Jim Goulart

Monday's Daily Menu: Alex Periard needs to be in the big leagues to stay by 2012 (last option year is 2011), so he'd be an intriguing listen for tonight with the big boys off... Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: LHP Chris Waters at Sacramento (Athletics), 8:50 PM pre-game; 9:05 gametime Live Audio Link Huntsville: RHP Alex Periard at Mississippi (Braves), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link Brevard County: RHP Trey Watten at home vs. Daytona (Cubs), 6:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link (Cubs' Feed) Wisconsin: RHP Damon Krestalude at home vs. Burlington (Royals), 11:50 AM pre-game; 12:05 PM gametime Live Audio Link

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Valid posts, but let's try and keep this thread for direct reactions to specific transaction updates. The above points can be made (and have been ) in any number of threads on Melvin, Macha, Gamel, etc. Thanks.

Link while active, text follows: Timber Rattlers stay motivated with walk-up introductory songs by favorite artists Cory Jennerjohn, Appleton Post-Crescent GRAND CHUTE — You know the game has changed when grown men with tall beers in hand stand up and dance to Miley Cyrus' "Party In the USA." That would be Cutter Dykstra's new walk-up song. "I laughed at him and thought you're kidding," said Timber Rattlers production manager Cameron Wengrzyn, when Dykstra first told him about his music switch. "You're making a joke out of this walk-up situation. And he looked at me straight in the eye and he said, 'No, I'm going to get some serious hits off this song.' " Which has happened, even though his pop who is adorned with the nickname 'Nails', probably doesn't have that song anywhere near his iPod. "You think a manly man wouldn't pick that song but he does that as a joke," said Timber Rattlers pitching coach Chris Hook. "I mean, I think it's funny." "He's even dressing like her nowadays to the ballpark," hitting coach Matt Erickson joked. Perhaps not as humorous as Erickson's walk-up song with the Kane County Cougars. None other than Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack." "It was not picked," Erickson quickly admitted. You go even further back and the game gets quieter and quieter. Hook came up through the minors in the late 1980s and early '90s when the public address announcer said the player's name and everybody clapped and that was about it. "Minor league baseball was just getting its groove on as far as what they're doing now," he said. "Now, it's a production. Back then, it's peanut butter and jelly and people drinking beer in the stands." But every music choice isn't done as a motivational tool. "Last year they had a couple goofy ones," said Wengrzyn, who worked for the Bowling Green Hot Rods last year. "There was a player that walked up to Spongebob Squarepants' theme song every game." Which is quite a difference from the assortment of rap that's blared on the Community speakers at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium. "That's the edited version," said Scooter Gennett, about his walk up song, "Play Ball," by Soulja Boy. "But I'm doing good so I'm not going to change it." The big leagues have been doing walk up songs for a while and guys like Trevor Hoffman have made a career out of watching opponents' neck hair stand at attention whenever AC-DC's "Hells Bells" was blasted to announce his arrival. "I think there's an intimidation factor, and he talked about it in spring training how the other team hears that song and that 'Oh, feeling here comes Trevor,' " said Hook. I don't think Dykstra is exactly injecting fear in anyone even though he's justifying the move by saying that Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and NewYork Yankees first baseman Nick Johnson had the song, that peaked at No. 2 in the Billboard Hot 100, as their walk-up. But he doesn't care. "I'm going to stick with this one for as long as I keep hitting," said Dykstra, who is batting .291. "It might last my whole career, who knows." When the subject was broached to Timber Rattlers manager Jeff Isom, he produced a deep chuckle that said he didn't really care what was played when his players strolled to the plate or took the mound. "Whatever it takes to get them ready," Isom said. "If they think that's going to get them ready because they've got Miley Cyrus playing, then OK, so be it." Ever since Dykstra gave Wengrzyn the go ahead to play that song, he has transformed the stadium into Anduzzi's at midnight. "We were just like, this guy needs to keep this song," Wengrzyn said. "It just changed everything for him, because he had been struggling before a little bit." Apparently, a baseball career can change in the span of 10 seconds — as long as you have the right song. Timber Rattlers introductory songs Batters Scooter Gennett – "Play Ball" by Soulja Boy D'Vontrey Richardson – "Go Hard" by Young Jeezy Pete Fatse – "Made You Look" by NAS Cameron Garfield – "Someday" by Flypside Austin Stockfisch – "Green Onions" by Booker T and the MGS Chris Dennis – "Ride With Me" by TI Michael Marseco – "I'm a Country Boy" by Alan Jackson Khris Davis – "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It" by Ice Cube Franklin Romero – "I Know You Want Me" by Pitbull Cutter Dykstra – "Party In The USA" by Miley Cyrus Eric Miller – "Alive" by P.O.D. Kyle Dhanani – "Reminder" by Jay-Z Pitchers Damon Krestalude – "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC Maverick Lasker – "Papercut" by Linkin Park Eric Arnett – "Whistlin' Dixie" by Randy Houser Jake Odorizzi – "My Time" by Fabolous Efrain Nieves – "Prueba de Sonido" by Don Omar Del Howell – Saw Theme Caleb Thielbar – "Cochise" by Audioslave Kyle Heckathorn – "(Ohh-Ahh) My Life Be Like" by Gritz Cutter Dykstra (left), being congratulated by Rattlers teammate Scooter Gennett after scoring against the Burlington Bees at Fox Cities Stadium on Sunday, is getting a lot of mileage when Miley Cyrus belts out "Party in the USA," as he walks up to the plate. (Post-Crescent photo by Patrick Ferron) http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20100524&Category=APC021102&ArtNo=5240490&Ref=AR&Profile=1019&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

Thanks for clearing that up for us, chemist. Hopefully Mark will make his next start on time, but at least we'll know why not should it be delayed a day or two.

The hit streak ended at 16 games for Brevard's Sergio Miranda, and alas, for martinezfan also, at 18 consecutive.

Stu still having fun in Fresno *** The Nashville site's link to the game report includes audio of a Norris Hopper catch that allowed Mike Jones to escape his bases loaded, no out jam. *** Just a reminder as you plan your day, the Rattlers end their homestand with a noontime affair (11:45 AM pre-game). Monday's Link Report will be out shortly before that.

Stone Crabs win 10-3, sweep Manatees By Grant McAuley, Charlotte Stone Crabs PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The Charlotte Stone Crabs polished off the first four-game sweep in franchise history on Sunday. Behind a strong start from Shane Dyer and another offensive onslaught, Charlotte downed the Brevard County Manatees by a 10-3 score to notch their sixth consecutive victory. The Stone Crabs came from behind to win for the 11th time in 2010, using a four-run third inning to erase the second Manatees lead of the night. Stephen Vogt collected a season-high three hits, including a go-ahead two-run double in that third inning, while driving in two runs and scoring three more. An infield single in his first at-bat allowed Vogt to extend his franchise-best hitting streak to 17-games. Dyer (1-1) tossed six innings and surrendered two runs to earn his first victory since being promoted to Charlotte. The righty allowed four hits, two walks, hit two batters and struck out three. Brevard County (16-27) held the lead on two separate occasions, but their pitchers could not find the plate in disastrous third and fourth inning displays. Manatees pitchers combined to walk nine Charlotte batsmen and uncorked three wild pitches that would allow runners to score from third on the night. Cody Scarpetta (2-4) was victimized for five runs - four earned - on five hits and four walks in taking the loss for Brevard County. It was the first time the Manatees have been swept in a four-game series this season. Reid Fronk went 3-for-3 with three doubles, a pair of walks and two RBI's. While his average jumped to a .307 clip, Fronk's on-base percentage climbed even higher and now stands at a team-high .433 on the season. That mark is good for fourth best in the Florida State League. The nine walks taken by Charlotte batsmen represent a single-game high for 2010. Rehabbing Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Matt Joyce served as the designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and a pair of runs scored. Joyce is scheduled to further test his sprained elbow and begin playing the outfield during the upcoming series against the third place Palm Beach Cardinals.

Eighth inning not a friendly one as Stars fall to Braves By Aaron Morse, Huntsville Stars The Huntsville Stars (22-22) scored three runs in the top of the eighth to take the lead, but the Mississippi Braves (22-22) responded with six of their own as the Stars fell by a score of 9-5 Sunday afternoon. The Stars found themselves in an early 2-0 hole as the Braves scored one in the second and one in the third against starter Amaury Rivas. But Brett Lawrie smacked his third homer of the season in the top of the 6th (audio) to cut the deficit to 2-1. Rivas’ final inning of work featured a Cody Johnson RBI single (audio) to give the Braves a 3-1 lead. His outing was nowhere near his best, but he managed to only surrender three runs in six innings, despite giving up 11 hits. He struck out four and walked one. It looked like the Stars would be in good shape when they got to the Braves’ bullpen in the top of the eighth. With one away and the bases full, Caleb Gindl singled home Lee Haydel to draw the Stars within one (audio). After that, Chris Errecart reached on a force-attempt at second base. One run would have scored anyways, but a throwing error allowed everyone to be safe and for two runs to score (audio). The Stars would leave the bases loaded when a strike-out and a fly-out ended the inning. The 4-3 lead would be short-lived. Jim Henderson had tossed a scoreless seventh inning, but the Stars brought in Nick Green for the eighth and he did not fare so well. Back-to-back singles put runners on first and second with only one away. An Alex Romero double plated both runs (audio) and just like that it was 5-4 Braves. A sacrifice fly (audio), a single (audio), an intentional walk, and two more singles completed the scoring and when the dust cleared it was 9-4 Braves (audio). The Stars got one back in the top of the ninth on a Lawrie RBI single (audio), but that was all she wrote. Juan Abreu (2-0) got the win out of the bullpen for the Braves while Green (0-1) took the loss. Lawrie and Lee Haydel had big days at the plate for the Stars as Lawrie went 3-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Haydel also had a multi-hit game as he went 2-4 with a run scored. Both the Smokies and the Diamond Jaxx lost Sunday, so the Stars did not lose any ground in the North Division. They remain four games back of Tennessee. The Stars will look to take the rubber match of the five game series Monday night. They’ll send Alex Periard (2-2, 4.05 ERA) to the mound. Join us on the Huntsville Stars Radio Network beginning at 6:50 PM Central Time.

Link while active, text follows: Davis' bat leads Timber Rattlers over Bees By Cory Jennerjohn, Post-Crescent staff writer Khris Davis went four-for-five to lead the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to an 11-2 victory over the Burlington Bees on Sunday at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. “You have those days,” said the designated hitter, who upped his batting average to .315. “It’s good feeling up there knowing that whatever he throws you’re going to put in play hard somewhere. Hopefully, it finds some green out there.” Of the 11 Wisconsin hits, four went for extra bases. The pitching staff did its job as well. Nick Bucci went seven innings, struck out six and walked two. “We gave up a couple early runs, one in the first one in the second,” Timber Rattlers manager Jeff Isom said. “Bucci settled it. He did a great job. Defensively, we made all the plays for him.” The Timber Rattlers blew it open in the second inning. Cutter Dykstra, Erik Miller and D’Vontrey Richardson all singled and Scooter Gennett laced a double to left center to drive in three runs in the inning. 17 "action" photos from Patrick Ferron of the Post-Crescent of the most photographed team in all of minor league baseball

Brad takes us to the ballpark with more Nick Bucci observations, and his usual wonderful array of photos, including Nick and Sunday's birthday boy, Cameron Garfield, now 19.

Gotta love Stu Paul's enthusiasm on the Nashville call. Mike Jones loaded the bases on walks, all with none out, in the bottom of the 9th of a 2-2 game, and then worked his way out of it, including a force out at the plate off the bat of phenom Buster Posey. Nashville had scored their two runs on 15 hits (!) through nine, but Drew Anderson just homered to put the Sounds up in the 10th. Chris Smith coming on for the save. Enjoy the call, Stu! (Listen in, 7:05 Central, if you're around).

Down at Brevard, Erik Komatsu is now 11-for-11 in SB attempts -- he was 0-for-2 in an abbreviated by injury 26 games last year. Not sure if that's a big part of his game in the future, but he's doing so wisely thus far in 2010.

Link while active, text follows: Gloucester Catholic baseball product Braddock gets big league call By Scott Chappelear, Gloucester (N.J.) Times The hype surrounding Zach Braddock has steadily increased the last couple of years as he's steadily ascended through the Milwaukee Brewers' organization. But the former standout for Gloucester Catholic High School has never taken any of it for granted, and he certainly wasn't going to start Saturday when he got the call he'd dreamed of telling him he was being called up to join the Brewers' bullpen for the final game of their series in Minnesota. "I tried not to look at the situation as where could I be, where should I be," Braddock said shortly after arriving in Minneapolis from Salt Lake City. "It's never really worked before. Dealing with injuries has helped me appreciate the days I have. "I wasn't worried about getting up here, the Brewers have a plan and it will play out the way it does. I just wanted to be available when they were ready. I just wanted to be prepared as much as possible." Braddock had Tommy John surgery as a junior for the Rams, but it didn't dissuade the Brewers from taking him in the 18th round in 2005. He worked mainly as a starter his first three years in the system, posting an ERA of 5.51 in 21 appearances at High-A Brevard County (Fla.) to close out 2008. When 2009 began, he was back at Brevard County but know he would be strictly a reliever for the first time. He blossomed in the role, going 3-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings between high-A and Double-A Huntsville (Ala.). "It's a more manageable role," said Braddock, who's walked just 16 and struck out 90 since moving to the 'pen and shown pinpoint control. "It just became more manageable for me. I enjoy the role, it's been a good fit. It's allowed me to move up, and I'm thankful for that." He had 10 scoreless appearances for Triple-A Nashville this season, and one blowup at Albuquerque May 9 in a notorious hitter's park where he gave up eight earned runs in 2/3 of an inning. He's shown no ill effects since, and had struck out 28 in 16 innings for the season before his call-up. "It was one of those things that happens, it was just a bad day," Braddock said. "I just didn't want it to carry over, so I made my mind up it would stop there. "I don't know if I could put (my success) on one thing. I've really been working hard to maintain a solid routine, repeat what I've been doing and learning as best I can." The Milwaukee bullpen sits 15th in the National League with a 6.22 ERA, but he will still have an incredible learning opportunity. Trevor Hoffman may be struggling this season, but Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader is someone Braddock plans to seek out. He might not wind up with 596 career saves like Hoffman has, but Braddock will take any role to prove he belongs in the big leagues. "To have a chance to sit down and talk to (Hoffman) about his experiences (is amazing)," Braddock said. "It's something I need to do ... to educate myself, and I don't think there's anybody better. There's a lot of experience on this staff. "I just want to fill the role the Brewers need me in. I enjoy the closing role, the relief role. I want to be successful, so wherever that road is I'll take it."

These links should be updated shortly before game times -- PDF documents: Nashville Media Notes Huntsville Media Notes *** Rattler Radio: Game notes Today's pitchers Lineup

MID Western (click column headers to sort) Club W L PCT GB Home Away L 10 Streak Cedar Rapids 25 17 .595 - 14-4 11-13 7-3 W5 Beloit 25 18 .581 0.5 13-11 12-7 6-4 L2 Quad Cities 24 18 .571 1.0 14-6 10-12 4-6 W2 Peoria 24 19 .558 1.5 14-5 10-14 5-5 L2 Clinton 22 20 .524 3.0 12-9 10-11 8-2 W2 Kane County 20 23 .465 5.5 12-7 8-16 3-7 L4 Burlington 15 26 .366 9.5 8-13 7-13 3-7 L1 Wisconsin 14 28 .333 11.0 10-17 4-11 4-6 W1

Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nashville 25 16 .610 - 9-9 16-7 W2 Iowa 23 18 .561 2.0 10-10 13-8 W5 Memphis 23 18 .561 2.0 13-7 10-11 W7 Omaha 19 21 .475 5.5 7-14 12-7 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tennessee 26 17 .605 - 11-12 15-5 W1 West Tenn 23 20 .535 3.0 9-14 14-6 L1 Huntsville 22 21 .512 4.0 8-12 14-9 L1 Carolina 20 23 .465 6.0 9-11 11-12 L1 Chattanooga 18 25 .419 8.0 11-12 7-13 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - FSL North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clearwater 26 17 .605 - 14-9 12-8 L3 Dunedin 26 17 .605 - 9-11 17-6 W4 Lakeland 24 18 .571 1.5 12-10 12-8 L1 Tampa 23 20 .535 3.0 12-11 11-9 W3 Daytona 18 25 .419 8.0 6-13 12-12 W1 Brevard County 16 26 .381 9.5 9-14 7-12 L3

Follow Sunday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Tab or New Window". Choose "Recap". While you're listening to your minor league game of choice (or watching/listening to the big league Crew when they are playing), simply refresh your game log browsers every so often. Nashville (Gameday also available) Huntsville (Gameday also available) Brevard County Wisconsin

We're starting to see some patterns in these tandems (although they could change again quickly) with Kyle Heckathorn, Jake Odorizzi, and Nick Bucci getting more starts than their respective partners, Maverick Lasker, Efrain Nieves, and Del Howell. Uber-prospect LHP Madison Bumgarner (Giants) goes for the Grizzlies against the Sounds today.

Sunday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: LHP Chris Capuano at Fresno (Giants), 3:50 PM pre-game; 4:05 gametime Live Audio Link Huntsville: RHP Amaury Rivas at Mississippi (Braves), 1:50 PM pre-game; 2:05 gametime Live Audio Link Brevard County: RHP Cody Scarpetta at Charlotte (Rays), 4:35 PM gametime Live Audio Link (Stone Crabs' Feed) Wisconsin: RHP Nick Bucci at home vs. Burlington (Royals), 12:50 PM pre-game; 1:05 gametime; LHP Del Howell expected to tandem Live Audio Link

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Link while active, text follows: Timber Rattlers profile: Scooter Gennett, middle infielder Compiled by Post-Crescent staff writer Brett Christopherson Scooter Gennett file - Age: 20. - Position: Second base/shortstop. - Bats/throws: Left/right. - Height, weight: 5-9, 165. - Residence: Sarasota, Fla. - Glove: Rawlings, Pro Preferred. - Bat: Sam Bat, 34 inches, 32 ounces. - Notes: Selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 16th round of the 2009 June draft. ... Played in the 2008 Aflac All-American Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium. ... Committed to play baseball at Florida State before signing with the Brewers. Favorites - MLB team growing up: Cincinnati Reds. - MLB player growing up: Barry Larkin. - MLB player now: Chase Utley. - Sport other than baseball: Football. "I played when I was little up in Ohio, and I had one year where I made the all-star team. But then my mom wouldn't let me play anymore because every time I got tackled, she started crying." - Food: Beef tips and noodles. - Thing about Appleton: "Definitely the fans. You don't see fans like this at a Low-A minor league baseball game. It's amazing." - Way to relax: Movies. "I have a lot of movies, like 200 DVDs." - Baseball movie(s): "The Sandlot" and "The Natural." Q&A Q: Your real name is Ryan. So how did you end up being called Scooter? A: It actually came from the (TV show) "Muppet Babies." My favorite character was Scooter. I was about 5, and I was in the car. My mom told me to put on my seat belt, and I'd click it off. I was just being defiant, and she took me to the police station. She had no idea about Scooter — didn't watch "Muppet Babies." The cop asked me what my name was, and I said Scooter Gennett. And my mom was kind of taken back. And they were like, 'No, what's your real name?' And I said Scooter Gennett. And since that day, I've never answered to Ryan. I guess I was trying to create an alias at a young age. Q: You're originally from Cincinnati but later moved to Florida because of baseball, true? A: My dad was a scout for the Astros when I was wee little. He had the Ohio area, and he really saw the importance of playing baseball year-round and how hard it was to come out of a northern state like that. He definitely embedded baseball into me. When I was about 10 (we moved). He saw that I had it in my heart and was going to work hard. Q: This is your first professional season at any level, yet you're among the leading hitters in the Midwest League. What's the secret? A: Sticking with the routine. Hitting off the tee early. Getting to the park early. Maintaining your sleep, which has been a big adjustment for me. When you're a No. 1 prospect in an organization, for some guys, that might be a lot of pressure. And for me, not being on any list like that, I have no pressure and I can just go out there and play. When you're not on lists, you have nothing to lose. Q: At this point, would you grade yourself high? A: I think I've gotten off to a good start, being my first year and all. I'm definitely not satisfied. Three-whatever I'm hitting is good and all, but I can definitely get better. Pretty much every time I get out, I think I'm getting myself out and giving up at-bats. And a long season like this, you can't afford to give up any at-bats. There's always room for improvement. Q: You seem to have found a home at second after opening the season at shortstop. Has it been a matter of just feeling more comfortable at second? A: I've always played both positions. But (the coaches) brought me into the office and were talking to me and saying how, for my well-being and my career, I could probably get to the big leagues faster as a second baseman. It has been an adjustment. It's more of a thinking position. You've got more time, and you've just got to stay focused, where a shortstop is kind of a freestyle position. Q: When you see Rickie Weeks and Alcides Escobar entrenched in the middle infield for the Brewers, can it be unnerving as you contemplate where you fit in the organization's plans? A: If you start worrying about the guys ahead of you, even the guys in High-A, Double-A or Triple-A, then you're really not going to help yourself out at all. You've just got to do your thing. When it's your time, it's your time. You've got to leave it in the hands of the front office and trust you're going to get there. Q: Do you pay attention to what's going on with the big league club? A: We catch a few games. When your big-league team is not doing too well, we're not too worried about it. We're trying to work hard so maybe a few of us can get up there and help the team out. But I think they'll be all right. They're getting bad breaks. Q: What's your focus as you look to improve? A: I'd have to say, with most first-year guys, it's consistency. Getting good at-bats. Not swinging at a first pitch changeup low and getting yourself out. Q: What's the key in making that climb to the bigs? A: I think it's just routine. They really preach that. When you're struggling, you can't come off your routine because that's what got you to this point. It's just getting more consistent, not giving up at-bats, being able to consistently put the bat on the ball, make adjustments. Now, we're trying to make adjustments mid-game. Big leaguers make adjustments after every pitch. When we can start making those transitions, I think that will be the time to get called up. Q: You were set to play college ball at Florida State. Was it a tough decision to sign with the Crew? A: Yeah. That facility and that tradition is top-notch. It was definitely a serious commitment. With how far I dropped in the draft and whatnot, it definitely made the decision a lot harder. But I saw the importance of getting into pro ball early at a young age. My dream was to play in the big leagues, not start at a D-I college, even though that would be nice dream for some other kids. But that wasn't the ultimate goal. Q: Finally, you were ejected from a game earlier in the year when you drew a line in the dirt with your bat to let the home plate ump know how far off the edge you thought the pitch was on a called third strike. Any regrets? A: I wish I could take it back. What I've learned about umpires is we're going to be seeing these guys possibly throughout our whole career, not just here. And it's definitely not good to get on their bad side. You let them know that they missed a call, but you don't want to show them up. Because later in the year, later in your career, you could see them again and the same thing might happen. I've learned from it. The tool box Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager Jeff Isom breaks down Scooter Gennett's skills: - Hitting for average: In my eyes, he's going to be above average in hitting. He's going to hit for a high average. He has a knack for putting the barrel of the bat on the ball, no matter if it's inside, outside, breaking pitches. He's always in a good hitting position. His hands are always back — even if he gets out front, his hands are in a good hitting position. - Hitting for power: He'll surprise you. Is he going to be a 30-home run guy? Probably not. Does he have a chance to be a 15 (-home run guy)? Maybe. Time will tell on that, but he does a lot of great things with his swing to get him in position to hit, and hit with power. - Running speed: Right now, we've got an average to maybe slightly below average (runner). But I think as he continues to work and get stronger, that will improve and he could be an average to maybe a slightly above average baserunner. - Arm strength: He's got a very good arm. He's got to work on some throwing technique and mechanics, but he can get it over there to first base. He shows a strong arm. - Fielding: He profiles as a prototypical second baseman now. … Defensively, from the beginning of the season until now, he has improved steadily. Glove work, getting acclimated to the second base position — he's showing a lot of good things. I see him as being an average major league second baseman, defensively. - Final thoughts: He's a confident kid — very confident in his ability on the offensive side. He's going to be a big leaguer at some point. An exciting, young player in the Brewers minor league system. Scooter Gennett has settled in at second base for the Timber Rattlers. (Post-Crescent photo by Patrick Ferron) http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20100523&Category=APC021102&ArtNo=5230564&Ref=AR&Profile=1019&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

Rattler Radio: Picture of a win

Stars take early lead, but fall to Braves By Aaron Morse, Huntsville Stars The Huntsville Stars (22-21) got a tremendous performance from Mark Rogers, but blew a 3-0 lead as they fell 4-3 to the Mississippi Braves (21-22) Saturday night. Rogers walked a season low one batter while striking out six in what was arguably his best outing of the season. The Stars would get him some run support right away. With one out in the first inning, Caleb Gindl was hit by a pitch. Brett Lawrie followed that up with a single up the gut. A Zelous Wheeler RBI double (audio) made it 1-0 Stars. Friday night’s hero Chris Errecart followed that up with an RBI grounder to plate Lawrie (audio) and extend the advantage to 2-0. The lone difficult inning for Rogers came in the bottom of the second. An error, a single and a walk loaded the bases with nobody out. But Rogers caught a break when Alejandro Machado lined a shot right back to the mound. Rogers caught it and doubled off the runner at second base. He would get the next hitter to ground-out and got out of the jam unscathed. Rogers helped his own cause in the top of the fourth. With one away Chuckie Caufield reached on a bunt single to extend his hitting streak to six games. With two away, Martin Maldonado drew a walk. That’s when Rogers laced a single to center to drive home Caufield (audio). After Rogers departed, Mark Willinsky took over and worked a very quick sixth inning. But the Braves got two runs back in the bottom of the seventh on a couple of singles, and some shaky Stars defense. A Juan Gonzalez single plated Donell Linares, who had also singled, and the Stars’ lead was 3-1 (audio). Then things got crazy. With runners at the corners and two down, Alex Romero hit a grounder to Andy Machado. Machado’s throw to Lawrie at second base was wide and got away. One run scored, but Cody Johnson was gunned down at the plate by Chris Errecart (audio). Johnson was immediately ejected from the game as he slammed his helmet down in anger. Braves’ manager Phillip Wellman would also be ejected. When the dust cleared, the Stars held on to a razor-thin one-run lead. Huntsville nearly got an insurance run in the top of the eighth, but Wheeler was thrown out at the plate trying to score on an Andy Machado fly ball to end the inning. Robert Hinton relieved Willinsky in the eighth inning and ran into trouble. He gave up a single and hit a man with nobody out. But a failed sacrifice bunt allowed the Stars to get the lead runner at third. A Donell Linares two-RBI double would give the Braves a 4-3 edge (audio). Hinton (0-2) took the loss while Juan Abreu (1-0) got the win for Mississippi. Lee Hyde worked a scoreless ninth for his fourth save of the year. With the loss the Stars drop to four games back of the Smokies in the North Division. It also snaps their four-game winning streak. It’s also only the second time all year the Stars have lost when leading after six innings. The Stars are back in action Sunday afternoon as they’ll send their ace Amaury Rivas (5-2, 2.05 ERA) to the mound. First pitch is at 2:05 PMCentral Time. You can tune in on www.huntsvillestars.com.

Nashville's Stu Paul lets us know about a couple of outstanding defensive plays that allowed Friday's 3-1 vicory to happen.