Jim Goulart

Thursday's action -- VENEZUELA: Stop the presses -- Alcides Escobar walked! But wait, it was intentional! So the streak continues. 0-for-4, now 6-for-46 (.130) with no traditional bases on balls BOX Brendan Katin was 0-for-3 fanning twice more -- 20 K's in 41 AB's. RECAP PUERTO RICO: Sergio Miranda (1-for-4) BOX Martin Maldonado (1-for-3) BOX DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Erick Almonte played left field and third base, hit cleanup, was 0-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt BOX MEXICO: Yikes, what is into SS Luis Cruz? Another home run (his 4th) and another double (his 9th) in just 83 AB's thus far. BOX A reminder for this April that Cruz has no options remaining. He will remain relevant until any other shortstops are signed. No one has been a bigger Alcides Escobar proponent than yours truly over the years, and please don't even think this has anything to do with winter league numbers -- honestly, we know better, we provide these daily updates for your offseason entertainment -- but Mr. Escobar, should things just deteriorate completely come April, does have an option remaining. That's just a morsel of thought, and why following 40-man roster spots in particular matters (in the case of Cruz).

The just-turned 29-year-old hit .381 in 252 AB's with Edmonton (of all places) in independent baseball last year and is still a member of their roster, with his option being renewed for 2011. So you never know...

Nice selection for # 3, and Chris rightly tips the cap to lefty reliever Matt Costello for his work in 2010. Matt turns 24 this month, a double bump to Huntsville in April would be OK with this fan, considering he's a Massachusetts kid and all http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

For what it's worth, this blogger indicates the Brewers offered lefty Daniel Gibson a bonus in excess of $500,000 to sign. The writer is either careless or simply doesn't indicate that Gibson did indeed honor his University of Florida commitment, instead just mentioning a generic "institute of higher learning".

Busy day at the plate -- Alcides Escobar's winter of discontent continues -- 0-for-3, now 6-for-42 (.143) and still yet to work a walk. Luis Cruz's two-run home run was the difference in his team's 2-1 win (box). He also walked and is slugging .519. You'll see that Sergio Miranda (1-for-6, run) and Martin Maldonado (1-for-3, BB, CS) played in the Efrain Nieves box score linked in the prior post. Erick Almonte played left field and was 2-for-4 (run, K). Brendan Katin was 0-for-3 in Venezuela, walking once and fanning twice -- productive winter, but 18 K's in 38 AB's. Carlos Gomez must have gone home on a high note, idle since his November 19th 4-for-4 effort.

Newcomer Zach Segovia's fine Dominican Winter League season continued, save # 6 -- one hit, one K (box here, recap isn't loading). LHP Efrain Nieves returned to the mound as a starter (now eight appearances, six starts) in Puerto Rico. His team lost 7-4 in 11 innings (box). Nieves' line -- 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K, 5-to-6 GB-to-FB Mayaguez Top of the 1st Irving Falu singles on a fly ball to left fielder Luis Terrero. Norris Hopper out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Leslie Anderson. Irving Falu to 2nd. Johan Limonta flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Irving Falu to 3rd. Eddy Martinez-Esteve hits a ground-rule double (5) on a fly ball to left field. Irving Falu scores. Fernando Cortez pops out to third baseman Jayson Nix. Mayaguez Top of the 2nd Donny Leon grounds out, third baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Leslie Anderson. Miguel Negron called out on strikes. Martin Maldonado walks. Angel Sanchez flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Mayaguez Top of the 3rd Irving Falu walks. Norris Hopper singles on a ground ball to left fielder Luis Terrero. Irving Falu to 2nd. Johan Limonta hit by pitch. Irving Falu to 3rd. Norris Hopper to 2nd. Eddy Martinez-Esteve walks. Irving Falu scores. Norris Hopper to 3rd. Johan Limonta to 2nd. Fernando Cortez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Norris Hopper scores. Donny Leon grounds into double play, third baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Leslie Anderson. Johan Limonta out at 3rd. Mayaguez Top of the 4th Miguel Negron singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Martin Maldonado singles on a fly ball to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Miguel Negron to 3rd. Angel Sanchez out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Jorge Padilla in foul territory. Miguel Negron scores. With Irving Falu batting, Martin Maldonado caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Rene Rivera to second baseman Sergio Miranda. Irving Falu grounds out, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to first baseman Leslie Anderson. Mayaguez Top of the 5th Norris Hopper flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Johan Limonta called out on strikes. Eddy Martinez-Esteve walks. Fernando Cortez called out on strikes.

LINK Obviously a variety if topics discussed in the 22 minutes Tuesday, hear between the lines as you wish. My biggest take is that Rickie may be a tough long-term get. Interesting, Corey Hart has a no-trade clause for teams that train in Florida. Likes Peralta, Rivas -- may push pitching prospects more quickly than in the past.

Tuesday's action -- Sergio Miranda -- 0-for-3 with a walk Erick Almonte -- 1-for-3, sac fly Luis Cruz -- 2-for-4 with a double and HR, actually slugging .481 in his 77 AB's

The Topps All-Star honor is always nice because so few are named (across multiple leagues), so congratulations, Cody Hawn!

Here's the Baseball Reference transaction link, indicating he signed as of October 14th. Looks as though we have our AAA third baseman (waiting for confirmation beyond this link). Scroll up on that first link for major league stats, and here's a minor league look at Barden, who will be 30 in April. If this is so, we should shoot Matt Eddy of BA a note, as this is normally something he would have been reported previously.

Based on emails I've had with Brian this week, I'd definitely suggest coming straight to the forums for now. The links to the Power 50, Player Index, etc. do seem to be working from the links above the forums. But the home page just isn't accessible consistently at this time. As for the long-term status of the home page, we've pretty much resigned to the fact that there will probably only be as many as five or so new "feature stories" gracing the page each year. Considering that we'll be sure to link to them on the forums once they've posted, you'll be fine coming directly to the forums instead. You won't miss new content. We still believe that the Link Report, the Draft Forum, and the overall forum atmosphere here provide unique worthwhile opportunities for our visitors. Certainly there are others out there who do wonderful things as well, and between hat tips and links, we often acknowledge their good work too. Brewer fans are indeed fortunate webwise.

In a wild game that is still suspended from the Dominican on Saturday (box), RHP Zach Segovia went two innings (pitching on consecutive days, allowed one run) -- Gigantes Top of the 9th Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome. Defensive Substitution: Denis Phipps replaces left fielder Pablo Ozuna, batting 2nd, playing center field. Defensive switch from right field to left field for Jeff Frazier. Defensive switch from center field to right field for Eugenio Velez. Alexi Casilla pops out to third baseman Alex Valdez in foul territory. Juan Francisco singles on a fly ball to center fielder Denis Phipps. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Ivan Contreras replaces Juan Francisco. Wilson Betemit flies out to left fielder Jeff Frazier. Brad Nelson singles on a ground ball to center fielder Denis Phipps. Ivan Contreras to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Estarlin De Los Santos replaces Brad Nelson. Erick Almonte singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jeff Frazier. Ivan Contreras scores. Estarlin De Los Santos to 2nd. Lucas Montero flies out to left fielder Jeff Frazier. Gigantes Top of the 10th J. R. House singles on a fly ball to left fielder Jeff Frazier. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Rafael Fernandez replaces J. House. Francisco Peguero out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Zack Segovia to first baseman Chris Davis. Rafael Fernandez to 2nd. Emmanuel Burriss grounds out, second baseman Argenis Reyes to first baseman Chris Davis. Rafael Fernandez to 3rd. Zack Segovia intentionally walks Alexi Casilla. Moises Sierra strikes out swinging. In the same game, Erick Almonte is 3-for-6 with an RBI, and his teammate, soon-to-be 28-year-old Brad Nelson, continued his hot winter season. The minor league free agent has nine home runs in just 105 AB's (.992 OPS).

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Alcides Escobar (0-for-4, 1 HBP), Brendan Katin (double), Erick Almonte (single, walk), and Luis Cruz (single, two walks, sac fly) saw action Sunday. Click the stat page links for November 28th lines plus season-to-date numbers.

Puerto Rico -- RHP Darren Byrd 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 7-to-5 GB/FO Caguas Bottom of the 1st Alex Cora flies out to right fielder Antonio DeJesus in foul territory. Luis Figueroa flies out to left fielder Miguel Negron. Andy Gonzalez grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Caguas Bottom of the 2nd Javier Valentin grounds out, second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Edgardo Baez strikes out swinging. Gregory Porter grounds out, second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Caguas Bottom of the 3rd Brahiam Maldonado grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Omir Santos singles on a ground ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Antonio Jimenez lines out to right fielder Antonio DeJesus. Alex Cora doubles (3) on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. Omir Santos to 3rd. Luis Figueroa singles on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. Omir Santos scores. Alex Cora scores. Luis Figueroa advances to 3rd, on throwing error by left fielder Miguel Negron. Andy Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Norris Hopper. Caguas Bottom of the 4th Javier Valentin grounds out, shortstop Angel Sanchez to first baseman Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Edgardo Baez called out on strikes. Gregory Porter walks. Brahiam Maldonado singles on a line drive to center fielder Norris Hopper. Gregory Porter to 2nd. Omir Santos grounds into a force out, fielded by second baseman Irving Falu. Brahiam Maldonado out at 2nd. Caguas Bottom of the 5th Antonio Jimenez grounds out, third baseman Fernando Cortez to first baseman Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Alex Cora hit by pitch. Luis Figueroa flies out to center fielder Norris Hopper. With Andy Gonzalez batting, Alex Cora caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Roberto Perez to second baseman Irving Falu. Caguas Bottom of the 6th Andy Gonzalez strikes out swinging. Javier Valentin flies out to left fielder Miguel Negron. Edgardo Baez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Pitcher Change: Benigno Cepeda replaces Darren Byrd. With Gregory Porter batting, Edgardo Baez steals (3) 2nd base. Gregory Porter flies out to right fielder Antonio DeJesus. Box Score Byrd has now pitched 33 innings this fall. Click on his name above for stats.

Steve Phillips weighs in (video) -- Matt Cain comment now seems laughable, thinking a bit differently with Mets (Ike Davis / Jonathan Niese), other teams but not proposals mentioned...

In the nightcap to the PWL doubleheader, Sergio Miranda was 0-for-3 with a HBP; catcher Martin Maldonado singled in two trips. *** In his 2nd game in Venezuela (after six games in Mexico), RF Brendan Katin, batting 5th, homered and doubled, leading his team to a 4-0 win. Katin fanned in his two other trips, but is slugging .516 in his eight games. Rule 5 power seekers, are you watching? *** In Mexico, SS Luis Cruz, batting 7th, was 2-for-4 and is hitting .361 with an .885 OPS in his last ten games (.268 and .712 overall).

Box Score 23-year-old RHP Hiram Burgos made his seventh appearance and second start in Puerto Rico, the sledding was a bit tough -- 3 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 HBP, 2 K, pitched to two batters in the 4th, one of which scored; 6-to-1 GB/FB San Juan Bottom of the 1st Jesus Feliciano walks. Sergio Miranda grounds into double play, first baseman Cesar Nicolas to shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Cesar Nicolas. Jesus Feliciano out at 2nd. Leslie Anderson grounds out, first baseman Cesar Nicolas to pitcher Hiram Burgos. San Juan Bottom of the 2nd Luis Terrero strikes out swinging. Alex Fernandez walks. Jorge Padilla walks. Alex Fernandez to 2nd. Rene Rivera hit by pitch. Alex Fernandez to 3rd. Jorge Padilla to 2nd. Edwin Maysonet grounds into a force out, shortstop Irving Falu to second baseman Felix Molina. Alex Fernandez scores. Jorge Padilla to 3rd. Rene Rivera out at 2nd. Edwin Maysonet to 1st. Henry Mateo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Jorge Padilla scores. Edwin Maysonet to 2nd. Jesus Feliciano singles on a fly ball to center fielder Norris Hopper. Edwin Maysonet scores. Henry Mateo to 2nd. Sergio Miranda grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Cesar Nicolas. San Juan Bottom of the 3rd Leslie Anderson grounds out, second baseman Felix Molina to first baseman Cesar Nicolas. Luis Terrero pops out to first baseman Cesar Nicolas in foul territory. Alex Fernandez strikes out swinging. San Juan Bottom of the 4th Jorge Padilla singles on a ground ball to left fielder Miguel Negron. With Rene Rivera batting, missed catch error by Hiram Burgos on the pickoff attempt, Jorge Padilla to 3rd. Rene Rivera hit by pitch. Pitcher Change: Hector Hernandez replaces Hiram Burgos. Edwin Maysonet singles on a ground ball to right fielder Eddy Martinez-Esteve. Jorge Padilla scores. Rene Rivera to 2nd. Henry Mateo out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Hector Hernandez to second baseman Felix Molina. Rene Rivera to 3rd. Edwin Maysonet to 2nd. Jesus Feliciano grounds out, second baseman Felix Molina to first baseman Cesar Nicolas. Hector Hernandez intentionally walks Sergio Miranda. Leslie Anderson flies out to left fielder Miguel Negron. Burgos' Timber Rattler teammate but Puerto Rico League foe, 21-year-old LHP Efrain Nieves, made a relief appearance one could call successful -- Mayaguez Top of the 6th Pitcher Change: Efrain Nieves replaces Willy Lebron. Miguel Negron strikes out swinging. Cesar Nicolas strikes out swinging. Fernando Cortez strikes out swinging. One RH bat, two LH bats faced by Nieves there. In that same game, Nieves' teammate, 2B Sergio Miranda, was 0-for-3 with an intentional walk.

On Saturday in Venezuela, SS Alcides Escobar, leading off, went 2-for-5 (double, single) with two RBI and one run scored (box). Still hackin', but at least a couple dropped in...

Wrapping up Friday's action, Luis Cruz singled twice and had a sacrifice bunt in a 2-for-3 day (now hitting .254), also committed a throwing error at SS, in his team's 1-0 loss in Mexico.

Newcomer Zack Segovia is still in the Dominican and pitched a 1-2-3 9th in his team's 6-2 win: Licey Bottom of the 9th Pitcher Change: Zack Segovia replaces Jesus Colome. Robinzon Diaz pops out to third baseman Alex Valdez. Juan Miranda strikes out swinging. Carlos Peguero grounds out, second baseman Argenis Reyes to first baseman Chris Davis. *** Erick Almonte had a pinch-hit RBI single in his team's 3-1 loss Friday.

Late updates from Venezuela:Alcides Escobar played both Thursday and Friday, going 2-for-5 with a SB and a CS and 0-for-4. It's going to take a while to dig out of his 4-for-30, zero walks hole. Outfielder Brendan Katin made his Venezuelan debut after six earlier games in Mexico. He played LF and went 0-for-4 with two K's and a throwing error.

Only Luis Cruz in Mexico, 1-for-4 with a double and a K (box), was in action Thursday. He played second base.

After five starts, LHP Efrain Nieves made his first appearance in long relief in Puerto Rico Wednesday -- 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 Balk, 7-to-1 GB/FO (that's out of his norm), a reliever stranded two of his baserunners in an eventual 7-4 win (box) before, wow, 15.000 in San Juan. You'll notice in that same game, Nieves' teammate, second baseman Sergio Miranda, went 3-for-5 with a double, RBI, and run scored. His league-leading batting average is now .410 (34-for-83). Miranda's .451 OBP also leads the league, and his .920 OPS is 3rd. Erick Almonte, playing third base and batting cleanup (box) was 2-for-4 (double) and drove in two in the D. R. In Mexico, again playing third base, Luis Cruz was also 2-for-4 (double), run, and a caught stealing (box) -- modest four-game hit streak. Down in Venezuela, Alcides Escobar went 1-for-4, led off (at short, naturally), stole a base and scored a run (box) -- now 2-for-21 and still looking to take that first base on balls.

Reliever Chris Smith gets a minor league deal with a big league spring training invite with Seattle -- you'd think that'd be a nice situation for him.