Jim Goulart

Folks with questions about Martin Maldonando need to skip to the 15-minute mark of the Tom Haudricourt November 2nd interview (with Homer) for the brief quotes about Tom's Henry Blanco comparison. The seven HR's in 174 AB's at Nashville this year were out of his norm, but perhaps at age 24 he's found the pop that could make a Blanco comparison valid (he's already there defensively). Just another in the line of Puerto Rican defensive studs behind the plate...

It's a 9th year in the system for 27-year-old RHP Tim Dillard -- minor league deal, spring training invite. Most folks will like to see that, he was pretty lights out in the final month of the season (August stat line included here).

Eric Farris and Caleb Gindl are again batting 2-3, and Logan Schafer is in the 6-spot as Surprise is in action again Friday afternoon, game time 1:30 Central -- here's your Gameday link. Sorry for the later post, Surprise fell 9-5 on Thursday, Hunter Morris singled in five trips as the first baseman. Brandon Kintzler continued his fine work of late, two perfect innings with four K's, 22 pitches (15 strikes) -- no Gameday pitch speeds.

John Steinmiller -- Making Up For Lost Time: Eric Farris Looks to Return to Nashville in 2011 Also, this from John: Please e-mail me with any questions you have for Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin regarding any of the players I have written about this week or anything in the Brewers farm system, I will be interviewing him next week as a wrap-up and will take questions from fans as well.

Wednesday's winter ballers who saw action -- links to their stat pages, including last night's lines -- Carlos Gomez 0-for-3 with another caught stealing, now 2-for-5 in that category, Erick Almonte 0-for-4 with one K, Sergio Miranda 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI

In your "regularly scheduled" Surprise game, the Rafters fell, 9-3, but no Brewers pitched, so that's OK. Despite the loss, the Rafters turned six double plays, a few of the non-traditional variety. CF Logan Schafer singled his first three times up, then had an RBI groundout as part of a 3-for-5 day. There were also these throws from Logan -- Scottsdale Top of the 4th Xavier Avery singles on a line drive to center fielder Logan Schafer. With Steve Lombardozzi batting, Xavier Avery caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Salvador Perez to shortstop Cale Iorg. Steve Lombardozzi flies out to left fielder Jared Bolden. Conor Gillaspie singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Hunter Morris. Marc Krauss singles on a line drive to left fielder Jared Bolden. Conor Gillaspie to 2nd. Ryan Adams singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Logan Schafer, deflected by pitcher Brian Broderick. Conor Gillaspie scores. Marc Krauss out at 3rd, center fielder Logan Schafer to shortstop Cale Iorg. Scottsdale Top of the 8th Pitcher Change: Matt Hoffman replaces Brendan Wise. Ryan Adams singles on a fly ball to center fielder Logan Schafer. Bryce Harper walks. Ryan Adams to 2nd. Caleb Joseph singles on a fly ball to center fielder Logan Schafer. Caleb Joseph to 2nd. Double play, center fielder Logan Schafer to shortstop Cale Iorg to catcher Salvador Perez. Ryan Adams out at home. Bryce Harper out at home. Caleb Joseph to 2nd on the throw. With Ed Easley batting, wild pitch by Matt Hoffman, Caleb Joseph to 3rd. Ed Easley walks. Thomas Field flies out to left fielder Jared Bolden. 2B Eric Farris was 0-for-4 with a fielding error. RF Caleb Gindl tripled in four trips. Half of his 14 hits have gone for extra bases (1.006 OPS in 44 AB's). Hunter Morris played a clean third base (three chances), but was 0-for-4 with two K's. And yeah, that Bryce Harper kid is pretty good, on base three times...

Oh, those tricky folks in Arizona. Two Brewer lefties, Dan Merklinger and Lucas Luetge, have been transferred to join newly acquired RHP Justin James on the Phoenix Desert Dogs squad. Each had been part of the Surprise taxi squad, meaning they'd pitch on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Today's Wednesday, so Merklinger started and Luetge followed. Each probably hoped to fare better, but at least three of the four runs Merklinger were allowed were unearned. Saturday is the Rising Stars' game, so these two may have to wait another week to see action -- Merklinger: 2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 1 GB vs. 1 FO, 43 pitches (31 strikes) Luetge: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP, 5 GB vs. 0 FO, 32 pitches (17 strikes) The Desert Dogs lost, 8-0 to fall to 6-13. Peo Saguaros Top of the 1st Ben Revere grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Jerry Sands. Eduardo Escobar triples (3) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Trayvon Robinson. Dave Sappelt doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Brandon Laird. Eduardo Escobar scores. Jose Ruiz singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Ryan Curry. Dave Sappelt scores. Jose Ruiz to 2nd. Throwing error by shortstop Ryan Curry. Joe Benson strikes out swinging. Leslie Anderson flies out to left fielder Brandon Laird. Peo Saguaros Top of the 2nd Jason Bour reaches on throwing error by third baseman Stephen Parker. Jason Bour to 2nd. Kris Negron strikes out swinging. Andy Parrino singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brandon Laird, deflected by shortstop Ryan Curry. Jason Bour scores. With Ben Revere batting, Andy Parrino caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Austin Romine to shortstop Ryan Curry to first baseman Jerry Sands. Ben Revere singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Brandon Laird. Eduardo Escobar singles on a sharp line drive to center fielder Trayvon Robinson. Ben Revere to 3rd. With Dave Sappelt batting, wild pitch by Dan Merklinger, Ben Revere scores. Eduardo Escobar to 2nd. Dave Sappelt strikes out swinging. Peo Saguaros Top of the 3rd Pitcher Change: Lucas Luetge replaces Dan Merklinger. Jose Ruiz grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Jerry Sands. Joe Benson grounds out, third baseman Stephen Parker to first baseman Jerry Sands. Leslie Anderson hit by pitch. Jason Bour doubles (4) on a sharp line drive to left fielder Brandon Laird. Leslie Anderson scores. Jason Bour out at 3rd on the throw, left fielder Brandon Laird to shortstop Ryan Curry to catcher Austin Romine to third baseman Stephen Parker. Peo Saguaros Top of the 4th Kris Negron grounds out, shortstop Ryan Curry to first baseman Jerry Sands. Andy Parrino singles on a line drive to center fielder Trayvon Robinson. Ben Revere walks. Andy Parrino to 2nd. Eduardo Escobar singles on a soft fly ball to left fielder Brandon Laird. Andy Parrino scores. Ben Revere to 2nd. Dave Sappelt grounds into double play, third baseman Stephen Parker to second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Jerry Sands. Eduardo Escobar out at 2nd.

John Steinmiller -- Kintzler's Dream Season Continues In Arizona

Congratulations to Wes Etheridge, who is back in affiliated ball with the Blue Jays, as per Baseball America -- A Brewers 12th-round pick from UC Irvine in ’07, Wes Etheridge played on the same Golden League team as Jamie Vermilyea (also a Blue Jay now, non-Brewer alumni) in ’10. He had a fine year, too, going 10-0, 1.76 with a nifty 86-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 92 innings. The 26-year-old Etheridge spent the ’09 season on the Brewers' restricted list.

1B/DH Erick Almonte, who will turn 33 in February, and has been described as a consummate pro who "knows his role", often praised by Don Money, has been re-signed to a 2011 minor league contract, according to Baseball America. He had a pretty sweet 2010, as his stats page shows. He'll enter his 3rd season in the system at Nashville. He'll be among those we'll track in winter league ball (Dominican League).

The Brewers' site will have several AFL updates the next few days, very nice actually, via John of the "John and Cait" blog -- first installment.

Biggest Rattler Surprise of the Year Yes, there was competition, but a wise choice in the end...

More on James here, including multiple quotes. In a bit of cross-forum posting, there are some threads on the Minor League side that have been updated that point here and vice-versa, regarding both James and Maldonado. Those of you who follow both forums will be well-read, but sorry about any duplication and such.

From Baseball America's independent league prospect chat recently -- [tt]Petey Pablo (Carrboro): Beyond those mentioned in the write-up, who were the top indy prospects that did land affiliated deals this year? (Also, I see that some of the top 10 have already landed with big league squads - Garcia w/ ATL, for one). Thanks![/tt] J.J. Cooper: Yeah, the top three from this list have already signed: Johnson has signed with Boston while Alsup and Garcia have signed with Atlanta. I'd expect a few more will be signed in the next couple of weeks. As far as guys who signed earlier, Jason Lowey has good stuff as he showed the Braves in Myrtle Beach. Matt Meyer was absolutely dominant in the American Association before the Angels signed him. But the best player I heard of all year in indy ball was Justin James, who bounced back from some arm problems to show dominating stuff with the Kansas City T-Bones. Oakland signed him and saw him make it all the way to the big leagues by the end of the season. [tt]Jason (Walnut Creek, CA): The Oakland A's have a penchant for signing Indy Leaguers, especially recently. Bobby Cramer made a couple of starts in the big leagues at teh end of the year and pitchers like Kyle Middlebrook, Michael Benacka, and Jon Hunton are knocking on the door. Have they signed any of these current Top 20 Prospects?[/tt] J.J. Cooper: They haven't as of yet signed anyone from this current list (although Hunton and Benacka were guys that made previous lists), but as I mentioned earlier they have already signed Justin James who is probably the best arm in indy ball this year. [tt]Dave (Atlanta): Jason Lowey had a strong debut for Myrtle Beach after the Braves acquired him, pitching eight scoreless innings with 16 strikeouts and getting a Mexican winter league assignment. Where would he have ranked on your list?[/tt] J.J. Cooper: If we were including everyone who signed during the season he would have been near the top of the list (although behind Justin James). He has good velocity and is still a relatively fresh arm as he was primarily a position player in college. *** From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser As I wrote yesterday, right-hander Justin James and Ross Wolf were called up with today's roster expansion, and James, 28, was pitching for the Kansas City T-Bones, an independent team, in mid-June. When I asked about James' background, I was told, "He's Farhan's guy" - Farhan Zaidi, the A's director of baseball operations, had championed James after getting a glowing report from scout Jeff Bittiger (who you might remember was instrumental in finding Andrew Bailey). Zaidi heaped all the credit on Bittiger, but the combination of strong reports did the trick, and the A's signed James and sent him to Double-A Midland. As Zaidi pointed out, picking up a player from an independent team is a fairly low-risk proposition, so why not? At the same time, hitting on one is longer odds, and James was particularly long odds - the former Toronto prospect, a fifth-round pick in 2003, nearly had packed it in last year after arm trouble. No one could diagnose any exact problem with the arm, but his velocity had dropped off a good 8 mph. His brother, Chad, who was the Marlins' top pick last year, convinced James to give it another try, and after working with noted professional trainer John Carey (Matt Holliday), Justin James said that his arm issue probably was the result of simple tightness, and working with Carey loosened things up - and he's now throwing 95 mph. He credits his brother with helping him stick with it, and Carey with his physical improvement and success. James said he was once 30 pounds heavier because he was going to play linebacker at Oklahoma (he opted for baseball at Missouri, instead), and he believes his arms just never were all that loose to begin with because of football. James will be used in a "non-pressure" situation initially, according to manager Bob Geren. I asked James about his great walk-to-strikeout ratio - 49 strikeouts vs. 16 walks in 39 1/3 innings - and I loved this answer: "I can't stand walking people. ... I've always been against it." Sacramento radio play-by-play man Johnny Doskow calls James "the Sheriff," so remember, Sheriff James just says no to walks! Wolf says James is the real deal - he pounds the strike zone, he has a live arm. "It's good to see him get the opportunity," Wolf said.

As a formaility, we link to posts on reliever Justin James waiver claim arrival to the Brewers, and catcher Martin Maldonado's addition to the 40-man roster.

It's not often players competing in the Arizona Fall League change organizations, but with 29-year-old RHP Justin James being claimed by the Brewers for their 40-man roster (discussion on Major League Forum), we'll now need to keep an eye on Phoenix Desert Dog games. Here is James' MiLB.com player page, which includes his 2010 minor and major league numbers, his year-by-year stats from 2005 on, and his current AFL stat line.

We had ignored his work in the Puerto Rico Winter League up to this point, but with catcher Martin Maldonado now on the Brewer 40-man roster, we'll remind you about his 2010, year-by-year, and current winter league stats via his MiLB.com player page link.

Looks like RHP Josh Butler lost his starting gig in Mexico, but he did get the win with a perfect 6th inning Tuesday (box).

Click on those links above for updated stats, the two combined to go 0-for-7 on Tuesday, although Gomez did walk. Miranda also played on Monday the 1st.

So no one chimed in on this thread nor our Rule 5 / 40-man roster thread and predicted Maldonado's addition to the 40-man (major league thread). This would appear to be a fine job by his agent, as you can bet he was approached first about Maldonado signing a minor league deal to re-up first. Knowing a strong defensive 24-year-old would be in demand on the open market, the agent appears to have forced the Brewers hand into a 40-man spot. Also, the timing and lack of additional announcements regarding potential minor league free agents pretty much tells us that Tim Dillard won't be a late re-addition.

So no one chimed in on this thread nor our Rule 5 / 40-man roster thread and predicted Maldonado's addition to the 40-man (major league thread). This would appear to be a fine job by his agent, as you can bet he was approached first about Maldonado signing a minor league deal to re-up first. Knowing a strong defensive 24-year-old would be in demand on the open market, the agent appears to have forced the Brewers hand into a 40-man spot. Also, the timing and lack of additional announcements regarding potential minor league free agents pretty much tells us that Tim Dillard won't be a late re-addition.

Nice honor for Mike Guerrero, he will manage Jeremy Jeffress and Caleb Gindl in the Rising Stars Showcase Game on Saturday.Surprise ties, 2-2, after 11 innings Mike McClendon and Jeremy Jeffress each went two innings to finish things up -- McClendon (20 pitches / 13 strikes) was much more efficient than Jeffress (41/24), but McClendon was touched for a key unearned run (hurt by his own throwing error). Each also pitched his way out of big additional trouble in each of his frames. Four adventurous innings total... McClendon's streak without allowing an earned run reaches 9.1 innings over six appearances; Jeffress has allowed one earned run in 9.1 innings in his seven AFL games, but has walked eight (ten K's). Phoenix Bottom of the 8th Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Blake King. Ivan De JesusJr. singles on a line drive to right fielder Joey Butler. Trayvon Robinson hits a sacrifice bunt. Throwing error by pitcher Mike McClendon. Ivan De JesusJr. to 3rd. Trayvon Robinson to 2nd. Brandon Laird grounds out, third baseman Francisco Martinez to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Ivan De JesusJr. scores. Trayvon Robinson to 3rd. Jerry Sands grounds out, first baseman Eric Hosmer to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Kyle Skipworth grounds out, first baseman Eric Hosmer to pitcher Mike McClendon. Phoenix Bottom of the 9th Michael Taylor grounds out, shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Stephen Parker doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Mike McClendon intentionally walks Jose Pirela. Tyler Pastornicky grounds into double play, third baseman Francisco Martinez to second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Jose Pirela out at 2nd. Phoenix Bottom of the 10th Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Mike McClendon. Ivan De JesusJr. walks. Trayvon Robinson out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Jose Felix to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Ivan De JesusJr. to 2nd. Brandon Laird pops out to third baseman Francisco Martinez. Jerry Sands called out on strikes. Phoenix Bottom of the 11th Defensive Substitution: Caleb Gindl replaces left fielder Ben Guez, batting 3rd, playing left field. Kyle Skipworth doubles (2) on a fly ball to left fielder Caleb Gindl. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Cory Harrilchak replaces Kyle Skipworth. Michael Taylor reaches on a fielder's choice out, shortstop Pete Kozma to third baseman Francisco Martinez. Cory Harrilchak out at 3rd. Stephen Parker singles on a line drive to left fielder Caleb Gindl. Michael Taylor to 3rd. Jose Pirela strikes out swinging. Tyler Pastornicky grounds out to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Jeffress, Gindl picked for AFL showcase McCalvy with the update on Saturday's televised game, 11/6

Nice job also by RHP Hiram Burgos in Puerto Rico, relief stint in which he came on with none out and stranded an inherited runner -- 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 balk -- his team lost, 3-2 Carolina Top of the 4th Pedro Valdes homers (2) on a fly ball to right field. Jerad Head hit by pitch. Pitcher Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Angel Garcia. Johnny Monell called out on strikes. Luis Matos pops out to second baseman Chris Amador. Jose Velazquez called out on strikes. Carolina Top of the 5th Danny Gonzalez singles on a ground ball to pitcher Hiram Burgos. Dee Gordon out on a sacrifice bunt to pitcher Hiram Burgos. Danny Gonzalez to 2nd. With Brad Coon batting, Danny Gonzalez advances to 3rd on a balk. Brad Coon singles on a ground ball to center fielder Daniel Ortiz. Danny Gonzalez scores. Ruben Gotay grounds out, first baseman Edwards Guzman to pitcher Hiram Burgos. Brad Coon to 2nd. Hiram Burgos intentionally walks Pedro Valdes. Jerad Head called out on strikes. Carolina Top of the 6th Johnny Monell grounds out, second baseman Chris Amador to first baseman Edwards Guzman. Luis Matos flies out to left fielder Doug Deeds. Jose Velazquez grounds out, second baseman Chris Amador to first baseman Edwards Guzman. Burgos' line after three relief appearances

LHP Efrain Nieves is preparing for his 21st birthday on the 15th in style. His second Puerto Rican League start was even better than his successful first -- 6 IP, 2 H, zero BB, four K's for the victory. Box score Ponce Top of the 1st Danny Espinosa pops out to second baseman Sergio Miranda. Hiram Bocachica flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Chris Marrero called out on strikes. Ponce Top of the 2nd Carlos Rivera flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Robinson Cancel pops out to catcher Rene Rivera in foul territory. Raul Gonzalez grounds out, shortstop Radames Nazario to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Ponce Top of the 3rd Gabriel Martinez grounds out, second baseman Sergio Miranda to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Angel Morales called out on strikes. Enrique Hernandez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Paulo Orlando. Danny Espinosa grounds into a force out, third baseman Josh Fields to second baseman Sergio Miranda. Enrique Hernandez out at 2nd. Ponce Top of the 4th Hiram Bocachica pops out to second baseman Sergio Miranda. Chris Marrero grounds out, shortstop Radames Nazario to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Carlos Rivera flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Ponce Top of the 5th Robinson Cancel flies out to right fielder Jorge Padilla. Raul Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Jesus Feliciano. Gabriel Martinez grounds out, shortstop Radames Nazario to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Ponce Top of the 6th Angel Morales called out on strikes. Enrique Hernandez grounds out, shortstop Radames Nazario to first baseman Phillip Cuadrado. Danny Espinosa doubles (2) on a ground ball to left fielder Paulo Orlando. Hiram Bocachica called out on strikes. Pretty impressive line after two starts.