. The number of pitches he saw in each of those four plate appearances were: 7, 9, 8, and 6. Shaw struck out in the first and walked in the 3rd, 5th, and 6th. Reggie Keen is 6-for-10 with a homer, a double, two RBI, four runs, and four stolen bases in his first two games this season. *** For the record, here was Huntsville's media notes. There was nothing of substance Stars-wise in the Jacksonville media this AM.

Table-setters having strong start to season for Timber Rattlers by Ricardo Arguello, Post-Crescent staff writer GRAND CHUTE — The season is just two games old, but this much is apparent about your Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The top portion of the lineup of leadoff hitter Nick Shaw and No. 2 hitter Reggie Keen has the potential to thrill fans this season. Though Wisconsin (1-1) dropped a 7-6 Midwest League decision to Kane County in front of 709 fans at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Friday, the duo of Shaw and Keen continued its strong start to the season. Shaw, who had three hits, including a home run in the team's opener on Thursday, had three walks and scored two runs on Friday. Keen, who had three hits including a double on Thursday, had three more hits Friday, including his first home run of the season, as well as two runs scored. It's that kind of production that has Timber Rattlers manager Matt Erickson excited about the season. "It's outstanding. I've had both those kids pegged since the beginning of spring training, wanting them to be our one-two guys," Erickson said. "It was just a matter of how we were going to do it. I really like Shaw in the leadoff spot. As you've seen in the past two days, he's not afraid to take a pitch and work the count. And he has the ability to hit the ball all over the park. "And Reggie, if we can get Shaw on a lot, that gives him a few more fastballs and he has the ability to drive the ball gap-to-gap. Obviously, I didn't expect them to get off to the start that they have, but they do set the table and I anticipate them doing that most of the year." Keen, who had a strong season at Helena last season before fracturing his left wrist in July, is batting .600 on the season and belted his first home run on an 0-2 offering from Kane County pitcher Sugar Ray Marimon in the third. "Last night, I got down 0-2 and they threw me a changeup and I was looking for that," Keen said. "This time, they threw me a fastball in and I just adjusted and I just flipped the bat out there and good thing I got it good." Keen also had three stolen bases and thinks that the Rattlers' overall team speed will put pressure on opposing pitchers no matter what the situation. "That's what we talked about in spring training," Keen said. "Almost everyone on the team can run. Everyone has speed. In the outfield, the guys can run and in the field the guys can run. We know that even if we're up, we're going to run and when we're down we're going to run. (Erickson) has stressed that to us and hopefully that can be a spark."

Daytona (2-0) sent nine batters to the plate in the first inning against Brevard County right-hander Evan Anundsen, who two years ago threw a no-hitter here against the Cubs. Anundsen lasted only one inning this time. That was a fun Link Report!

D-Cubs thrill near-record crowd in home opener By Sean Kernan, Daytona News Journal staff writer Photo Gallery DAYTONA BEACH -- It didn't take long for the 2011 Daytona Cubs to make a good impression Friday night. A five-run first inning, much to the delight of a near-record crowd of 5,017 at Jackie Robinson Ball Park, got the home-opener party started and Daytona went on to defeat Brevard County 7-3. It was the second-largest Cubs crowd behind the 5,113 fans who attended the 2009 home opener. "We had some good pitching, made some plays in the infield, the little guys got on and the big guys got 'em in," said Daytona manager Buddy Bailey, who is now 16 shy of the 1,500-wins milestone. First baseman Justin Bour crushed a three-run homer to dead center field, and two hitters later, Michael Burgess blasted a two-run shot out over the double-deck fence in right-center field. "There's a lot of power in this lineup," Burgess said. "This is just the beginning." For Burgess, a power-hitting corner outfielder acquired from the Washington Nationals in a January trade, it was his second home run in as many games with the Cubs. "It feels great. Everything has just been great since I got traded here," Burgess said. "I can just be myself." Daytona (2-0) sent nine batters to the plate in the first inning against Brevard County right-hander Evan Anundsen, who two years ago threw a no-hitter here against the Cubs. Anundsen lasted only one inning this time. "We didn't do a whole lot after that first inning," Bailey said. Fortunately, Daytona's pitchers had another good night, combining for 10 strikeouts with only one walk. Cubs starter Nick Struck (1-0) allowed a run in the first inning and an unearned run in the fifth inning. The right-hander struck out the side in the second inning after getting a 5-1 lead from his teammates and finished with five strikeouts. "(Struck) struggled a little bit in the first inning and when our offense put up five runs it gave him a chance to get his legs under him and he pitched well after that," Bailey said. The Cubs beat the Manatees 3-2 in Thursday night's season-opener in Viera. Daytona will try to finish off the sweep of the season-opening three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate tonight at 7:05 (6:05 Central) at the Jack. The night wasn't a total loss for the Manatees. Veteran big-leaguer LaTroy Hawkins made an injury-rehab appearance and was firing his fastball as high as 94 mph. The 39-year-old righty fanned four batters and gave up singles to Welington Castillo and Michael Brenly in his two scoreless innings. "LaTroy Hawkins is a tough cookie," Bailey said. "I thought Brenly had a really good at-bat against a big-league guy to get his hit." A familiar face at the Jack took the mound for Brevard County in the third inning. Former Bethune-Cookman hurler Hiram Burgos allowed an unearned run on one hit in three innings for the Manatees.

Turns out Nashville's Greer Stadium was not ready for MiLB.TV after all, as no archive is listed. So not able to go back and watch the Caleb Gindl at-bat. Of course, the Tennessean is no help despite this article -- Farris provides spark as Sounds' leadoff man by Greg Sullivan, The Tennessean Just before the new season, Nashville Sounds Manager Don Money said he was leaning toward using centerfielder Caleb Gindl as his leadoff man. But it's a manager's prerogative to change his mind. Instead, Money will go with second baseman Eric Farris at the top of the order, at least for now. "We don't have a legitimate leadoff hitter," Money said. "So you just run out there who you think is going to do the job and hopefully it's successful." After going 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Thursday's opener, Farris was 1-for-4 in Friday's 7-1 victory. He hit a towering three-run homer in the fifth inning. "I'm still learning to be a leadoff hitter," Farris said. "But I want to be in the lineup somewhere. That's really what it comes down to." While he doesn't walk enough to be considered a true leadoff man, drawing only nine walks in 230 at-bats last season, if Farris can continue to get on base he can be a menace for Pacific Coast League defenses. He stole 70 bases in the Florida State League in 2009 to finish tied for third in all the minors in that category. He missed nearly three months with a knee injury last year and had 14 steals for Nashville. Farris said the Sounds need good production from the top of the order this year, especially because they have few home run threats. "On paper we're not the best power hitting team," Farris said. "We need to be able to produce runs by stealing some bases and getting some timely base hits." "I've always had good instincts on the bases and got good jumps. That one year I got 70 (steals), that was just amazing." I'd like to do that again." Gindl, who served as the team's leadoff hitter during spring training, started the team's first two games in Nashville batting second and said he is fine with any role. "I'm an aggressive hitter," Gindl said. "If Farris gets on base I've got to move him over."

Rattler Radio Blog: Game Notes & Lineups for 4/8/11

Nashville Media Notes

Uh-oh, MASN (the DC cable carrier) and Rotoworld pick up on Morgan's comments about his former team as the interview goes "national" (no pun intended). OK, pun intended.

We'll link to media notes as they are available...