Jim Goulart

Huntsville downed Arkansas by the score of 7-4. Donovan Hand started for the Stars and worked three scoreless innings. Bobby Bramhall, Josh Butler, and Josh Wahpepah all followed with scoreless relief appearances. Chris Errecart enjoyed a three-hit day and also scored three times to pace the offense. R H E Arkansas 4 5 2 Huntsville 7 6 1 HUNTSVILLE AB R H BI Brewer 4 0 1 1 Farris 2 0 0 0 BraunS 2 0 0 0 Lucroy 4 1 1 0 Errecart 4 3 2 1 Parejo 4 1 1 0 Hopf 0 0 0 0 Whiteside 1 0 0 1 Krause 2 1 0 1 Fermaint 3 1 0 0 Justis 2 0 1 2 3B: Errecart SF: Whiteside, Krause IP H R ER BB SO TP Hand 3 2 0 0 0 2 38 Bramhall 2 0 0 0 1 2 27 Butler 1 0 0 0 0 2 9 Wahpepah 1 0 0 0 2 0 22 MillerD 1 1 1 1 1 0 15 Lluberes 1 2 3 3 2 0 26

We're going to catch up now with box score info from Friday's games (the ones above are from Saturday). We'll repeat the original note with each box. Sorry about the "bitmap" note embedded in some boxes. Nashville knocked off Salt Lake, 3-1, behind a solid pitching effort from several pitchers. Chase Wright and Chris Smith each worked three scoreless innings for the Sounds. Joe Bateman and David Johnson followed with scoreless innings. On the offensive side, Lorenzo Cain and Brendan Katin collected two hits apiece. R H E Salt Lake 1 4 0 Nashville 3 9 2 NASHVILLE AB R H BI Cain 4 1 2 1 Heether 3 0 1 1 Nixon 3 0 1 0 Katin 4 0 2 1 Thorman 4 0 0 0 Stern 4 0 1 0 Raburn 3 0 0 0 Maldonado 3 1 1 0 Perez 3 1 1 0 De La Rosa 1 0 0 0 SF: Heether Bitmap Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP WrightC 3 0 0 0 0 2 39 Smith 3 1 0 0 1 2 41 Bateman 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 Johnson 1 1 0 0 0 2 17 Bray 1 2 1 1 0 1 17 Swindle 0.2 2 2 2 1 0 27

As we are now telling folks in our Minor League Forum, the acquisition of Sergio Miranda has been completed, and in fact, he is participating in spring games for the Crew already. We have 95% reason to believe the deal for Miranda involved cash considerations. Even though it's a minor league deal, we're hopeful that Adam McCalvy of MLB.com can confirm things with the Brewers this week and publish a note on it. We'll drop him a note.

We have 95% reason to believe the deal for Sergio Miranda involved cash considerations. Even though it's a minor league deal, we're hopeful that Adam McCalvy of MLB.com can confirm things with the Brewers this week and publish a note on it. We'll drop him a link to this thread, although he's a regular visitor regardless http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif.

In a bit of a surprise, Brewerfan has learned that the Brewers have released soon-to-be 24-year-old second baseman Mike Bell. Bell has been a regular on the Power 50 since '06, and here is his P50 history along with the associated comments. The 15th round 2005 selection out of a community college saw action in 124 games in Huntsville last season. 41 of his 109 hits were for extra bases, but he posted a .289 OBP for a .679 OPS. Here are his four-year pro numbers, as he had methodically moved up the affiliate chain. Bell's release helps explain the acquisition of Sergio Miranda, as indicated above. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Bell find work with another affiliated team soon. In another move, OF Brandon Drespling, who singled six times in 34 Arizona League at-bats as an undrafted 23-year-old rookie in '08, voluntarily retired. This story from his local paper reported on his signing at the time. At that age, one has to make a quick impression. Good luck to Brandon.

The Brewers, as indicated in our Minor League Spring Training Game thread, have picked up middle infielder Sergio Miranda from the White Sox. We will let you know when we learn if a Brewer player was involved, or if this was a cash or "future or past considerations" deal. Our friends in Chicago first spoke of this in this thread on the Trade Rumor Forum. You can learn more about Miranda there.

Run wild, run free -- four triples for the Rattlers! Fantastic to see third baseman Edgar Trejo in the lineup after he blew out his knee in the first week of Helena games last season. Evan Frederickson walked three, but K'd four in three innings, and allowed only one run. Nick Tyson K'd the side in a perfect inning to end it. Let's remember, also, that it's the first time out for many of these players officially (outside intra-squad games), so let's not read too much into the numbers. But they are fun to see! The Timber Rattlers picked up their first spring win in convincing fashion, pounding the Great Lakes Loons, 11-2. Brock Kjeldgaard led the Timber Rattlers' balanced attack with two hits, including a triple. Mike Marseco, Erik Komatsu, and Kjeldgaard each scored twice for Wisconsin. On the pitching side, Kris Dabrowiecki, Liam Ohlmann, and Nick Tyson all posted scoreless outings. R H E Great Lakes 2 6 2 Wisconsin 11 13 0 WISCONSIN AB R H BI MillerE 5 1 2 1 Marseco 4 2 1 0 McPhearson 1 0 0 0 Lawrie 4 1 1 1 Kemp 1 0 0 0 Komatsu 3 2 1 1 Kjeldgaard 3 2 2 2 Vass 2 0 1 1 Trejo 1 0 0 0 Delaney 2 1 1 0 Alfonso 2 0 1 0 Roberts 2 1 2 1 Duran 1 0 0 0 Dennis 1 1 1 1 2B: Alfonso, Dennis 3B: Lawrie, Komatsu, Kjeldgaard, Roberts IP H R ER BB SO TP Frederickson 3 2 1 1 3 4 50 Dabrowiecki 2 0 0 0 1 0 15 Lambertus 2 2 1 1 0 0 30 Ohlmann 1 2 0 0 1 0 21 Tyson 1 0 0 0 0 3 12

We're working on finding out who or what was dealt to the White Sox for infielder Sergio Miranda, as our friends from Chicago in our Trade Rumor Forum had indicated to us was a done deal. When we know, we'll let you know (cash, future considerations, or player). Also, as you see below, we were correct in speculating that Braden Looper's appearance did not come at the AAA level, as was reported elsewhere, but the high-A level. Way to go, Mark Rogers! We remind everyone that players listed on various squads won't necessarily be assigned to those squads to start the season. Brevard County picked up an 8-4 victory against Inland Empire. Steffan Wilson hit a three-run home run and newly-acquired Sergio Miranda had two extra-base hits to lead the Manatees. Braden Looper started for the Manatees and threw 50 pitches. Mark Rogers followed in relief and tossed two scoreless innings. R H E Inland Empire 4 11 1 Brevard County 8 8 1 BREVARD CO AB R H BI Haydel 4 2 1 0 Schafer 3 1 1 1 Lucroy 2 1 0 0 Gindl 3 0 1 0 Wilson 4 1 1 3 Chapman 4 0 0 0 Miranda 4 2 2 0 Zarraga 3 0 0 0 Vasquez 2 1 1 1 Sanchez 3 0 1 1 2B: Miranda, Vasquez 3B: Miranda HR: Wilson Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Bitmap Looper 3.1 6 3 3 0 3 50 Rogers 2 1 0 0 0 2 26 Sherrill 1 2 1 1 0 0 21 Willinsky 1 0 0 0 1 0 11 Mercedes 1.1 1 0 0 0 2 18 Ramlow 2 1 0 0 0 2 19

Huntsville edged Chattanooga, 5-2, yesterday in Glendale. Jeremy Jeffress started for the Stars and tossed three perfect innings. Brett Whiteside's two-run homer in the 8th gave the Stars a 4-2 lead and they tacked on an insurance run in the 9th for the final margin of victory. Mike Jones picked up the win for the Stars in relief. R H E Huntsville 5 9 1 Chattanooga 2 6 1 HUNTSVILLE AB R H BI Brewer 2 0 0 0 Rangel 2 0 0 0 Farris 2 0 0 0 Braun 2 1 1 0 Bouchie 3 0 1 0 Whiteside 1 1 1 2 Errecart 4 1 1 0 Parejo 4 0 1 0 Paciorek 4 1 1 0 Krause 4 1 1 1 Fermaint 3 0 0 0 Justis 4 0 2 2 2B: BraunS, Errecart HR: Whiteside IP H R ER BB SO TP Jeffress 3 0 0 0 0 1 39 Hinton 2 1 1 1 1 4 36 Axford 1 1 1 1 4 0 30 Jones 1 1 0 0 0 1 12 Reith 1 1 0 0 0 0 12 Baron 1 2 0 0 0 1 18

Saturday's action: Boy, I hate to speculate after our first minor league box score of the spring, but we'll look forward to Omar Aguilar's next appearance. Removed after five pitches (a base hit and a walk). Hopefully OK -- Agent 39? The Sounds jumped out to a 7-0 lead and staved off a late rally by the Isotopes to pick up a win, 10-9. The Sounds' 14-hit attack was paced by Lorenzo Cain's two solo home runs and Cole Gillespie's three hits. Scott Thorman chipped in two doubles and Brendan Katin's solo home run in the 8th proved to be the winning margin. On the pitching side, Mike Burns' three shutout innings were the highlight for the Sounds. R H E Nashville 10 14 0 Albuquerque 9 8 1 NASHVILLE AB R H BI Cain 3 3 2 3 Heether 3 1 1 0 Gillespie 4 0 3 2 Katin 4 1 1 1 Thorman 4 1 2 0 Raburn 3 1 1 0 Stern 4 1 1 1 Maldonado 3 1 1 1 De La Rosa 1 0 0 0 Perez 4 1 1 0 Ash 0 0 0 0 Garciaparra 3 0 1 2 2B: Heether, Gillespie, Thorman 2, Perez HR: Katin, Cain 2 Bitmap Bitmap Bitmap IP H R ER BB SO TP Burns 3 0 0 0 0 0 32 Dillard 2 1 1 1 2 0 44 Gardner 2 4 4 4 1 1 33 Aguilar 0 1 1 1 1 0 5 Sandoval 2 2 3 3 1 1 32

Lengthy and enjoyable Brad Nelson audio interview at WTMJ here.

Zelous Wheeler and Maverick Lasker have moved on to the round of 32, as have former Brewer farmhand Callix Crabbe and former Brewer draft pick (not signed) Ron Prettyman. I like the chances for both kids as underdogs here (with your help). Lasker, a # 7 seed, faces sometime big-leaguer Rocky Cherry, a # 2 seed. Wheeler, a # 8 seed, faces top-seed Cirilo Cumberbatch. Crabbe, a # 3 seed, has a tough battle against # 6 seed Chris Farley. Prettyman, a # 13 seed who moved up, faces # 5 seed Dusty Napoleon. I still say "Smelin Perez" is the one to beat, and he's a # 4 seed. Link to vote Results will be posted some time Monday the 23rd, so hurry.

We should get a few details later from the Brewer, not Dodger, perspective-- this is apparently the game that Braden Looper continued his comeback from an oblique strain. In 3 1/3 innings, he allowed six hits and three runs (one homer) with no walks and three strikeouts. Looper reportedly felt fine physically, as per the J-S. But with that line, it looks like the game desciption below is off by an inning. Such is the world of minor league spring training reports. Perhaps Looper actually pitched in a game in Maryvale against lower-level kids, rather that at the Dodgers' camp in Glendale. From Albuquerque's press: An eighth-inning rally came up just short as the Albuquerque Isotopes fell 10-9 to the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday in Spring Training action in Glendale, Arizona. The defeat leaves the 'Topes still looking for their first win of the spring with a record of 0-2. After spotting Nashville an early 7-1 lead, the Isotopes mounted a comeback in the fifth thanks to a three-run homer by outfielder Jamie Hoffmann that trimmed the cushion to 7-4. With the Sounds then holding a 10-6 advantage in the eighth outfielder John-Ford Griffin laced a bases loaded double that cleared the bags and brought the Isotopes to within one at 10-9. Griffin would be stranded, however, as Nashville held on for the win. Despite a rough start by Albuquerque pitchers, reliever Dwayne Pollok kept the Isotopes in the game late with two scoreless innings that opened the door for the late comeback.

Here's the AAA schedule.

Here's the home page for the college team the Helena kids played.

Buck Rogers, Huntsville GM, passes along the following, courtesy of the Brewers, regarding Friday's "Opening Day" against the Angels' farm system. Do keep in mind that the players listed may not necessarily be assigned to that squad upon the start of the regular season. Nashville knocked off Salt Lake, 3-1, behind a solid pitching effort from several pitchers. Chase Wright and Chris Smith each worked three scoreless innings for the Sounds. Joe Bateman and David Johnson followed with scoreless innings. On the offensive side, Lorenzo Cain and Brendan Katin collected two hits apiece. Huntsville downed Arkansas by the score of 7-4. Donovan Hand started for the Stars and worked three scoreless innings. Bobby Bramhall, Josh Butler, and Josh Wahpepah all followed with scoreless relief appearances. Chris Errecart enjoyed a three-hit day and also scored three times to pace the offense. Brevard County traveled to Tempe to face the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and came away with a 4-1 victory. Andrew Bouchie hit a solo home run and Miguel Vasquez hit a two-run triple to fuel the Manatees. The Manatees bullpen worked seven innings and allowed only two hits. Wisconsin dropped its spring opener, 8-2, to the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Cody Scarpetta was the bright spot on the pitching side, tossing 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. Erik Miller collected two hits, including a double, to lead the Timber Rattlers offense. The Helena team faced the Skagit Valley Cardinals (WA) and came away with a 5-4 victory. Joan Abreu (we'll have to learn more about that name, my media guide should arrive this week) and Orton Rodriguez each collected three hits for the Brewers. Jake Odorizzi and Damon Krestalude each tossed two scoreless innings. Today the Brewers will face the Dodgers farm system, with the Manatees and Timber Rattlers playing here in Maryvale at 1 pm, Phoenix time.

That's LHP Jason Vargas, not Claudio... Gameday Audio Link for MLB Subscribers (Brian and Bill's audio will also archive) Box Score / Gameday Link Media Notes Link includes the following -- ON THE MOUND: Also scheduled to pitch this afternoon (subject to change) is LHP Mitch Stetter and LHP Lindsay Gulin. MINOR DETAILS: Joining the team today from minor-league camp is INF Michael Garciaparra (#90), OF Logan Schafer (#98), RHP Matt Ginter (#92), RHP Ryan Houston (#99) and LHP David Welch (#89). LINEUP AND NOTE FROM TOM H.: Phoenix - Manager Ken Macha continues to gauge the versatility of Casey McGehee by starting him at first base today against the Mariners. McGehee, trying to make the club as a reserve, has played at third base and second base in camp. Here is the Brewers' lineup: 2B Rickie Weeks 3B Craig Counsell SS J.J. Hardy 1B Casey McGehee CF Mike Cameron C Mike RIvera RF Brad Nelson LF Jason Bourgeois DH Mat Gamel RHP Seth McClung

Except for some newly-signed Latin American players we'll be adding soon, the Brewerfan Player Index reflects all the camp names at all levels. Of course, the team assignments will be updated just before the minor league regular season.

At this point every single member of the organization is in camp. The minor league spring training games against other organizations begin today, and we'll provide you with any updates we get. Almost all the game updates will be from the AAA level courtesy of the Sounds site. Huntsville broadcaster Brett Pollock will be posting updates from Maryvale soon on the Huntsville site as well, and we'll link to those, too.

It'd be nice if David Riske could toss just one scoreless inning before the spring was over.

Uecker: "And J.J.'s drive is get up, baby, it's gone......and foul" Ugh, Bob, ugh...

OF Lorenzo Cain, 1B/OF Scott Thorman, and C Jonathan Lucroy re-assigned to minor league camp, as per Cory Provus.

Fans to vote for Minors' best name in 64-player 'tournament' Bracket to Vote

Luis Pena was optioned to AAA by Jack Z. and the Mariners today. He had a rough spring -- 5 games, 4 IP, 3 H, 7 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 7 ER for a 15.75 ERA.

Wednesday, 3/18 Seven-year Brewer farmhand Adam Heether with a double, Brent Krause and Erik Komatsu 0-for-1 One of our readers pointed out that Heether is essentially, Casey McGehee, but without the 40-man roster spot (via the Cubs) and without the opportunity. Check out how eerily similar McGehee and Heether compare statistically in their careers, McGehee does have that emergency third catcher thing on his side for that maybe one game a season... Casey McGehee Career Statistics Adam Heether Career Statistics