Jim Goulart

Voyagers play another day By MIKE TOWNE, Great Falls Tribune Sports Writer After a hitting a bump in the road on Friday night, the Great Falls Voyagers are back on track and one victory from playing for the Pioneer League championship. Rafael Vera collected three hits, Michael Earley drove in a pair of runs, pitchers Paul Burnside and Douglas Murray combined on a five-hitter, and the Voyagers played errorless defense Saturday night to defeat the Helena Brewers 6-2 in the second game of the best-of-three Northern Division series. The win, Great Falls' 48th against 29 losses this summer, came before 1,232 fans at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers rebounded from a 5-3 loss in the opening game in Helena. The team had won six in a row and 15 of 17 entering the series. A victory today at Centene Stadium (4:00 PM start, 5:00 Central) would put Great Falls in the championship series for the third time in the past four seasons. The Northern Division champion will face the Ogden Raptors or the defending league champion Orem Owlz. That series is tied 1-1. Helena scored one run on two hits in the first inning, but Burnside quickly settled down and surrendered only one hit over the next five frames. He retired 12 of 14 Brewer batters after giving up a leadoff double to Cody Hawn in the top of the third, and left the park with his team-high eighth victory. Murray earned his third save after working the final three innings. He allowed two hits, the last a solo home run by Robbie Garvey with two outs in the ninth. "Our pitching staff gave us a great performance. Burnside pitched a great game," said first baseman Ryan Hamme, who had two hits and scored the go-ahead run in the Voyagers' four-run sixth inning. "It was a team game. We got good pitching and defense." And balanced hitting. Earley, Ross Wilson and Andy Wilkins also had two hits each, and Michael Blanke added one. The bottom third of the order went hitless, but Randall Thorpe had a sacrifice fly that plated Great Falls' first run; Dusty Harvard stole a base before scoring in the sixth, and Kyle Davis walked and scored in the sixth. "We had some timely hitting tonight," manager Chris Cron said. "Last night we had a few opportunities that we didn't capitalize on. We rode momentum tonight. "Hamme had a big double to start the sixth, then Vera had a nice hit. There was a lot of momentum things (in the sixth inning)." "We played a better defensive game, we handled the ball better," said Hamme, comparing Saturday's victory to Friday's loss. "Things didn't go our way last night (in Helena)." After retiring the first two batters he faced, Burnside surrendered a single to Greg Hopkins. Mike Walker followed with a single to right, scoring Hawn and advancing Hopkins to third. Rafael Neda then drew a walk, loading the bases, but Burnside buckled down and struck out John Dishon to end the inning. "To me the biggest part of the game was in the first inning," Cron said. "Burnside kept the game intact. It could have gotten away from us. "He settled down and went on to pitch five good innings." Burnside gave up four walks but struck out six. "Murray did an outstanding job. He continued on his nice year," Cron said. Murray fanned three Brewers and didn't allow a walk. Hamme doubled to right center on a 0-1 pitch by Alex Jones, the third of five Helena pitchers, to lead off Great Falls' half of the sixth inning. He advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Vera's third hit, a single to right. Harvard reached on a fielder's choice and took third when fielding error by second baseman Shea Vucinich. Davis drew a walk off Jose Sanchez, loading the bases, and Earley followed with a single that plated both Vera and Harvard to expand the Voyagers' lead to 4-1. Davis raced home on a perfect suicide squeeze bunt by Wilson, giving Great Falls a four-run cushion. Wilson singled with two outs in the eighth and scored on a double by Wilkins. "We'll come out and play hard and let the chips fall where they may," said Hamme of today's game. "We'll play as hard as we can." "We'll try to do what we do. We'll take care of what we can," Cron said. Stephen Upchurch (4-2, 3.78 ERA) will start on the mound for the Voyagers. Great Falls' Michael Earley tries to break up a double play at second as Helena second baseman Shea Vucinich makes a throw to first for the double play in the bottom of the first inning of Saturday night's Pioneer playoff game at Centene Stadium. The Voyagers beat the Brewers 6-2 to send the series to a third game this afternoon at 4:00 PM --5:00 Central. (TRIBUNE PHOTO/LARRY BECKNER) http://cmsimg.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=G1&Date=20100912&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=9120316&Ref=AR&Profile=1006&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

Just to clarify on what was noted earlier, we've been told the Erie club, owned by Mandalay Entertainment, signed a two-year extension with Detroit late in the Eastern League season, but that Mandalay will announce it when they wish. *** The Oklahoma City sale to the Mandalay Baseball group is expected to be finalized this week. Mandalay Baseball currently owns and/or operates the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (PA) Yankees, Triple-A International League affiliate of the New York Yankees; the Frisco (TX) RoughRiders, Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Texas Rangers; the Erie (PA) SeaWolves, Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers; the Dayton (OH) Dragons, Single-A Midwest League affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds; the Hagerstown (MD) Suns, Single-A South Atlantic League affiliate of the Washington Nationals; and the Staten Island (NY) Yankees, Single-A New York-Penn League affiliate of the New York Yankees. Mandalay Baseball's business model, its franchise acquisition and development strategy, and its sales and marketing programs have proven to be the most successful and highly regarded in Minor League Baseball. So perhaps Mandalay's focus is finalizing the Oklahoma City acquisition, and then they'll announce any affiliation confirmations.

We've linked to Mark McCarter's article in the Huntsville Times this morning -- the main focus was on the Stars's relationship with the Brewers, but also included this update -- The Brewers are also in negotiation with Nashville at the Triple-A level, according to Scott Martens, business manager for the Brewers' minor league operation. At both Nashville and Huntsville, Milwaukee officials have been unhappy with the facilities for players at the aging stadiums (Joe Davis Stadium opened in 1985, Nashville's Greer Stadium in 1978). The Brewers have been linked to the vacancy at Oklahoma City in the Class AAA International League. The Oklahoma City team is owned by Mandalay Entertainment, as is the Erie franchise. A potential package deal could be arranged. Milwaukee officials have expressed their desire for convenient travel between their Class AAA and Class AA teams, something the Nashville-Huntsville link offers. *** Yes, it's great that Nashville and Huntsville are only 90 miles apart. It's not that it's convenient for player movement between the two levels. Unless both teams are at home, the Stars could be in Jacksonville and the Sounds in Tacoma, that kind of thing. But it is convenient for when members of the front office want to schedule their visits, as they can focus on those times when both clubs are at home. This also works out well for the roving instructors as well, who can be scheduled likewise. As a comparison, Huntsville and Oklahoma City are nearly 700 miles and 11 hours driving apart. If the Brewers decide that the convenience of having the two 'Ville's side-by-side outweighs even the amenities of Oklahoma City, then the notion that negotiations could be ongoing with Nashville, something that seemed very unlikely to happen, are indeed underway, well, pretty interesting.

Link while active, text follows: Stars, Brewers 'in negotiations;' Detroit only other remaining option if Huntsville makes a move Mark McCarter, The Huntsville Times HUNTSVILLE, AL -- The AirTran Boeing 717 at Huntsville International Airport Saturday morning was painted in the blue and yellow colors of the Milwaukee Brewers and decorated with the Brewers logo, part of the airline's marketing partnership with major league baseball teams. Symbolic ... or merely an eerie coincidence? The Brewers and Huntsville Stars are "in negotiations" over the renewal of their player-development contract (PDC), said Scott Martens, business manager for the Brewers' minor league operation. The renewal between Milwaukee and Huntsville seems more likely now that all but two Class AA level PDCs are set for at least the next two years. (They are renewed in even-numbers years, for two- or four-year terms.) Milwaukee's negotations are taking place with Stars majority owner Miles Prentice, who bought the team in 2001. Prentice leases Joe Davis Stadium from the city of Huntsville. Anaheim and the Arkansas Travelers announced late last week they are re-upping, leaving only the Detroit Tigers and their Erie, Pa., club in the Eastern League and the Brewers and Stars unsigned. The Brewers are also in negotiation with Nashville at the Triple-A level, according to Martens. At both Nashville and Huntsville, Milwaukee officials have been unhappy with the facilities for players at the aging stadiums (Joe Davis Stadium opened in 1985, Nashville's Greer Stadium in 1978). The Brewers have been linked to the vacancy at Oklahoma City in the Class AAA International League. The Oklahoma City team is owned by Mandalay Entertainment, as is the Erie franchise. A potential package deal could be arranged. Milwaukee officials have expressed their desire for convenient travel between their Class AAA and Class AA teams, something the Nashville-Huntsville link offers. Major league teams and minor league affiliates can today begin informing the sport's governing bodies of their intent to terminate, not terminate or extend their PDCs. Martens said Milwaukee "will be filing not to terminate." Major League Baseball will then provide an official list of openings to each club. There is a two-week period beginning Thursday in which teams may legally negotiate with potential new affiliates; negotiations among current affiliations can be on-going.

Yes, it's true. Our fearless leader and webmaster Brian won't have to update the "Huntsville Stars" portion of the website. The Brewers and Huntsville will indeed be back for a minimum two-year relationship through 2012. It will be the 12th and 13th years of the Stars - Brewers relationship, nearly matching the 14-year partnership Huntsville had with Oakland from its inception in 1985 through 1998. We've learned the Detroit Tigers have indeed extended their agreement with Erie (PA) of the Eastern League for another two seasons -- not sure when the formal announcement will be made or why there has been a delay in announcing the relationship. Sorry, no formal link because of that delay (you can trust us on this one, though -- it won't be Erie), but at this point in the game, this outcome shouldn't be a surprise. A month or two ago, yes, but at this point, no. No idea how close the Brewers were to Arkansas (Angels of the Texas League) or any other AA affiliation move. As had been noted earlier, there was not a lot of availability on the AA level this time around, and in fact, all affiliations throughout AA will be remaining the same. We have no additional updates regarding the Brewers' AAA situation. There is a separate thread on that discussion, and while much of the speculation seems to make sense, nothing formal regarding Nashville (its possible future with the Astros), Oklahoma City, or otherwise is available. In terms of cooperation between the Huntsville staff and the Brewers organization, both sides have been mutually complimentary of each other in all matters not relating to Joe Davis Stadium and overall fan support. So when the formal announcement is made, look for the positive aspects of the relationship to be mutually highlighted once again. Not sure how the Brewers will spin any disappointment with the issues brought up in the past, be it by Gord Ash or others, when they've been pretty vocal about those issues previously. Knowledgable Huntsville fans have pointed to a much more fruitful pipeline of future major league players than even the A's provided, but casual Huntsvillians (Huntsville-ites?) will always point to the Canseco-Tejada years as something to look back at fondly, misguided as that now seems. Purely from a Brewerfan.net perspective, we have always appreciated our updates from GM Buck Rogers and his staff, including this year's new Media Relations Director, Jill Cacic. This past season, the young group of broadcast staff was professional, energetic and helpful, with the archived audio interviews and highlights a nice touch. The Huntsville Times online usefulness fell off a map this year (boo!), and despite our repeated attempts to work with the editors there, it seems that many of the articles and features that were in the print addition of the Times about the Stars never made it online. Hopefully this can be rectified for 2011 and beyond -- it will be if we keep pushing, we hope. So Homer the Polecat (what exactly is a polecat?) will be hanging with Brewers' players for at least another two years. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2010/04/09/4MDBuqw9.jpg

Watch Kintzler: http://brewers.mlb.com/vi...id=11940187&c_id=mil Watch Rogers: http://brewers.mlb.com/vi..._id=8879232&c_id=mil

Always felt that one of the more puzzling moves in recent seasons was not protecting RHP Patrick Ryan in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft in December 2008. I had felt that he could have followed a similar path as Mike McClendon did, for instance (stats, including Brewer years at bottom of linked page). Ryan was protected at a lower level and Jack Z. and the Mariners plucked him in the minor league phase of Rule 5, and mis-cast him as a starter in 2009. Ryan went the indy league route to begin 2010, the Red Sox gave him a chance mid-season and he dominated against younger competition at the high-A level. His hometown Tampa area newspaper updates readers in a detailed report here. The Red Sox have indicated he should be in line for a AAA spot in 2011.

The lead post in this thread has been updated to reflect Saturday's updated info and box score / game log links. Even if you're still prioritizing the big league club vs. the Cubbies this evening, remember to switch over to Steve's call immediately after to hear what hopefully will be the tail end of a "sweep" victory!

Link while active, text follows: Brewers take Game 1 of playoff series with Great Falls By AMBER KUEHN, Helena Independent Record Forget the regular season. The Helena Brewers put up with the talk about how great Great Falls was all month, how Voyagers pitchers were unhittable. But the Brewers’ erased all those thoughts by showing they were the better team Friday, beating Great Falls 5-3 at Kindrick Legion Field to take a critical game one in the best-of-three Pioneer League North Division Championship Series. “It was huge for our our team,” said Brewers reliever Eric Marzec, who pitched three shutout innings and earned his first career save. “We haven’t had the best success against them all season but coming into tonight it was real important to take one away from them in front of the home fans. The locker room is ecstatic right now.” Helena now heads to the Electric City with momentum on its side in the series, hoping to clinch the North title tonight with a win at Centene Stadium and advance to the league finale against either Orem or Ogden. Great Falls held the season advantage against Helena 10-6 and came to the Capital City on a six-game win streak. But the Voyagers gave up five runs to an opponent for the first time since Sept. 4, and a staff that had allowed just eight earned runs over the last 10 games allowed four on the evening. Stephen McCray was not himself, giving up all five runs on four hits through just three innings. He entered the game with just a 0.87 ERA against Helena. “I think it’s really defeating for them,” Marzec said. “They came in here pretty confident in themselves and for us to kind of take it to them and put pressure on them, they’re not going to be very happy about that. Plus it builds huge confidence in our clubhouse.” The Brewers should have plenty of confidence after a stellar night defensively. Franklin Romero Jr. and John Dishon made several impressive plays in the outfield, Mike Walker caught a couple of hard liners at first base and shortstop Carlos George seemed to get to every ball hit his way. Helena held Great Falls to just 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position, and starter Matt Miller held the visitors in check — just three runs on nine hits. Meanwhile, Helena came out swinging early. The Brewers got on the board first when leadoff man Robbie Garvey took a fastball from McCray straight up the middle and sent it sailing over the right-field fence much to the delight of the 751 fans in attendance. “It felt great,” said the left fielder, who had a scary collision with George an inning later. “I knew it was gone when I hit it.” The Brewers also got RBIs from Greg Hopkins, Walker and Dishon, who laid down a beautiful sac bunt in the second frame before reaching on a Voyagers error. Cody Hawn, questionable coming into the game with a hamstring injury, had a double off his former University of Tennessee teammate, McCray. It was an all-around effort for a team that had all but two players in the lineup record a hit. “(Great Falls) was hot coming in but now we’re gonna get back on a hot streak,” said Garvey, who was 2 for 4. “With the talent on this team, we didn’t even play good tonight. We can beat them 100-0 anyday. “We could have had better at-bats, I know myself, I gave one at-bat away, swung at pitches I shouldn’t have. But when we’re clicking as a team, we can’t be beat.” Miller said despite the pressure of being called on in an important game one, he was just trying to take it all in stride. “Before the game, (pitching coach) Elvin Nina said ‘I don’t care what you do, just tell me at the end of the game you had fun,’” the fifth-round draft pick said. “That’s all I could think about—this could be my last start, I just need to have fun.” He did. “It was great to come out and get the first big ‘W’ in the series,” the right-hander said. The Voyagers got their best outing from Addison Reed, who struck out three in two innings and was the only Great Falls hurler able to hold a hot Helena team scoreless. Brewers manager Joe Ayrault said his team hasn’t been intimidated by the Voyagers pitching staff, and it showed Friday. “They don’t think about that, they just think about playing their game,” the skipper said, citing that’s the reason they have had success. “Our guys just play to their strengths and know we can battle back in any ball game.” The comeback kids never had to worry in this one, as they led the entire way. Ayrault hopes his crew can take an early lead tonight in Great Falls, and said he’s confident in sending Austin Ross to the mound. Ross is a pitcher the Voyagers aren’t real familiar with, while Paul Burnside takes the hill for Great Falls. “I’ve got my wife, kids and family at home,” Ayrault said. “But I want to come home with a ring.” Ogden 2, Orem 1 OREM, Utah—Ogden center fielder Leon Landry hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the top of the ninth inning Friday to lift the Raptors to a 2-1 win and the game-one victory in the Pioneer League Southern Division championship series. Orem, the defending champ, took a 1-0 lead in the first frame after Kole Calhoun homered to right field. The Owlz pitched shutout ball the rest of the way, before Justin La Tempa’s blown save in the final frame cost the hosts the game. Ogden won both halves of the Southern Division and will head home tonight to try to clinch the best-of-three series crown. All photos by Eliza Wiley Independent Record Brewers' catcher Brent Dean takes it in the ankle as he defends home against Great Falls' Ross Wilson Friday night. Ross was called safe putting Great Falls within one of Helena at 2-1 in the top of the third with two outs. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/0/b9/e64/0b9e645a-bd5d-11df-adef-001cc4c03286-revisions/4c8b0578ac4a4.image.jpgMatt Miller throws during Friday night's game against Great Falls. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/7/6f/2d9/76f2d9a2-bd5d-11df-8ee6-001cc4c03286-revisions/4c8b062b1108e.image.jpg Shortstop Carlos George takes the throw at second base. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/2/fc/d1b/2fcd1bfa-bd5d-11df-a336-001cc4c03286-revisions/4c8b05b525eec.image.jpg

Brewers start post-season with a win By Brett Billings/Helena Brewers The Helena Brewers began the 2010 post-season as they had hoped, taking game one of the best-of-three series against the Great Falls Voyagers 5-3. The Brewers got on the board early - well, as quickly as possible. Robbie Garvey led off the bottom half of the first with a solo home run to right field and the Brewers had the early momentum. Mike Walker started the Brewers' second inning with a walk. Brent Dean advanced him to second with an infield single. John Dishon stepped to the plate looking to bunt them over, but got more than he bargained for when an errant throw from third baseman Andy Wilkins scored Walker to give the Brewers a 2-0 lead. After Great Falls cut the lead in half in the third, Helena answered for two more in the bottom half. Cody Hawn led off the frame with a double. Greg Hopkins followed with a single, and the bases were cleared after a triple from Walker. The Brewers fifth and final run came in the fifth inning after singles from Hopkins, Rafael Neda, and Dishon. RHP Matt Miller (1-0, 3.00) started on the mound for the Brewers and was effective. He tossed six innings and allowed three runs, two earned. RHP Eric Marzec pitched the final three innings for the Brewers to earn the save. He didn't allow a run and struck out two. Helena will now travel to Great Falls for Game 2 of the Northern Division Championship. RHP Austin Ross will start for the Brewers. Great Falls is sending RHP Paul Burnside to the mound.

Final: @Helena 5, Great Falls (White Sox) 3, Brewers lead best-of-three series, 1-0 Helena Box Score We'll look forward to the early-morning newspaper account of this home game; Matt Miller scattered nine hits over his six innings but walked only one and Eric Marzec was brilliant over the final three frames, allowing but a lonely single -- kudos to the RHP's from the Univeristy of Michigan and Youngstown State; as noted above, Robbie Garvey got the evening off on the right foot with a home run, also singled and walked -- he's been a fantastic non-drafted free agent signee; SS Carlos George deserves credit for multiple defensive highlights, and wasn't alone in that regard as the Brewers flashed big-time leather all evening long, making for an exciting call from the Voice of the H-Crew, Steve Wendt; Greg Hopkins singled twice and drove in a run, joining Garvey in the multi-hit column; Cody Hawn shook off lingering hamstring issues to be the DH, and even legged out a double against his recent college teammate at Tennessee, Stephen McCray; catcher Brent Dean exited after three innings, he must have been nicked up on a play at the plate, definitive word wasn't available... Helena Game Log CF Franklin Romero made up for an earlier error with a big play here -- Great Falls Top of the 7th Pitcher Change: Eric Marzec replaces Matthew Miller. Andy Wilkins grounds out, shortstop Carlos George to first baseman Michael Walker. Michael Blanke singles on a ground ball to center fielder Franklin Romero. Michael Blanke out at 2nd, center fielder Franklin Romero to shortstop Carlos George. Ryan Hamme grounds out, second baseman Shea Vucinich to first baseman Michael Walker. Looking forward to Austin Ross on the mound going for the sweep Saturday night...

Romanski walked only 21 in 100.1 innings in the regular season. He walked none while fanning five in six innings tonight, allowing only two runs (two home runs), pitching Tampa to a 5-2 victory over Charlotte (Rays) in game one of the best-of-five FSL championship series. Congrats to Josh, what a comeback season...

Why baseball is an odd game -- Great Falls loads the bases in the 2nd without a hard-hit ball at all, then a line drive ends the inning just like that. Great Falls Top of the 2nd Ryan Hamme reaches on fielding error by right fielder John Dishon. Rafael Vera grounds out, shortstop Carlos George to first baseman Michael Walker. Ryan Hamme to 2nd. Randall Thorpe hit by pitch. Dusty Harvard singles on a fly ball to left fielder Robert Garvey. Ryan Hamme to 3rd. Randall Thorpe to 2nd. Kyle Davis lines into double play, third baseman Gregory Hopkins to second baseman Shea Vucinich. Randall Thorpe doubled off 2nd. Robbie Garvey led off the bottom of the 1st with a line drive home run, then survived an injury scare while diving for a ball in the 2nd. Some Great Falls gifts extended the lead to 2-0 in the 2nd, but it should have been a much more productive inning. Hopefully that won't come back to bite the H-Crew.

Brett Lawrie named the "second-team" second baseman in the final Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet of the season -- this one was their Hot Sheet All-Stars.

Going to listen in to as much as I can this evening -- Cody Hawn in the starting lineup, as just discussed by Manager Joe Ayrault in the pre-game; he likes lefty bat Robbie Garvey in the leadoff spot. Catcher Brent Dean a team leader, but Ayrault has been impressed by Tyler Roberts' "gun behind the plate" -- Dean gets the start tonight. Ayrault a class act thanking the players' families in the pre-game.

The Florida State League finals begin Friday night the 10th -- Josh Romanski and his Tampa Yankees squad advanced past the first round, and Romanski's turn is up, so he gets the start in Game One of the Finals. *** In a subscriber-only Baseball America column, Romanski's story was printed with additional detail, and some hints are finally coming out about the reason for the "breakup". This Yankee blogger summarizes things here -- Baseball America did a little story (subscription required) about LHP Josh Romanski (High-A, Tampa), a former Brewers 2008 fourth round draft pick. After handing him a $247,000 bonus, the Brewers cut ties with him when an injury and subsequent perceived disciplinary problem derailed the relationship. I say “perceived disciplinary problem” because the Brewers assert that Romanski wasn’t diligent in his injury rehab. As these types of things can be very much a matter of perception, I’ll choose to believe that it was an isolated incident and that the Yankees are in a position to reap the benefits of the Brewers’ short fuse. In any case, if he was good enough to be a fourth round pick and the Yanks can get anything out of him, it’s a bonus for us. *** Obviously, we can't copy more than a snippet from BA, but here's a bit -- When Milwaukee called into question his desire to rehab from the procedure this spring, they summarily released him in April, eating his $247,000 signing bonus. The Brewers lost interest in Romanski because of his indifferent attitude toward rehab. According to the Brewers, he tried the organization's patience by either not showing up or arriving late for rehab sessions. *** So while that doesn't shine the brightest of lights on Romanski, it does shine some light on what had been a pretty big mystery. One wonders if the Brewers could have placed him on a restricted list of some sort, but you figure they totally weighed all their options before setting him free. Interestingly, it's apparent Josh's friends and family caught wind of this thread. Someone close to him caught up with us and turned out to be quite cordial, I appreciated the comments and brief conversation. "I have followed your staff's posts all year and I am amazed on how much time you gave a player who is no longer a Brewer and hasn't been for a long time." Actually, we understand how some Brewer fans felt the same way -- the thread is actually only around 30 posts, most of them game updates, so it's not like the thread had a lot of drama attached to it. It was informational. "I will tell you this, Josh worked his butt off to get back to health and whether he ever pitches in the big leagues or not he has made it in a lot of people's books." Two perspectives, two sides to every story -- what do they say, truth is somewhere in the middle? We would never discount what it takes to make it back from major injury. Certainly over the years, and again this year, there are more than a few Brewers who underwent surgeries, some missing the entire season. Working with the organization's trainers, strength coaches, and medical staffs, we salute each and every one of those players. Hope to see you all back and healthy in 2011. That being said, there appears to be a difference of opinion going on, but whatever route he took, Josh made it back to the mound, so that's worth a salute, too. "Be happy for Josh because he is happy." We have no reason to feel otherwise. We'd be happier if he were still with the Brewers, though. *** This story should fizzle away, but don't be surprised it if pops back up if Romanski is eventually on the Yankees' 40-man roster in a couple of years, or even better for him and his friends and family, in the bigs someday. Then there would certainly be an interesting back story from a Brewer perspective.

The Yankees claimed LHP Steve Garrison off waivers from the Padres. From the Trentonian (New Jersey): By JOSH NORRIS Staff Writer TRENTON — After putting left-hander Wilkin De La Rosa on waivers last night to open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have filled that hole with a little bit of local flavor. Steve Garrison, also a southpaw, from the Hun School in Princeton, was claimed on waivers by the Yankees earlier yesterday afternoon, and will report to the Thunder for the playoffs. Garrison was still dealing wit the shock of being removed from the Padres’ 40-man roster when general manager Brian Cashman to tell him the news. “I really don’t know what I’m feeling right now,” he said. “It’s a big-time roller-coaster. … I’m thankful people still believe in me.” Garrison, who has had an issue with a bone spur in his left foot, will fly to Philadelphia this morning to meet with Yankees head trainer Gene Monahan and take a physical. If he passes, he believes will join the Thunder on Sunday for the if-necessary playoff Game 5 at Waterfront Park.

Helena playoff history

I've morphed Thursday's "rainout" Link Report into one which will cover the entire best-of-three vs. Great Falls. For each game, the initial post with the starting pitcher and box score and audio links, will be adjusted, so still go there for your nighly audio link to Steve Wendt's call. When the Brewers move on to the championship round, a new thread will begin. Thanks.

Brewers open playoffs at home against Great Falls tonight By AMBER KUEHN Independent Record With rain canceling the Helena Brewers’ regular-season finale Thursday at Kindrick Legion Field, the Pioneer League North wild card winners got a day of rest before facing a team with arguably the best pitchers in the league. Great Falls comes to town tonight for the first game in a best-of-three playoff series after winning both halves of the Pioneer League North season. The Voyagers have had strong starters and an unbreakable bullpen all season, and Great Falls pitchers had a streak of 21 shutout innings snapped when Billings scored two in the bottom of the ninth Wednesday. The Brewers haven’t been bad in that area either, and send their best pitcher to the mound tonight. Matt Miller (7-2) gets the start for Helena, while Stephen McCray (6-2) gets the nod for Great Falls. Miller has been magnificent this season, posting a 4.06 ERA through 71 innings pitched. He’s given up 63 hits and 32 earned runs, while owning a 28-53 walks-to-strikeouts ratio. “He’s been solid for us all year,” said first-year Brewers manager Joe Ayrault, adding that Austin Ross will start Game 2. “Anytime you can put a guy like that out there it makes you more confident.” McCray is one of four Voyagers pitchers in the top five in terms of Pioneer League leaders in wins. Paul Burnside and Charles Delk are 7-3, while Jacob Wilson and McCray each own six wins. McCray has a 2.48 ERA and has given up 52 hits over 54.1 innings while fanning 45 and walking 15. Run support is the question mark for the Brewers, who are looking for their first series playoff victory since 2005, when they beat Billings in two games. Over a 10-game stretch leading into Wednesday night’s game in which Helena was 5-5, the pitching staff combined for a 3.38 ERA but batters hit just .225 as a team in that time period. “We just need to do the little things,” Ayrault said. “Make the routine plays, get quality at-bats.” More problematic for Helena (41-34 overall, 22-15 second half) is the fact that their most powerful slugger, first baseman Cody Hawn, is listed as day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Hawn is tied for the league lead with 61 RBIs. Nobody on the team had an opportunity to practice Thursday, with intermittent rain falling throughout the day and making for miserable field conditions. “We couldn’t get anything done but really, this was probably good for us, we needed a day to rest,” the skipper said. “We were supposed to have one a while back (Aug. 31) but then had that double dip against Billings instead of a day off.” Helena split that doubleheader with the Mustangs but failed to clinch a postseason berth. The Brewers blew several opportunities to seal the deal, but earned the right to play an extra day after Billings’ loss and Helena’s win Wednesday night. It marks the first time the Brewers advance to the playoffs since 2007, the year they also faced Great Falls. The White Sox one that one in three games, but the Brewers hope they can win this time in two. “Since day one it’s been our goal to get into the playoffs and win a ring,” Ayrault said. “We’re on our way there.” The Voyagers held the advantage in the 2010 season series, winning 10 games to just six Brewers victories. The Voyagers top hitter has been catcher Mike Blanke, the guy who robbed Helena of the go-ahead run Tuesday and then had the winning RBI. Blanke is third in the league in doubles, has more hits on the Voyagers squad (79) than any other player, and his .329 batting average is best on the team. Greg Hopkins leads Helena with 79 hits, while shortstop Carlos George owns a .324 average. Tonight’s first pitch is slated for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central) Friday is Fan Appreciation Night at Kindrick Legion and prizes will be given away. Games 2 and 3, if necessary, will be held in Great Falls at Centene Stadium. Sunday’s contest would be a 4:00 PM start (5:00 Central). In the Southern Division playoff beginning tonight, defending Pioneer League champion Orem hosts Ogden.

So it appears all of AA baseball's affiliations will remain the same as they have been for the past two years unless the Brewers and Tigers swap out Erie (PA) and Huntsville. Scanning the Erie newspaper, there is no indication of an immediate choice either way. It seems the ball would be completely in the court of Erie's ownership, would they prefer to have the Brewers? Here are the team's managers and records since 2001 when it became a Tigers' affiliate: 2001 Tigers Luis Pujols 84–58, 1st place South 2002 Tigers Kevin Bradshaw 52–89, 6th place South 2003 Tigers Kevin Bradshaw 72–70, 3rd place South 2004 Tigers Rick Sweet 80–62, 2nd place South 2005 Tigers Duffy Dyer 63–79, 6th place South 2006 Tigers Duffy Dyer 60–81, 6th place South 2007 Tigers Matt Walbeck 81–59, 1st place South 2008 Tigers Tom Brookens 68–74, 4th place South 2009 Tigers Tom Brookens 71-70, 4th place South 2010 Tigers Phil Nevin 66-76, 6th place WestLatest article: SeaWolves undergo constant change during losing season By MIKE COPPER The FX drama "Nip/Tuck" was canceled this spring. Coincidence or not, the 2010 Erie SeaWolves picked up the concept of weekly face lifts shortly after that. When Brandon Jones grounded out to Akron shortstop Ron Rivas on Monday, it ended a season that saw the SeaWolves experience lots of losses (76) and even more player transactions (more than 100). Jones arrived at the Detroit Tigers' Double-A affiliate after he was acquired from Pittsburgh in late July. The outfielder was among those shuttled on and off Erie's ever-changing roster. Minor league fans are conditioned to that baseball fact. Still, the here-today-gone-tomorrow trend for this team was arguably unprecedented since the franchise joined the Eastern League in 1999. Of the 12 SeaWolves who appeared in the team's April 8 season opener at Trenton, only starting pitcher Jon Kibler and outfielder Deik Scram (a former Brewer draft pick - MH) were still in their dugout Monday. And even they spent portions of 2010 elsewhere, Kibler with Single-A Lakeland (Fla.) and Scram with Triple-A Toledo. The changes weren't limited to the players, either. Phil Nevin, Erie's rookie manager, was without a hitting coach after Glenn Adams resigned June 22. "I've learned a lot from the year and it's been a great experience," said Nevin, who was a 12-year major leaguer. "I think next year will be even better." Erie (66-76) finished in last place for the first time since 2006. Despite that, Nevin confirmed Monday that the Tigers asked him and pitching coach Ray Burris to return. Erie's overall mark, hindered by a franchise-record 0-8 start, didn't sit well with Nevin even if talent development ranked as the higher priority. One thing that did please Nevin while his first season of managing in sanctioned baseball progressed was the players' collective professionalism. "Regardless of our record," he said, "the one thing I never had to do was get on them about playing hard and going about their business. We've had small talks, sure, went about things the right way. "I've had a great group of young men that will do a lot of good things," he said. "Maybe it's not in baseball, but life." *** So maybe the Erie ownership would like to chat and feel out the Brewers and vice versa. Or maybe not, and the Huntsville relationship, which has been in place since 1999, the Brewers' longest-running current affiliation, will continue. This post from GoMocs just above seems to be the biggest indicator that the Huntsville relationship, which except for stadium amenities and fan support, the Brewers have actually been pleased with, will indeed continue. We'll know soon.

Chris Mehring documents Khris Davis' record-breaker photographically.

Merklingered!That's funny, I spoke too soon. Remember the infamous Brett Dowdy? How about if you wore a Sounds uniform in a home game this season?

The first of the rotating links on Nashville's home page features four impressive photo galleries -- if you wore a Sounds uniform this season, you made the gallery in their alphabetical salute. Kudos -- we may not miss Greer Stadium, but we'll miss the production values that Doug Scopel, Stu Paul (and his predecessor Chuck Valenches), and the Sounds' staff provided us.

PCL American North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak # Memphis 82 62 .569 - - 48-26 34-36 7-3 W2 Iowa 82 62 .569 - E 39-33 43-29 6-4 L2 Omaha 81 63 .563 1.0 E 40-32 41-31 8-2 W3 Nashville 77 67 .535 5.0 E 39-31 38-36 6-4 L1 SOU North Club W L PCT GB Home Away L 10 Streak *# Tennessee 86 53 .619 - 43-27 43-26 6-4 W3 West Tenn 73 66 .525 13.0 37-33 36-33 6-4 W5 Huntsville 67 73 .479 19.5 35-36 32-37 4-6 L3 Chattanooga 65 74 .468 21.0 32-36 33-38 3-7 L5 Carolina 58 79 .423 27.0 29-40 29-39 3-7 L3 FSL North Club W L PCT GB Home Away L 10 Streak # Tampa 78 57 .578 - 40-28 38-29 5-5 L2 Daytona 75 64 .540 5.0 37-32 38-32 5-5 W1 * Dunedin 72 67 .518 8.0 33-36 39-31 6-4 W2 Lakeland 71 67 .514 8.5 37-31 34-36 6-4 L1 Clearwater 67 72 .482 13.0 37-34 30-38 5-5 L1 Brevard County 64 75 .460 16.0 33-38 31-37 3-7 W1 MID Western Club W L PCT GB Home Away L 10 Streak # Quad Cities 83 55 .601 - 38-28 45-27 7-3 L1 * Cedar Rapids 82 56 .594 1.0 45-22 37-34 7-3 W6 Clinton 74 65 .532 9.5 42-30 32-35 3-7 L4 Beloit 71 65 .522 11.0 37-33 34-32 5-5 L3 Peoria 71 66 .518 11.5 41-27 30-39 4-6 W1 Kane County 71 67 .514 12.0 40-29 31-38 7-3 L1 Wisconsin 58 80 .420 25.0 30-40 28-40 3-7 W1 Burlington 46 90 .338 36.0 27-41 19-49 4-6 W3 AZL Central Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak # AZL Brewers 34 22 .607 - - 13-12 12-10 3-6 W1 & AZL Reds 31 24 .564 2.5 E 12-8 14-9 8-2 W6 AZL Dodgers 30 25 .545 3.5 E 12-11 13-8 5-5 L1 AZL Indians 21 35 .375 13.0 E 8-14 10-13 2-8 L2 DSL S.D. North Club W L PCT GB *ELIM # Home Away L 10 Streak # DSL Mariners 43 28 .606 - - 23-13 20-15 7-3 L1 DSL Cardinals 39 32 .549 4.0 E 24-11 15-21 5-5 L2 DSL Athletics 32 39 .451 11.0 E 17-19 15-20 6-4 W2 DSL Brewers 28 43 .394 15.0 E 17-18 11-25 3-7 W1