Jim Goulart

Brandon Kintzler was at 92-96 MPH with his four seamer Monday according to Gameday. Actually he was only at 96 early, three pitches to the first batter he faced, who walked. Dialed it down just a bit and retired the next four men he faced. Scottsdale Top of the 6th Pitcher Change: Patrick Keating replaces Jordan Swagerty. Xavier Avery doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Caleb Gindl. A. J. Pollock walks. Brandon Belt walks. Xavier Avery to 3rd. A. J. Pollock to 2nd. Conor Gillaspie out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Engel Beltre. Xavier Avery scores. With Ryan Adams batting, A. J. Pollock steals (1) 3rd base, Brandon Belt to 2nd. Wild pitch by pitcher Patrick Keating. Brandon Belt to 2nd. Ryan Adams out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Caleb Gindl. A. J. Pollock scores. Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Patrick Keating. Jordan Pacheco walks. With Charlie Culberson batting, Brandon Belt steals (1) 3rd base. Jordan Pacheco steals (1) 2nd base. Charlie Culberson grounds out, catcher Tony Cruz to first baseman Eric Hosmer. Scottsdale Top of the 7th Michael Burgess strikes out on foul tip. Thomas Field strikes out swinging. Xavier Avery grounds out, second baseman Eric Farris to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

Rattler Pitcher of the Year -- hmmm, wonder...

Farris (2B) and Gindl (RF) are in the starting lineup Monday, game time is 2:30 Central if you wish to follow along via the Gameday link.

Again hitting cleanup, RF Brendan Katin with a four-game hitting streak now -- single and walk in four plate appearances Sunday. Mexican League idle Monday...

Game # 4 for Brendan Katin in Mexico: - RBI fly ball single to center in a four-run Mexicali first inning - Committed his 2nd RF fielding error in the early going in the first, no harm - Sacrifice fly to center in a four-run Mexicali 2nd inning, 2nd RBI of the game - Struck out swinging in the 5th - Struck out swinging in the 7th - Singled on a fly ball to right in the 9th 2-for-4 with a sac fly, two RBI

Pretty impressive to see productive days from Brewers in the 2-3-4 spots in the Surprise lineup (way to go, Manager Mike Guerrero!) Final: Surprise wins, 10-4 Box Gameday MiLB.com Game Story Eric Farris was the DH Saturday -- 2-for-4, walk, SB, run scored, RBI (six singles in 13 AB's, two walks for a .533 OBP in three games) *** First inning fun: Surprise Bottom of the 1st Engel Beltre grounds out, shortstop Osvaldo Martinez to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Eric Farris walks. With Caleb Gindl batting, Eric Farris steals (2) 2nd base. Caleb Gindl grounds out, second baseman Jose Pirela to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Eric Farris to 3rd. Hunter Morris doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Jerry Sands. Eric Farris scores. Ben Guez reaches on fielding error by third baseman Stephen Parker. Hunter Morris scores. Ben Guez to 2nd. Zack Cox called out on strikes. *** Caleb Gindl, again batting 3rd and playing right field, was 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, a walk and an RBI (5-for-11 with two walks thus far, 1.136 OPS). *** Hunter Morris played first base and hit cleanup, was 1-for-4, two RBI, with the double detailed above, and also had a sacrifice fly. *** Phoenix Top of the 9th Pitcher Change: Jeremy Jeffress replaces Blake King. Cory Harrilchak pops out to third baseman Zack Cox in foul territory. Osvaldo Martinez reaches on fielding error by shortstop Cale Iorg. Freddie Freeman grounds into a force out, third baseman Zack Cox to second baseman Davis Stoneburner. Osvaldo Martinez out at 2nd. Freddie Freeman to 1st. With Michael Taylor batting, wild pitch by Jeremy Jeffress, Freddie Freeman to 2nd. Michael Taylor singles on a ground ball to center fielder Engel Beltre. Freddie Freeman scores. Jerry Sands walks. Michael Taylor to 2nd. Stephen Parker walks. Michael Taylor to 3rd. Jerry Sands to 2nd. Jose Pirela called out on strikes. 24 pitches for Jeffress, 14 for strikes -- if not for the error, a 1-2-3 inning. A bit shaky, but he came in to close it with a seven-run cushion. According to Gameday, Jeffress pumped in 22 four-seam fastballs and threw two curveballs. 92-96 MPH, most sitting at 94 MPH. *** Day off Sunday...

Brendan Katin homered to center field, walked, fanned twice, and flew out in his five trips to the plate on Friday, in an 11-8 win for his Mexican league squad. He's 2-for-12 after three games with seven K's, but with both hits going for extra bases. Strong dude...

Josh Butler (26 years old in December) made his first Mexican League start and had the ground ball working (10-to-1 ratio) but took the loss (4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 2 K, two of his baserunners scored after his departure in the 5th, 7-4 was the final) -- Mochis Bottom of the 1st Justin Christian singles on a ground ball to left fielder Emil Brown. Ivan Terrazas grounds out, third baseman Walter Ibarra to first baseman Humberto Cota. Justin Christian to 2nd. Sandy Madera grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Humberto Cota. Justin Christian to 3rd. Carlos Sievers grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Humberto Cota. Mochis Bottom of the 2nd Nelson Teilon singles on a line drive to left fielder Emil Brown. Luis Suarez walks. Nelson Teilon to 2nd. Ramon Orantes doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Luis A. Garcia. Nelson Teilon scores. Luis Suarez to 3rd. Mario Santana grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Humberto Cota. Luis Suarez scores. Ramon Orantes to 3rd. Juan Carlos Gamboa grounds out to first baseman Humberto Cota. Justin Christian grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Humberto Cota. Mochis Bottom of the 3rd Ivan Terrazas walks. Sandy Madera grounds into double play, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Humberto Cota. Ivan Terrazas out at 2nd. Carlos Sievers singles on a fly ball to right fielder Luis A. Garcia. Nelson Teilon singles on a ground ball to center fielder Chris Roberson. Carlos Sievers to 2nd. Luis Suarez strikes out swinging. Mochis Bottom of the 4th Ramon Orantes flies out to right fielder Luis A. Garcia. Mario Santana strikes out swinging. Juan Carlos Gamboa grounds out, second baseman Carlos Gastelum to first baseman Humberto Cota. Mochis Bottom of the 5th Justin Christian grounds out, shortstop Jose Luis Sandoval to first baseman Humberto Cota. Ivan Terrazas singles on a line drive to center fielder Chris Roberson. Sandy Madera singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis A. Garcia. Ivan Terrazas to 3rd. Pitcher Change: Jesus A. Castillo replaces Josh Butler. Carlos Sievers singles on a line drive to right fielder Luis A. Garcia. Ivan Terrazas scores. Sandy Madera to 3rd. Nelson Teilon out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Emil Brown. Sandy Madera scores. Luis Suarez strikes out swinging.

Tough loss for the Surprise boys, scored two in the top of the 11th, surrendered three in the bottom to suffer a walk-off 8-7 (box score) loss on a three-run Brandon Wood double (game story). Mike McClendon pitched well: Mesa Bottom of the 6th Pitcher Change: Mike McClendon replaces Danny Gutierrez. Matt Rizzotti grounds out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to first baseman Tony Cruz. Jordy Mercer strikes out swinging. Andrew Lambo strikes out on foul tip. Mesa Bottom of the 7th Kirk Nieuwenhuis walks. Kai Gronauer grounds into double play, first baseman Tony Cruz to shortstop Pete Kozma. Kirk Nieuwenhuis out at 2nd. Ryan Flaherty grounds out, shortstop Pete Kozma to first baseman Tony Cruz. *** Brandon Kintzler (2/3 of an inning, three runs, two earned, four hits) had a rough go of it behind McClendon: Mesa Bottom of the 8th Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Mike McClendon. Josh Harrison doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Derrick Robinson. Andrew Romine reaches on fielding error by shortstop Pete Kozma. Josh Harrison to 3rd. Brandon Wood singles on a line drive to center fielder Engel Beltre. Josh Harrison scores. Andrew Romine to 2nd. Matt Rizzotti singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Andrew Romine scores. Brandon Wood to 3rd. Jordy Mercer grounds into a force out, second baseman Johnny Giavotella to shortstop Pete Kozma. Brandon Wood scores. Matt Rizzotti out at 2nd. Jordy Mercer to 1st. Andrew Lambo singles on a line drive to right fielder Joey Butler. Jordy Mercer to 2nd. Kirk Nieuwenhuis lines out to left fielder Derrick Robinson. Pitcher Change: Fabio Castillo replaces Brandon Kintzler. Kai Gronauer strikes out swinging. *** Hunter Morris was 1-for-4, with a triple, walk, run scored, and RBI -- Hunter Morris grounds out to first baseman Matt Rizzotti. Hunter Morris triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Francisco Martinez scores. Hunter Morris walks. Hunter Morris grounds out, shortstop Andrew Romine to first baseman Matt Rizzotti. Hunter Morris grounds out, second baseman Ryan Flaherty to first baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Top 10 Plays of the Year Nice video from the Rattlers' staff. You've got to flip-flop #'s 1 and 2, though. Guessing they went with their # 1 with video because # 2 was only still photos.

Hunter Morris is seeing his first AFL action Friday (as the designated hitter). Pulled a groundout to first base in his first AB. Otherwise quiet early on for Brewers in this one -- Gameday Link.

Looks like Brevard catcher Shawn Zarraga is going to be representing his country (Aruba) as part of the Dutch entry in the Inter Continental Cup tournament in Taiwan. LINK As far as the tournament goes, regardless of the victor, the Honky Tonk Man will always be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time...

MiLB.com reports that OF Adam Stern, who falls in this category, has formally elected free agency. We are adjusting the initial post in this thread with technicolor updates for your reading pleasure.

MiLB.com reports that OF Adam Stern, who falls in this category, has formally elected free agency. We are adjusting the initial post in this thread with technicolor updates for your reading pleasure.

Brett Lawrie honored, this time by his countrymen.

Brendan Katin doubled in four trips Thursday, fanning twice and committing one error in RF (five K's in eight AB's as the rust gets knocked off). Katin turns 28 in January, as these may be big AB's for him prior to December's Rule 5. RH pop can be a nice commodity off someone's bench. Katin's club lost 19-1 with former Brewer farmhand LHP Brian Mazone taking the loss. Katin's teammate Jacob Blackwood (recent indy league signee by San Francisco) had four errors at third base, all throwing.

Final: Mesa 11, @ Surprise 6 LHP Daniel Merklinger still working his K and BB rates, as he fanned five and walked zero in his two-inning start (one run). All five strikeouts were swinging, and he fanned the side in order in the 2nd. Yee-hah! Ouch for fellow southpaw Lucas Luetge in a nine-run 4th. With three runs already in and a man on 3rd, Luetge came in with two outs. Double -- double -- walk -- single -- single -- single -- single -- groundout (ERA 135.00) Go get 'em next time, young man. Jeremy Jeffress' 7th: Line out, walk, pop out, ground out; 18 pitches, nine strikes Fine days for Eric Farris and Caleb Gindl: Farris -- 2-for-4 with a walk, three runs scored Gindl -- 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, run scored Farris played second base, Gindl right field. Really psyched about Caleb's AFL participation; Farris and Gindl hit 2-3 in the lineup.

Baseball America loaded up on independent league coverage today, with a Top 10 list (including honorable mentions), an All-Independent Leagues Team -- LHP Donald Brandt (post above) and RHP Wes Etheridge (2007-2008 Brewer) combined to go 25-0 for Maui of the Golden Baseball League! Their stats, along with old friend Lou Palmisano's, is at the second link above. RHP Dan Reichert is a veteran who was a AAA Brewer in 2004. I think you'll learn quite a bit in J.J. Cooper's enjoyable indy league chat as well. This post is in honor of Brandon Kintzler http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Full update later this evening as Thursday's game is in the 7th as of this post time -- Brewers on the mound and at the plate Gameday here

In addition to Michael Fiers' day detailed above, Brandon Kintzler allowed a run in an inning of work in Surprise's 7-4 loss. Peo Javelinas Top of the 8th Pitcher Change: Brandon Kintzler replaces Matt Hoffman. Koby Clemens singles on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Jay Austin grounds into a force out, shortstop Pete Kozma to second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Koby Clemens out at 2nd. Jay Austin to 1st. With Roberto Perez batting, Jay Austin steals (1) 2nd base. Roberto Perez doubles (1) on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Jay Austin scores. Matt Lawson strikes out swinging. Jack Shuck grounds out sharply to first baseman Tony Cruz. RHP Tom Wilhelmsen threw for the opposition, continues to remain quite the story for the Mariners.

Yeah, unfortunatelty Fiers only retired five of the 12 men he faced: Peo Javelinas Top of the 1st Jack Shuck singles on a line drive to left fielder Adron Chambers. Juan Carlos Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Jack Shuck to 2nd. Dustin Ackley hits a sacrifice bunt. Jack Shuck to 3rd. Juan Carlos Linares to 2nd. Dustin Ackley to 1st. Eric Thames walks. Jack Shuck scores. Juan Carlos Linares to 3rd. Dustin Ackley to 2nd. Jason Kipnis strikes out swinging. Koby Clemens strikes out swinging. Jay Austin singles on a line drive to center fielder Derrick Robinson. Juan Carlos Linares scores. Dustin Ackley scores. Eric Thames to 2nd. Roberto Perez grounds out, pitcher Michael Fiers to first baseman Tony Cruz. Peo Javelinas Top of the 2nd Matt Lawson grounds out, third baseman Davis Stoneburner to first baseman Tony Cruz. Jack Shuck grounds out, first baseman Tony Cruz to pitcher Michael Fiers. Juan Carlos Linares singles on a ground ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Dustin Ackley doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Adron Chambers. Juan Carlos Linares scores. Pitcher Change: Adalberto Flores replaces Michael Fiers. Eric Thames singles on a ground ball to right fielder Joey Butler. Dustin Ackley scores. Jason Kipnis grounds out to first baseman Tony Cruz. *** The Brewers only have three position players in the AFL (Farris, Gindl and Morris) -- none in today's starting lineup...

Brendan Katin 0-for-4 with 3 K's and a HBP in his opener.

RHP Andre Lamontagne tossed 2.2 innings of relief, (4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K), in the USA's 7-2 loss to the Dominican Republic. USA faces Venezuela in the consolation game, it's the DR vs. Cuba in the final.

This thread will focus on the exploits of Brewer farmhands in the Mexican, Venezuelan, Dominican, and Puerto Rico Winter Leagues. Players who are due to become minor league free agents this month (such as Ray Olmedo, Sam Narron) won't be included. Mexican Pacific League Opening Day 10/12/2010 Second half begins 11/23/2010 Regular season ends 12/30/2010 Dominican Winter League Opening Day 10/22/2010 DWL All Star Game 12/12/2010 Regular season ends 12/21/2010 Venezuelan Winter League Opening Day 10/12/2010 All-Star Game 11/30/2010 Regular Season ends 12/30/2010 Playoffs begin 01/02/2011 Puerto Rican League Opening Day 10/22/2010 Caribbean Series Begins 02/02/2011 Ends 02/07/2011Mexican League: OF Brendan Katin is on the Aguilas de Mexicali squad RHP Josh Butler is on the Naranjeros de Hermosillo squad Two Mexican League team rosters are yet to appear online. Venezuelan League: C Anderson De La Rosa is on the Cardenales de Lara One Venezuelan League team roster is yet to appear online. As the other leagues get underway, players are added, free agents are signed, we'll provide updates. Stat updates within the thread likely won't be daily, but once or twice a week, unless circumstances warrant.

Quite the independent league season for LHP Donald Brandt, a 2009 farmhand -- even so, still not back in affiliated ball yet: The Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced today that Na Koa Ikaika left handed pitcher Donald Brandt has been selected as the 2010 GBL Pitcher of the Year. The ace of the Maui staff led the league in wins with a remarkable 15 - 0 record, was second in ERA with a 2.58 mark, and his 100 strikeouts in 101.1 innings was second in the league as well. Brandt, 24, set a league record for wins as he went undefeated while leading his Maui team to the GBL Championship finals this year. A 6-3, 195 lefty, he went undrafted after finishing his collegiate career at Santa Clara University in 2008. He signed with the Yuma Scorpions late in the season that year and was traded to the Chico Outlaws. He had an outstanding first half of 2009 for Chico leading to the Milwaukee Brewers purchasing his contract while he was pitching in the GBL All-Star game. The Brewers sent him to A ball to finish 2009 where he dominated striking out 33 in 25 innings pitched and walking only 6. He was in spring training with Milwaukee competing for a AA roster spot but the pitching staff was stacked up and he was released. Signing with the new Maui team was his first choice as his family lives on the island and he absolutely dominated the veteran-laden GBL hitters all year.