Jim Goulart

RHP Hiram Burgos made his 2010 Puerto Rico League debut in his club's 10-8 loss, tossing a scoreless inning of relief, facing five batters -- Carolina Top of the 9th Chris Amador remains in the game as the designated hitter. Pitcher Change: Hiram Burgos replaces Nelvin Fuentes. Pedro Valdes flies out to right fielder Michael Hernandez. Jerad Head flies out to center fielder Bobby Kielty. Johnny Monell walks. Jose Velazquez doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Doug Deeds. Johnny Monell to 3rd. Luis Mateo called out on strikes.

Josh Butler falls to 0-3 -- we'll see how much longer Hermosillo will run him out there as a starter, sometimes the locals get a bit anxious, Butler's squad fell, 7-0 Butler's line -- 4.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 0 , 1 HR, 1 WP -- he did manage 11 ground ball outs among the 14 he retired. Josh's best work has come in odd-numbered years (career stats), so maybe that bodes well for 2011, because 2008 was somewhat ugly and 2010 was middling at best. His Power 50 ranking of 25 is almost purely based on 2009, and as a nod to his 40-man roster status. I'm guessing most readers here have very tempered expectations... Navojoa Bottom of the 1st Matt Young grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Francisco Arias singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ramon Ramirez. Abel Martinez grounds into double play, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Francisco Arias out at 2nd. Navojoa Bottom of the 2nd Adan Munoz grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Jose Macias doubles (2) on a line drive to center fielder Chris Roberson. Alejandro Gonzalez walks. Sergio Contreras grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Jose Macias to 3rd. Alejandro Gonzalez to 2nd. Rolando Acosta homers (2) on a fly ball to left field. Jose Macias scores. Alejandro Gonzalez scores. Miguel Torrero reaches on fielding error by shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval. Matt Young grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Navojoa Bottom of the 3rd Francisco Arias grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Abel Martinez flies out to right fielder Ramon Ramirez. Adan Munoz grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Navojoa Bottom of the 4th Jose Macias reaches on fielding error by first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Alejandro Gonzalez flies out to left fielder Emil Brown. Sergio Contreras grounds into double play, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Jose Macias out at 2nd. Navojoa Bottom of the 5th Rolando Acosta singles on a line drive to right fielder Ramon Ramirez. Miguel Torrero out on a sacrifice bunt to first baseman Luis A. Garcia. Rolando Acosta to 2nd. Matt Young singles on a fly ball to left fielder Emil Brown. Rolando Acosta to 3rd. Francisco Arias out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Ramon Ramirez. Rolando Acosta scores. Matt Young to 2nd. Abel Martinez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chris Roberson. Matt Young scores. Abel Martinez to 2nd on the throw. With Adan Munoz batting, wild pitch by Josh Butler, Abel Martinez to 3rd. Adan Munoz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ramon Ramirez. Abel Martinez scores. Pitcher Change: Jesus A. Castillo replaces Josh Butler. Jose Macias strikes out swinging.

Reliever of the Year discussion at LetsGoRattlers

Final: 9-9 tie after 11 innings; Surprise led, 8-7 after just two innings Brandon Kintzler and Mike McClendon combined for four scorless innings, Gameday had Kintzler at 93-95 MPH -- Peo Javelinas Top of the 5th Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Patrick Keating. Jay Austin singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Derrick Robinson. With Cord Phelps batting, Brandon Kintzler picks off Jay Austin at 1st on throw to Eric Hosmer. Cord Phelps walks. Jose Iglesias grounds into double play, shortstop Cale Iorg to second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Cord Phelps out at 2nd. Peo Javelinas Top of the 6th Dustin Ackley strikes out swinging. Ryan Lavarnway strikes out swinging. Eric Thames grounds out to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Peo Javelinas Top of the 10th Adron Chambers remains in the game as the designated hitter. Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Fabio Castillo. Brandon Barnes grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Michael McDade strikes out swinging. Nate Tenbrink grounds out sharply, pitcher Mike McClendon to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Peo Javelinas Top of the 11th Jay Austin strikes out swinging, catcher Tony Cruz to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Cord Phelps flies out to left fielder Derrick Robinson. Jose Iglesias hit by pitch. With Dustin Ackley batting, Jose Iglesias steals (3) 2nd base. Mike McClendon intentionally walks Dustin Ackley. Ryan Lavarnway strikes out swinging. I mis-spoke early in the AFL season, it's not the Yankees' Steve Garrison in the league, it's Red Sox righty Seth Garrison. That is Tom Wilhelmsen, though, who matched McClendon in the late innings. Eric Farris returned as hoped, and was 1-for-5 plus an HBP, with an RBI, two runs scored, and one error. Caleb Gindl was 1-for-5 plus a walk, with a run scored (three K's). On Tuesday, RHP Michael Fiers gets the starting nod.

Nice Matt Treanor story; do you remember who he was traded for this spring? trwi7, thanks for the reminder on Nelson Cruz's Brewer history -- to think the Rangers exposed him to waivers and all of baseball passed...

RHP Darren Byrd had a semi-spectacular Puerto Rican League debut Sunday as he inherited a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the 3rd inning. Here's how you make friends right away: Caguas Top of the 3rd Andy Gonzalez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Hernandez. Ramon Vazquez singles on a line drive to pitcher Steve Hirschfeld. Andy Gonzalez to 2nd. Aaron Bates hit by pitch. Andy Gonzalez to 3rd. Ramon Vazquez to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Hector Hernandez replaces Steve Hirschfeld. Gregory Porter called out on strikes. Pitcher Change: Darren Byrd replaces Hector Hernandez. Edgardo Baez strikes out swinging. Brahiam Maldonado strikes out swinging. Unfortunately for Byrd, his next inning didn't go quite as well, although it didn't appear he was crushed. But, four runs allowed is four runs allowed, and actually, two of his runners were stranded, so it could have been uglier: Caguas Top of the 4th Jose Castro grounds out, third baseman Jorge Jimenez to first baseman Johan Limonta. Antonio Jimenez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Doug Deeds. Luis Figueroa walks. Antonio Jimenez to 2nd. Andy Gonzalez singles on a line drive to right fielder Doug Deeds. Antonio Jimenez scores. Luis Figueroa to 3rd. Andy Gonzalez to 2nd on the throw. Darren Byrd intentionally walks Ramon Vazquez. Aaron Bates out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Doug Deeds. Luis Figueroa scores. Andy Gonzalez to 3rd. Gregory Porter singles on a line drive to left fielder Michael Hernandez. Andy Gonzalez scores. Ramon Vazquez to 2nd. Edgardo Baez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Bobby Kielty. Ramon Vazquez scores. Gregory Porter to 2nd. Pitcher Change: Miguel Negron replaces Darren Byrd. Brahiam Maldonado walks. Gregory Porter to 3rd. Edgardo Baez to 2nd. Jose Castro grounds out, second baseman Irving Falu to first baseman Johan Limonta. Byrd's team fell, 6-5 (box).

Writer for ESPN.com and graduate of the MLB Scouting Bureau Scout Development Program, Jason Grey saw Jeffress Saturday night.

Congrats to Darren Ford, looks like Agent39's client will garner a World Series ring (at minimum an NL pennant ring) for his September call-up work. Of course, on the big league stage, you've got to be happy for Nelson Cruz (Nellie, couldn't you have blossomed just a bit earlier?) and Matt Treanor. Guillermo Mota doesn't quite spur the same feelings. Cruz helped bring the "Claw and Antlers" to prominence.

Surprise falls, 7-2. I guess we can formally say that Eric Farris is sidelined now. He missed his second game since leaving after the 3rd inning Thursday. Second base was designated as a "priority" position for the Crew (still have no idea how they thought the Lawrie / Farris combo was going to play that out, but that's something you can say about AAA in 2011 as well). So if Farris was OK, he'd be seeing AB's. The AFL is off Sunday, so here's hoping it was just a precautionary day off to get Eric another day of rest. Hunter Morris was 0-for-4 in the cleanup spot (two groundouts, two flyouts) and played first base; Caleb Gindl was idle. Jeremy Jeffress fanned two in a scoreless inning. All of 14 pitches (10 strikes), so there's no stretching out going on here, not even a second relief inning. No pitch speed available for this contest. With a bullpen in apparent good shape going into 2011, most of us are certainly hoping to see Jeffress in Nashville's rotation to open 2011 to build up innings. Mesa Bottom of the 6th Defensive Substitution: Davis Stoneburner replaces second baseman Johnny Giavotella, batting 1st, playing second base. Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Danny Duffy. Kai Gronauer grounds out, third baseman Francisco Martinez to first baseman Hunter Morris. Jordany Valdespin strikes out swinging. Josh Harrison triples (2) on a fly ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Kirk Nieuwenhuis strikes out swinging. With Casey Baron sidelined in 2010, 6'3", 23-year-old LHP Lucas Luetge had the inside edge to see if he could take a Mitch Stetter-like track in his development (hopefully minus the 2011 disaster Mitch campaign). LH batters had two of the three hits against him in his eventful 18-pitch, two-run inning, as the sledding remains tough for him in his fall go of things. Mesa Bottom of the 7th Pitcher Change: Lucas Luetge replaces Jeremy Jeffress. Brandon Wood singles on a line drive to center fielder Engel Beltre. With Andrew Lambo batting, wild pitch by Lucas Luetge, Brandon Wood to 2nd. Andrew Lambo doubles (3) on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Brandon Wood scores. With Jordy Mercer batting, wild pitch by Lucas Luetge, Andrew Lambo to 3rd. Jordy Mercer grounds out softly, pitcher Lucas Luetge to first baseman Hunter Morris. Ryan Flaherty singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler, deflected by second baseman Davis Stoneburner. Andrew Lambo scores. Joshua Satin grounds into double play, pitcher Lucas Luetge to shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Hunter Morris. Ryan Flaherty out at 2nd.

As expected, the two relatively high draft pick pitchers out of Puerto Rico are taking part in winter ball again this year. RHP Hiram Burgos, last year's Rookie Pitcher of the PWL, joins Darren Byrd (prior post) on Indios de Mayaguez. LHP Efrain Nieves will be toiling for Senadores de San Juan. *** IF Allixon Cequea, who was suspended for PED use from the DSL team this summer, is on the roster of Caribes de Anzoategui in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Prized RHP's Amaury Rivas and Wily Peralta are on the roster of Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League. It remains to be seen how much action they will see. OF Carlos Gomez made his debut in his Dominican team's season opener Friday night -- doubled and walked in five trips, playing CF and batting 5th.

Eric Farris may have been absent from Friday's 7-6 Surprise victory, but his second base partner from the Royals is having just as impressive a start to the AFL season (game story). Ned Yost is going to nurture some fantastic kids from an amazing Royals' farm system the next few years. After his line drive single in the 1st, Caleb Gindl flew out twice and grounded out twice. Hunter Morris had another strong game at the plate, and handled all his chances cleanly at third base, including starting a 5-4-3 double play. Morris had a pair of two-out RBI singles and also walked. Morris has six RBI in his first 20 AB's. Hunter's a middle name, but it has more cache than Jeff Morris. Mike McClendon only needed 13 pitches in his scoreless 8th inning. He came on with a man on and no one out. Team was up 7-6 at the time, so a big "hold". Phoenix Bottom of the 8th Cory Harrilchak singles on a ground ball to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Corey Young. Austin Romine grounds into a force out, third baseman Hunter Morris to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Cory Harrilchak out at 2nd. Austin Romine to 1st. Jerry Sands singles on a sharp ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Austin Romine to 2nd. Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Matt Wallach replaces Austin Romine. Michael Taylor strikes out swinging. Ivan De JesusJr. grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Fans like to check the birthday section http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Friday's Gameday -- Caleb Gindl already has an RBI line drive single, en fuego. Hunter Morris at third base. Eric Farris is idle -- the nature of our symbiotic relationship with the Adam's and Tom's of the "real" press: they read about our noting that Farris left after the 3rd inning Thursday, is off today, and then they get in touch with Gord Ash and inquire, and let us know. Simple!

Brevard County RHP Darren Byrd, who turns 24 this week, is slated to play for Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rico Winter League. Catcher Martin Maldonado is as well, but we believe he'll be a minor league free agent, like so many others, five days after the completion of the World Series.

Our webmaster Brian needs to boot the server which hosts the main site in order to resolve this; we'll send him a note, thanks.

Just an FYI -- the Dominican and Puerto Rico leagues get underway today (Friday), rosters should be available tonight. Also, Brevard County utilityman Juan Sanchez, the 22-year-old native Venezuelan, is listed on a Venezuela team roster (incorrectly as a pitcher), but like catcher Anderson De La Rosa, is yet to appear in a game. The Dominican League in particular, is notorious for huge full season rosters with many players "popping in" and taking part at various points in the season. Brendan Katin had a 2nd consecutive day off Thursday in Mexico.

Surprise scored in each of the first five innings en route to an 11-4 victory, but did Eric Farris leave early after scoring (perhaps a play at the plate)? Farris on fire, 3-for-3: 1st inning -- Farris singles on a ground ball to left field, later scored as the Rafters batted around and plated four. 2nd inning -- Farris leads off with a line drive single to center, but made the first out of the inning on a 6-5 play on a subsequent single. 3rd inning -- Pitcher Change: Tyler Robertson replaces David Bromberg. Cale Iorg triples (1) on a line drive to left fielder Jared Mitchell. Adron Chambers out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Ben Revere. Cale Iorg scores. Engel Beltre lines out to left fielder Jared Mitchell. Eric Farris singles on a line drive to left fielder Jared Mitchell. Ben Guez doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Ben Revere. Eric Farris scores. With Eric Hosmer batting, wild pitch by Tyler Robertson, Ben Guez to 3rd. Eric Hosmer called out on strikes. Peo Saguaros Top of the 4th Defensive Substitution: Davis Stoneburner replaces second baseman Eric Farris, batting 2nd, playing second base. *** Hunter Morris had a fine day, DH'ing in the six-spot, two singles (via ground ball to right, line drive to left) and a walk in five trips. Brandon Kintzler needed only 11 pitches (nine strikes) to cruise through his inning, 94-95 MPH with his four-seamer, with defensive hurt and help mixed in -- Peo Saguaros Top of the 7th Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Adalberto Flores. Eduardo Escobar reaches on fielding error by third baseman Francisco Martinez. Eduardo Escobar to 2nd. Jared Mitchell called out on strikes. Chris Parmelee flies into double play, right fielder Ben Guez to shortstop Cale Iorg. Eduardo Escobar doubled off 2nd. *** Hope Farris is OK, fun to watch so far -- only hitting .500 (13-for-26).

Helena Brewers logo gets facelift By AMBER KUEHN, Helena Independent Record For the first time since 2003, the Helena Brewers will have a new look beginning next season. General manager Paul Fetz unveiled the team’s 2011 logo on Wednesday. Unlike the traditional “HB” logo that fans have become familiar with, the new design features only an “H.” “We wanted to focus more on the community that supports us, which is Helena,” Fetz said. “That is why it just has the ‘H.’” Fetz said the organization decided back in June that it was time for a change, and that it’s simply coincidence that this happens to take place following the Brewers’ banner year. Helena last month captured its first Pioneer League title in 14 years. “Back in 2005, Baseball America looked at all the minor league logos,” Fetz said. “Two positives we were given from that is that ours was simple and classy. That’s something we wanted to maintain.” The team’s new on-field hats will be made by New Era Cap Company, located in Buffalo, N.Y. When the Brewers spoke with the company about the need for a new look this past summer, New Era sent them some concepts to choose from. “This one was just a no-brainer,” Fetz said. Brewers championship T-shirts are on sale now, in white and navy blue. Sizes are small through XL for $16 and XXL are $18. The Pioneer League Championship trophy is currently on display at The Quarry Bar and Grill at the Holiday Inn Downtown through the MLB playoffs and World Series. It will continue to be displayed at different locations around Helena throughout the fall, winter and spring. Season tickets are also on sale now at an “Early Bird” discount if purchased and paid in full by Dec. 16. http://media.kfbb.com/images/320*180/helena+brewers+new.JPG

Josh Butler made his second start Wednesday, allowing three runs in four innings in a 3-0 loss (4 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 5/3 GB/FB). Obregon Top of the 1st Jeff Salazar singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chris Roberson. With Sergio Perez batting, passed ball by Geronimo Gil, Jeff Salazar to 2nd. Sergio Perez grounds out, pitcher Josh Butler to first baseman Humberto Cota. Agustin Murillo called out on strikes. Iker Franco grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Humberto Cota. Obregon Top of the 2nd Mario Valdez homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Albino Contreras walks. Leobardo Arauz walks. Albino Contreras to 2nd. Adan Velazquez out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Josh Butler to second baseman Carlos Gastelum. Albino Contreras to 3rd. Leobardo Arauz to 2nd. Flavio Romero grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Humberto Cota. Albino Contreras scores. Leobardo Arauz to 3rd. Jeff Salazar strikes out swinging. Obregon Top of the 3rd Sergio Perez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chris Roberson. With Agustin Murillo batting, Sergio Perez steals (1) 2nd base. Agustin Murillo singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis A. Garcia. Sergio Perez scores. With Iker Franco batting, passed ball by Geronimo Gil, Agustin Murillo to 2nd. Iker Franco grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Humberto Cota. Agustin Murillo to 3rd. Mario Valdez called out on strikes. Albino Contreras pops out to second baseman Carlos Gastelum. Obregon Top of the 4th Leobardo Arauz flies out to center fielder Chris Roberson. Adan Velazquez walks. Flavio Romero strikes out swinging. Jeff Salazar pops out to second baseman Carlos Gastelum.

Arizona Diamondbacks to name Ray Montgomery scouting director The Diamondbacks are expected to name Ray Montgomery their new scouting director, with an announcement likely to come early next week. Montgomery, 41, has spent the past eight seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He has served as Brewers assistant scouting director the past two years. After a 12-year playing career (majors / minors), he spent four years as an area scout for the Brewers, during which time Milwaukee selected second baseman Rickie Weeks out of his South Texas/Louisiana territory. He was the Brewers' Midwest supervisor for two years and their assistant scouting director and national supervisor the past two years. Montgomery turned down an offer last year to become the scouting director of the San Diego Padres because, sources say, he had just moved to Connecticut and didn't want to relocate. He is not expected to have to move to Arizona because of this job. Montgomery takes over for Tom Allison, who had been the Diamondbacks' scouting director the previous four drafts. Montgomery and Allison worked closely together in the Brewers organization before Allison got the Diamondbacks job. *** So along with Bobby Heck, Houston's scouting director, another hire from what was a powerhouse staff with Jack Z. You might remember my meeting with Ray Montgomery this past summer (the Canadian draft kids' visit to Massachusetts). Congratulations, Ray!

Still just 18 years old (19 in December), the 22nd round Berard only saw the field three times in Maryvale (2B twice, catcher once, DH seven times). Listed as a catcher on draft day, among the fastest runners? Must be those 18-year-old legs...

An eventful Tuesday for RF Brendan Katin -- 1-for-4 with an HBP, three runs scored, a throwing error -- hit 6th in the lineup. Team lost, 7-6 (box).

Down 5-1 after four innings, Surprise loses 5-4. Eric Farris doubled in five trips, fanning twice, he's at .435 (10-for-23, two doubles, two walks, four K's, 3-for-3 in SB attempts) after five games. Jeremy Jeffress was perfect, retiring all four men he faced, stranding a runner he inherited in the 4th. For this night game, Gameday did not include pitch speed data -- Scottsdale Bottom of the 4th Pitcher Change: Brandon Sisk replaces Brooks Brown. Michael Burgess singles on a ground ball to shortstop Cale Iorg. Charles Blackmon homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Michael Burgess scores. Greg Miclat bunt pops out to catcher Jose Felix in foul territory. Steve Lombardozzi grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Xavier Avery walks. With Brandon Belt batting, Xavier Avery advances to 2nd on a balk. Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Brandon Sisk. Surprise Rafters pitcher Brandon Sisk left the game due to an injured leg. Brandon Belt called out on strikes. Scottsdale Bottom of the 5th Derek Norris strikes out swinging. Marc Krauss grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Ryan Adams flies out to center fielder Engel Beltre. (That was an odd departure, did the Royals' Sisk hurt his leg somehow while on the mound, prompting the balk call?) Mike McClendon also retired all four men he faced -- Scottsdale Bottom of the 7th Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Corey Young. Steve Lombardozzi grounds out, shortstop Cale Iorg to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Xavier Avery bunt grounds out, catcher Jose Felix to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Brandon Belt strikes out swinging. Scottsdale Bottom of the 8th Derek Norris called out on strikes. Pitcher Change: Matt Hoffman replaces Mike McClendon. Marc Krauss strikes out swinging. Ryan Adams strikes out swinging. 25-year-old RHP Michael Fiers hopes to have a better go of things in his 2nd start Wednesday afternoon.

Eric Farris is your Tuesday night DH, Caleb Gindl and Hunter Morris are not in the starting lineups. Box score link here, details in the AM, particularly if Brewer relievers should take part.