Jim Goulart

WTMJ -- Brewers Weekly 01/06/11Dan O'Donnell and Cory Provus talked to Brewers closer John Axford, discussed the potential lineup, rotation and the Hall Of Fame.

Sickels -- Milwaukee Brewers Top 20 Prospects for 2011 Fan comments included in link...

None of the players on the non-roster invite list are on the 40-man roster. So there is no optioning involved. For most, if not all, the Brewers will issue a statement saying they have "been reassigned to minor league camp".

Luis Cruz doubled and singled in four AB's as his club won, 5-3, for a 4-0 series Mexican League sweep. On to the semifinals. *** In the Dominican, Zack Segovia with yet another save (box) -- Toros Bottom of the 10th Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Esmerling Vasquez. Danny Richar strikes out swinging. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Nelson Perez replaces Martin Maldonado. Nelson Perez walks. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Alejandro De Aza replaces Nelson Perez. With Jose Constanza batting, Alejandro De Aza steals (1) 2nd base. Jose Constanza lines into double play, shortstop Michael Martinez to second baseman Argenis Reyes. Alejandro De Aza doubled off 2nd. In that same game, catcher Martin Maldonado played for the Este Toros, even though he spent all season with the Mayaguez club in Puerto Rico that did not qualify for the postseason. Island-jumping... In another D.R. game, Roque Mercedes pitched (box) -- Gigantes Top of the 5th Erick Almonte flies out to right fielder Brad Snyder. Pedro Feliz pops out to second baseman Diory Hernandez. Estarlin De Los Santos singles on a ground ball to shortstop Starlin Castro. Alberto Castillo singles on a ground ball to left fielder Wilkin Castillo. Estarlin De Los Santos to 2nd. Lucas Montero reaches on fielding error by third baseman Justin Turner. Estarlin De Los Santos scores. Alberto Castillo to 3rd. Rich Thompson reaches on fielding error by shortstop Starlin Castro. Alberto Castillo scores. Lucas Montero scores. Pitcher Change: Roque Mercedes replaces Luke Sommer. Wilson Valdez hit by pitch. Rich Thompson to 2nd. Oscar Robles grounds out, third baseman Justin Turner to first baseman Willis Otanez. Gigantes Top of the 6th Wilson Betemit pops out to second baseman Diory Hernandez. Erick Almonte flies out to center fielder Freddy Guzman. Pedro Feliz flies out to center fielder Freddy Guzman. Erick Almonte was on the winning side of that game, but was 0-for-4 with a walk. *** Puerto Rico games did take place, but no boxes or recaps are loading at this time via MiLB.com.

Link while active, text follows: Appleton's Matt Erickson to manage Timber Rattlers By Mike Woods, Post-Crescent staff writer About the time Matt Erickson set foot back in Appleton, various members of the Milwaukee Brewers organization kept asking him the same thing: "Are you interesting in managing?" And his answer was always the same: "Yes." On Wednesday, both of their wishes came true when the Brewers named Erickson manager of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for 2011. "I told them I would like the opportunity, if it became available in Appleton," said Erickson, an Appleton West graduate, who served as the Timber Rattlers hitting coach for the past two years. "I expressed I wanted to stay in Appleton for the time being. After playing for 15 years, with a young family, I felt it was important to stay in Appleton. I like the stability of playing at home. Having a family life as well as being involved in the game." Reid Nichols, the Brewers special assistant to the general manager/director of player development, said this was a move two years in the making. "He expressed an interest in managing, pretty much as soon as he got here," Nichols said. "We've been training him, and this is his time. "No doubt we like what he's doing. He managed our instructional league team a couple of years ago. He's a good person, first. And he's done a very good job in the position of hitting coach for us." Nichols believes Erickson, 35, has the right makeup and the right intangibles to succeed in his new position. "He's a good communicator and pays attention to the game," Nichols said. "He's always prepared and comes ready. Matt will be able to do whatever he sets his mind to do. He'll do a good job as manager. "It is a unique position. You have to be willing to be on the point and take all the criticism that comes when everything goes wrong, and you have to give all the credit to the players when everything happens right. He's got that leadership, that capability." As far as the Timber Rattlers are concerned, team president and general manager Rob Zerjav believes it's the perfect fit and the perfect situation. "I know the Brewers are very, very high on him,'' said Zerjav. "You can just tell when you talk to Reid Nichols, (vice president/assistant general manager) Gord Ash or (general manager) Doug Melvin, who always refers to him as Matty. And putting him in this position shows that they think highly of him. "From a personal standpoint and from the Timber Rattlers' standpoint, we're very excited about it. He's a good guy, a local guy and that's always a good story. We're excited to see what he brings to the table." Erickson said he knows his role will change to some degree from the past two seasons, but not his philosophy. "The manager does have to take a little step back and embrace the whole deal," he said. "But I don't see my personality changing. I'll still be hands-on and I'll stress and teach more on the defensive side of things, and base running. Those will be my main concerns as we go forward this summer as far as teaching on the field." As for his style, he says he has watched both the good and bad from all his teachers and, above all, believes communication is not only vital, but how you relay the message. "When you're dealing with young people, with all different backgrounds and personalities, it's very important," Erickson said. While he has had his share of highlights in his baseball career, including playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004, he said he's not yet sure where this fits in. "I don't know yet,'' he said. "I'm excited about the opportunity but haven't gone through it. A lot of people around here, myself included, are very excited. I've had the opportunity to hear from a lot of family and friends. I know this is something I've been looking forward to doing, and now I have the opportunity to do it." The Post-Crescent's Matt Erickson Photo Gallery

The Rattlers site will countdown the top five Timber Rattlers games of the 2010 season. Chris Mehring does some Honorable Mentioning

John didn't waste much time heading into "phase 2" of his analysis, so the comment list on the post above is brief but worthwhile. As he's done for each organization thus far, his next step is to place an alphabetical list out there of the names he's considering. At this point, he wants to see input with others he missed with your reasons why. With other clubs, we've definitely seen John acknowledge those suggestions by posting within his site's thread to comment on your thoughts, so perhaps he'll do the same here.

Florida Today spoke with Jeff Isom -- Manatees hire new skipper BY MARK DeCOTIS • FLORIDA TODAY The Brevard County Manatees have a new manager, their third in the past three years. Such is life in developmental-level professional baseball. The Manatees' parent club, the National League's Milwaukee Brewers, announced Wednesday that Jeff Isom, a former minor league pitcher and current manager, will direct the Manatees this coming season replacing Bob Miscik, who was named a roving infield instructor. Miscik replaced Melbourne's Mike Guerrero at the helm of the top-level Class A Florida State League team last spring. Guerrero moved to Class AA Huntsville, where he will again manage. Isom, 38, who lives with his wife and two children in West Lafayette, Ind., spent the previous four seasons managing in the Brewers' minor league system. He compiled a 116-161 record over two seasons with the Class A Midwest League Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Previously, he led Class A West Virginia Power of the South Atlantic League to a 77-62 record in 2008 and managed Helena to a 48-28 mark in 2007, capturing the first-half title in the Pioneer League's Northern Division. He will be assisted by pitching coach Fred Dabney (who will begin his seventh season with the Manatees), hitting coach Dwayne Hosey (second season) and athletic trainer Tommy Craig (fifth season). Isom is looking forward to the opportunity. "This will be my fifth season with the Brewers organization," he said. "I feel like I'm no different than the players. I want to move up the organization. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for me." He will follow the road map of working with developmental level players. "Obviously we want the players to get better from when they start the season until the end of the season," he said. "The players are the main objective here. I want the players, once they leave me, not only are they getting work done on the field but they're also working on the professional side of it. Knowing how to act, being on time, all those little things. Trying to develop a complete player. "You're playing a full season. The main thing I've been trying to teach my guys is . . . you're playing every day. You have to get used to doing that." Isom will have a bit of an advantage because he expects a number of players he managed at Appleton to be joining him when the Manatees report in April. Familiarity can only help over the course of the 140-game season played in the heat and humidity of Florida's brutal summer in ballparks notorious for their vast dimensions that challenge home run hitters and favor pitchers. Isom is aware of the challenges and will tailor his team to the talent he has on hand. "I am familiar with the league," he said. "They have to realize it's not easy to hit home runs. Hopefully, they get doubles and change the game a little bit. My philosophy is . . . I like to be aggressive on the basepaths, get guys running." And should they be aggressive and should they run and should they do all the little things correctly, Isom believes winning will follow.

Hernan Iribarren gets a minor league deal with a big league spring training invite with the Rockies. To be honest, there have been many unmentioned moves involving the alumni who appear in the initial post in this thread during this offseason. As in past years, look for the entire list of links to be updated a week or two into the regular season with a 2011 version of the thread, which of course will include Brett Lawrie, Jake Odorizzi, etc., along with all the obscure names you're used to on the list.

The minor league guru and author begins by asking for our input, hoping some of our minor league regulars chime in with their thoughts to help guide him.

Rotoworld: Chris Capuano could earn as much as $4.5 million in his one-year contract with the Mets. A lot of things would have to go right in order for this to actually happen. Capuano will earn a $1.5 million base salary with the club, but it could jump to $4.5 million should he toss 200 innings and make 32 starts. Capuano hasn't done either since 2006, but if he does, the Mets probably won't find paying him. Source: ESPNNewYork.com Long list of incentive details at the link above.

The J-S provides the text from the Brewers with details all the way down to the Dominican Summer League.

Baseball America's Matt Eddy commented on Brandon Jones: While in the Braves organization, corner outfielder Brandon Jones ranked as the Double-A Southern League's No. 5 prospect in ’07, a few doors down from Justin Upton, Evan Longoria, Wade Davis and Johnny Cueto. He ranked fourth on Atlanta's list heading into ’08. But in three short stints with the Braves, Jones hit .257/.313/.365 in 148 at-bats, not really showing enough power for left field (one homer) while proving to be nothing special on defense. He finished the ’10 season for the Tigers' Double-A Erie affiliate, having already passed through the Pirates system as a waiver claim. Jones finished the year with a cumulative .658 OPS, which was down some 200 points from his ’07 peak. It's now or never for the 27 year old.

From the Rattlers' site, the confirmation in some detail. Chris Hook returns as pitching coach and longtime college coach Dusty Rhodes returns to the Brewers' system after a long absence as the hitting coach. http://www.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://www.ugo.com/images/galleries/dreamwrestlers_games/dusty-rhodes.jpg&sa=X&ei=hKMkTdCEI4LGlQeBzMjVCw&ved=0CAUQ8wc4AQ&usg=AFQjCNEFXYQTfN4dJ_k_o5YKkVmvlx05Kg Cool!

Link while active, text follows: Jeffress shocked by trade to Royals Written by Joe Chandler, gazettevirginian.com Jeremy Jeffress admitted he was shocked to learn that the Milwaukee Brewers had traded him to the Kansas City Royals. “I couldn’t believe it,” Jeffress said. “I thought I would be with the Brewers forever, for all that I came through and how much stuff I had been through with the Brewers coming from the bottom to the top.” Jeffress, who made his first Major League pitching appearance in September and appeared in 10 late-season games for the Brewers, was traded to the Kansas City Royals on Dec. 18. The trade was part of a major multi-player deal in which the Brewers acquired 2009 Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke from the Royals. “I didn’t know my name was involved until the last moment,” Jeffress pointed out. “They (Brewers officials) called me and said they were checking on my medical records. When they told me that, I kind of figured I’d be traded.” The former Halifax County High School star hurler noted it took a while for the reality that he is now a member of the Kansas City Royals to sink in. “I got a bunch of phone calls at the moment (it happened),” Jeffress pointed out. “I really couldn’t think to myself until that night when I laid down in the bed and realized I was a Kansas City Royal.” He said Kanasas City manager Ned Yost and the team’s general manager called to speak with him. All Jeffress knows is that he is on the Royals’ 40-man roster. “They haven’t told me much,” Jeffress remarked. “I’ll be in the Major League camp with them in March, and we’ll go from there.” Jeffress explained he has no expectations of his role with the Royals at this point. “I’m going to spring training as a set-up guy for the closer,” he pointed out. “I’ll work as hard as I can and see from there. There is nothing that I am going to expect right now. I’m just going to go to spring training and do what I have to do and let them make the decisions.” While the trade came as a surprise, Jeffress says he understands Major League Baseball is a big business. “Teams are trying to win and get the best players available,” the former South Boston resident pointed out. “It’s just business. When your name is called, you’ve got to go. It happens almost every day. The business is all about you playing your game and letting the people in the front offices make the decisions of what your game is. There is nothing you can do but play the game that you love.” Jeffress has seen the positives in the trade and says he is eager to get started. “There are a lot of great things that have come from this trade,” said Jeffress. “It was a blessing. In my heart, I was just surprised and thankful they were able to trade me to a team that is building for the future. We’re going to have a lot of fun. I’m excited.” One of the good things for Jeffress is that he will not have to move his residence – at least not right away. Jeffress has been residing in Phoenix, Ariz., where the Brewers’ training facilities are located. The Kansas City Royals’ training facility is also located in Phoenix. “The Royals’ spring training is in Phoenix,” Jeffress pointed out. “That’s one of the great things about the trade. The Royals are also in Phoenix. I’m happy about that.” With the Royals, Jeffress will be reunited with former Brewers teammates Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain. Escobar could be the starting shortstop for the Royals this season. Cain had been pegged as a probable starter in centerfield for the Brewers prior to the trade to the Kansas City Royals. And, because he continues to reside in Phoenix, Jeffress will be able to stay in contact with people he has gotten to know there. “I still talk to a lot of the guys I have gotten close with,” Jeffress noted. “They were excited and happy for me. We’re still in Phoenix, so I won’t be too far from them.”

Mexico: Luis Cruz 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt -- batted 5th, started at 2B, moved to LF -- Tomato Growers with a 3-0 series lead (box). Puerto Rico: Tight 2-0 win for San Juan (box); once again, teammates took part; Sergio Miranda (played 3B, batted 3rd, 0-for-3 with a walk, one error), catcher Wil Nieves and SS Edwin Maysonet batted 8th and 9th. Nieves 0-for-2 with a key sacrifice bunt, Maysonet 1-for-3 and was big in the lone "rally". San Juan Bottom of the 3rd Jorge Padilla singles on a line drive to left fielder Edgard Clemente. Wil Nieves out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Xavier Cedeno to second baseman Benji Gonzalez. Jorge Padilla to 2nd. Edwin Maysonet singles on a fly ball to left fielder Edgard Clemente. Jorge Padilla scores. Bernie Castro singles on a ground ball to shortstop Justin Sellers. Edwin Maysonet to 2nd. Jesus Feliciano reaches on force attempt, throwing error by pitcher Xavier Cedeno. Edwin Maysonet scores. Bernie Castro to 2nd. Sergio Miranda lines out to third baseman Jeffrey Dominguez. Nelson Teilon pops out to first baseman Michel Abreu in foul territory. Dominican Republic: More production from Erick Almonte, but in a losing effort (box). Batting 5th and playing LF and 1B, 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, and run scored.

WSSP Prince Fielder interview WSSP 1/3/11 Hot Stove Weekly show (full archive includes the Fielder interview)

Via the good folks with the Nashville Sounds' front office, mostly corners for OF play, it seems -- link OF Brandon Jones (MiLB.com page / Baseball Cube Page) - Jones, 27, joins the Brewers organization after splitting the 2010 campaign between the Pirates and Tigers farm systems, batting a combined .231 (84-for-363) with four HRs and 29 RBIs in 108 games among Triple-A Indianapolis and Double-A Altoona in the Pittsburgh chain then Double-A Erie in the Detroit system after being traded in early August. The left-handed hitting Jones spent his first six seasons in the Atlanta Braves chain after being a 24th round selection in 2003. A career .275 hitter in 676 contests over seven minor league seasons, Jones owns a .257 average in 51 career Major League games for the Braves. Rotoworld history

Puerto Rican teammates Sergio Miranda, Wil Nieves, and Edwin Maysonet saw their San Juan team win, 4-1 (box). Miranda led off and played second base (0-for-4). C Nieves doubled and scored a run in four AB's, SS Maysonet was 0-for-2 with a walk. In the Dominican, Erick Almonte's Gigantes club fell to 2-5 in round robin play, but Almonte did his part in Monday's 8-1 loss (box). Almonte, batting 5th and playing LF, was 2-for-3 with a walk and is hitting .393 over seven games in the postseason.

From Chris' hometown paper here in Massachusetts -- Capuano signs $1.5 million contract with Mets By Garry Brown, MassLive.com Chris Capuano of West Springfield agreed Monday to a contract with the New York Mets that will give him a chance to be a starting pitcher again. The one-year deal guarantees him $1.5 million, and has further incentives based on starts and innings pitched. Capuano, 32, is a former Cathedral High School and Duke University pitcher. He twice has had his career interrupted by elbow injuries. He came back last season after missing the 2008 and ’09 seasons while recovering from tendon transplant surgery. The Milwaukee Brewers used him mainly out of the bullpen, although he did get to make nine starts as he posted a 4-4 record and 3.95 ERA. In 2005, he went 18-12 as a full-time starter with the Brewers. The next season, he also pitched in the rotation and made the All-Star team before enduring a second-half slump that left him with an 11-12 record. He went 5-12 over 25 starts in 2007. This 6-2, 225-pound left-hander came to the big leagues as a draftee of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He signed with them in 1999, and made the major league team in 2003. In December of ’03, he went to the Brewers as part of an eight-player trade in which the D-backs acquired slugger Richie Sexson. Capuano spent Monday in New York, passing a physical and signing the contract. He could not be reached for comment because he was flying back to his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. In the negotiations, he was represented by agents Mike Moye and Scott Sanderson, a 19-year veteran of big league pitching. “It came down to a couple of teams, and Chris just had a good feeling about the Mets,” said Frank Capuano, Chris’s father. The other team was the Chicago Cubs. The Mets are under new management, featuring long-time big league executive Sandy Alderson as their general manager. Alderson was working for the Diamondbacks when Capuano made the big leagues. “He told Chris that he’s the kind of veteran guy he wanted. He’s looking to plug him into the rotation as a starter. That’s what Chris wants, and he’ll be pitching in a park that’s good for lefthanders. He’ll also be a lot closer to home. We’re already looking forward to seeing him pitch against the Yankees (in interleague play),” Frank Capuano said. “It’s really a wonderful opportunity for him to re-establish himself with a clean slate. The Mets know what he is – an athlete who’s always in shape and works hard.” What about the challenge that comes with playing in New York? “Chris is level-headed, and he’s passionate about baseball and being a starter,” his father said.

Sunday's Puerto Rico League playoff boxes arrived, and teammates Sergio Miranda, Wil Nieves, and Edwin Maysonet saw their club fall 5-4 on a walkoff double (box). Miranda singled and walked three times, drove in a run and scored twice, but was also picked off second base. Nieves was 0-for-4 and had the ignominy of having former Brewer catcher Robinson Cancel steal a base on him. Maysonet singled and walked.

From an earlier post: Much thanks to the Rapids, the Rattlers, and Noah at BrewCrewBall (hat tip) -- how cool is of every out of the Jake Odorizzi / Adrian Rosario no-hitter? Go to the 04:55 minute mark to see Rosario's three outs, although it's a blast watching the whole video again, even with Jake in K.C.'s system now. Rosario will still be just 21 all of next season. I'm sure the Brewers can't wait to get him back in their fold. If you're suggesting a deal in which the Brewers get to keep Egan and the Orioles keep Rosario, I personally wouldn't make that deal just based on Rosario's upside. docduany, are you suggesting the Brewers take back Rosario in a trade for Egan now? Wait until spring, see how Egan looks, and then suggest such a deal. Rosario's going to have to be on the 40-man roster regardless if the Brewers do take him back. Should Egan somehow stick (less than 50%, I'd imagine), you may end up with both.

From an earlier post: Much thanks to the Rapids, the Rattlers, and Noah at BrewCrewBall (hat tip) -- how cool is of every out of the Jake Odorizzi / Adrian Rosario no-hitter? Go to the 04:55 minute mark to see Rosario's three outs, although it's a blast watching the whole video again, even with Jake in K.C.'s system now. Rosario will still be just 21 all of next season. I'm sure the Brewers can't wait to get him back in their fold. If you're suggesting a deal in which the Brewers get to keep Egan and the Orioles keep Rosario, I personally wouldn't make that deal just based on Rosario's upside. docduany, are you suggesting the Brewers take back Rosario in a trade for Egan now? Wait until spring, see how Egan looks, and then suggest such a deal. Rosario's going to have to be on the 40-man roster regardless if the Brewers do take him back. Should Egan somehow stick (less than 50%, I'd imagine), you may end up with both.

Thread already in place, and others are welcome to add to it when they locate archived audio.

Luis Cruz was only 1-for-4, but his 8th inning RBI double was part of a five-run rally that gave his team a 2-0 series lead in their best-of-seven quarterfinal (box). In the D.R., Erick Almonte was 1-for-4 as the DH as his club lost (box), and no time off for RHP Zack Segovia, with a nice 1-2-3 save (box) -- Escogido Bottom of the 9th Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome. Wilkin Castillo grounds out, shortstop Michael Martinez to first baseman Corey Smith. Deibinson Romero grounds out, shortstop Michael Martinez to first baseman Corey Smith. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Felix Carrasco replaces Pedro Lopez. Felix Carrasco strikes out swinging.