Jim Goulart

From the Manatees front office: Congrats to Amaury Rivas for winning Brewers Minor League Pitcher of the Year and to Logan Schafer for winning Brewers Minor League Player of the Year honors. They will both be recognized at Miller Park later this month. Brewerfan says congrats as well!

Follow Thursday's action as it happens: MiLB.com now has Gameday available for AA as well as AAA this season. Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_09_10_tenaax_hunaax_1&did=t559&sid=t559 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_09_10_misrok_helrok_1&did=t433&sid=t433

Thursday's Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: Season complete Huntsville: RHP Josh Butler at home vs. Tennessee (Cubs), 6:45 PM pre-game; 7:00 gametime; game one in a best-of-five series Live Audio Link Brevard County: Season complete Wisconsin: Season complete Helena: LHP Del Howell at home vs. Missoula (Diamondbacks), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link Arizona Summer League: Season complete Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: Season complete

Link while active, text follows: Playoffs provide new starting point for Stars Lackluster second half of regular season over; Smokies now on deck By Paul Gattis Huntsville Times Sports Staff Isn't the law of baseball averages on the side of the team that has lost nine straight? Isn't all the pressure on the opposition? So, yes, the struggling Huntsville Stars are revved up for tonight's Southern League playoff opener against the Tennessee Smokies. "The good thing with us now is we're 0-0," Stars outfielder Drew Anderson said. "To a certain degree, that almost makes us dangerous because we've lost nine in a row. Eventually, we've got to win one." The Stars and the Smokies face off at 7 p.m. at Joe Davis Stadium to open the best-of-five series. The Stars won the North Division first-half title with a 38-31 record. But in the second half, the Stars had the worst record in the Southern League (25-44). At 63-75 for the season, the Stars are the only team in the playoffs with a losing overall record. "Now that the season is over, the pressure is off a little bit more," second baseman Shane Justis said. "Toward the end of every season, guys want to finish well with their numbers, and guys worry about that a little bit and it affects your play. "Now it's a clean slate - just go out and have fun like we did in the first half." Of course, this isn't the same team that won the first-half title. Ace Chris Cody was promoted to Triple-A Nashville along with center fielder Adam Stern and top reliever Robert Hinton. Utility man Vinny Rottino was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Of the five pitchers manager Bob Miscik has lined up for the series, only Game 3 starter Mark Holliman was in the rotation in the first half. Josh Butler (2-1, 2.85 ERA) will pitch tonight for the Stars while Nick Green (1-6, 4.30) goes Friday. "What I'm most happy about is the way our pitchers have been throwing down the stretch," Miscik said. "We just haven't been scoring any runs." In the nine-game skid, the Stars have scored just 16 runs. But today may be the day the bats go nuclear. "I've been on teams the last two years that were 30 and 35 games over .500 and we lost in the first round," Anderson said. "It doesn't really matter what your record is now."

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Final: Great Falls (White Sox) 6, Helena 5 Helena Independent Record: Brewers fail to hold 2-run lead in ninth GREAT FALLS - The Helena Brewers let one slip away Wednesday, in a topsy-turvy contest at Centene Stadium. The Brewers went into the bottom of the ninth inning with a two-run lead over Great Falls, but allowed three runs to score in the Voyagers' last at bat to fall by a score of 6-5. With Great Falls runners on second and third with two down, Helena was clinging to a one-run lead and were one out from victory, when Jose Vargas popped a high fly ball to the right side of the infield. But Brewers' second baseman Cutter Dykstra dropped the ball, as Zachary Kayne and Jeffrey Tezak both raced home, with the tying and winning runs, respectively. The loss drops Helena to 11-25 for the second half of the season, while Great Falls improves to 20-16. Paul Burnside was the winning pitcher, and Kristian Bueno took the loss. Helena got on the board first, taking a 1-0 lead after the opening inning when Scott Krieger drove in Chad Stang with a triple to left field. Great Falls went on top 2-1 in the third frame. Jesus Avila scored Robert Cummings with a sacrifice fly, and Nick Ciolli's ground out drove in Chase Blackwood. In the sixth stanza, the Brewers plated two tallies to pull back ahead, 3-2. Sean Halton delivered the crucial base knock, a ringing two-run double to center field, driving in Michael Marseco and Chris Ellington. The Northern Division foes traded runs over the next two innings. The Electric City group tied it up at 4-all in the seventh, but the Brew Crew answered back in the eighth, when Ellington doubled, and then sped home on Halton's RBI single to left. Halton finished with a double, a single and three ribbies. Helena added an insurance run in the top of the ninth. After Dykstra singled, Michael Roberts stroked an RBI triple over the center fielder's head, as the Brewers went up 5-3. Then came Great Falls' fateful three-run rally for the victory. Helena will next host Missoula Thursday at Kindrick Legion Field, the first pitch slated for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). Helena Box Score Cutter Dykstra wasn't given an error on the game-ending pop-up, but regardless Helena's miserable season continues as the Great Falls newspaper clearly states it was a drop; Dykstra on base four times, Chad Stang and Sean Halton each reached thrice, as Halton continues to rake; 22-year-old LHP Caleb Thielbar was beyond fantastic in Maryvale and he stranded two runners by getting two outs for RHP Eric Arnett here; Arnett alllowed seven baserunners in a pretty solid 5.1 innings of work... Helena Game Log Brewer batters struck out 18 times -- yowza!

Final: Tampa (Yankees) 5, Brevard County 2 Link while active, text follows: Tampa bounces Brevard Manatees eliminated from FSL playoffs BY MARK DeCOTIS FLORIDA TODAY The Brevard County Manatees gave it their best shot but it just wasn't enough. The Manatees, the Florida State League's North Division first-half champions, fell 5-2 to the second-half champion Tampa Yankees at Space Coast Stadium Wednesday night in the second game of the best-of-three divisional playoff. Tampa won the series opener 11-5 on Tuesday. The Manatees didn't go quietly. They put runners on first and third with no outs in the bottom of the eighth, igniting the announced crowd of 1,408. Lee Haydel walked and Eric Farris laid down a bunt that Yankee reliever Noel Castillo threw into right field. Logan Schafer hit a grounder to short, scoring Haydel and tying the game 2-2. But in the ninth, Tampa's Brandon Laird slammed a two-run homer to left for a 4-2 lead. Jack Rye added a run-scoring triple for the 5-2 margin and the series. Tampa plays the winner of the Fort Myers-Charlotte matchup -- the final Game is tonight -- for the FSL championship beginning Friday. "They swung the bats; the long ball tonight killed us," Manatees manager Mike Guerrero said. "You can't defense the long ball. "I thought we played a great ballgame. Everything came their way. "We played outstanding defense." Things were slowed by a 47-minute rain delay that followed a cloudburst in the top of the third. The Manatees struck first as Yankee reliever Adam Olbrychoski walked the first two batters in the fourth and Chris Errecart singled in Schafer for a 1-0 lead. But Tampa went ahead 2-1 three batters later on Austin Romine's two-run homer to right. Brevard County Box Score The 'Tees didn't take better advantage of some Yankee wildness in the middle innings; had a chance to listen to the game after the early rain dealy, thanks again to Stephen for setting up the broadcast... Brevard County Game Log Brevard County's Logan Schafer slides back safely to first during Wednesday's playoff game against Tampa. (Photo by Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAY) http://cmsimg.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A9&Date=20090910&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=909100321&Ref=AR&Profile=1002&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

The Helena season, well the Pioneer League season, always staggers a week or so beyond the other seasons. In terms of being concerned about getting hurt in the playoffs as stats don't count, I'm not sure I understand your point. The concerns aren't weather-related, like playing World Series games in November. Minor league seasons above rookie ball are about 140 games. A best-of-two series followed by a possible championship best-of-three series isn't worth the risk of injury in order to give players something to shoot for all season from a team standpoint, beyond individual stats? Guess they shouldn't have instructionals in Maryvale or the Arizona Fall League because players might get hurt? I'm glad when players in the playoffs don't get hurt, too, but what that has to do with stats not counting is beyond me, sorry.

Huntsville playoff audio with Brett starting Thursday -- riding high on a nine-game losing streak!

Nashville Site: 2009 Sounds Season In Review

UGH -- Michael Fiers gives up a two-run HR in the top of the 9th, sigh...Laird again. 4-2 Yankees.

Chris Mehring promises posts all off-season, he was busy today, continue to check out the Rattler Radio Blog

Follow Wednesday's action as it happens: Brevard County: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&gid=2009_09_09_tbyafa_breafa_1&cid=503&t=g_box Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_09_09_helrok_grfrok_1&did=t433&sid=t433

Wednesday's Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: Season complete Huntsville: Playoffs begin Thursday Brevard County: RHP Amaury Rivas at home vs. Tampa (Yankees), 5:50 PM pre-game; 6:05 gametime; game two in a best-of-three series; Tampa leads, 1-0 Live Audio Link -- Thank You Stephen Smith of SpaceCoastBaseball.com Wisconsin: Season complete Helena: RHP Eric Arnett at Great Falls (White Sox), 7:45 PM pre-game; 8:00 gametime Live Audio Link Arizona Summer League: Season complete Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: Season complete

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Final, regularly scheduled game: Helena 4, Great Falls 3 The first game actually was played through nine innings, this one went seven... Helena Independent Record: GREAT FALLS - The newly playoff-ineligible Helena Brewers salvaged a split with the hosting Voyagers in a Pioneer League doubleheader at Centene Stadium on Tuesday night. The Brewers scored three runs in the top of the fifth and held off a late rally for the 4-3 win in the night's seven-inning latter contest. Chad Stang, Michael Marseco and Chris Ellington each singled in a Helena run during the decisive fifth inning. The Brewers pounded Voyagers Pioneer League All-Star starter Matt Wickswat for eight hits and four runs in just over four innings. Wickswat, who fell to 2-2, was hurt by three Great Falls errors. Robert Currie picked up the win in relief for Helena, improving to 4-2. Sean Halton singled twice for the Brewers. Helena Game Two Box Score RHP Jake Odorizzi gets the taste of his last starts debacle out with a good effort here, aided by LHP Kristian Bueno stranding two runners in the 5th for him; big, 22-year-old 13th round first baseman Sean Halton (stats) could walk more, but has raked otherwise... Helena Game Two Game Log Edgar Trejo pinch-run for after moving to 2nd base on a sacrifice bunt -- odd timing; "Curry" won Game One, "Currie" Game Two...

Final, completion of suspended game: Great Falls (White Sox) 4, Helena 2 Independent Record: The Voyagers used a three-run sixth inning to take the first game of the night from the Brewers 4-2, continuing an Aug. 31 contest in Great Falls that was suspended in the bottom of the first due to nearby lightning. Voyager Rob Cummings knocked a two-run home run during the sixth. Pioneer League All-Star Brandon Kloess and Nelson Curry combined for seven innings of two-run ball in relief of Great Falls starter J.R. Ballinger. The pair combined to allow five hits and strike out 10. Curry picked up the win, improving to 5-3. Tyler Roberts homered and tripled in the losing effort for Helena. He was the only player with multiple hits. Andre Lamontagne fell to 2-4 with the loss. Helena Game One Box ScoreVoyagers stole seven bases in eight attempts, meanwhile... Helena Game One Game Log How not to steal bases -- Helena Top 2nd Pitcher Change: Brandon Kloess replaces Jimmy Ballinger. Defensive Substitution: Jordan Cheatham replaces right fielder Ryan Hamme, batting 2nd, playing right field. Sean Halton called out on strikes. Cameron Garfield singles on a line drive to left fielder Nicholas Ciolli. With Joseph Paciorek batting, Cameron Garfield caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Chase Blackwood to shortstop Matthew Harughty. Joseph Paciorek walks. With Michael Roberts batting, Joseph Paciorek caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Chase Blackwood to shortstop Matthew Harughty.

Final: Tampa (Yankees) 11, Brevard County 5 -- Tampa leads best-of-three series, 1-0; game two, and if necessary, game three in Brevard The Yankees' Brandon Laird had a perfect 4-for-4 night at the plate with five RBIs and two runs scored. Brevard County Box Score Brewer pitchers walked eight (Mark Rogers four), hit two batters, and allowed 14 hits (four for extra bases); Manatees closed it to 6-4 after six innings (Brent Brewer struck out with the bases loaded to end the 6th); RHP Mark Willinsky and LHP Brandon Ritchie struggled in a four-run Yankee 7th to ice the win for Tampa; Milwaukee missed out on RF Daniel Brewer out of Bradley University, posting an .828 OPS in combined A-ball stops in '09; every Manatee reached base at least once, but as noted above, no power bats in this one... Brevard County Game Log Two walks really came back to bite LHP Daniel Merklinger in the 5th; three Yankees were tagged out at the plate by Martin Maldonado -- Steffan Wilson threw one out in the 1st from right field, and Logan Schafer, as noted, threw out two, one via a Brent Brewer relay throw... NOTE: RHP Brandon Rapoza was wearing #30. Somehow his jersey was left behind in Brevard, so he wore #30 instead of his standard #16. The Tampa PA announcer, obviously just reading off of the Manatee roster, announced him into the game as Jeremy Jeffress. The mistake was quickly taken care of and changed in the box score. By the way, I was able to listen in for two hours, through six innings. Stephen did a nice job for us -- he's not a broadcaster, but certainly did not stumble over his words, and showed a lifelong passion for minor league baseball. Articulate and knowlegeable, if not with the emotion that a playoff broadcast might have normally when delivered by a year-long play-by-play voice. But the effort was certainly appreciated, and with a Milwaukee matinee Wednesday, it is hoped more get a chance to listen to him Wednesday evening back at Space Coast.

Interesting to hear Stephen discuss Manatee catcher Martin Maldonado -- with his longtime ties to the Angels' organization, Stephen is aware of Maldonado's very early pro years there before his release and subsequent signing with the Brewers.

Mark just surrendered a home run to lead off the 2nd inning, now 3-0 -- he picked the wrong night for his first uneven outing in ages.

Link Report Bonus: The bad with the good Jennifer Heether met her husband, Adam, in high school. He was a star on the Ripon (Calif.) baseball and football team, and she wasn't into it. "It turned me off more than anything, so I just didn't give him much of my attention," she said. But one thing that can be said about many athletes is they are tenacious, and two weeks before Adam moved to Alaska to play ball, he and Jennifer started dating. They were engaged right after he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers organization, and for the last five years she traveled with her husband, who now plays for the Nashville Sounds. "There is so much excitement in seeing your spouse follow his dream," she said. "It's become my dream even though it never would have been." *** Adam mentioned Jennifer in my 2006 interview with him. So even if the Brewers won't heed our call and reward you with a 40-man spot, Adam, please know we're rooting for you.

Follow Tuesday's action as it happens: Brevard County: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&gid=2009_09_08_breafa_tbyafa_1&cid=503&t=g_box Helena Completion of Suspended Game: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_08_31_helrok_grfrok_1&did=t433&sid=t433 Helena Regularly Scheduled Game: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_09_08_helrok_grfrok_1&did=t433&sid=t433

Tuesday's Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: Season complete Huntsville: Playoffs begin Thursday Brevard County: RHP Mark Rogers at Tampa (Yankees), 5:45 PM pre-game; 6:00 gametime; game one in a best-of-three series Live Audio Link -- Thank You Stephen Smith of SpaceCoastBaseball.com Wisconsin: Season complete Helena: First, it's the completion of August 31st's game, which was halted by lightning, scoreless after one inning; then, it's the regularly scheduled nightcap, each contest now slated for seven innings, at Great Falls (White Sox), 6:45 PM pre-game; 7:00 gametime -- expect RHP Jake Odorizzi in the opener and RHP Andre Lamontagne in game two Live Audio Link Arizona Summer League: Season complete Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: Season complete

Brevard County Manatees players (standing, left to right) Caleb Gindl, Amaury Rivas, Logan Schafer and Eric Farris (on ground). (Photo by Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY) http://cmsimg.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A9&Date=20090908&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=909080320&Ref=AR&Profile=1002&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

When Caleb Gindl exited after one inning in the final regular season game Saturday, it was for a reason, and not a good one. Gindl, who grounded into a double play in his final at-bat Saturday, apparently has a broken hand and has been placed on the disabled list. Filling the playoff roster spot will be LHP Brandon Ritchie, receiving a deserved bump from Wisconsin. Bummer for Gindl, at least he wasn't scheduled for Arizona Fall league action this year. Should someone be able to listen in to the Manatee playoff broadcast tonight and learns more, please fill us all in.