Jim Goulart

Wisconsin was shut out against Cedar Rapids, 1-0. The Timber Rattlers managed only four hits, including two from 16-year-old (yes, not 17 until August) Venezuelan outfielder Luis Chirinos. Trey Watten started and tossed three scoreless frames. Evan Frederickson picked up the loss, despite pitching five innings and allowing only one run. Frederickson walked three and struck out four. R H E Cedar Rapids 1 5 0 Wisconsin 0 4 0 WISCONSIN AB R H BI Marseco 3 0 0 0 Sanchez 1 0 1 0 Lawrie 4 0 1 0 Kjeldgaard 3 0 0 0 Vass 3 0 0 0 Zarraga 2 0 0 0 Kemp 2 0 0 0 Trejo 3 0 0 0 Miller 2 0 0 0 Chirinos 2 0 2 0 Delaney 1 0 0 0 IP H R ER BB SO TP Watten 3 1 0 0 1 1 39 Frederickson 5 3 1 1 3 4 68 Henderson 1 1 0 0 0 0 14

Brevard County won a slugfest, 12-10, against Rancho Cucamonga. The Manatees pounded out eight extra-base hits in the victory. Zelous Wheeler had three RBIs. Brent Brewer and Steffan Wilson each tripled and doubled. Lee Haydel said, "oh yeah" to that, and tripled and homered. One wonders if the speedster Haydel, without a home run in 776 pro AB's the past two years, may have legged out an inside-the-park variety. We've seen all the triples in these box scores this spring in the spacious Arizona parks. Brett Whiteside had three hits, including a double. Whiteside missed all but nine games at Helena last season with a left wrist injury. Rigoberto Almonte, last season's August rookie league surprise, finally stumbled in a mound appearance. R H E Rancho Cucamonga 10 12 2 Brevard County 12 13 0 BREVARD CO AB R H BI Farris 1 1 0 0 Miranda 1 0 0 0 Brewer 3 3 2 1 George 1 0 0 0 Gindl 4 2 1 2 Gillespie 4 1 1 0 Wheeler 4 0 2 3 Wilson 4 2 2 1 Whiteside 4 1 3 2 De La Rosa 2 0 0 0 Maldonado 1 0 0 0 Haydel 4 2 2 2 2B: Brewer, Wilson, Wheeler, Whiteside 3B: Wilson, Haydel, Brewer HR: Haydel Bitmap SF: Farris Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Bitmap Bowman 3 4 2 2 0 1 41 Merklinger 3 2 1 1 2 7 57 Axford 1 0 0 0 1 2 19 Almonte 0.1 3 6 4 1 0 22 Wooten 1 3 1 1 0 1 20

Huntsville dropped one to Arkansas, 5-2. The Stars were no-hit until the seventh inning when Johnny Raburn's single broke up the perfect game. Tim Dillard started and was tagged for five runs in five innings of work. Chris Cody pitched well in relief, posting four shutout innings, striking out six while walking none. The soft-tossing lefty with impeccable numbers throughout his pro career continues to shine -- he was acquired from Detroit in the Jose Capellan deal. R H E Huntsville 2 4 0 Arkansas 5 4 0 HUNTSVILLE AB R H BI Stern 2 0 0 1 Duran 2 0 1 0 Justis 3 0 0 0 Raburn 4 0 1 1 Rottino 3 0 1 0 Alfonso 2 0 1 0 Caufield 3 0 0 0 Paciorek 3 0 0 0 Fermaint 3 0 0 0 Perez 3 0 0 0 Dillard 1 0 0 0 Cody 0 1 0 0 Parejo 2 0 0 0 Lucroy 0 1 0 0 IP H R ER BB SO TP Dillard 5 3 5 5 3 1 73 Cody 4 1 0 0 0 6 52

We now move on to Saturday's games against Angels affiliates: Nashville played Salt Lake to a 2-2 tie. Manny Parra started and pitched 4.2 innings, allowing only one earned run. Parra got in his work at the 75-pitch mark. Mike Burns tossed 3.1 innings of scoreless relief for the Sounds. Angel Salome collected two hits, scored a run, and knocked one in. The "Martinez" you see is 17-year-old (a young 17, birthday was in January) Dominican infielder Andres Martinez, already 6'2", 178. He was signed to a pro contract last November. Throughout the spring, we saw a few A-ball and rookie league kids serve as late-inning replacements in the AAA and AA games. R H E Nashville 2 8 2 Salt Lake 2 7 0 NASHVILLE AB R H BI Tyner 4 0 1 0 Iribarren 3 1 1 0 Escobar 4 0 1 0 Almonte 4 0 0 0 Salome 3 1 2 1 Bourgeois 4 0 2 0 McPhearson 4 0 1 1 Cequea 3 0 0 0 Martinez 1 0 0 0 Parra 2 0 0 0 Roberts 1 0 0 0 2B: Bourgeois, Iribarren, Salome, McPhearson Bitmap Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Parra 4.2 5 2 1 1 4 75 Burns 3.1 1 0 0 0 2 43 Johnson 1 1 0 0 0 0 13

Wisconsin beat up on Lake County, 10-4. Erik Komatsu continued his hot-hitting, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Brett Lawrie added three runs and three RBIs of his own and smashed a home run and a double. Cody Adams has been a bit uneven in his early efforts. Cody Scarpetta pitched 3 2/3 innings, walking six but striking out nine in a very eventful 84-pitch effort. R H E Wisconsin 10 12 0 Lake County 4 8 1 WISCONSIN AB R H BI Dykstra 3 1 1 0 Trejo 1 0 0 0 Marseco 3 2 2 0 Lawrie 2 3 2 3 Komatsu 3 1 3 3 Kjeldgaard 3 0 2 1 Delaney 3 1 0 0 Vass 3 1 1 0 Miller 3 0 0 0 McCraw 2 1 1 1 Kemp 0 0 0 0 Zarraga 1 0 0 0 2B: Lawrie HR: Komatsu, Lawrie, McCraw SF: McCraw IP H R ER BB SO TP Adams 2.1 5 3 3 1 3 51 Meadows 0.2 1 1 1 0 2 12 Scarpetta 3.2 1 0 0 6 9 84 Ohlmann 1.1 1 0 0 0 1 17

Kinston knocked off Brevard County, 3-0, in a shortened game. The game was called after five innings due to a sand/windstorm. Lee Haydel had the lone Manatees hit. Mike Jones got the loss, despite not allowing an earned run. Jones did struggle, however, walking four and throwing 46 pitches in just 1.2 innings. R H E Brevard County 0 1 2 Kinston 3 1 2 BREVARD CO AB R H BI Haydel 3 0 1 0 Farris 3 0 0 0 Brewer 2 0 0 0 Gindl 2 0 0 0 Wilson 2 0 0 0 Miranda 1 0 0 0 Dennis 2 0 0 0 Whiteside 2 0 0 0 Maldonado 2 0 0 0 Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Bitmap Jones 1.2 1 3 0 4 1 46 Rivas 2 0 0 0 1 1 25 Lluberes 1.2 0 0 0 1 3 30

Huntsville downed Akron, 6-3. Adam Stern had three hits from the top of the order. Vinny Rottino had an RBI triple and Chris Errecart chipped in two doubles. Jeremy Jeffress started for the Stars and allowed two runs on five hits in four efficient innings, walking none and striking out one. Josh Wahpepah had another scoreless appearance. Robert Hinton managed to wiggle out of a bases-loaded, no-out, jam in the ninth to get the save. R H E Akron 3 8 1 Huntsville 6 12 0 HUNTSVILLE AB R H BI Stern 3 1 3 1 Fermaint 1 0 0 0 Justis 3 0 0 0 Rottino 3 1 1 2 Errecart 4 0 2 1 Parejo 4 0 1 0 Lucroy 4 1 1 0 Caufield 4 1 2 0 Perez 2 1 1 1 Raburn 2 0 0 0 Jeffress 1 1 1 0 Hopf 1 0 0 1 2B: Errecart 2, Stern, Perez 3B: Rottino IP H R ER BB SO TP Jeffress 4 5 2 2 0 1 61 Wahpepah 2 2 0 0 0 1 30 Baron 2 1 1 1 1 1 53 Hinton 1 0 0 0 3 1 28

Friday's action: On an extremely windy day, Nashville was defeated by Columbus, 16-11. The game featured 39 hits between the two teams. Cole Gillespie had two doubles and a home run amongst his four hits as the DH; he also drove in five runs. Derrick McPhearson had a home run and knocked in three. Hernan Iribarren, Erick Almonte, and Jason Bourgeois added three hits apiece to the Nashville cause. Angel Salome homered. The misfortune of pitching in the offense-friendly conditions fell to Sam Narron, Chris Smith, and R.J. Swindle. Narron did the best job of limiting the damage, with three runs allowed in his five innings despite plenty of baserunners. R H E Columbus 16 20 Nashville 11 19 NASHVILLE AB R H BI Tyner 4 2 1 0 Iribarren 6 2 3 1 Escobar 3 2 1 1 Gillespie 5 1 4 5 Gamel 3 0 1 0 Paciorek 0 0 0 0 Salome 3 1 1 1 Roberts 2 0 1 0 AlmonteE 5 0 3 0 Bourgeois 5 1 3 0 Narron 1 1 0 0 McPhearson 5 1 1 3 2B: Gillespie 2 3B: Iribarren HR: McPhearson, Salome, Gillespie Bitmap Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Narron 5 7 3 3 3 3 90 Smith 2 8 7 7 3 2 64 Swindle 2 5 3 3 1 2 57

We are about to post box scores for Friday's action, as well as Saturday's games -- double your pleasure! This will conclude the formal box score info for spring training. The teams play intrasquads on Sunday, there will be no formal reports from those games. The kids then scatter, with, I believe, each scheduled to play a local collegiate team at their home park in an exhibition game before the minor league regular season begins on Thursday evening.

Everyone, the "buzz" we're hearing is that the official team rosters for the top four affiliates will likely be released on Tuesday. Hopefully that sneaks up by one day to Monday for at least a couple of the squads. I think it will. I'm reminded of the extremely late roster addition Taylor Green was to the West Virginia roster in 2007. We saw it reported that he was a last-minute choice when circumstances warranted a very late opening at third base at the low-A level. Obviously not in exact words (but close), Green was "asked" if he could play third base. He was coming off a pedestrian rookie campaign in Helena in '06. Next thing you know, he is the Brewers Organizational Player of the Year for 2007 -- absolutely amazing. Will there be a Taylor Green-type placement in '09? Perhaps, but that exact type of circumstance is going to be near impossible to match. Obviously, we can all speculate as to the roster placements, but keep in mind that there will likely be more released player announcements as well as decisions are made. It's a very high-anxiety time for a lot of these kids and their families. The front offices of the affiliates are as anxious as we all are. We're working with them to get the rosters in as timely a manner as possible. But please understand that information won't be released until everything is formalized and the Brewers give clearance to the affiliates to release the information. So we'll be as patient as necessary. There probably won't be time for us to post a detailed roster analysis on Tuesday -- the info we pass on will basically be just the lists. We'll appreciate, as always, the comments of our diehard minor league readers to discuss and analyze the placements a bit, perhaps as the big league Brewers dodge expected raindrops in San Francisco on Tuesday. Until then...

Well, this contest has officially become a joke (not that it was ever very serious anyway). Gee, in the Elite Eight, four guys with "nicknames" defeated four guys with "real names", so I'm done following this sham. Maverick Lasker (still waiting to throw his first official pro pitch, by the way), was defeated by Shooter Hunt, I mean Steven Hunt, 52.9 to 47.1 %, despite our best efforts. Here's MiLB.com: Given Names vs. Nicknames It goes without saying that Given Kutz's given name is indeed "Given." German Sacks, Maverick Lasker and, remarkably, Rocky Roquet, also go by their given birth names. In the interests of full disclosure, we feel compelled to point out that the remaining four contestants owe much of their Minors Moniker Madness success to the fact that they officially go by a name other than what's on their birth certificate. What follows is a look at the player's "real" name, as opposed to what he answers to in day to day life. Dusty Napoleon: Michael Dusty Napoleon Beamer Weems: William T. Weems Rowdy Hardy: Lenny Franklin Hardy Shooter Hunt: Steven Daniel Hunt Should you even care about the final four at this point, voting is here. Vote for Dusty, at least that's his middle name (he defeated Zelous Wheeler earlier).

As the offseason wraps up, this thread will make way for the April / May Transaction thread soon, so I'll steer it off-course a bit to discuss further the topic above. Here's Jim Callis' list; and because this was a subscription post from this past December, I won't post all the details regarding each player that Jim included -- the word "significant" as I used above can be debated. On second glance, a few of these careers have been "significant" or still have the chance to become so. BA's Jim Callis: Triple-A and Double-A Rule 5 picks are the longest of longshots. But in the last 10 Rule 5 drafts before the most recent one, 36 have made it to the majors. Just four Double-A selections have defied the odds to play in the big leagues, led by Julius Matos, who picked up 242 at-bats between the 2002 Padres and 2003 Royals. Below are the top 10 Triple-A Rule 5 choices from the last decade who've enjoyed the best careers. 10. Eric Valent (2003, Mets from Reds). 9. Eugenio Velez (2005, Giants from Blue Jays). 8. Tim Corcoran (2000, Orioles from Mets; 2003, Rays from Orioles). . 7. Edgar Gonzalez (2003, Rangers from Rays; 2004, Expos from Rangers). 6. Wayne Franklin (1998, Astros from Dodgers). 5. Brian Buscher (2006, Twins from Giants). 4. Chris Gomez (2004, Phillies from Orioles). 3. Benji Gil (1998, Marlins from White Sox). 2. Aaron Miles (2000, White Sox from Astros). 1. Jorge Sosa (2000, Mariners from Rockies). Sosa was going nowhere as an outfielder, having hit .222 with 11 homers in six seasons. The Mariners took him two picks ahead of Miles and immediately converted him to the mound and he started throwing 95-96 mph. Because he was still raw, Seattle gambled and left him off its 40-man roster in 2001, only to lose him to the Brewers in the major league Rule 5 draft (and ultimately the Rays via waivers). Sosa has pitched for four teams since, going 40-49, 4.67 and leading the National League with an .813 winning percentage in 2005.

Thanks for the leg work dissecting that box score line, X.

Thanks for the leg work dissecting that box score line, X.

Thanks for the leg work dissecting that box score line, X.

Link while active, text follows: Mark Rogers on the mend Former Mt. Ararat High School baseball standout still has eyes for the major leagues By Bob Conn, Brunswick (ME) Times Record Staff BRUNSWICK - To say that former Mt. Ararat High School pitching standout Mark Rogers has had a frustrating time of it since being drafted fifth overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft would be an understatement. Following consecutive lost years after two shoulder surgeries, Rogers is attempting another comeback with the Brewers this spring. However, for the first time in a long time, the 23-year-old fireballer is pitching pain-free and looking for a successful, injury-free season. "My arm feels really good, and now it's just a matter of getting out on the mound and pitching some innings," said Rogers from the Brewers' baseball complex in Phoenix. The Orrs Island resident is on the Brewers' 40-man roster, and has thrown several bullpen sessions. Still, he is on a very limited pitch count. "I have a 35- to 45-pitch count, and the first time out (against minor leaguers from the Los Angeles Dodgers) I faced seven hitters, allowed one hit and struck out two. But more importantly, I felt good during the game, after the game, and the next day," said Rogers, who is scheduled to face a minor league team from the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. "I was so concerned about my arm, but now I can just worry about pitching and not all the other stuff because the arm feels good." Note: Doesn't match up with the box score info or reports we received, but perhaps Mark is referring to Tuesday's matchup vs. Mariners prospects, those numbers are closer to the quote... A tough two seasons After being drafted by the Brewers, Mark headed to Arizona to pitch in the Arizona League, normally a first stop for Milwaukee rookies. He had six starts, finishing with an 0-3 record with a 4.73 earned-run average. The Milwaukee coaching staff worked on changing some of Mark's pitching mechanics. They adjusted his pitching motion from his normal across the body approach to an over-the-top release point, with the goal to keep the power pitcher from putting too much strain on his shoulder. Over the next two seasons, he pitched in West Virginia (Class A, 20 starts, 2-9, 5.11 ERA) and Brevard County, Fla., (Advanced A, 16 starts, 1-2, 5.07 ERA, 96 strikeouts in 71 innings). But Mark was in pain and the Brewers shut him down in July 2006, trying to figure out what was wrong. "My shoulder pain was determining how I was going to throw, and I knew that my mechanics were never going to be perfect, and I felt that I was making progress, but my shoulder hurt a lot," said Mark. After two MRIs revealed little, a third was ordered. A partial tear in the front of his labrum, located in his shoulder socket, was discovered. Major surgery forced the righty to miss the entire 2007 season. "It was tough to get over the surgery, and it really wears on you mentally," said Mark, who began light throwing nearly a year later. However, things weren't right, and more tests revealed even more damage in Mark's shoulder, requiring another surgery and another year on the sidelines. This time, Mark could feel a difference as he healed with no pain from his right arm. He worked extensively with Brewers' physical therapist Kenny Paterson, who brought Mark back slowly while building up his shoulder strength. The organization showed faith in Mark's progress by adding him to the 40-man Major League roster. Now, all that was left was to prove that he was ready to move forward. "It felt good to get that first time on the mound out of the way," said Mark after that initial spring training test. "I'm very confident in my mechanics now. I just need to stay healthy. "There are some good things that comes out of going through surgery," Mark continued. "I had to learn how to throw the ball correctly because if I don't, my shoulder tells me. I am throwing without pain, so that tells me that I'm doing it right and on the right path. I feel that I'm somewhere between where the Brewers want me to be mechanically and where I was when I became a pro nearly five years ago." Little change Mark feels that he hasn't changed much from his days of mowing down Maine high school hitters with 95-mile-per-hour fastballs while leading Mt. Ararat to the Class A State title game in 2004. "In high school, I let my raw talent get me by," said Mark. "I have had great coaches all my life. My dad (Craig) knows a lot about the game and brought me along when I was a kid. With Milwaukee, I have been fortunate to have knowledgeable coaches. Those in Maine that knew me as a high school athlete would see someone who is pretty much the same physically, but is a lot more knowledgeable in the way I approach the game." For this season, Mark is slated to head back to the Breward County Manatees in the Florida State League's Advanced A league. The 6-foot-2 power pitcher hopes to advance to the Brewers' Double-A affiliate in Huntsville, Ala., this season, but even that is not the most important thing for Mark. "My number-one goal is to stay healthy, and the rest will take of itself," said Mark. "My goal remains to one day be a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. I have a new pitching coordinator who has preached for all of us to get ahead of the hitters and that the first three pitches should be strikes. I try to get ahead, and not be afraid of contact because I have seven guys behind me who are good and several catchers that know what they're doing." As far as the organization goes, Mark is excited to see how hard the Brewers have worked to put a quality product on the field. "Last season, the Brewers made a big move in bringing in (pitcher) C.C. Sabathia (now with the New York Yankees), and that showed that we are ready to compete now and willing to do what it takes," said Mark, who watched as Milwaukee fell to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the National League playoffs. "There are a lot of good baseball players in the organization. Last season was not a fluke. Our upper management knows how to put out a good product and the clubhouse is great to be around. I just hope to a part of it some day." Mark recalled a story of his experience hanging out with Milwaukee slugger and veteran outfielder Mike Cameron in the early stages of spring training. "In the clubhouse, someone was showing a clip of when Cameron hit four home runs in a game, and here I am sitting in the locker room with him and these major leaguers," recalls Mark. "It definitely motivates you and shows me how much that I want to be here. "I have been picking guys' brains, and it's pretty neat. Being around these talented guys can only help me to move forward."

Link while active, text follows: Mark Rogers on the mend Former Mt. Ararat High School baseball standout still has eyes for the major leagues By Bob Conn, Brunswick (ME) Times Record Staff BRUNSWICK - To say that former Mt. Ararat High School pitching standout Mark Rogers has had a frustrating time of it since being drafted fifth overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft would be an understatement. Following consecutive lost years after two shoulder surgeries, Rogers is attempting another comeback with the Brewers this spring. However, for the first time in a long time, the 23-year-old fireballer is pitching pain-free and looking for a successful, injury-free season. "My arm feels really good, and now it's just a matter of getting out on the mound and pitching some innings," said Rogers from the Brewers' baseball complex in Phoenix. The Orrs Island resident is on the Brewers' 40-man roster, and has thrown several bullpen sessions. Still, he is on a very limited pitch count. "I have a 35- to 45-pitch count, and the first time out (against minor leaguers from the Los Angeles Dodgers) I faced seven hitters, allowed one hit and struck out two. But more importantly, I felt good during the game, after the game, and the next day," said Rogers, who is scheduled to face a minor league team from the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. "I was so concerned about my arm, but now I can just worry about pitching and not all the other stuff because the arm feels good." Note: Doesn't match up with the box score info or reports we received, but perhaps Mark is referring to Tuesday's matchup vs. Mariners prospects, those numbers are closer to the quote... A tough two seasons After being drafted by the Brewers, Mark headed to Arizona to pitch in the Arizona League, normally a first stop for Milwaukee rookies. He had six starts, finishing with an 0-3 record with a 4.73 earned-run average. The Milwaukee coaching staff worked on changing some of Mark's pitching mechanics. They adjusted his pitching motion from his normal across the body approach to an over-the-top release point, with the goal to keep the power pitcher from putting too much strain on his shoulder. Over the next two seasons, he pitched in West Virginia (Class A, 20 starts, 2-9, 5.11 ERA) and Brevard County, Fla., (Advanced A, 16 starts, 1-2, 5.07 ERA, 96 strikeouts in 71 innings). But Mark was in pain and the Brewers shut him down in July 2006, trying to figure out what was wrong. "My shoulder pain was determining how I was going to throw, and I knew that my mechanics were never going to be perfect, and I felt that I was making progress, but my shoulder hurt a lot," said Mark. After two MRIs revealed little, a third was ordered. A partial tear in the front of his labrum, located in his shoulder socket, was discovered. Major surgery forced the righty to miss the entire 2007 season. "It was tough to get over the surgery, and it really wears on you mentally," said Mark, who began light throwing nearly a year later. However, things weren't right, and more tests revealed even more damage in Mark's shoulder, requiring another surgery and another year on the sidelines. This time, Mark could feel a difference as he healed with no pain from his right arm. He worked extensively with Brewers' physical therapist Kenny Paterson, who brought Mark back slowly while building up his shoulder strength. The organization showed faith in Mark's progress by adding him to the 40-man Major League roster. Now, all that was left was to prove that he was ready to move forward. "It felt good to get that first time on the mound out of the way," said Mark after that initial spring training test. "I'm very confident in my mechanics now. I just need to stay healthy. "There are some good things that comes out of going through surgery," Mark continued. "I had to learn how to throw the ball correctly because if I don't, my shoulder tells me. I am throwing without pain, so that tells me that I'm doing it right and on the right path. I feel that I'm somewhere between where the Brewers want me to be mechanically and where I was when I became a pro nearly five years ago." Little change Mark feels that he hasn't changed much from his days of mowing down Maine high school hitters with 95-mile-per-hour fastballs while leading Mt. Ararat to the Class A State title game in 2004. "In high school, I let my raw talent get me by," said Mark. "I have had great coaches all my life. My dad (Craig) knows a lot about the game and brought me along when I was a kid. With Milwaukee, I have been fortunate to have knowledgeable coaches. Those in Maine that knew me as a high school athlete would see someone who is pretty much the same physically, but is a lot more knowledgeable in the way I approach the game." For this season, Mark is slated to head back to the Breward County Manatees in the Florida State League's Advanced A league. The 6-foot-2 power pitcher hopes to advance to the Brewers' Double-A affiliate in Huntsville, Ala., this season, but even that is not the most important thing for Mark. "My number-one goal is to stay healthy, and the rest will take of itself," said Mark. "My goal remains to one day be a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. I have a new pitching coordinator who has preached for all of us to get ahead of the hitters and that the first three pitches should be strikes. I try to get ahead, and not be afraid of contact because I have seven guys behind me who are good and several catchers that know what they're doing." As far as the organization goes, Mark is excited to see how hard the Brewers have worked to put a quality product on the field. "Last season, the Brewers made a big move in bringing in (pitcher) C.C. Sabathia (now with the New York Yankees), and that showed that we are ready to compete now and willing to do what it takes," said Mark, who watched as Milwaukee fell to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the National League playoffs. "There are a lot of good baseball players in the organization. Last season was not a fluke. Our upper management knows how to put out a good product and the clubhouse is great to be around. I just hope to a part of it some day." Mark recalled a story of his experience hanging out with Milwaukee slugger and veteran outfielder Mike Cameron in the early stages of spring training. "In the clubhouse, someone was showing a clip of when Cameron hit four home runs in a game, and here I am sitting in the locker room with him and these major leaguers," recalls Mark. "It definitely motivates you and shows me how much that I want to be here. "I have been picking guys' brains, and it's pretty neat. Being around these talented guys can only help me to move forward."

Link while active, text follows: Mark Rogers on the mend Former Mt. Ararat High School baseball standout still has eyes for the major leagues By Bob Conn, Brunswick (ME) Times Record Staff BRUNSWICK - To say that former Mt. Ararat High School pitching standout Mark Rogers has had a frustrating time of it since being drafted fifth overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft would be an understatement. Following consecutive lost years after two shoulder surgeries, Rogers is attempting another comeback with the Brewers this spring. However, for the first time in a long time, the 23-year-old fireballer is pitching pain-free and looking for a successful, injury-free season. "My arm feels really good, and now it's just a matter of getting out on the mound and pitching some innings," said Rogers from the Brewers' baseball complex in Phoenix. The Orrs Island resident is on the Brewers' 40-man roster, and has thrown several bullpen sessions. Still, he is on a very limited pitch count. "I have a 35- to 45-pitch count, and the first time out (against minor leaguers from the Los Angeles Dodgers) I faced seven hitters, allowed one hit and struck out two. But more importantly, I felt good during the game, after the game, and the next day," said Rogers, who is scheduled to face a minor league team from the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. "I was so concerned about my arm, but now I can just worry about pitching and not all the other stuff because the arm feels good." Note: Doesn't match up with the box score info or reports we received, but perhaps Mark is referring to Tuesday's matchup vs. Mariners prospects, those numbers are closer to the quote... A tough two seasons After being drafted by the Brewers, Mark headed to Arizona to pitch in the Arizona League, normally a first stop for Milwaukee rookies. He had six starts, finishing with an 0-3 record with a 4.73 earned-run average. The Milwaukee coaching staff worked on changing some of Mark's pitching mechanics. They adjusted his pitching motion from his normal across the body approach to an over-the-top release point, with the goal to keep the power pitcher from putting too much strain on his shoulder. Over the next two seasons, he pitched in West Virginia (Class A, 20 starts, 2-9, 5.11 ERA) and Brevard County, Fla., (Advanced A, 16 starts, 1-2, 5.07 ERA, 96 strikeouts in 71 innings). But Mark was in pain and the Brewers shut him down in July 2006, trying to figure out what was wrong. "My shoulder pain was determining how I was going to throw, and I knew that my mechanics were never going to be perfect, and I felt that I was making progress, but my shoulder hurt a lot," said Mark. After two MRIs revealed little, a third was ordered. A partial tear in the front of his labrum, located in his shoulder socket, was discovered. Major surgery forced the righty to miss the entire 2007 season. "It was tough to get over the surgery, and it really wears on you mentally," said Mark, who began light throwing nearly a year later. However, things weren't right, and more tests revealed even more damage in Mark's shoulder, requiring another surgery and another year on the sidelines. This time, Mark could feel a difference as he healed with no pain from his right arm. He worked extensively with Brewers' physical therapist Kenny Paterson, who brought Mark back slowly while building up his shoulder strength. The organization showed faith in Mark's progress by adding him to the 40-man Major League roster. Now, all that was left was to prove that he was ready to move forward. "It felt good to get that first time on the mound out of the way," said Mark after that initial spring training test. "I'm very confident in my mechanics now. I just need to stay healthy. "There are some good things that comes out of going through surgery," Mark continued. "I had to learn how to throw the ball correctly because if I don't, my shoulder tells me. I am throwing without pain, so that tells me that I'm doing it right and on the right path. I feel that I'm somewhere between where the Brewers want me to be mechanically and where I was when I became a pro nearly five years ago." Little change Mark feels that he hasn't changed much from his days of mowing down Maine high school hitters with 95-mile-per-hour fastballs while leading Mt. Ararat to the Class A State title game in 2004. "In high school, I let my raw talent get me by," said Mark. "I have had great coaches all my life. My dad (Craig) knows a lot about the game and brought me along when I was a kid. With Milwaukee, I have been fortunate to have knowledgeable coaches. Those in Maine that knew me as a high school athlete would see someone who is pretty much the same physically, but is a lot more knowledgeable in the way I approach the game." For this season, Mark is slated to head back to the Breward County Manatees in the Florida State League's Advanced A league. The 6-foot-2 power pitcher hopes to advance to the Brewers' Double-A affiliate in Huntsville, Ala., this season, but even that is not the most important thing for Mark. "My number-one goal is to stay healthy, and the rest will take of itself," said Mark. "My goal remains to one day be a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. I have a new pitching coordinator who has preached for all of us to get ahead of the hitters and that the first three pitches should be strikes. I try to get ahead, and not be afraid of contact because I have seven guys behind me who are good and several catchers that know what they're doing." As far as the organization goes, Mark is excited to see how hard the Brewers have worked to put a quality product on the field. "Last season, the Brewers made a big move in bringing in (pitcher) C.C. Sabathia (now with the New York Yankees), and that showed that we are ready to compete now and willing to do what it takes," said Mark, who watched as Milwaukee fell to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the National League playoffs. "There are a lot of good baseball players in the organization. Last season was not a fluke. Our upper management knows how to put out a good product and the clubhouse is great to be around. I just hope to a part of it some day." Mark recalled a story of his experience hanging out with Milwaukee slugger and veteran outfielder Mike Cameron in the early stages of spring training. "In the clubhouse, someone was showing a clip of when Cameron hit four home runs in a game, and here I am sitting in the locker room with him and these major leaguers," recalls Mark. "It definitely motivates you and shows me how much that I want to be here. "I have been picking guys' brains, and it's pretty neat. Being around these talented guys can only help me to move forward."

Again from our boy McCalvy, who henceforth will simply be "Adam" in 2009: David Riske, Todd Coffey and Jorge Julio are scheduled to work an inning apiece behind Yovani Gallardo, who is down for five innings or 75 pitches. Lindsay Gulin is in reserve if they need him. Besides Gulin, Wes Littleton and Carlos Corporan, minor leaguers Adam Heether and Logan Schafer also quietly made the trip to L.A. They'll be in uniform tonight and tomorrow against the Dodgers (Schafer has Ben Sheets' old No. 15; Heether is No. 14) and will also work out in San Francisco with the team on Sunday before heading out. Heether will report to Triple-A Nashville and Schafer to advanced Class A Brevard County. Schafer heading to high-A to start the season after only 43 games in low-A. And rewarded with a Dodger Stadium gig? Way to go, kid.

Not a great week for former picks in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft -- Steve Bray (Royals) and now Joe Bateman (Giants). Bateman must have kicked a cat in the Maryvale dugout, because that's a pretty small sample. He impressed enough in the past to get the formal major league camp invite. But as Baseball America detailed a while back, while minor league phase Rule 5'ers have reached the majors in the past, none have had a significant career.

Plenty of info here from Adam McCalvy, so we'll link, but also post the text so you catch it all for sure: It's a tough time of year to be a Triple-A player in search of a job, but that's where Scott Thorman and Joe Bateman found themselves on Friday. Thorman was let go after the Brewers claimed slugging first baseman Joe Koshansky off waivers from the Rangers and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville. Koshansky is younger than Thorman (26 vs. 27) and had a better 2008 season (Koshansky hit .300 with 31 homers and 121 RBIs at Colorado's top affiliate while Thorman hit .251 with 19 homers and 56 RBIs for Atlanta's Triple-A club). A non-roster invitee to Brewers camp, Thorman batted .300 in Spring Training with three doubles and two RBIs in 30 at-bats. Bateman had a strong 2008 season in the Brewers' system, posting a 2.09 ERA in 49 games between Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville. But he did not impress in Spring Training, when he allowed five earned runs on four hits and two walks in four innings and the Brewers didn't feel like they had a spot for Bateman on a deep Triple-A pitching staff. UPDATE at 10:10 p.m. CT -- Speaking of depth at Triple-A, I forgot to mention in this earlier post that Doug Melvin provided some details about the deep Nashville outfield. Tony Gwynn Jr. will obviously play a lot as the center fielder, and Melvin said Brendan Katin is ticketed for right field and newly-signed Jason Tyner will play left. Jason Bourgeois will "mix and match," Melvin said. Cole Gillespie was supposed to start the year in Nashville, but he continues to have pain in his right elbow so he'll go to Class A Brevard County for at least two weeks to serve as the designated hitter. Katin is dealing with a swollen knee, Melvin said, so that's something to keep an eye on at the start of the year. Adam Stern might be assigned to Double-A Huntsville, Melvin said, and so could Lorenzo Cain, though Cain may remain in extended spring training because of a "tweaked" hamstring.

First baseman Scott Thorman has been released by the Brewers in light of the Joe Koshansky signing. Tough break for 27-year-old Scott, who should find employment quickly.

The Brewers farm teams faced the Indians Friday in spring action. Nashville and Huntsville had their final home game of the spring, while Brevard County and Wisconsin traveled to Goodyear. Details at mid-day on Saturday.

Wisconsin was pummeled by Kannapolis, 13-3. The Timber Rattlers staff allowed 21 hits and walked six in the loss. Erik Komatsu was the only Wisconsin hitter to have two hits. It was a particularly long day for RHP's Nick Tyson and Pedro Lambertus. Brett Lawrie knocked in two with a triple. Newly signed catcher Sean McCraw saw his first Brewer action. R H E Kannapolis 13 21 1 Wisconsin 3 5 1 WISCONSIN AB R H BI Dykstra 4 1 1 0 Marseco 4 1 1 0 Lawrie 4 1 1 2 Kjeldgaard 4 0 0 0 Komatsu 4 0 2 0 Vass 4 0 0 0 Delaney 4 0 0 0 Trejo 3 0 0 0 McCraw 3 0 0 0 2B: Komatsu 3B: Lawrie IP H R ER BB SO TP Peralta 4.2 6 3 2 2 6 80 Manzanillo 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 5 Tyson 1 6 5 5 1 1 31 Lambertus 1 4 3 3 2 0 28 Sherrill 2 5 2 2 1 0 36

Brevard County knocked off Winston-Salem, 9-5. Evan Anundsen started for the Manatees and got the victory; as he allowed only one run over five very efficient (64 pitches) innings of work. Sergio Miranda and Shawn Zarraga had three hits apiece to fuel the Manatees offense. R H E Winston-Salem 5 11 2 Brevard County 9 10 0 BREVARD CO AB R H BI Farris 5 1 1 1 Brewer 4 1 1 1 Gindl 3 1 0 0 Wilson 4 0 0 0 Whiteside 5 2 1 0 Miranda 4 1 3 1 Dennis 2 1 1 0 Zarraga 3 1 3 1 Arias 4 0 0 0 George 2 0 0 0 2B: Miranda 3B: Brewer SF: Zarraga Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Bitmap Anundsen 5 4 1 1 1 4 64 Ramlow 1 2 2 2 0 0 17 Rapoza 2 5 2 2 0 3 33 Wooten 1 0 0 0 0 2 11