Jim Goulart

Adam McCalvy: RHP Alex Periard, 21, was unable to participate in his first big league camp because of lingering shoulder tightness that began in October during the Arizona Fall League. Club medical officials are convinced that the injury is not more serious, and they have not yet ordered an MRI scan. Let's see, October, lingering, but no MRI. Why, Brewers, why?

Adam McCalvy: RHP Alex Periard, 21, was unable to participate in his first big league camp because of lingering shoulder tightness that began in October during the Arizona Fall League. Club medical officials are convinced that the injury is not more serious, and they have not yet ordered an MRI scan. Let's see, October, lingering, but no MRI. Why, Brewers, why?

Adam McCalvy: RHP Alex Periard, 21, was unable to participate in his first big league camp because of lingering shoulder tightness that began in October during the Arizona Fall League. Club medical officials are convinced that the injury is not more serious, and they have not yet ordered an MRI scan. Let's see, October, lingering, but no MRI. Why, Brewers, why?

Adam McCalvy: RHP Alex Periard, 21, was unable to participate in his first big league camp because of lingering shoulder tightness that began in October during the Arizona Fall League. Club medical officials are convinced that the injury is not more serious, and they have not yet ordered an MRI scan. Let's see, October, lingering, but no MRI. Why, Brewers, why?

More on 2008 Star and 2009 likely Sounds closer Omar Aguilar from MLB.com's Adam McCalvy

NRI List

Ben Hendrickson is 28 now -- we're all getting old. Anyway, he's one of six former Brewers (majors or minors) listed in this week's Baseball America transaction list (not including Vinny Rottino's mention, naturally). In Tampa's system last year, but he signed with his hometown Twins for 2009 -- their AAA squad is in Rochester, NY.

Adam McCalvy link: For now, the pitchers will have to keep guessing. They did get a preview of Macha's regular-season plans for them during their sit-down with him on Monday morning. "I tried to give them a brief philosophy on how I treat the starters, or how I try to, anyhow," Macha said. "If they give me six innings and they've got the lead, they're not going to lose that game. We're going to turn it over to the bullpen. "And if they've pitched well for six innings and they're in the seventh inning and they're one run behind, I'm going to give them an opportunity to get out of that seventh inning so we can hit one more time and hopefully take the lead. I want those starters to have an attitude that they're out there to win every time." Interesting, although circumstances should vary game-to-game, shouldn't they, depending on where the pitchers' spot is in the batting order, etc. I don't read it as though every pitcher with a lead after six will be automatically yanked. It's just that at no point would that pitcher be allowed to face the go-ahead run. I also hope we don't see a lot of one-run deficits in the 7th turn to two-and-three-run deficits based on this.

Pena , Luis 2009-02-15 Lost on waivers Milwaukee Seattle Dillon , Joe 2008-10-31 Lost on waivers Milwaukee Oakland Anderson , Drew 2008-01-18 Lost on waivers Milwaukee Cincinnati Aquino , Greg 2007-12-14 Lost on waivers Milwaukee Baltimore Liriano , Pedro 2004-12-07 Lost on waivers Milwaukee Philadelphia Bausher , Tim 2004-06-07 Lost on waivers Milwaukee Colorado Fryer , Eric 2009-02-04 Traded West Virginia New York (A) Brantley , Michael 2008-10-03 Traded Huntsville Cleveland Ford , Darren 2008-07-20 Traded Brevard Co San Francisco Hammond , Steve 2008-07-20 Traded Nashville San Francisco Jackson , Zach 2008-07-07 Traded Nashville Cleveland Bryson , Rob 2008-07-07 Traded West Virginia Cleveland LaPorta , Matt 2008-07-07 Traded Huntsville Cleveland Gross , Gabe 2008-04-22 Traded Milwaukee Tampa Bay Salas , Marino 2007-12-07 Traded Nashville Pittsburgh Roberts , Kevin 2007-12-07 Traded Brevard Co Pittsburgh Estrada , Johnny 2007-11-20 Traded Milwaukee NY Mets Lefave , Andrew 2007-09-14 Traded West Virginia Washington Sarfate , Dennis 2007-09-10 Traded Nashville Houston Balfour , Grant 2007-07-27 Traded Milwaukee Tampa Bay Garrison , Steve 2007-07-25 Traded Brevard Co San Diego Thatcher , Joe 2007-07-25 Traded Nashville San Diego Inman , Will 2007-07-25 Traded Huntsville San Diego Capellan , Jose 2007-07-01 Traded Milwaukee Detroit Zumwalt , Alec 2007-05-23 Traded Nashville Oakland Closser , J.D. 2007-05-04 Traded Nashville Oakland Hendrickson , Ben 2007-03-27 Traded Nashville Kansas City Clark , Brady 2007-03-26 Traded Milwaukee Los Angeles Eveland , Dana 2006-11-25 Traded Milwaukee Arizona Krynzel , Dave 2006-11-25 Traded Milwaukee Arizona Davis , Doug 2006-11-25 Traded Milwaukee Arizona Laureano , Wilfredo 2006-07-28 Traded West Virginia Philadelphia Lee , Carlos 2006-07-28 Traded Milwaukee Texas Cruz , Nelson 2006-07-28 Traded Nashville Texas De La Rosa , Jorge 2006-07-25 Traded Milwaukee Kansas City Adams , Mike 2006-05-26 Traded Nashville NY Mets Cruz , Enrique 2006-05-13 Traded Nashville Texas Wolfe , Brian 2006-01-06 Traded Nashville Toronto Barnes , Justin 2005-12-21 Traded West Virginia Kansas City Taubenheim , Ty 2005-12-08 Traded Huntsville Toronto Overbay , Lyle 2005-12-07 Traded Milwaukee Toronto Obermueller , Wes 2005-12-07 Traded Milwaukee Atlanta Spivey , Junior 2005-06-10 Traded Milwaukee Washington Borders , Pat 2005-05-19 Traded Nashville Seattle Johnson , Mark L. 2005-03-27 Traded Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Hinton , Travis 2005-01-10 Traded Huntsville Birmingham Ginter , Keith 2004-12-15 Traded Milwaukee Oakland Vizcaino , Luis 2004-12-13 Traded Milwaukee Chicago (A) Podsednik , Scott 2004-12-13 Traded Milwaukee Chicago (A) Kolb , Dan L. 2004-12-11 Traded Milwaukee Atlanta Burba , Dave 2004-09-02 Traded Milwaukee San Francisco Grieve , Ben 2004-08-31 Traded Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Belcher , Jason 2004-06-07 Traded Milwaukee Montreal Childers , Jason 2004-06-07 Traded Milwaukee Montreal Machado , Alejandro 2004-04-04 Traded Milwaukee Montreal Estrella , Leo 2004-03-30 Traded Milwaukee San Francisco Franklin , Wayne 2004-03-30 Traded Milwaukee San Francisco Clark , D.J. 2004-03-25 Traded Huntsville Frisco Varner , Noochie 2003-12-15 Traded Milwaukee Arizona Nance , Shane 2003-12-01 Traded Milwaukee Arizona Sexson , Richie 2003-12-01 Traded Milwaukee Arizona De Los Santos , Valerio 2003-09-02 Traded Milwaukee Philadelphia DeJean , Mike 2003-08-22 Traded Milwaukee St Louis Young , Eric 2003-08-19 Traded Milwaukee San Francisco Leskanic , Curtis 2003-07-02 Traded Milwaukee Kansas City Sanchez , Alex 2003-05-27 Traded Milwaukee Detroit Nicolas , Mike 2003-04-24 Traded Huntsville Portland Alexander , Manny 2003-03-24 Traded Indianapolis Texas Valentin , Javier 2003-03-24 Traded Milwaukee Tampa Bay King , Ray 2002-12-16 Traded Milwaukee Atlanta Bako , Paul 2002-11-26 Traded Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Kolb , Dan L. 2005-12-20 non-tendered Milwaukee Free Agent Bennett , Jeff 2005-12-20 non-tendered Milwaukee Free Agent Saenz , Chris 2004-12-20 non-tendered Milwaukee Free Agent Durocher , Jayson 2003-12-20 non-tendered Milwaukee Free Agent Martinez , Luis 2004-02-23 Waived Milwaukee St Louis Guerrero , Cristian 2003-05-14 Waived High Desert Seattle Matthews , Mike 2003-03-26 Waived Milwaukee San Diego Mendoza , Ramiro 2009-02-15 Released Nashville Free Agent Jensen , Ryan 2009-01-23 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Rindal , Curt 2008-11-18 Released West Virginia Free Agent Shanks , E.J. 2008-11-18 Released Huntsville Free Agent Yost IV , Ned 2008-11-10 Released Helena Free Agent Sanchez , Luis 2008-11-10 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Garcia , Jose S 2008-11-10 Released West Virginia Free Agent Snijders , Ulrich 2008-11-10 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Houin , Scott 2008-11-10 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Ramirez , Luis 2008-11-10 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Hill , Shane 2008-11-10 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Wendte , Travis 2008-11-10 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Shiell , Jason 2008-08-14 Released Huntsville Free Agent Howard , Ben 2008-08-12 Released Huntsville Free Agent Crespo , Jorge 2008-08-08 Released AZ Brewers AZ Brewers Mojica , Jimmy 2008-08-05 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Crew , Ryan 2008-07-22 Released Huntsville Free Agent Ferguson , Shawn 2008-06-23 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Weaver , Jeff 2008-06-12 Released Nashville Free Agent Nunez , Abraham 2008-05-18 Released Nashville Free Agent Miaso , Curt 2008-05-17 Released Helena Free Agent Torres , Melqui 2008-05-13 Released Huntsville Free Agent D'Amico , Jesse 2008-05-10 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Kretzschmar , Matt 2008-05-10 Released Helena Free Agent Crowell , Kurt 2008-05-07 Released West Virginia Free Agent Stanczyk , Ben 2008-05-02 Released Huntsville Free Agent Alonso , John 2008-04-28 Released West Virginia Free Agent Atlee , Thomas 2008-04-27 Released Huntsville Free Agent Sutton , Jared 2008-04-27 Released West Virginia Free Agent Tucker , Rusty 2008-04-25 Released Huntsville Free Agent Munhall , Brian 2008-03-31 Released Nashville Free Agent Campbell , Brett 2008-03-30 Released Nashville Free Agent Wycklendt , Anthony 2008-03-30 Released West Virginia Free Agent De La Rosa , Dane 2008-03-30 Released Helena Free Agent Goetz , Mike 2008-03-30 Released Huntsville Free Agent Hereaud , Carlos 2008-03-30 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Moss , Steve 2008-03-30 Released Huntsville Free Agent Lidyard , D.J. 2008-03-27 Released West Virginia Free Agent Miller , Brad 2008-03-27 Released West Virginia Free Agent Vargas , Claudio 2008-03-25 Released Milwaukee Free Agent Housman , Jeff 2008-03-24 Released Nashville Free Agent Felix , Jovanny 2008-03-22 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Crosby , Bryan 2008-03-22 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent McAngus , Zach 2008-03-22 Released Helena Free Agent Cruz , Yeison 2008-03-22 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent McKnight , Scott 2008-03-22 Released West Virginia Free Agent Barba , Ryan 2008-03-22 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Spurling , Chris 2008-03-22 Released Nashville Free Agent Nunez , Franklin 2008-03-22 Released Nashville Free Agent Newton , Eric 2008-03-18 Released Helena Free Agent Salinas , Guillermo 2007-10-27 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Marksbury , Mike 2007-10-27 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Iacono , Charlie 2007-10-27 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Drinkard , Tony 2007-10-27 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Lawler , Patrick 2007-10-27 Released West Virginia Free Agent Langille , Craig 2007-10-27 Released Helena Free Agent Toneguzzi , Chris 2007-10-27 Released West Virginia Free Agent King , J.T. 2007-10-27 Released West Virginia Free Agent Jimenez , Luis 2007-10-27 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Hackman , Luther 2007-08-18 Released Nashville Free Agent Dessens , Elmer 2007-08-08 Released Milwaukee Free Agent De La Cruz , Joel 2007-07-27 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Mejia , Harold 2007-07-27 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Medlin , C.J. 2007-07-14 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Baker , Josh 2007-07-14 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Mateo , Ruben 2007-07-04 Released Huntsville Free Agent St. Pierre , Maxim 2007-06-26 Released Helena Free Agent Clem , Zach 2007-06-16 Released Helena Free Agent Lewis , Jeremy 2007-06-09 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Cordero , Julian 2007-06-04 Released Helena Free Agent Chaya , Yonny 2007-05-30 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent De Leon , Noel 2007-05-30 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Harper , Jesse 2007-05-23 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Carlin , Michael 2007-05-21 Released Huntsville Free Agent Villarreal , Luis 2007-05-20 Released Huntsville Free Agent Davenport , Ron 2007-05-18 Released Huntsville Free Agent Eure , Jeff 2007-05-05 Released Huntsville Free Agent St. Pierre , Maxim 2007-05-02 Released Huntsville Huntsville Meadows , Tydus 2007-04-02 Released Nashville Free Agent Demaria , Chris 2007-03-29 Released Nashville Free Agent Rasheed , Hasan 2007-03-29 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Meyers , Mike 2007-03-29 Released Nashville Free Agent Renkert , Dane 2007-03-29 Released West Virginia Free Agent Simpson , Gerrit 2007-03-29 Released Huntsville Free Agent Richardson , Grant 2007-03-29 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Novinsky , John 2007-03-29 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Parillo , Brandon 2007-03-29 Released West Virginia Free Agent Yoho , Nate 2007-03-29 Released West Virginia Free Agent Phillips , Kyle 2007-03-29 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Pawelczyk , Kyle 2007-03-29 Released West Virginia Free Agent Harmsen , Brandon 2007-03-29 Released Brevard Co Free Agent Bernal , Hector 2007-03-29 Released West Virginia Free Agent Palazzolo , Steve 2007-03-29 Released Helena Free Agent De La Cruz , Fredy 2007-03-29 Released Helena Free Agent Rowe , Bill 2007-03-29 Released Helena Free Agent Logan , Brian 2007-03-29 Released Helena Free Agent James , Mark 2007-03-29 Released AZ Brewers Free Agent Beltre , Jose 2007-03-29 Released [

Please keep in mind that coming up on the lower rungs of the minors is Shawn Zarraga, who was a stud with an .868 OPS while catching in the Arizona Summer League heat, walking one less time than he struck out in '08 (.300 / .432 / .436). The Brewers paid him significant money to sign as a late-round flyer "can we pry him from his college commitment" pick, and hopefully he's rewarded with the starting job in Appleton as And That noted in the roster projection thread. When you plug Zarraga into the catcher food chain as you would have Lawrie, you'll understand why the Crew shouldn't have an issue with moving Brett from behind the plate. http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:o49RA7FHSrQIfM:http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/04/29/47/image_3947294.jpg

The catcher talk from the organization always seemed like a cursory acknowledgement to Lawrie since the kid expressed a desire to play there. Let's note what's happened since Lawrie was drafted -- Salome explodes at the plate in AA, and Lucroy draws nothing but raves for his all-around game. Suddenly catcher is an organizational strength (can't believe I just typed that after so many decades). Lawrie, from all indications, is a hitting "savant", and his bat is going to be major-league ready and primed for action by the 2011 season. There's no way he's going to be defensively major league ready at catcher at that time, however. At that same time (2011), a decision will have to be made about Rickie Weeks' long-term tenure with the team, as he'll be in that final arbitration year situation. Is Eric Farris going to be a roadblock for Lawrie at second base? If Farris develops nicely, he'll be traded to make room. Here's hoping Taylor Green is somewhere in the 2B / 3B picture as well, Gamel at first, etc. I mean, let's face it, the 2011-2012 club is going to be missing a few prominent names from the current squad. Playing second base from the go makes all the sense for Lawrie at this time, I doubt he ever dons a catcher's mitt for the organization. My take, anyway...

Video here Love the video of Prince around 12 years old, and taking some hacks at his natural right-handed as well...

Short and sweet, courtesy of Adam McCalvy's blog: General manager Doug Melvin on catching prospect Jonathan Lucroy: "That kid is going to be a player. He reminds me a little of [former A's catcher] Terry Steinbach." Roll on, Jonathan. We've simply never seen a disparaging report of any kind on the kid.

Audio Interview at RightFieldBleachers. Nice get, guys...

Josh inked Pena as a client in July of '07. Pena was barely 16 1/2 when he signed with the Brewers in July of '99, before debuting in the Venezuelan Summer League in 2000. Not sure at which points in his career he was officially represented, but he did have representation prior to signing on with Josh. Here's hoping they both benefit with a new opportunity.

I think you're out of luck on the Wisconsin blackout rules, and using an out-of-towner's account won't help, and will get you in trouble with MLB. Here's a summary of what's available with Premium, which of course, is a big help to me at office time as well: PRODUCT FEATURES: Now you can watch HD Quality Picture (where available) of LIVE games on your Mac or PC (choose either home or away team broadcasts). The new DVR functionality allows you to pause, rewind, and fast-forward during LIVE games. Watch up to 4 games at once with Mosaic view. Follow a second game or watch real-time highlights with Picture in Picture. Track all of your favorite players with Player Tracker. Archived games are posted approximately 45 minutes after the game has ended and are shown with no blackout restrictions. Condensed games are posted the day after the game (catch the game in a fraction of the time). Note this year you can pick home or away broadcasts, which is new. So the radio option is more for if you really like Uecker and the new guy over Brian and Bill; I imagine they'd synch it up so they're in line with the MLB.TV video feed.

If you get MLB.TV for your PC/MAC, pay the extra for MLB.TV Premium. Just look at what they're adding for 2009 -- fantastic!! DVR functionality, Radio Option for the Brewer Call if it's the Opponent TV feed, and much more... Play the DEMO at this link. My wife's an R.N. and is normally in bed early; my normal routine is MLB.TV until she and the kid are tucked in, and then downstairs to the big screen for Extra Innings (yes, I treat myself to both). Thank you, technology!

When MLB Extra Innings provides the same HD availability as the local broadcasts, then it will be the greatest thing to happen to TV ever.

The Brewers say hello to an old friend in former farmhand Johnny Raburn. Today is Raburn's 30th birthday. Acquired along with Jorge Fabregas and Pedro Liriano in the Alex Ochoa / Sal Fasano deal (and we all remember that 2002 deadline deal, don't we?), Raburn, a super-utility type, once played all nine positions in a game for the Crew while at High Desert late in 2003. He was claimed by Tampa Bay in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft prior to the 2005 season, and has managed to stick around affiliated ball despite only 45 games at AAA. He's the older brother of Detroit Tiger Ryan Raburn. If Johnny makes it through spring camp with the Crew, he'll be the final man on either the Nashville or Huntsville roster, where his flexibility will assist. Southern League fans will know him well, as he's been part of three organizations there, including the full 2004 season in Huntsville. Johnny Raburn Career Statistics

Mentioned here, thanks.

MiLB.com's Lisa Winston with more on Angel Salome

In this update on a Texas Summer Collegiate League club, we're reminded about the raw size and stuff of 49th round LHP Daniel Meadows: Although he played at little-known Temple Junior College, Meadows quickly demonstrated why the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the 49th round of the draft. In his two appearances with the Bombers last summer, he struck out eight hitters in just four innings while only surrendering one hit. He completely baffled opposing hitters on his way to a win and a save in the two games he pitched. At 6'6" and 235 pounds, the imposing southpaw is a difficult matchup for any hitter as he uses a devastating slider to complement his fastball. 2008 Helena stat line

Hopefully the phone is ringing for Doug and a team offers a prospect swap, just as the Brewers recently did in giving up Eric Fryer for the DFA'd Chase Wright. With Pena still having an option left, that makes him pretty attractive for a team willing to acquire him.

No, Scarpetta will have 4 options. He must be on the big league roster in 2013. Thanks, Toby for the reminder. I blacked out big time on that one, the Brewerfan 40-man roster page had it right earlier.

If you can commit some time to this detailed feature article, you'll understand why Twins lefty reliever Craig Breslow is featured every so often here in our Alumni reports. Fantastic story, fascinating young man. This write-up focuses on him from the baseball-only side of things.