Jim Goulart

Luis Cruz a winner in Game One of his best-of-7, 4-3 (box). Cruz had a productive day whie playing 2B and SS, 1-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt and an RBI on a sacrifice fly, along with a stolen base. He played both 2B an SS.

Don't see how it's different from the Nationals significantly trumping all other offers for Jayson Werth, or the Texas - ARod deal years ago. That's how those clubs have to do it.

I've long felt that Baltimore is a near-cinch to become Prince's 2012 destination -- perfect park, an A.L. club where he can eventually morph into a DH in the contract's final years, a rebuilding organization that is actually beginning to see some of the fruits of its labor, with a need for a marquee name to re-energize its fan base, even in a brutal division. Of course, barring unforeseen success in 2011, Baltimore's first-round pick will be protected, meaning that the Brewers would garner the O's second-round, and not first-round pick, in the 2012 draft.

Our friends we respect greatly on the various Brewer interwebs seem to have given up on their daily or even weekly Winter League updates long ago, but we trudge on in excrutiating detail, basically knowing you need a Link Report fix in January http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif . No action Friday, but here's the latest. In Mexico, Luis Cruz' team, Tomateros de Culiacan, yes, the Culiacan Tomato Growers, although we're sure they're often referred to as the Fightin' Tomato Growers, begins a best-of-seven quarterfinal series against the Mazatlan Deer, not to be confused with the Milwaukee Bucks. So Cruz, should he stick around for the postseason, could play for quite some time yet. Game 1: 01/01 8:00 p.m. Game 2: 01/02 6:00 p.m. Game 3: 01/04 8:30 p.m. Game 4: 01/05 8:30 p.m. Game 5: 01/06 8:30 p.m. Game 6: 01/08 7:00 p.m. Game 7: 01/09 6:00 p.m. *** In Puerto Rico, the league had five teams and one misses out on the playoffs. So among players who saw action this year, those who suited up for last-place Mayaguez -- catcher Martin Maldonado, and RHP's Darren Byrd and Hiram Burgos (each pitcher has been idle for some time now) would be done. A round-robin playoff format now begins that goes all the way through mid-January, so we may see more of IF's Sergio Miranda and Edwin Maysonet, C Wil Nieves, and LHP Efrain Nieves. *** In the Dominican, a round-robin format is already five games in, and extends out to January 16th. So expect more updates on RHP's Zack Segovia and Roque Mercedes and corner man/DH Erick Almonte should they take part. *** In Venezuela, it appears, based on the standings, that the teams of Brendan Katin and Anderson De La Rosa (and Alcides Escobar) did not qualify for the playoffs. If we learn otherwise, we'll let you know. *** Now given the looseness we sometimes see with these Latin winter rosters, just about anybody Brewer-related could "pop up" all of a sudden. Might we see a Wily Peralta or an Amaury Rivas? Probably not, but just tossing that out there. By the way, the Caribbean World Series will begin in mid-to-late February with the four winning teams representing their countries. This year's event takes place in (ironically) Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. *** We know you knew this anyway, but why do they call some playoff formats "round-robin"? "Round-robin" describes a method of choosing a resource for a task from a list of available ones, usually for the purposes of load balancing. Such may be distribution of incoming requests to a number of processors, worker threads or servers. As the basic algorithm, the scheduler selects a resource pointed to by a counter from a list, after which the counter is incremented and if the end is reached, returned to the beginning of the list. Round-robin selection has a positive characteristic of preventing starvation, as every resource will be eventually chosen by the scheduler, but may be unsuitable for some applications where affinity is desirable, for example when assigning a process to a CPU or in link aggregation. But we all learned that in the 3rd grade, right?

In their Puerto Rico regular season finale, teammates, catcher Wil Nieves singled in three at-bats, fanning twice, and Edwin Maysonet (sneaking in another LF appearance) was 0-for-3 with a walk and two K's (box). Meanwhile, in his Venezuelan League regular season finale, Brendan Katin singled in four trips with a K while playing LF (box). We'll follow any playoff action in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela as well going forward. With regular seasons complete, you can view all Brewer-related stats (except for Maysonet, who MiLB.com hasn't moved to the Brewer page yet) here. By the way, Alcides Escobar finished with a .534 OPS in 135 winter AB's (stats).

The Dominican Winter League playoffs roll on without much rhyme nor reason. It appears to be a four-team round-robin of sorts, but we'll keep mentioning results as long as there are box scores. Erick Almonte's club fell 9-0 on Thursday (box), and RHP Zack Segovia finished up with a scoreless inning for the victors. Almonte singled in three trips as the DH and is hitting .381 in the tiny postseason sample. I'm sure Segovia and his agent appreciate the Brewers' major league spring training invite offer, but wonder if he's second-guessing his choice of organization given Milwaukee's bullpen depth now. Gigantes Top of the 9th Javier Guzman remains in the game as the designated hitter. Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Marcos Mateo. Jimmy Paredes strikes out swinging. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Carlos Peguero replaces Erick Almonte. Carlos Peguero grounds out to first baseman Corey Smith. Rich Thompson strikes out swinging.

Recently in the Huntsville Times, this note on Hunter Morris -- Morris played 17 games in the Arizona Fall League, a spot for elite prospects, and worked at both first base and third base. Said Morris, "I'm going to spring training ready to play both."

An interesting article about the Orioles' thoughts on selecting RHP Adrian Rosario from the Brewers.

An interesting article about the Orioles' thoughts on selecting RHP Adrian Rosario from the Brewers.

Always an interesting skim-through, I appreciate Bob Elliott's detailed list because it encompasses so much more than just the players on the field -- in fact, players are easily outnumbered, hence MLB Network's Hazel Mae at # 85. Doug's at # 4, Gord # 22, scout Jay Lapp # 52, and fellow Brewer scout Marty Lehn gets an honorable mention. 52. Jay Lapp, amateur scout, Brewers (2009 ranking -- 58) How many scouts drive from London to Mississauga in a snow storm to sign a player and then have the player unseat the all-time saves leader (Trevor Hoffman) as the team’s closer and convert 24 of 27 save opportunities? Lapp did. Signing Port Dover’s John Axford is why he was named our scout of the year. Lapp also gave Windsor right-hander Joel Pierce a $175,000 bonus and didn’t have to drive through a storm to do so. FYI -- Brett Lawrie slipped from 32 to 45.

Wednesday -- Sergio Miranda (third base, 0-for-2) and Edwin Maysonet (SS, 1-for-2, R) participated in this Puerto Rico League game (box). In Mexico, Luis Cruz was 1-for-4 (double, RBI, K) -- box. Venezuela -- Brendan Katin, playing LF and batting 8th, was 0-for-4, one K (box). Looks like regular seasons in all three countries listed above end today, Thursday the 30th. Erick Almonte, batting 5th and playing first base, was 1-for-4 (R, K) in a Dominican League postseason game (box).

After an 0-for-4 day Monday, Sergio Miranda was back on track in Puerto Rico Tuesday, reaching four times (3-for-4, double, walk, RBI). Playing second base, the "everywhere" infielder committed just his 4th error in 39 games. In that same Tuesday game (box), Miranda's teammates also had big days, as catcher Wil Nieves was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and threw out the only baserunner attempting to steal, and Edwin Maysonet (playing LF of all places) was 3-for-4 with two RBI. In that same game, but on the opposing squad, Martin Maldonado doubled in a 1-for-3 game. Nieves also had an 0-for-3 day Monday. *** Quieter in Venezuela, with Brendan Katin posting a combined 0-for-5 with one walk and three K's in two games this week, and Anderson De La Rosa was 0-for-2 with a walk and a K Monday.

On Monday in Mexico, Luis Cruz homered yet again (# 12 in 162 AB's) as part of a 3-for-3 day (box). Playing second base, he did commit an error, his 8th in 44 games. His OPS is back up to 1.002, and he's slugging .636. We'll still continue to "ignore" winter league stats, right? Did Cruz make some sort of Jose Bautista adjustment this winter? Just sayin'...

Erick Almonte participated in Dominican playoffs Monday (0-for-4) and Tuesday (4-for-5, four singles). Neither box score is available, but the recaps were (here's the better day). Almonte played in left field each day. RHP Zach Segovia has been in the D.R. all winter, and he pitched Tuesday as well, although it was a mop-up in a 4-0 loss (box). But it was eventful, check it out! Toros Bottom of the 8th Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Marcos Mateo. Adam Loewen singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eugenio Velez. Victor Mercedes reaches on catcher interference by Francisco Hernandez. Adam Loewen to 2nd. Victor Mercedes to 1st. Danny Richar walks. Adam Loewen to 3rd. Victor Mercedes to 2nd. Alberto Rosario strikes out swinging. Jose Constanza grounds into double play, shortstop Michael Martinez to second baseman Ed Rogers to first baseman Corey Smith. Danny Richar out at 2nd.

12/27 -- WSSP's Hot Stove Weekly Show (Although listening to Paul Wagner argue why Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder should sign two-year extensions is just painful in so many ways.) 12/28 -- Tom H. on the D-List with Trenni (baseball discussion begins at the 6:30 minute mark)

Sure you're an Arizona guy now, but you'll always be a fellow Massachusetts resident (and Brewer) to me. You are a true class act and have always respected yourself, the game and the fans. Best to you always...

Also on a busy Sunday, Luis Cruz singled in four at-bats in Mexico. He's been locked in to second base and the 5th spot for some time now. His club, challenging for first place, won 3-2 (box). In Venezuela, Brendan Katin was 0-for-3 but did draw a walk, he also struck out twice. Katin played LF and batted 5th. His club won, 6-5 (box). Anderson De La Rosa was 1-for-3 with a double, run scored, RBI, and K. Lots of winners Sunday, as De la Rosa's Lara club won 4-3 (box). One baserunner was successful against De La Rosa in the only steal attempt.

Pitching for Leones del Escogido in a Dominican Winter League playoff game that his team won 6-0 (box), RHP Roque Mercedes tossed two scoreless innings to close out the game -- four baserunners, but no damage. Keep in mind this game won't be reflected on his regular DWL season numbers. Estrellas Bottom of the 8th Felix Carrasco remains in the game as the designated hitter. Pitcher Change: Roque Mercedes replaces Luke Sommer. Mike Nickeas grounds out, shortstop Starlin Castro to first baseman Fernando Tatis. Argenis Reyes singles on a ground ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Michael Martinez called out on strikes. Pablo Ozuna singles on a ground ball to left fielder Freddy Guzman. Argenis Reyes to 2nd. Felix Pie strikes out swinging. Estrellas Bottom of the 9th Corey Smith walks. Alex Valdez grounds into double play, shortstop Starlin Castro to first baseman Fernando Tatis. Corey Smith out at 2nd. Eugenio Velez walks. Bryan LaHair flies out to center fielder Engel Beltre. *** Erick Almonte's club won the other DWL playoff game Sunday by a score of 11-7 (box), and Almonte was 2-for-5 as the DH, batting 5th, driving in two, scoring once, and fanning once.

21-year-old LHP Efrain Nieves made his 10th Puerto Rico League start Sunday (12th appearance), and it was excellent. Pitching to the Brewers' 40-man roster catcher Wil Nieves (who was 2-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base, and a pickoff of a runner at first base), Efrain Nieves posted the following line -- 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 1WP, 4/4 GB/FO (got the win for his team -- box) to lower his ERA to 4.41 in 49 innings. No concerns, as he threw only 69.2 (mostly inadequate) innings with Wisconsin in 2010. One other side note from this game -- major league camp invitee SS Edwin Maysonet singled in three at-bats on Nieves' behalf, scoring a run, fanning once, and committed his 6th error in 38 games; Maysonet has a .580 OPS in 121 winter at-bats. Carolina Top of the 1st Danny Gonzalez pops out to first baseman Jaime Ortiz in foul territory. Benji Gonzalez reaches on fielding error by shortstop Edwin Maysonet. Armando Rios flies out to left fielder Alex Llanos. With Michel Abreu batting, Benji Gonzalez picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Wil Nieves to first baseman Jaime Ortiz to second baseman Ruben Gotay. Carolina Top of the 2nd Michel Abreu strikes out swinging. Jobduan Morales grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. Jeffrey Dominguez strikes out swinging. Carolina Top of the 3rd Geraldo Valentin doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Alex Llanos. Luis Matos reaches on a fielder's choice out, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to third baseman Jayson Nix. Geraldo Valentin out at 3rd. Wilberto Ortiz flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Danny Gonzalez strikes out swinging. Carolina Top of the 4th Benji Gonzalez flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Armando Rios grounds out, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. Michel Abreu walks. With Jobduan Morales batting, wild pitch by Efrain Nieves, Michel Abreu to 2nd. Jobduan Morales strikes out swinging. Carolina Top of the 5th Jeffrey Dominguez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Geraldo Valentin lines into double play, second baseman Ruben Gotay to first baseman Jaime Ortiz. Jeffrey Dominguez doubled off 1st. Luis Matos grounds out, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to first baseman Jaime Ortiz.

The Brewers will add a formal NRI page to their roster section as spring training nears. Until then, here is the list, copied from a Tom H. blog post -- The Brewers have signed shortstop Edwin Maysonet and catcher Shawn Riggans to minor-league deals with invitations to major-league spring training. Other players already signed to contracts and invited to major-league camp include right-hander Mark DiFelice, out all of 2010 after shoulder surgery; right-hander Tim Dillard, right-hander Robert Hinton, catcher Mike Rivera and right-hander Zack Segovia.

Nothing says Christmas like Mexican League baseball (and the NBA, of course). Luis Cruz drove in a run with a grounder but finished 0-for-5 (recap). Looks like Erick Almonte's team will be competing in the postseason in the Dominican.

In Mexico, Luis Cruz (batting 5th, playing second base), singled in four trips as his OPS still hovers above the four-digit mark at 1.009. In his prior seven Puerto Rico League games, Sergio Miranda had hit .500 (14-for-28, three BB's), but he had an 0-for-4 night (led off, played second base) -- box. In Venezuela, Anderson De La Rosa continues to make good use of his increased playing time -- 2-for-5 including a triple, RBI, two K's. His opponent on the day, Brendan Katin (De La Rosa's team won, 13-10, box not available), was 1-for-3 with two walks, an RBI and one K.

Like with Zack Segovia, MiLB.com has back-filled some Dominican game info on Erick Almonte, so his stat line increased to .285 / .382 / .386 (.768 OPS) in 48 games (158 AB's).

MiLB.com is only now catching up with RHP Zack Segovia's final two outings of the Dominican season, from December 18th and 19th. On the 18th, Segovia's set-up man, former forgettable Brewer Jesus Colome, was brought on in the 8th to protect a 3-0 lead. Colome struggled after retiring the first two men, and Segovia was brought in to bail him out. But Segovia allowed both inherited runners to score and then allowed two more of his own to take the loss in a 5-3 game (box). Aguilas Top of the 8th Chris Davis remains in the game as the designated hitter. Pitcher Change: Jesus Colome replaces Jordan Norberto. Kevin Melillo flies out to center fielder Felix Pie. Luis Exposito strikes out swinging. Dionys Cesar singles on a ground ball to right fielder Eugenio Velez. Omar Luna singles on a ground ball to second baseman Ed Rogers. Dionys Cesar to 2nd. Julio Borbon singles on a fly ball to left fielder Pablo Ozuna. Dionys Cesar scores. Omar Luna to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome. Elian Herrera doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Pablo Ozuna. Omar Luna scores. Julio Borbon to 3rd. Hector Luna doubles (16) on a fly ball to left fielder Pablo Ozuna. Julio Borbon scores. Elian Herrera scores. Zack Segovia intentionally walks Kevin Barker. Edwin Encarnacion singles on a ground ball to center fielder Felix Pie. Hector Luna scores. Kevin Barker to 2nd. Kevin Melillo walks. Kevin Barker to 3rd. Edwin Encarnacion to 2nd. Luis Exposito grounds out, second baseman Ed Rogers to first baseman Andres Rodriguez. Segovia was brought back the following day (box) for a save situation and he earned his 9th, which was good for 3rd most in the DWL. Toros Bottom of the 7th (seven-inning game) Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Claudio Galva. Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Andy Dirks replaces Pedro Ciriaco. Andy Dirks walks. Ricardo Nanita grounds into a force out, third baseman Alex Valdez to second baseman Argenis Reyes. Andy Dirks out at 2nd. Ricardo Nanita to 1st. Adam Loewen reaches on fielding error by third baseman Alex Valdez. Ricardo Nanita to 2nd. Danny Richar grounds into a force out, shortstop Ed Rogers to second baseman Argenis Reyes. Ricardo Nanita to 3rd. Adam Loewen out at 2nd. Danny Richar to 1st. Esteban German grounds into a force out, shortstop Ed Rogers to second baseman Argenis Reyes. Danny Richar out at 2nd. You can review Segovia's numbers via the first link in this post, but he appeared in 18 games -- 23 IP, 18 H, 2.35 ERA, 10 BB (three intentional), 15 K, 1.22 WHIP, .222 BAA. So along with garnering a big league spring training invite, he must be pleased with his winter season.

Oops! He did it again, as Luis Cruz Spears smacked his 11th Mexican League HR and 25th extra-base hit in just 146 AB's. He also walked as part of his 1-for-3 day. Now slugging .651 as part of a 1.023 OPS -- those are just silly numbers, yet there they are.Erick Almonte closed out his Dominican League season Tuesday with a 2-for-4 game. He finished up the winter with a .280 / .375 / .373 stat line (.748 OPS) in 46 games (150 AB's). Almonte had posted a sweet .320 / .377 / .415 line (.793 OPS) in 110 games with Nashville last summer. The soon-to-be 33-year-old should see time at DH / LF / 3B / 1B for Nashville again in 2011. Martin Maldonado was 0-for-2 with one K in Puerto Rico (box), while Wil Nieves, catching for his hometown team of San Juan, singled twice in four AB's (box). Nieves' teammate, Edwin Maysonet, batting 9th and playing shortstop, was 1-for-4 with a run scored. In Venezuela, Brendan Katin had a big game, going 3-for-4 (singles) with a walk, but his team lost, 6-3 (box), as Katin, hitting cleanup and playing LF, did not score or drive in a run -- c'mon teammates, help him out. Catcher Anderson De La Rosa, suddenly seeing regular playing time, was 1-for-3 with a walk (box).