Jim Goulart

Merklinger's three hitless innings lead Dogs Brewers left-hander makes second start after switching teams By Danny Wild / MLB.com It was only 15 days ago that Dan Merklinger went three innings in his third Arizona Fall League start against Phoenix. On Tuesday, he logged another three frames -- for the Desert Dogs. The Brewers prospect held Scottsdale hitless in his second outing since swapping uniforms as Phoenix beat the Scottsdale Scorpions, 7-4, on Tuesday. "I was happy. I was going after guys, attacking with my fastball and working on off-speed pitches," he said. "I felt good out there." The Seton Hall alum began the fall with Surprise, but got an opportunity to start more consistently with Phoenix. It was an easy decision to switch teams, especially since it wasn't really made by him. "I was basically told by the Brewers and my coaches, and I said fine, I'll just do whatever they want," he said. "I'll play wherever. Wherever it is, it is." Merklinger, who appeared at three levels in the Minors in 2010, joined fellow lefty Brewers prospect Lucas Luetge on the Dogs staff. "The Phoenix team was down on pitching and I've been a starter all year, so it was a good opportunity for me to start in the Fall League," he said. "It's different -- you're always more comfortable with teammates you've been playing the season with, but I don't have a problem getting along with anyone. Everyone's been real nice and warm here." Merklinger needed 58 pitches to get through three frames Tuesday after grinding through a couple long at-bats. "A couple batters really put up a good fight," he said. "One was about a 10- or 11-pitch battle, and there was another long at-bat. There are just some good hitters up here. They were fighting off some good pitches." Merklinger, Milwaukee's sixth-round pick in 2007, said he came to Arizona with the hope of getting his fastball over for strikes consistently. He said that was the key Tuesday. "I was locating my fastball a lot better than I had been, throwing off-speed pitches for strikes and keeping the hitters off balance," he said. "I definitely wanted to continue attacking with my fastball, throw my breaking ball for strikes and develop my changeup. I think I've done a pretty decent job. "You're also facing talented hitters and getting that experience is something I was looking forward to," he added. The lefty walked two and hit a batter after working a 1-2-3 first. By the fourth, Phoenix manager Don Mattingly made the call to the bullpen. "I always want to stay in," Merklinger said. "You've got to yank me by the collar to get me out of the game." Dan Merklinger started the year for Surprise, but moved to Phoenix to help the Dogs pitching staff. (Jordan Megenhardt/MLB.com)http://brewers.mlb.com/images/2010/11/09/UxBnkNqh.jpg

Starting today, the Rattlers site will countdown the top five Timber Rattlers games of the 2010 season. # 5

Yikes, that didn't go well, did it? Jeffress' ERA shoots to 4.82 with the four runs allowed. Pitcher Change: Fabio Castillo replaces Jeremy Jeffress. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Ryan Flaherty replaces Matt Rizzotti. Jordy Mercer singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Fabio Castillo. Ryan Flaherty to 3rd. Kirk Nieuwenhuis to 2nd. Andrew Lambo hits a grand slam (4) to right field. Ryan Flaherty scores. Kirk Nieuwenhuis scores. Jordy Mercer scores.

RHP Brandon Kintzler (stats page) with another scoreless inning in Surprise's 5-1 win Tuesday (boxscore, no Gameday speeds): Mesa Bottom of the 6th Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Eric Hurley. Kai Gronauer singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Andrew Romine singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Derrick Robinson. Kai Gronauer to 2nd. Josh Harrison grounds into double play, shortstop Cale Iorg to second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Tony Cruz. Kai Gronauer to 3rd. Andrew Romine out at 2nd. Brandon Wood strikes out swinging. RHP Jeremy Jeffress (stats page) attempted to close things out with a 5-1 lead, but had a less than effective 9th inning appearance, facing four batters, recording no outs, although one play was a fielder's choice -- Mesa Bottom of the 9th Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Brendan Wise. Josh Harrison walks. Brandon Wood walks. Josh Harrison to 2nd. Matt Rizzotti singles on a ground ball to center fielder Derrick Robinson. Josh Harrison scores. Brandon Wood to 3rd. Kirk Nieuwenhuis reaches on a fielder's choice, fielded by third baseman Davis Stoneburner. Brandon Wood scores. Matt Rizzotti to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Fabio Castillo replaces Jeremy Jeffress. 2B Eric Farris singled and walked twice. Caleb Gindl was in LF again (boo to that), he walked in five trips, scored a run, but fanned three times. Suddenly he's at .275, a bit less gaudy than earlier this fall. As I type, Surprise is trying to hold on after Jeffress' outing. Look for a final score update from myself or anyone else who wishes to chime in later on for our readers unwilling to click http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

LHP Dan Merklinger (stats page), who turns 25 in ten days, just makes it easier and easier to like him more and more. It's unlikely he sees Huntsville in 2011 (considering he was held back at Brevard for 25 of his 27 appearances this year -- 19 starts at high-A), so here's to what will hopefully be a successful campaign in Nashville's rotation next summer. In his start today, three hitless, scoreless innings -- nice job in the 2nd inning after the first two reached... 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP (no Gameday pitch-by-pitch speed data, not a priority with Merklinger) Scottsdale Top of the 1st Charles Blackmon strikes out on foul tip. Greg Miclat grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Jerry Sands. Conor Gillaspie grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Jerry Sands. Scottsdale Top of the 2nd Jordan Pacheco walks. Ryan Adams hit by pitch. Jordan Pacheco to 2nd. Michael Burgess flies out to right fielder Michael Taylor. Ed Easley strikes out swinging. Thomas Field grounds into a force out, shortstop Ryan Curry to second baseman Jose Pirela. Ryan Adams out at 2nd. Scottsdale Top of the 3rd Xavier Avery called out on strikes. Charles Blackmon walks. Greg Miclat pops out to second baseman Jose Pirela. Conor Gillaspie grounds out softly, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Jerry Sands.

Erick Almonte (1-for-4, 2 K's), Carlos Gomez (0-for-3), and Sergio Miranda (2-for-3, triple, walk, CS) saw action Monday.

LHP Dan Merklinger gets the start for Phoenix in a Tuesday afternoon contest (scoreboard page).

Surprise wins, 6-5 -- Gameday Link includes "pitch-by-pitch" for starter Michael Fiers (his stats page). Hunter Morris (stats) was 0-for-4, no chances while at third base. Fiers had his second very good start -- he'll feel good heading into the true off-season -- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 64 pitches (47 strikes), 9-to-2 GB-to-FB Peo Saguaros Top of the 1st Ben Revere grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Eduardo Escobar flies out softly to center fielder Derrick Robinson. Leslie Anderson grounds out, shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Peo Saguaros Top of the 2nd Devin Mesoraco grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Chris Parmelee singles on a ground ball to center fielder Derrick Robinson, deflected by second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Jose Ruiz grounds into double play, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Chris Parmelee out at 2nd. Peo Saguaros Top of the 3rd Kris Negron strikes out swinging. Jared Mitchell grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Andy Parrino grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Peo Saguaros Top of the 4th Ben Revere flies out to center fielder Derrick Robinson. Eduardo Escobar grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Leslie Anderson reaches on throwing error by shortstop Pete Kozma. Devin Mesoraco grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Peo Saguaros Top of the 5th Chris Parmelee called out on strikes. Jose Ruiz doubles (3) on a sharp line drive to right fielder Joey Butler. Kris Negron homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Jose Ruiz scores. Jared Mitchell strikes out swinging.

This tournament wrapped up on Halloween, the Netherlands took 2nd place to Cuba. The international baseball federation then announced that this was the last Inter Continental Cup tournament, a competition that had been in place since 1973. I saw a couple of Shawn Zarraga appearances in the box scores, one a start. No cumulative stats appear to be available, but a trip to Taipei had to be exciting regardless, although only 320 people attended the final.

LHP Efrain Nieves (stats page) made his 3rd Puerto Rico League start, it didn't go quite as well as his first two -- he allowed single runs in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings, victimized by several ground ball singles in the 2nd and 3rd, then walking three consecutive in the 4th. Among those he faced was Sergio Miranda (stats page), who went 0-for-4 and committed an error at second base in the game. 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 0 K, 6/6 GB/FO, 1 WP Caguas Top of the 1st Helder Velazquez grounds out, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Luis Figueroa pops out to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado in foul territory. Ramon Vazquez grounds out, pitcher Efrain Nieves to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Caguas Top of the 2nd Javier Valentin singles on a ground ball to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Edgardo Baez walks. Javier Valentin to 2nd. Omir Santos flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Andy Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Javier Valentin to 3rd. Brahiam Maldonado singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jarrod Dyson. Javier Valentin scores. Edgardo Baez to 2nd. With Antonio Jimenez batting, wild pitch by Efrain Nieves, Edgardo Baez to 3rd. Brahiam Maldonado to 2nd. Antonio Jimenez grounds out, third baseman Josh Fields to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Caguas Top of the 3rd Helder Velazquez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jarrod Dyson. Luis Figueroa grounds into a force out, second baseman Sergio Miranda to shortstop Edwin Maysonet. Helder Velazquez out at 2nd. Luis Figueroa to 1st. Ramon Vazquez singles on a ground ball to third baseman Josh Fields. Luis Figueroa to 2nd. Javier Valentin grounds into a force out, third baseman Josh Fields to second baseman Sergio Miranda. Luis Figueroa scores. Ramon Vazquez out at 2nd. Javier Valentin advances to 1st, on throwing error by second baseman Sergio Miranda. Edgardo Baez grounds out, shortstop Edwin Maysonet to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Caguas Top of the 4th Omir Santos flies out to left fielder Jarrod Dyson. Andy Gonzalez walks. Brahiam Maldonado walks. Andy Gonzalez to 2nd. Antonio Jimenez walks. Andy Gonzalez to 3rd. Brahiam Maldonado to 2nd. Helder Velazquez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Andy Gonzalez scores. Brahiam Maldonado to 3rd. Antonio Jimenez to 2nd. Luis Figueroa flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Erick Almonte (0-for-4), Martin Maldonado (0-for-2), Luis Cruz (1-for-4, double, RBI), Carlos Gomez (1-for-5, R, 2 K), also plied their wares in three leagues between them Sunday, their stat pages are linked.

Goodness gracious, please don't overanalyze, Brewers, and make sure this kid is developed as a starter initially --John Manuel at Baseball America -- In the seventh, righthander Jeremy Jeffress (Brewers) showed off one of the minors' most electric arms, blasting 99 mph heaters past Belt and then hitting 101 mph on scouts' radar guns to strike out Brandon Laird. "I've faced that guy before," Belt said, "and he was throwing more like 94-96 with movement. Tonight every fastball was 99 and moving, and he dropped in a good curveball too. That made it a little tough. He was pretty good." Jeffress said he's thrown 101 before, but never had received a standing ovation for it, as he did from part of the crowd Saturday when the stadium gun posted "01" on its two-digit speed-pitch readout. "I'm really here to work on throwing more changeups," said Jeffress, who made his big league debut this season for Milwaukee, pitching 10 innings with a 2.70 ERA. "I put it in my back pocket for a while, but they wanted me to work on it some more here." Jeffress' manager, Mike Guerrero (Brewers), said in the pregame that when Jeffress has his breaking ball and changeup to go with that special fastball, "He's unhittable." That was the case Saturday night.

Gomez and Almonte your lone winter league participants Saturday, it appears.

From the game story / video recap which included Jeremy Jeffress' final pitch at 101 MPH: Brewers reliever Jeremy Jeffress created his own jam for the West with a leadoff walk in the seventh, but worked out of it with a pair of strikeouts to end the inning. Displaying perhaps the most impressive heat of the night, he struck out Laird on three consecutive fastballs after falling behind 2-0. Laird didn't offer at one of them, and the last was clocked at 101 mph. Here's your Gameday link which includes all of Jeffress' speed counts (7th inning). Video of Jeffress Caleb Gindl would later ground into a 1-6-3 double play (ball was hit hard, against his 3rd southpaw), popped out in the 8th (finally a RHP), played the whole game.

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? Points to ponder -- Check out, out # 6, play at first base, safe or out? Wow, is that close... The toughest inning for Jake? How did he concentrate with those giant eyeballs staring him down directly in his line of vision behind home plate in the 6th? What was that?! Speaking of the eyeballs, what's with that stadium configuration? Let's take prime real estate for seating behind home plate, and just have a huge tunnel ramp up to the innards of the stadium... Out # 21 -- bullet to 3rd, hardest hit ball No pigpile at the end -- maybe if they were at home. Oh yeah -- why is this video just coming out now? Anyway, enjoy.

Gindl gets the start in LF, but fans twice so far (on 2-2 and 3-2 counts) -- had to face lefties in both AB's. Baseball America's John Manuel is so well-spoken, too bad he's only in the booth for an inning or two, unfortunately during Caleb's 2nd AB, the player discussion focused on others.

It's a known factor that the Brewers erred in not having a Latino, ot at minimum someone who speaks the language, on their coaching staff last year, and it'll be interesting to see if Ron Roenicke corrects that situation. Both Escobar and in particular Gomez commented that at times they may have mis-interpreted things at points in the season.

John Steinmiller -- Schafer Looks To Regain Health After Frustrating 2010 Season

Similar to the major league free agency period, Sunday morning marks the point when minor league free agents can be signed. Baseball America should have their master list early this week, and the Brewers' own list can be found in the lead post in this thread.

Similar to the major league free agency period, Sunday morning marks the point when minor league free agents can be signed. Baseball America should have their master list early this week, and the Brewers' own list can be found in the lead post in this thread.

Reminder -- 8:00 PM Central time streaming on MLB.com and the MLB Network (Caleb Gindl and Jeremy Jeffress taking part, Mike Guerrero managing)

Eric Farris (stat page) a fine day (2-for-4, triple, walk, two RBI, SB), that's six steals in as as many attempts. Caleb Gindl (stat page) a walk and a sacrifice fly. Logan Schafer (stat page) with a walk, and nice to see, stolen base. It's now 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings for Mike McClendon (stat page), who is really looking to solidify a spot in April's Brewer bullpen. 22 pitches, 18 strikes, just one hit allowed in two innings, but Surprise fell, 13-5. Mesa Top of the 6th Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Brandon Sisk. Josh Harrison singles on a line drive to center fielder Logan Schafer. Jeremy Moore grounds into a force out, second baseman Eric Farris to shortstop Cale Iorg. Josh Harrison out at 2nd. Jeremy Moore to 1st. Brandon Wood flies out to left fielder Jared Bolden. Tony Sanchez grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Mesa Top of the 7th Kirk Nieuwenhuis strikes out swinging. Jordy Mercer flies out to left fielder Jared Bolden. Joshua Satin strikes out swinging, catcher Jose Felix to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

His Phoenix team was smoked, 10-0, so it was a garbage time appearance, RHP Justin James (stat page) came in with two men on, one out in the 8th (one run scored, then another in the 9th). 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 35 pitches / 22 strikes, 2/0 GB/FB Scottsdale Top of the 8th Thomas Field singles on a ground ball to left fielder Jerry Sands. Charles Blackmon walks. Thomas Field to 2nd. Charlie Culberson singles on a line drive to left fielder Jerry Sands. Thomas Field to 3rd. Charles Blackmon to 2nd. Brandon Belt strikes out swinging. Marc Krauss reaches on force attempt, missed catch error by shortstop Tyler Pastornicky, assist to second baseman Ivan De JesusJr. Thomas Field scores. Charles Blackmon scores. Charlie Culberson to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Justin James replaces Lance Sewell. Ryan Adams singles on a line drive to center fielder Cory Harrilchak. Charlie Culberson scores. Marc Krauss to 2nd. Bryce Harper strikes out swinging. Caleb Joseph strikes out swinging. Scottsdale Top of the 9th Ed Easley grounds out, second baseman Ivan De JesusJr. to first baseman Stephen Parker. Thomas Field doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Cory Harrilchak. With Charles Blackmon batting, passed ball by Austin Romine, Thomas Field to 3rd. Charles Blackmon grounds out to first baseman Stephen Parker. Charlie Culberson singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Jerry Sands. Thomas Field scores. Brandon Belt strikes out swinging.

Here was our initial post when we reported back on June 28th that RHP Darren Byrd was signed, for some background. If you combine his two Puerto Rican League starts, you get a five-hit complete game shutout with two walks, four K's. Here's his effort from Friday (box score, Martin Maldonado his catcher), four ground ball outs, nine in the air, but very effective, obviously, just two hits, one walk, just those three over the minimum in his five frames -- San Juan Bottom of the 1st Jarrod Dyson flies out to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Sergio Miranda flies out to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Jesus Feliciano grounds out to first baseman Raul Casanova. San Juan Bottom of the 2nd Josh Fields flies out to right fielder Johan Limonta. Jorge Padilla grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Raul Casanova. Alex Fernandez pops out to third baseman Jorge Jimenez in foul territory. San Juan Bottom of the 3rd Phillip Cuadrado flies out to right fielder Johan Limonta. Rene Rivera strikes out swinging. Edwin Maysonet flies out to right fielder Johan Limonta. San Juan Bottom of the 4th Jarrod Dyson grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Raul Casanova. Sergio Miranda singles on a ground ball to right fielder Johan Limonta. Jesus Feliciano flies out to left fielder Bobby Kielty. Josh Fields singles on a ground ball to center fielder Eddie Rosario. Sergio Miranda to 2nd. Jorge Padilla grounds out, shortstop Irving Falu to first baseman Raul Casanova. San Juan Bottom of the 5th Alex Fernandez pops out to catcher Martin Maldonado. Phillip Cuadrado walks. Rene Rivera called out on strikes. Edwin Maysonet flies out to center fielder Eddie Rosario.

SS Luis Cruz made his Mexican League debut Friday (0-for-2), but also made comments (which I'm sure we'll later find out were misconstrued in the translation) being discussed in the Major League Forum. Sergio Miranda 1-for-4, Martin Maldonado 1-for-3 with a K (stats pages linked) in winter ball Friday.

Josh Butler (stat page) made a 5th appearance in Mexico, his 4th as a starter, and his squad was likely looking for more than two innings (three runs). He's 0-4 in his four starts, 9.60 ERA in those starts. BOX 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R (all in the 1st), zero BB, 1 K