Jim Goulart

Link, text follows: Top pick Arnett adjusts to pro ball 'Workhorse' righty throws fewer innings on Brewers' farm By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com During his junior year at Indiana University, right-hander Eric Arnett was among the nation's leaders in innings pitched, with 108. His six complete games tied him for fifth among all Division I pitchers. He averaged around 115 pitches per start throughout the season. In other words, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander was the epitome of a workhorse. So when the No. 26 overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft began his career in the Milwaukee Brewers system and went a total of three innings over his first two outings, it was, well, different. "It was definitely weird," Arnett, now a part of the Helena Brewers staff in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. "I usually don't get going until the third or fourth inning; I'm better in the middle innings. But I know it's only for this summer. It will be good in the long run, but it's a little difficult to get used to after starting." Arnett made his debut on June 24, coming into the game in relief and pitching one inning. He gave up two runs on one hit and two walks, a combination of being a little amped up and a little rusty figuring into the performance. He had last faced live hitters in a game situation back on May 29, in the Hoosiers' Regional game against Louisville. He followed that up five days later with the first "start" of his pro career. It lasted just two innings, but he was much sharper, allowing two hits and no walks or runs, striking out two. "Once I got my feet wet, I've settled down a bit," Arnett said. "I don't think any pitcher wants to come out. I knew going into it, that I'd have limited innings each start." This is a big departure from a guy who hit the 140-pitch mark in two different starts and was over 125 pitches on four other occasions. Those who are ready to cry abuse, something not uncommon in the college game, may want to wait. Arnett himself never really had a problem with it. "I think pitch count is a little overblown," he said. "As long as you're not changing your mechanics, you're OK. I was throwing harder and better later in games. It never affected me. "At the beginning of the year, we didn't have a really set bullpen or closer. You almost had to [go deep]. Every inning you can stay in was a good thing." Arnett has a firm grasp of what he needs to do if he wants to continue to work as a starter. It's all about the secondary stuff for the right-hander, namely his splitter and his changeup. The latter is a pitch he knows how to throw, but never really did in college. He threw one change in that first outing -- out of the strike zone -- but that's been about it thus far. It might be something that will wait until instructional league after the Pioneer League season is over. "People didn't need to tell me that. I know I'll need my changeup and splitter if I want to remain a starter," Arnett said. "Otherwise, I might have to move into relief. I definitely need to work on them." Normally, when a pitcher goes to begin his career in a place like Helena, Mont. -- even a first-round pick -- he tends to fade into anonymity. The thousand or so fans who come to Kindrick Field on any given night might get to know a player like Arnett, but that would be about it. In today's electronic age, however, players don't have to disappear into the Minor League woodwork. Arnett has developed a pretty strong following on Twitter (he can be found @eric_arnett), something he started doing to let fans in on the Draft process, and something he has continued doing since he signed. It's been a good way for him to interact with fans, though he has learned that he shouldn't be the source of breaking news. "I did get in a little trouble, so I'll have to watch what I say and when," said Arnett, referring to the fact he inadvertently broke the story of him signing with the Brewers. "I was surprised how many people were following me. I've got a bunch of Brewers fans on there. It's been fun, and I've enjoyed the support."

RHP Rolando Pascual, 2005 -- $710,000OF Jose Garcia, 2007 -- $550,000 RHP Wily Peralta, 2005 -- $450,000 SS Yohannis Perez, 2006 (DR via Cuba) -- $450,000 OF Hitaniel Arias, 2007 -- $450,000 RHP Roque Mercedes, 2004 -- $375,000 Garcia and Arias a combined $1,000,000 in '07, significant investments.

Nashville Pre-Game Audio Chat with Sounds Manager Don Money Discussion about the three All-Stars, with the focus on defense for both Alcides Escobar and Brendan Katin, mix in some R.J. Swindle...good stuff as usual

Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nashville 45 35 .563 - 25-17 20-18 W1 Iowa 40 39 .506 4.5 23-17 17-22 L5 Memphis 37 41 .474 7.0 22-16 15-25 L1 Omaha 31 48 .392 13.5 14-23 17-25 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Huntsville 6 4 .600 - 4-2 2-2 W1 Chattanooga 5 5 .500 1.0 3-1 2-4 W2 Tennessee 5 5 .500 1.0 2-2 3-3 L1 West Tenn 5 5 .500 1.0 2-2 3-3 L1 Carolina 2 8 .200 4.0 1-5 1-3 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - FSL North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clearwater 7 0 1.000 - 0-0 7-0 W8 Tampa 3 1 .750 2.5 2-1 1-0 W2 Brevard County 3 2 .600 3.0 2-2 1-0 W2 Dunedin 3 2 .600 3.0 3-2 0-0 L2 Daytona 4 3 .571 3.0 1-2 3-1 L2 Lakeland 2 3 .400 4.0 0-0 0-0 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - PIO North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Great Falls 6 3 .667 - 4-1 2-2 L2 Helena 5 4 .556 1.0 3-2 2-2 W1 Missoula 5 4 .556 1.0 3-1 2-3 W2 Billings 2 7 .222 4.0 1-3 1-4 L1

Midwest League Standings Arizona League Standings Dominican Summer League Standings

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated a few hours prior to gametime. Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): *** We're going to include the link to Kraig McNutt's Nashville blog in the same post as the Nashville media notes link going forward. Kraig has video for you (Chris Cody from Tuesday's game). *** "Voice of the Rattlers" Chris Mehring's informative and entertaining Rattlers Radio Blog includes game notes an hour or two before gametime.

Follow Thursday'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. MiLB.com now has Gameday available for AA as well as AAA this season. Nashville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_02_nasaaa_rreaaa_1 Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t559&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_02_hunaax_tenaax_1 Brevard County Game One: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_02_breafa_chaafa_1 Brevard County Game Two: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_02_breafa_chaafa_2 Wisconsin: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_07_02_cliafx_wisafx_1&did=t572&sid=t572 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t433&gid=2009_07_02_helrok_bilrok_1&cid=433&t=g_box Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_02_brrrok_rngrok_1 Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&gid=2009_07_02_drsrok_dobrok_1&cid=3130&t=g_box

Thursday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: LHP Chase Wright at Round Rock (Astros), 6:40 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link Huntsville: RHP Josh Butler at Tennessee (Cubs), 6:00 PM pre-game; 6:15 gametime Live Audio Link Brevard County: RHP's Alex Periard and Evan Anundsen in a doubleheader at Charlotte (Rays), 4:05 PM gametime; each contest slated for seven innings -- we'll see if Amaury Rivas' start date was affected by the consecutive rainouts Live (Opponent's) Audio Link Wisconsin: LHP Dan Merklinger at home vs. Clinton (Mariners), 6:50 PM pre-game, 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link Helena: RHP Hiram Burgos at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link Arizona Summer League: at the Rangers' complex in Surprise; no more day games -- all games begin at 7:00 local time in the desert; no audio, naturally... Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: at home vs. the DSL Red Sox (see this thread for some roster background) -- all games are 10:30 local time in the Dominican, and no need to ask about web audio; we usually won't see updated box scores until the overnight...

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Link while active, text follows: Southern All-Star Hatton's Hand will pitch in Double A All-Star Game By Gregg Dewalt Sports Editor, Timesdaily.com (Alabama) The way he's pitching, Donovan Hand's days with the Huntsville Stars could to be numbered - in a good way. Those numbers Hand has been putting up as a member of the Stars starting rotation have been nothing short of spectacular. Hand, a member of the Milwaukee Brewers organization, is 6-1 with a 2.39 ERA. He's struck out 39 and walked only 16 in 67 2/3 innings. The former Hatton and Jacksonville State standout has been rewarded for a sterling first half of the Double A season with a selection to the Southern League All-Star Game at Regions Park on July 13. Hand said his selection to the All-Star team was an honor. "It's not something that you expect, but you are hoping for it," Hand said. "When you get an honor like that at this level, it's a notch in your belt. You know you have opened the eyes of some people whose eyes need to be opened." The award also is meaningful because the selections are voted on by the league's coaches. "It's awesome because you know you've done something that impressed some people," he said. "There are some managers in this league who have been around for a while and who played in the major leagues." It's the second all-star selection for Hand, although he had to skip the Florida State League game last year after being called up to Huntsville. Hand is eager for the All-Star Game for another reason - the annual Home Run Derby will be held at historic Rickwood Field, a park that holds fond memories from his high school days. "(Hatton) Coach (Brent) Gillespie scheduled some games for us there and I remember hitting a couple of home runs there," Hand said. "I definitely will let my teammates know about that. I'm sure all of those memories will come back when I get there. There's so much history at that park, too. It's overwhelming. I'm glad other parts of the country and the world will get to see it." Having erased the memory of a poor second half of 2008 in which he was 3-4 with a 5.09 ERA after his call-up to the Stars, Hand is hoping to continue his rise in the organization. He's not sure when or if the call to Triple A or even the Brewers will come. "They are pretty much backed up at Triple A, but I'd like to keep doing what I've been doing and force them to move me," he said. "I hope I can just keep it going here at Huntsville and see what happens."

Link while active, text follows: Brett Christopherson column: Timber Rattlers' Brock Kjeldgaard making shift from pitcher to hitter GRAND CHUTE - Two summers ago, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers manager Jeff Isom was skippering the rookie level Helena (Mont.) Brewers, when the team's radio announcer approached with an idea. If this Brock Kjeldgaard kid ever has trouble finding the plate, you might want to try having him stand next to it. You know - hit. "And I was like, 'I don't know. How many guys actually do that, go from pitcher to position player?' " Isom said. "But I give him credit. He was right." The Milwaukee Brewers selected Kjeldgaard as a right-handed pitcher in the 34th round of the 2005 June draft. Today, the 24-year-old Canadian is a slugging first baseman/outfielder who leads the Timber Rattlers with 11 homers and 46 RBI in 73 games. Seamless transition? Hardly. While his power continues to impress, he'll assess his overall production as still being very much a work in progress. "I've had a couple of good days, and a couple of bad days," Kjeldgaard said. "I'd just like to be a little bit more consistent day in and day out. There are days it seems like a struggle. But there are other days where I feel really good up there. So I'd like to have a better balance." Like giving that batting average a nudge. He was scuffling at .215 over 246 plate appearances following Wednesday's 4-3 Midwest League win over the Clinton LumberKings at Fox Cities Stadium, whiffing in his first two at-bats to add to his team-high 92 strikeouts before grounding out to short to end the fifth. But then came the biggest base knock of the afternoon when he roped a one-out triple to right in the seventh to drive in the game winner. Lasers like those are why Isom prefers to compliment rather than be critical when asked for a progress report on Kjeldgaard's switch. As a former pitcher himself, he said it's difficult - and rare - for a pitcher to convert to a position player and then have success. "Usually, it's the other way around," said Isom, a lefty who spent three years in the minors in the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres systems. "You get a hitter who just can't hit, but maybe he can field and shows a good arm. So you say, 'Well, he can't hit, so let's put him on the mound.' This is kind of the exception to that rule. "He's a very athletic kid. The organization thinks very highly of him. He goes about his business, works his tail off and keeps his mouth shut. Just a grinder-type guy. He's got a great attitude." And a smart head, too. Like Isom, Kjeldgaard realized soon into his professional career he didn't exactly have what you'd deem big league stuff, going 1-2 at Helena with a 5.29 ERA in 16 games - eight of which were starts - in 2006 and then 0-1 with a 5.91 ERA in 17 games - one start - in 2007. In his first season, Kjeldgaard said his fastball topped out in the high 80s but then dipped to the mid 80s the following year. Over a total of 81 1/3 innings, he fanned 46 and walked 34. But the kid could definitely hit and often displayed that ability in pitchers' batting practice by using his 6-foot-5 frame to pepper liners and launch deep bombs. It was nothing new, really, since he showed a lively bat during those junior college days in Iowa, where he also shined on the mound. "The pitching coach (at Helena) told me (during the 2007 season), 'What are you doing on the mound? You should be hitting,' " Kjeldgaard said with a laugh. "That was a pretty big sign, when your pitching coach tells you that." So was that phone call in October of '07 from Brewers director of player development Reid Nichols, explaining the organization's decision to move him from the mound to first base. Kjeldgaard responded by hitting .278 with 14 homers and 65 RBI in 75 games last season at Helena, while also landing a spot in the Pioneer League all-star game. He has also fared well on the field, supplying a big target at first and showing a solid glove in being able to pick throws in the dirt, while getting his first feel this season for outfield play. Kjeldgaard has just eight errors in 51 games at first base and 20 games in left field. "I was a little shocked at first, because you don't really expect to hear that news," Kjeldgaard said of Nichols' call. "But I got excited after I let it set in a little bit. I knew it was a fresh start. And I knew I could hit from junior college. I just didn't know they knew I could." A lot of folks do, now. Perhaps his most memorable homer this season was the opposite-field, two-run shot he belted on April 24 at Miller Park in Milwaukee. The ball sailed into the right-field seats to highlight a three-run fifth as the Timber Rattlers rallied to beat Peoria 5-3. Isom remembers one clubbed at Fox Cities Stadium. It was during batting practice and the ball tagged the top of the left-center-field scoreboard, which is situated beyond the 385-foot mark and about 40 feet high. And then there was another at Kane County, where the ball nearly hit the top of a light tower before clearing a clump of trees. "In our organization, we don't have a lot of guys with raw power," Isom said. "But he's one of those guys who has raw power. It's a credit to what he's done. Yeah, he's striking out a little, but that's just the progression of becoming a hitter. "When he puts the balls in play, it's usually hit hard. And when he gets a pitch he can handle, he can hit it a looong way." *** If that's true, that Kjeldgaard's conversion was suggested to Brewers management by Helena's broadcaster Steve Wendt initially, that is a heck of a side story to this tale.

Link while active, text follows: Attendance at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute bigger than ever for Timber Rattlers Fans pay closer attention, thanks to new link to Brewers By Brett Christopherson Post-Crescent staff writer GRAND CHUTE - It took one climb of the dugout stairs and a step onto the field for Wisconsin Timber Rattlers catcher Corey Kemp to realize he wasn't at rookie ball anymore. The seats were stuffed. The place was abuzz. A professional baseball player he finally felt. "When you think cold baseball weather, you think nobody in the stands," the 23-year-old Kemp said as he recalled that April 6 evening at Fox Cities Stadium, when a crowd of 5,487 braved temperatures in the low 50s to help the Rattlers usher in another Midwest League season. "Those are the toughest days to play, but it makes it easier when you've got fans, it really does. People who tell you it doesn't matter, they're lying. It was definitely a nice change of pace coming from the low levels of minor league baseball." The attendance total was considered a sellout, shattering the club's 1995 home opener mark of 3,474 and foreshadowing an impressive showing at the gate that has the franchise positioned at establishing a new single-season high. Front office officials recently announced the Rattlers, propelled by their new affiliation with the Milwaukee Brewers, had eclipsed the 100,000 attendance barrier through the first half of a season for the first time in team history as they welcomed 107,362 fans in 33 openings. A crowd of 3,322 checked out Wisconsin's 4-3 Midwest League win over Clinton on Wednesday, raising the season total to 128,026 through 39 dates for a 3,283 per-game average. Keep in mind a first-half attendance total of 82,822 was reached in 1996, the same year the franchise produced its overall record of 233,797. That meant nearly 151,000 folks flocked to the park the second half of that year, a number that would easily push the team past this season's goal of 225,000. The club drew 190,263 last season. "It doesn't matter what year you look at, the second half is always stronger than the first half," Rattlers president Rob Zerjav said. "So that's what we're hoping for. Two hundred, twenty-five thousand is a number that would we nice. Over that would be great. But even if we don't get to 225,000, it has still been a great year, a great partnership." The Rattlers and Brewers agreed in September on a four-year player development pact that stations Milwaukee's Class A minor league talent in Grand Chute through 2012. Wisconsin had been affiliated with the Seattle Mariners the previous 16 seasons. Understandably, fan interest heightened, given the Brewers' close proximity and rise as a National League contender. Case in point: A crowd of 17,880 flocked to Milwaukee's Miller Park to catch the April 24 game pitting the Rattlers against Peoria. Incidentally, that figure is included as part of Wisconsin's home season total. "I see more people wearing Brewers stuff," said Fremont's Jeff Fahser, a social studies teacher at Weyauwega-Fremont Middle School and in his sixth season as a stadium usher. "More people are excited about these guys possibly playing someday at the major league level. There's a bigger interest. It's the baby Brewers who could someday become the major league Brewers." Denmark's Ron Grusznski, a 10-game season ticket holder who actually attends between 15 and 20 games a season, has noticed a more intense following in that fans seem interested in what's happening on the field as opposed to stopping by simply for the minor league experience. "There's a lot more excitement, cheering," said Grusznski, sporting a Rattlers jersey and cap while hunkered down with his wife, Shirley, two rows behind the first base dugout before Tuesday's game with Clinton. "We were to a lot of games last year, and it was dead. Even if they were scoring, nobody was making noise. So it's a lot nicer this way." Zerjav has noticed the fan base begin to branch out with folks making the trip from places like Stevens Point, Wausau, Sheboygan and particularly Milwaukee, which is part of the Time Warner Cable coverage area, that can take a peek at some of the Brewers' prospects by watching the network's broadcasts of select live games. He also noted a dip in the percentage of no-shows. "Last year, we had about 75 percent of the people buying tickets actually coming," Zerjav said. "And now we're at 82, 83 percent. And sometimes, we're upwards of 90 percent." While the new affiliation has certainly been a boon, Craig Dickman, chairman of the Rattlers' 11-person board of directors, said the team's ability to combat the sluggish economy by remaining affordable has been just as important. Wisconsin hasn't raised its ticket prices - $8.50 (box), $7 (reserved) and $5 (general admission) - since the 2006 season. "We're still a value-driven form of entertainment," Dickman said. "We've done a lot to try to keep the cost of admission and concessions down so families can come out and, for real inexpensive investment, have a real enjoyable family time." Dickman added the franchise is operating ahead of both last season's bottom line figures and this season's projections and is eyeing an even bigger second half. "Historically, that's been the case, as kids are out of school, more families attend and the warmer weather," he said. "We certainly planned for the growth in attendance because of the affiliation and hoped it would hit this level. We're very pleased with where we're sitting at the moment." Additional Facts Popularity on the rise Timber Rattlers' first-half season attendance dating to 1995, the team's first season at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. Final season totals are in parenthesis. 1995: 74,060 (209,159) 1996: 82,822 (233,797) 1997: 84,004 (227,104) 1998: 92,563 (227,306) 1999: 92,075 (223,814) 2000: 84,184 (215,612) 2001: 83,483 (207,823) 2002: 73,697 (199,210) 2003: 71,304 (198,004) 2004: 77,101 (206,487) 2005: 86,389 (211,927) 2006: 74,772 (209,033) 2007: 74,841 (197,511) 2008: 57,506 (190,263) 2009: 107,362 A good-sized crowd fills Fox Cities Stadium Tuesday night in Grand Chute to watch the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers play the Clinton Lumberkings. Attendance numbers are up for the first half of the season for the Timber Rattlers. Post-Crescent photo by Kirk Wagner http://cmsimg.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20090702&Category=APC0206&ArtNo=907020458&Ref=AR&Profile=1016&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

All photos by CASEY RIFFE/Billings Gazette Staff The Mustangs' Shane Carlson, top, doesn't get the catch in time as the Brewers' Joey Paciorek steals second base in the sixth inning of their game at Dehler Park Wednesday, July 1, 2009. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/5/30/7d1/5307d1e4-66d0-11de-97e5-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1246515581 The Brewers' Mike Brownstein, left, throws out the Mustangs' Humberto Sosa at second as he turns a double play in the second inning. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/e/c7/89e/ec789e6c-66d0-11de-a849-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1246515838 The Mustangs' Chris Richburg, right, goes to tag the Brewers' Mike Roberts after he is caught between first and second base in the fourth inning. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/2/a6/eec/2a6eec3a-66d1-11de-b073-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1246515942 Mustangs catcher Humberto Sosa tags the Brewers' Mike Brownstein out at home plate in the fifth inning. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/9/26/72f/92672f8c-66d1-11de-8373-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1246516117 Mustangs second baseman Mauricio Pimentel, left, doesn't get the tag on the Brewers' Mike Brownstein, who steals the base in the fifth inning. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/d/b6/71c/db671ce2-66d1-11de-ad63-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1246516239 The Brewers' Josh Prince, left, slides in safe for a steal on second base as Mustangs shortstop Shane Carlson leaps for the throw in the first inning. http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/2/f1/703/2f1703b6-66d2-11de-977d-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1246516380

Yes, grasshopper, you've been trained well. Thanks so much, battlekow. Everyone please be as appreciative for his efforts as you've expressed for mine in the past. I promise you it is time-consuming (but fun) to pore over the minutia of each game, and pointing out tidbits of importance or interest within each that may have been overlooked in the general game summary, or to review games in detail where no summary exists. I actually slept last night! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Please have reasonable expectations about what we may learn about the DSL squad. We're truly working off the box scores only, and we can't be pushing any Brewer sources we may have too often, certainly with questions about kids who aren't even stateside yet. Like the infamous Joan Abreu three-week absence, just go with the flow. Please feel free to put questions about other kids further along the chain within the Link Report.

25th round pick signs

News from Huntsville: The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced the North Division's starting lineup for the upcoming All Star Game, and three Stars were selected to start. Adam Stern (RF), Shane Justis (2B), and Jonathon Lucroy © will be in the starting lineup as the North Division takes on the South Division Monday, July 14th in Birmingham. 1: Ezequiel Carrera, West Tenn (CF) 2: Adam Stern, Huntsville (RF) 3: Todd Frazier, Carolina (LF) 4: Josh Bell, Chattanooga (3B) 5: Marshall Hubbard, West Tenn (DH) 6: Shane Justis, Huntsville (2B) 7: Blake Lalli, Tennessee (1B) 8: Jonathan Lucroy, Huntsville © 9: Zack Cozart, Carolina (SS) SP: Travis Wood, Carolina (P)

First a link to the April / May / June transaction thread, now closed -- The Milwaukee Brewers and the Huntsville Stars announced today that LHP David Welch has been assigned to Helena (paper move). Also, RHP Nick Green has been assigned to Huntsville from Nashville (via way of his rehab stint in Maryvale). Both moves are effective immediately and Green will be in uniform tonight for the Stars as they face the Tennessee Smokies.

Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nashville 44 35 .557 - 25-17 19-18 L1 Iowa 40 38 .513 3.5 23-16 17-22 L4 Memphis 37 40 .481 6.0 22-16 15-24 W2 Omaha 31 47 .397 12.5 14-22 17-25 W3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Huntsville 5 4 .556 - 4-2 1-2 L2 Tennessee 5 4 .556 - 2-1 3-3 W2 West Tenn 5 4 .556 - 2-1 3-3 W2 Chattanooga 4 5 .444 1.0 2-1 2-4 W1 Carolina 2 7 .222 3.0 1-5 1-2 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - FSL North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clearwater 5 0 1.000 - 0-0 5-0 W6 Tampa 3 1 .750 1.5 2-1 1-0 W2 Daytona 4 2 .667 1.5 1-1 3-1 L1 Brevard County 3 2 .600 2.0 2-2 1-0 W2 Dunedin 3 2 .600 2.0 3-2 0-0 L2 Lakeland 2 3 .400 3.0 0-0 0-0 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - PIO North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Great Falls 6 2 .750 - 4-1 2-1 L1 Helena 4 4 .500 2.0 3-2 1-2 L1 Missoula 4 4 .500 2.0 2-1 2-3 W1 Billings 2 6 .250 4.0 1-2 1-4 W1

Midwest League Standings Arizona League Standings Dominican Summer League Standings

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated a few hours prior to gametime. Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format): *** We're going to include the link to Kraig McNutt's Nashville blog in the same post as the Nashville media notes link going forward. Kraig has video for you (Chris Cody from Tuesday's game). *** "Voice of the Rattlers" Chris Mehring's informative and entertaining Rattlers Radio Blog includes game notes an hour or two before gametime.

Follow Wednesday'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. MiLB.com now has Gameday available for AA as well as AAA this season. Nashville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_01_nasaaa_rreaaa_1 Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t559&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_01_hunaax_tenaax_1 Brevard County Game One: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_01_breafa_chaafa_1 Brevard County Game Two: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_01_breafa_chaafa_2 Wisconsin: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_07_01_cliafx_wisafx_1&did=t572&sid=t572 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t433&gid=2009_07_01_helrok_bilrok_1&cid=433&t=g_box Arizona Rookie (Maryvale): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2009_07_01_mrnrok_brrrok_1 Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&gid=2009_07_01_ddorok_dobrok_1&cid=3130&t=g_box

Wednesday's Daily Menu: Times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: LHP Lindsay Gulin at Round Rock (Astros), 6:40 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Live Audio Link Huntsville: RHP Mark Holliman at Tennessee (Cubs), 6:00 PM pre-game; 6:15 gametime Live Audio Link Brevard County: RHP's Evan Anundsen and Amaury Rivas in a doubleheader at Charlotte (Rays), 4:00 PM gametime; each contest slated for seven innings Live (Opponent's) Audio Link Wisconsin: LHP Evan Frederickson at home vs. Clinton (Mariners), 11:50 AM pre-game, 12:05 PM gametime; RHP Wily Peralta is scheduled to pitch in relief Live Audio Link Helena: RHP Andre Lamontagne at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game; 8:05 gametime Live Audio Link Arizona Summer League: vs. the mini-Mariners in Maryvale; no more day games -- all games begin at 7:00 local time in the desert; no audio, naturally... Dominican Summer League Brewers / Orioles: at home vs. the DSL Dodgers (see this thread for some roster background) -- all games are 10:30 local time in the Dominican, and no need to ask about web audio; we usually won't see updated box scores until the overnight...

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Link while active, text follows: Brewers come up short By JASON SCOTT - Helena Independent Record The Brewers were seemingly up against the whole world Tuesday night. In a game that saw a Billings Mustangs lineup which consisted of players from eight different countries, Helena couldn't find the runs when it needed them and despite a late rally, the visitors prevailed, 9-6. The Brewers found themselves down early after Billings pushed five runs across in the second inning. In the ninth, Helena scored three but couldn't keep the inning going, thanks to two big strikeouts from Billings closer James Walczak. Both teams started out hot. Billings center fielder Alex Oliveras doubled to lead off the game and Yen-Wen Kuo, of Taiwan, doubled him home one batter later. The Brewers began much the same way. After Josh Prince was picked off at first following a single, Mike Brownstein walked and reached second on a balk by Billings starter Luca Panerati, of Italy. He stole second and came home when Chris Ellington ripped a shot through Billings shortstop Shane Carlson's hands. Ellington reached base all five times he batted Tuesday, earning two hits in the process. "I'm working on staying back and working the count so I can get good pitches to hit," Ellington said. "I'm getting good pitches to hit because I'm surrounded by great hitters." Helena's starter ran into trouble in the second inning. Florida's Sean Connor and Mexico's Humberto Sosa led off with a pair of singles to get the Billings offense started before Carlson walked. Dominican Republic's Mauricio Pimentel then stroked a single to score two. Kuo and Chris Richburg both drove in runs later in the inning and when the dust settled, the Mustangs had a comfortable 5-1 lead. Helena kept chipping away at the lead in the early goings. The Brewers scored again in the second when Prince sacrificed Edgar Trejo home on a grounder to short. In the third, Ellington doubled to lead things off, then came home on another sacrifice grounder. That's when the runs dried up for Helena. After Panerati went five strong innings, he got the hook in the sixth inning and Ezequiel Infante came on in relief. The Dominican pitched two innings, allowing just two hits to get the win. In the top of the eighth, the Brewers again had trouble with the Mustang bats. An error from Cutter Dykstra allowed Pimentel to reach base. He came around to score along with Kuo when Canada native Josh Garton slashed a single into right field to bolster the Billings lead. In the ninth, Sosa led off with a long home run to left off Brewers reliever Ben Jeffers. Jeffers settled down and got three quick outs and the Brewers were down to their final three outs. Prince, Brownstein and Scott Krieger all reached safely before Ellington legged out an infield hit. After two passed balls, Helena had cut the Billings lead in half. However, Walczak focused and got the next three batters in order, shutting down the rally. "We've got to win more," Gonzales said. "You know, .500, that's not very good. I'm not happy with that." The Brewers face the Mustangs again today in Billings starting at 7:05 PM. Andre Lamontagne is scheduled to start for Helena, which hopes to get above .500 again. "We just need to make the routine plays," Ellington said. "If pitchers get ahead in the count, we should do just fine." Helena Brewers right fielder Scott Krieger comes up short for a diving foul ball during Tuesday night's game against Billings at Kindrick Legion Field. (All Photos by Lisa Kunkel, Independent Record) http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers.jpg Brewers' Damon Krestalude fires in a pitch. Krestalude pitched into the third inning, giving up six earned runs before Rico Salmon came in relieve him. http://images.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers-2.jpg Brewers' Chris Ellington bats http://images.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers-3.jpg Brewers' Cutter Dykstra fields the ball http://images.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers-4.jpg Billings' Shane Carlson fields a hit from Brewers' Josh Prince http://images.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers-5.jpg Brewers' Josh Prince tries to beat the ball to the bag on a steal as Billings' Shane Carlson waits for the throw http://images.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers-6.jpg Brewers outfielder Mike Roberts catches a fly ball http://images.townnews.com/helenair.com/content/articles/2009/07/01/sports/top/50spl_090701_brewers-7.jpg