Jim Goulart

This link will be included in each daily report when the Nashville Sounds are scheduled to play. Normally it is updated several hours prior to gametime. Nashville Media Notes (Adobe .pdf format):

Follow Saturday's action as it happens: Here's what you do, right click on each of the links below and choose "Open in New Window". Open the Nashville Gameday. For the others, choose "Log" or "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. Nashville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_07_05_rreaaa_nasaaa_1 Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t559&t=g_box&gid=2008_07_05_biraax_hunaax_1 Brevard County: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t503&t=g_box&gid=2008_07_05_dbcafa_breafa_1 West Virginia: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_07_05_hagafx_wvaafx_1 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_07_05_helrok_bilrok_1 Arizona: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_07_05_royrok_brrrok_1

Saturday's Daily Menu: All times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: RHP Richie Gardner at home vs. Round Rock (Astros), 5:45 PM pre-game; 6:00 PM gametime Audio link via WNSR, be sure to select the proper date (game will also archive at this link): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t556 Huntsville: RHP Mike Jones at home vs. Birmingham (White Sox), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Audio link via WUMP, be sure to select the proper date (game will also archive at this link): http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/audio.jsp?sid=t559 Brevard County: RHP Josh Butler at home vs. Daytona (Cubs), 6:00 PM gametime Audio link via the Daytona feed (game will also archive at this link): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/audio.jsp?cid=503&sid=t503 West Virginia: RHP Evan Anundsen at home vs. Hagerstown (Nationals), 5:50 PM pre-game, 6:05 gametime Audio link via WSWW, be sure to select the proper date (game will also archive at this link): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t525 Helena: LHP Brandon Ritchie at Billings (Reds), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Audio link via KCAP, be sure to select the proper date (game will also archive at this link): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/clubs/ip_index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=t433 Arizona: TBD at home in Maryvale vs. the Royals' runts, 10:30 AM local Mountain Standard Time Never any audio for the Maryvale Crew...

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Brett Pollock wasn't privy to any news on why Chris Errecart left the game (listened to the 5th and 6th), but you can listen to Brett's call of Cole Gillespie's game-winning home run at the 02:58:00 hour / minute mark; use the same audio link as the Chris Hook interview above.

Huntsville Pre-Game Audio Interview with Pitching Coach Chris Hook Click on the WUMP archive of July 4th, then browse to the 07:30 minute mark; newcomers Nic Ungs and Troy Cate among the topics of discussion...

Final: Huntsville 2, Birmingham (White Sox) 1, ten innings Huntsville Site Game Summary: Stars Celebrate Independence with 10th Inning Fireworks Stars Beat Barons for Second Time in Six Tries By Brett Pollock / Huntsville Stars Cole Gillespie belted a walk-off home run leading off the bottom of the tenth inning to lift Huntsville to a dramatic 2-1 win over Birmingham Friday night in front of a season-high 9,444 at Joe Davis Stadium. The Stars won their second straight to improve to 9-8 in the second half and move to within two games of North Division-leading Tennessee, while the Barons slipped to 10-7 in the second half. The Stars won their 50th game of the season to match the Barons for the most wins of any team in the league. Barons' reliever Fernando Hernandez had retired the first six batters he faced before Gillespie drove an 0-1 offering over the wall to the right of straight away center field for his second home run in as many nights, his 12th of the season and his first at home since May 16 against Carolina. It was the Stars' third walk-off win of the season and just their second victory in eight extra innings games. Freddy Parejo led off the home first with a bunt base hit and advanced to third base on a throwing error by pitcher Justin Cassel but was thrown out trying to score on a tapper back to the mound by Alcides Escobar, the next hitter. Angel Salome led off the second inning with a double, stayed put when Matt LaPorta walked and was thrown out trying to advance to third on a Gillespie fly out to right field. Birmingham finally broke through in a scoreless game with a leadoff home run from Stefan Gartrell in the fourth against Troy Cate. Huntsville tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when LaPorta singled, move to third on a one-out double by J.R. Hopf and dashed home on a passed ball that also moved Hopf to third. Again, the Stars could not cash in, as Cassell fanned Mike Bell and Martin Maldonado to end the frame. The Birmingham right-hander allowed six hits, walked one and struck out five over seven innings in his second no-decision against Huntsville. Cate was taken out with a runner at third and two outs in the eighth and replaced by David Johnson, who struck out Javier Colina to end the inning. Cate yielded four hits, walked three and struck out three in his second turn with the Stars. Johnson was replaced by Juan Sandoval with runners at the corners and two outs in the tenth and the right-hander got Colina to ground out with his first and only pitch. Sandoval, who gave up the Doug Deeds walk-off homer on Wednesday, grabbed his second win of the year. The series continues Saturday night with right-hander Mike Jones taking the hill against Barons' right-hander Dewon Day. Coverage of the game begins at 6:50 pm central time and can be heard locally on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com and www.730ump.com. Huntsville Box Score Wow, that's a heck of a game; we're waiting for the audio archive -- Chris Errecart, as noted above, left the game in the 5th -- he's battled back spasms, wonder if they flared up again... Huntsville Game Log

How'd you like to own Brad Hawpe in fantasy as your only Rockie? Salivate over the score, then go the box score and see he's 0-for-5.

Final: Round Rock (Astros) 4, Nashville 3 Nashville Site Game Summary: Link for Tony Gwynn, Jr. photo, text follows -- NASHVILLE - The Rounds Rock Express edged the Nashville Sounds, 4-3, on Friday evening in front of 9,525 fans at Greer Stadium in the opener of a three-game series. Centerfielder Tony Gwynn (3-for-4) had three of the five hits in the contest for the Sounds (34-54), who fell to a season-low 20 games below .500 with the loss. Former Sound J.R. House gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning when he belted a two-out solo homer to left off Chris Narveson. The blast was his eighth of the year. Round Rock increased its lead to 3-0 in the fifth when Tommy Manzella led off with a double to left-center and moved to third on Yordany Ramirez's fielder's choice grounder. Manzella scored on a two-out Narveson wild pitch before Sounds third baseman Adam Heether misplayed a House grounder to allow the second Express run to come plateward in the frame. Nashville got on the board in the sixth when pinch-hitter Mel Stocker led off with a walk then stole second and third on consecutive pitches before making it a 3-1 contest when he scored on a Hernan Iribarren sacrifice fly to right. The Express added an insurance run in the top of the ninth against Sounds reliever Luis Pena, extending the lead to 4-1. Lou Santangelo drew an inning-opening walk, was sacrificed to second, and scored on a Ramirez RBI single to center. The Sounds kept it interesting in the bottom of the ninth. Gwynn opened the frame with a single off Express reliever Fernando Nieve and Vinny Rottino drew a walk before Brad Nelson delivered a two-run, opposite-field double to left-center, his team-leading 20th two-bagger of the year, to make it a 4-3 game. AUDIO: Brad Nelson Two-Run Double After Brendan Katin flew out and Heether drew a walk to put the potential go-ahead run on base, Express reliever Nick Regilio took over on the hill with two on and one out. The right-hander retired Carlos Corporan and Ozzie Chavez on consecutive first-pitch groundouts to first base to preserve the victory and notch his seventh save. Round Rock starter Chad Reineke (5-8) turned in a solid outing to earn the victory, allowing one run on two hits while striking out six batters over seven innings of work. Narveson (2-11) took his PCL-leading 11th loss of the year for Nashville after allowing three runs (two hits) on five hits over six innings of action, his fourth quality start of the year. A pair of Sounds outfielders had the club's two longest active hitting streaks snapped in the contest. Katin went 0-for-4 to bring a close to his season-best eight-gamer, while Laynce Nix struck out as a pinch-hitter to end his streak at seven games. The teams continue the series with a 6 p.m. meeting on Saturday night. Right-hander Richie Gardner (6-2, 3.98) will man the bump for the Sounds to face Round Rock right-hander Kyle Middleton (1-1, 2.59). Nashville Box Score The Corporan-Chavez combo wasn't the ideal pair for the tail end of the 9th, tough loss; disappointing not-so-meaningless run surrendered by Luis Pena in the top of the 9th -- 22 walks in 32.2 IP stinks, to be honest, and is much worse than his 2007 ratio; Mel Stocker can punch his ticket to Milwaukee for September 1st again this season -- 14-for-15 in SB attempts and he'll be useful off the bench in that final month; Carlos Corporan, THE man defensively behind the plate, two-for-two cutting would-be basestealers down... Nashville Game Log

Final: Brevard County 4, Daytona (Cubs) 1 Brevard County Site Game Summary: Chapman Provides Early Fireworks in Manatees Victory By Tyler Stover / Brevard County Manatees (Viera, FL) Stephen Chapman blasted a solo home run, his eleventh home run of the season, to tie the game, then delivered a sacrifice fly late in the game to help seal a 4-1 victory for the Manatees Friday night. His leadoff home run ignited the crowd of 4,609, and led to a big fifth inning for Brevard County, as they scored three runs to take the lead, 3-1. Taylor Green also contributed with a two-out, two-run single, scoring Darren Ford and Lorenzo Cain to put the Manatees ahead for good. The lone run for Daytona came on a solo home run by Yusuf Carter to start the third inning. Chapman's sacrifice fly in the 8th scored Charlie Fermaint, who had doubled and was then moved to third when Chuckie Caufield sacrificed him over. Chris Cody (1-3) earned his first win since being called up to the Manatees, holding the Cubs to just one run and three hits over seven innings. He kept the Daytona lineup off-balance all day with a lethal mix of pitches, and was helped by a few key plays by the Manatee defense. Marcos Mateo (1-2) suffered the loss for Daytona, allowing all three of his runs in the fifth inning. Josh Wahpepah and Casey Baron each pitched a scoreless inning to close things out, with Baron earning his third save of the season. The Manatees have now won three straight, and look to continue their strong play at Space Coast Stadium during this seven-game homestand. Josh Butler (2-6, 5.77) will take the mound for Brevard County Saturday, facing Grant Johnson (0-1, 7.00) of Daytona. Game time is 7:00 PM (6:00 Central). Brevard County Box Score Jonathan Lucroy on base three times and gunned down the only Cub runner who tried to steal -- Lucroy's OPS is 1.006 in his 14 Florida State League games and is .919 in 286 at-bats overall; Lorenzo Cain also reached three times and has significantly bumped his offensive game each month this season -- nice; Taylor Green with his two-run single, he just contributes near-every night, ridiculously steady; kudos to Chris Cody and to the Cub prospect who managed to take him deep for his 9th home run (see our Brevard County thread for more on Space Coast Stadium, where fly balls, especially those off right-handed bats, rarely see the bleachers)... Brevard County Game Log

Final: Billings (Reds) 11, Helena 3 Helena Box Score There's a new 3TO (OK, Three True Outcomes -- HR, BB, K) on the horizon, folks, and as noted above, it's Chris Dennis, the 19-year-old drafted in the 13th round last year out of Ontario, Canada, eh; Dennis hit five Arizona League home runs last season in 99 AB's, and now has seven bombs in only 66 Pioneer League AB's -- 27 walks and 61 K's over those two years, and yes, he's a LH bat; RHP Michael Bowman shined in his first three starts, but faltered here; 19-year-old RHP and bonus baby Rolando Pascual has done nothing over four relief stints to show that he can cope with Pioneer League batters -- 8 IP, 11 H, 12 BB, only 3 K's, 16 R (18.00 ERA), he's a switch-hitter, can we just convert him already? Just joshing, good luck, Rolando. How hot was OF Erik Komatsu's start? He's 0-for-9 in his last two games and still hitting .322; speaking of heat, 100 degrees in Helena for this one, and these kids thought they were escaping that fleeing from Maryvale; over 3,100 in the new Billings ballpark, which opened earlier this week... Helena Game Log

Final: Hagerstown (Nationals) 4, West Virginia 3 West Virginia Site Game Summary: POWER STREAK SNAPPED AT SIX The Hagerstown Suns took an early lead in Friday afternoon's game at Appalachian Power Park and despite being out-hit 11-5, they snapped West Virginia's six-game winning streak with a 4-3 victory. Tim Pahuta reached on a fielder's choice in the first inning and plated Boomer Whiting in the process. Lefty Evan Frederickson threw a total of five wild pitches in the first inning and two of those plated the final two runs for the Suns. West Virginia got their first run in the bottom of the first on Eric Fryer's RBI double. Zelous Wheeler hit a solo shot in the sixth inning, his seventh of the year to pull the Power within a run. West Virginia tied the game in the seventh inning on Eric Farris' single that scored Matt Cline. Valerio Heredia began the eighth inning with a walk, moved to second on an errant throw from Corey Frerichs, made his way to third on a passed ball and scored the go-ahead run on Travis Reagan's infield single. Kyle Gunderson (4-1) entered in the seventh inning and kept the Power off the board, allowing just a pair of hits over two and two-thirds to get the win. Frerichs (3-6) was tagged with the loss after surrendering just an unearned run on two hits over two innings of work. Frederickson settled down after a long first inning and went four innings, allowing three runs on three hits with four walks and five strikeouts. Curtis Pasma tossed three perfect innings of relief. The Power fell to 42-42 on the year and 10-5 in the second half with the loss. The Suns improved to 43-41 on the year and 9-6 in the second half with the win. Four Power players recorded multi-hit games including Farris and Fryer who paced the Power with three hits apiece. Fryer has six hits in his last two games and hit safely in five straight. Farris's three-hit performance extended his hitting streak to seven games and Caleb Gindl singled in the third inning to extend his hitting streak to ten games. The Power will continue the four game series against Hagerstown Saturday night. Right hander Evan Anundsen (7-4, 3.38) will get the start for the Power and the Suns will counter with right hander Colton Willems (5-4, 3.63). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (6:05 Central). West Virginia Box Score You get the sense that Evan Frederickson is going to be an all-or-nothing first round pick -- poor catcher Anderson de la Rosa established a personal relationship with the backstop wall in that frightening first inning, be sure to view it in the game log; Eric Farris has really picked it up, as was expected (18-for-45, .400, in his last ten games with three walks and only three strikeouts); Eric Fryer, discussed elsewhere in this forum, now at .500 in his last ten games (17-for-34, six walks) -- that's just insane... West Virginia Game Log Power 3rd inning was tough -- bases loaded, one out, no runs; 10 stranded overall...

Nashville Pre-Game Audio from Thursday with Chat with Starting Pitcher Sam Narron Sluggin' Sam proud of his 3-for-4 plate effort the other night -- complete game? Oh yeah, that too... Nashville Pre-Game Audio Chat with Manager Frank Kremblas (Fridays with Frank) Laynce Nix dealing with a sore heel, Chris Woodward with headaches -- both day-to-day, not in Friday's lineup...

Final: Arizona Giants 6, Arizona Brewers 1 Serious case of Groundhog Day taking place in Arizona... Arizona Box Score The Maryvale kids had three hits, 13 K's and drew no walks today; after ten games, the team is hitting .201 with a .270 OBP and a .284 SLG (.554 OPS); they are last in the nine-team league in batting average, hits, runs, doubles and home runs, next to last in walks, and have struck out 107 times (over ten times a game and 20 more times than any other team); the only plus is a nice SB total and rate (16-for-20); RF Jose Rangel tripled, he's now 3-for-28; big 1B Pedro Ramos had two singles and rumbled on stolen bases to second base each time; RHP's Marcus Salmon and Joel Morales had nice relief outings, neither has walked a batter yet... Arizona Game Log

Also from the Daily Mail: Midwest League Beloit Snappers - Minnesota Twins (signed through 2010) Burlington Bees - Kansas City Royals (signed through 2010) Cedar Rapids Kernels - Los Angeles Angels (signed through 2010) Clinton Lumber Kings - Texas Rangers (signed through 2008) Dayton Dragons - Cincinnati Reds (signed through 2008) Fort Wayne Wizards - San Diego Padres (signed through 2008) Great Lakes Loons - Los Angeles Dodgers (signed though 2008) Kane County Cougars - Oakland Athletics (signed through 2008) Lansing Lugnuts - Toronto Blue Jays (signed through 2010) Peoria Chiefs - Chicago Cubs (signed through 2012) Quad Cities River Bandits - St. Louis Cardinals (signed through 2010) South Bend Silver Hawks - Arizona Diamondbacks (signed through 2008) West Michigan Whitecaps - Detroit Tigers (signed through 2010) Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Seattle Mariners (signed through 2008) South Atlantic League Asheville Tourists - Colorado Rockies (signed through 2008) Augusta GreenJackets - San Francisco Giants (signed through 2008) Charleston Riverdogs - New York Yankees (signed through 2008) Columbus Catfish - Tampa Bay Rays (signed through 2008) Delmarva Shorebirds - Baltimore Orioles (signed through 2010) Greensboro Grasshoppers - Florida Marlins (signed through 2010) Greenville Drive - Boston Red Sox (signed through 2012) Hagerstown Suns - Washington Nationals (signed through 2008) Hickory Crawdads - Pittsburgh Pirates (signed through 2008) Kannapolis Intimidators - Chicago White Sox (signed through 2010) Lake County Captains - Cleveland Indians (signed through 2010) Lakewood Blue Claws - Philadelphia Phillies (signed through 2008) Lexington Legends - Houston Astros (signed through 2008) Rome Braves - Atlanta Braves (owned by Atlanta) Savannah Sand Gnats - New York Mets (signed through 2008) West Virginia Power - Milwaukee Brewers (signed through 2008)

Here you go. I don't need to tell you, but I will -- good stuff.

2007 9th round LHP out of a Texas high school, 19-year-old Kristian Bueno, is the Maryvale starter today. Don Money is Jim Powell's guest on the pre-game today, via telephone from Huntsville. We'll link as soon as available.

Also Known as Larry Harmon Let me say that I was on Bozo's TV show about 30 years ago -- I embarassed myself on that bowling game where you throw the little tethered ball around the pole and knock down the pins. I think I got one. *** ROBIN: So, what about entertainment? Should I get Barney? KID: No Barney! ROBIN (to George): Maybe a clown. GEORGE: How about Bozo? KID: Who's Bozo? GEORGE: Who's Bozo? Bozo the Clown, that's who Bozo is. When I was a kid, Bozo the Clown was the clown, bar none. ROBIN: George... GEORGE: With the orange hair, and the big clown shirt with the ruffles... ROBIN: George... GEORGE: And the TV show! He had cartoons! ROBIN: George! Forget Bozo, George. Bozo's out. He's finished. It's over for Bozo. GEORGE: You know, when I was a kid, we didn't have these elaborate birthday parties with catered food and entertainment. I remember my 7th birthday party... We see a flashback of George at seven, sitting in front of a birthday cake with a shocked expression on his face, while Frank and Estelle scream at him: FRANK: Blow out the candles! Blow out the candles, I said! Blow out the damn candles! ESTELLE: Stop it, Frank! You're killing him! ROBIN: Well, this time, you can blow out the candles. *** George talking to Eric, the clown at Robin's son's birthday party. GEORGE: Bozo? ERIC: No. GEORGE: B-O-Z-O? ERIC: Sorry, I... GEORGE: You've never heard of Bozo the Clown? ERIC: No! GEORGE: How could you not know who Bozo the Clown is? ERIC: I don't know, I just don't. GEORGE: How can you call yourself a clown and not know who Bozo is? ERIC: Hey, man - what are you hassling me for? This is just a gig, it's not my life. I don't know who Bozo is, what - is he a clown? GEORGE: Is he a clown? What, are you kidding me!? ERIC: Well, what is he? GEORGE: Yes, he's a clown! ERIC: Alright, so what's the big deal! There's millions of clowns! GEORGE: Alright, just forget it. ERIC: Me forget it? You should forget it! You're livin' in the past, man! You're hung up on some clown from the sixties, man! GEORGE: Alright, very good, very good...go fold your little balloon animals, Eric. Eric! What kind of name is that for a clown, huh?

Link Report Bonus: This Mississippi blogger caught up with that state's native son, Tim Dillard, recently. You'll notice another link to the right on Bill Hall (did you know Dillard and Hall faced each other in high school a few times?).

Link while active, text follows: First-round pick Frederickson ready to go for Power West Virginia takes six-game win streak into today's holiday 4:05 PM (3:05 Central) start by Michael Dailey Charleston Daily Mail sportswriter Scott Linebrink has never suited up for the West Virginia Power, but a pair of transactions in the past year has made the nine-year Major League veteran pitcher a central figure in the Power's past, and now future. Linebrink's West Virginia connection began last July 25, when the Milwaukee Brewers swapped three former Power players for the veteran right-hander. Linebrink was acquired from San Diego for former Power pitchers Joe Thatcher, Steve Garrison and Will Inman in an effort to bolster the Brewers' bullpen during the season's final month. However, after compiling a 2-3 record with a 3.55 ERA in 27 games with the Brewers, Linebrink signed a four-year, $19 million free agent deal with the Chicago White Sox last November. As part of the compensation for losing Linebrink to free agency, Milwaukee received a supplemental first-round pick in last month's amateur baseball draft. The Brewers used that pick to select left-handed pitcher Evan Frederickson with the 35th overall selection. Frederickson did not sign when he was drafted in the 27th round (825th overall) by Minnesota in the 2005 draft, and instead he spent two years at Virginia Tech before transferring to the University of San Francisco last season. Frederickson went 5-3, with a 4.54 ERA and 177 strikeouts in 132 innings with USF. Now, after just three starts at the Brewers' rookie league club in Helena, Mont., in which he had no decisions in 11 2/3 innings pitched and a 3.09 ERA, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Frederickson is poised to make his West Virginia debut today against the Hagerstown Suns at Appalachian Power Park. Frederickson's start will come in the midst of an important four-game series between the Power and Suns, who are currently first and third, respectively, in the South Atlantic League's Northern Division standings. West Virginia (10-4) expanded its lead over the Suns to two games with a 3-2 win in Thursday night's series opener, and now lead the second place Lakewood Blueclaws by 1 ½ games. It was the Power's sixth straight victory. "I'm really excited about being with the Brewers," Frederickson said. "I was expecting a phone call or something before I got picked, but I was just watching T.V. with my family and some friends, when I saw my name show up on ESPN. "It was an awesome feeling. I knew the Brewers were interested in me because I threw well in their tryout and was talking to their scouts a lot. I also knew that they had six picks in the first two rounds, so I knew I had a good chance of going there, I just didn't know where." Frederickson said three years in college has helped to better prepare him for the grueling life of a minor league baseball player. "It definitely helped me out," Frederickson said. "I feel like I'm 100 times better off now coming into pro ball than I was coming out of high school.

One can only imagine, given the very serious tampering repercussions, the incredible dance that Brewers and Timber Rattlers officials will have to do for the next three months on this subject, as all sorts of Wisconsin media types are going to approach them. To be honest, it's an un-needed distraction for all involved. That being said, nice work by Jacob at the Daily Mail.

Link while active, text follows: Brewers as good as gone from Charleston Milwaukee's contract with Power is up at season's end; Brewers eyeing a home state move to Appleton Column by Jacob Messer Charleston Daily Mail sportswriter CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Are the Milwaukee Brewers pulling the plug on the West Virginia Power? The low Class A player development contract between Milwaukee and West Virginia ends in September. However, Milwaukee baseball officials still haven't sat down with Power executives to discuss the organizations' future together. Milwaukee Director of Player Development Reid Nichols says it is simply a matter of policy. "We have kind of taken the policy of waiting until the season is over and not letting it be a distraction during the season," Nichols said. If that indeed is the Brewers' policy, it is a new one, according to Palisades Baseball Executive Vice President Andy Milovich. "Two years ago (when the organizations agreed to their second two-year contract), all summer long, all we heard from them was, 'We want to re-up, we want to re-up, we want to re-up,' but we haven't heard that once this year," Milovich said. "The absence of that conversation by now is conspicuous." West Virginia was the one stalling the talks that year, Nichols and Milovich agree. "When we got to the point where we wanted to talk, they wanted to wait," Nichols said. "We had some concerns we wanted to address before we made a decision," Milovich said. Milwaukee is one of 17 Major League teams whose player development contracts with their low Class A affiliates will expire in the fall. Rumor has it, the Brewers want to move their Class A franchise to nearby Appleton, Wis. That would end the affiliation between the Seattle Mariners and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Never mind the fact that Milwaukee officials previously left Beloit because they didn't want their pitchers throwing in Wisconsin's winter weather. Hey, Brew Crew, global warming won't make Wisconsin any hotter than West Virginia, especially during those April showers that consist of snowflakes rather than raindrops. "I have heard the rumor just like you have and everybody else has," Milovich said. "It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Only time will tell." Let me save you the wait: The Brewers are going, going, gone. Nichols' comments might suggest otherwise, but what else could he say given the damage it would do to the organizations' soon-to-be-over relationship, not to mention Major League Baseball's strict tampering guidelines and costly penalties for breaking them. "It's a great city and a great ballpark," Nichols said. "It has been a great relationship for us, and it has been a great relationship for them." Nichols couldn't be more correct, which is why it is so frustrating to know Milwaukee and West Virginia aren't likely to team up again. The Brewers promised to send their most talented prospects to Charleston and, boy, did they deliver. Milwaukee has provided Kanawha Valley baseball fans with the pleasure of watching Ryan Braun, Yovani Gallardo, Alcides Escobar, Hernan Iribarren, Will Inman, Mat Gamel, Angel Salome, Michael Brantley, Matt LaPorta and Jeremy Jeffress, among others. Today, 2008 first-round draft pick Evan Frederickson is scheduled to make his first Power start. The Power has had a .500 or better record in five of the seven halves it has played since 2005, its first season with the Brewers. "Milwaukee has been a solid affiliate," Milovich said. "They have sent some good clubs and outstanding talent here. We have been happy with that, and the fans have been happy with that." The Brewers also deserve credit for sending top-notch managers (Ramon Aviles, Mike Guerrero, Jeff Isom) and coaches (John Curtis, Corey Hart, Jim Lett) here. On top of that, Milwaukee's roving instructors (Garth Iorg, Mike Lum, Jim Rooney) and high-level executives (Nichols, Dan O'Brien) are here so often, Power officials and Charleston media members have developed first-name relationships with them. "They have a strong staff and a strong player development system," said Milovich, who specifically praised Nichols and Milwaukee Assistant Director of Player Development Tony Diggs. "At this level of baseball, you don't see the roving instructors as often as the Brewers seem to send theirs. That is a sign of their commitment to developing players. "Look at the way our team started this season and the way they are playing now," Milovich added. The Power started the season 19-32 but now is 42-41 after winning 23 of its last 32 games, including six in a row. "That is a testament to the focus and energy the Brewers put into developing these guys," Milovich said. Praise also should be heaped upon West Virginia, which backed up its guarantee to give Milwaukee a franchise with a new stadium and loyal following. Appalachian Power Park has been home to an average crowd of 3,619 (846,826 fans in 234 openings) in its four seasons. Credit Milovich, West Virginia General Manager Ryan Gates and their staff for constantly improving the Power product. "Overall, they have been really happy from everything they indicated to us," Milovich said. "We would prefer to continue the relationship." Too bad it won't happen. The most likely candidates to fill the Brewers' spot in Charleston? The Rangers, Mariners, Rays and Mets are the best bets. Tampa Bay is especially intriguing because its rookie league team is in Princeton, which is 90 minutes away from Charleston. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh would be welcomed into Charleston because they have so many local fans, but both are staying put. Cincinnati owns half of the Dayton franchise. Don Beaver owns the Hickory franchise and also is one of Pittsburgh's minority owners. Kanawha Valley baseball junkies also wouldn't mind having the Cleveland Indians here, but they have a deal with the Lake County Captains through 2010. More importantly, Cleveland owns half of the neighboring Lake County franchise. Like the Reds and Pirates, the Indians aren't going anywhere. No matter which team signs with Milovich and his franchise in October, the Power surge will continue. "There is no chance of us not having a Major League affiliate," Milovich said, "because the number of teams and affiliates are equal. "Our preference would be Milwaukee. Absent a regional affiliate that our fans have a strong attachment to (the Reds, Pirates or Indians), the Brewers are as strong as anybody. But if the rumors are true, we certainly would land on our feet." Contact sportswriter Jacob Messer at jacobmesser@dailymail.com.

Might I add a few semi-random thoughts, and feel free to comment here, as a bit of banter is always worthwhile before the day's game action begins in several hours. How about Taylor Green with another home run Thursday night with scouts in attendance? There will likely be more than one deadline deal made by Doug Melvin. If an Alex Periard can sweeten a potential deal, then wonderful. Let's not forget that the Manatees' kids could be part of the process in any multi-player 'let's even things out on both sides' kind of deal. Speaking of scouts in attendance, it sure hasn't applied any pressure to the Huntsville kids, huh? Says all the more about their talent, not a lot of "0-for's" the past few games on the road, despite mixed results in the won-loss department. Awfully quiet on the trade front in terms of Nashville, which is expected. But with all four top rung affiliates being home this weekend, here's hoping the local press turns up a nugget or two on the trade front that the national press may miss. C'mon, Huntsville Times, chase down those scouts and their notepads. Jonathan Lucroy rocks. Does everyone have a completely different kind of buzz over the deadline this year? I can't remember a more exciting time to be a Brewer fan (post-1982, when I did from afar, pre-internet, obviously), and the fact that the minor league system is tied to so much of the Brewers' current success and the trade talk is fantastic. This will surprise many of you ("how could Mass Haas allow for the trade of any one of the precious kids on the farm?"), but any deal that does not involve a certain Venezuelan Huntsville shortstop will probably be looked upon by these eyes as a big positive. I'm 45 years old, I need me a National League pennant, minimum. The 2008 jibe is strong, despite yesterday's Arizona 9th-inning flameout. And by the way, I've never disparaged Mr. J.J. Hardy -- I just wish the Brewers had played their free agency clock right, and never had J.J. up on Opening Day in 2005. Wait a few weeks, and Hardy would be a free agent after 2011, not 2010. One of Doug Melvin's biggest mistakes by far. And yeah, this is going to come off as real self-appreciation, sorry, but I am hopeful that through the reminders of the Jim Powell's and Adam McCalvy's of the world, that Brewerfan's Minor League Forum and the Link Reports have allowed the conversation on the trade front to be educated discussions. While I can't say for sure who among the Milwaukee media are with us each day, when I listen to Drew Olson or Homer via the archived interviews, I do hear little tidbits on certain prospects that have only been mentioned here. The fact that a good number of the "just above casual" to diehard fans really can dissect any future trades intelligently based on a little of what we provide does my heart good. And that's not dissing the casual fans, there's a line in your fandom one has to cross before you can enter a nice juicy Michael Brantley discussion, for instance. Anyway, thanks for reading. By the way, for you Brantley lovers out there, his ankle spain may have happened at an opportune time -- that's one player scouts haven't seen over the past week.

Link while active, text follows: First-round pick making Class A debut By Nick Scala Charleston Gazette Staff writer Evan Frederickson, a first-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers last month, will celebrate the Fourth of July by making his first Class A start with the West Virginia Power. A 6-foot-6, 240-pound left-hander drafted out of the University of San Francisco, Frederickson will take the mound for today's 4:05 PM (3:05 Central) game with the Hagerstown Suns. Power pitching coach John Curtis likes what he sees of Frederickson, who was the 35th overall pick in the draft as a supplemental first-round compensation selection. Frederickson, 21, was promoted from the Brewers' rookie Pioneer League team in Helena, Mont., after just three starts. "I just got my first look at him the other day during a bullpen session," Curtis said. "I've been listening to the reports from Helena, where he did very well, which is why he's here." In three starts at Helena, Frederickson did not figure in any decisions but posted a 3.09 ERA. He struck out 16 in 11 2/3 innings, allowed 13 hits and walked five. "He's got good size, throws a good fastball - probably in the low 90s [mph] - a slider and changeup," Curtis said. "He's got some good sink to his fastball." Curtis said Frederickson, just a little more than a month removed from college, will take Mike Ramlow's spot in the Power starting rotation, with Ramlow shifting back to the bullpen. "He'll be a starter the rest of the year, absolutely, but we'll bring him along slowly," Curtis said. "You've got to remember, a kid like this coming out of college probably pitched one day a week." At USF this spring, Frederickson went 5-3 with a 4.54 ERA. He recorded 109 strikeouts in just 75 1/3 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .216 batting average. Curtis said Frederickson will be limited to 80 pitches today. "We're gonna nurture him, we don't want to break him down," he said. "We'll take it easy on him early on. I'm in a watch-and-wait position like everyone else." Frederickson was drafted out of high school in Oak Hill, Va., in the 27th round by the Minnesota Twins in 2005 but opted for college ball at Virginia Tech. "I was supposed to go before [the 27th round], but you never know how the process works," Frederickson said. "Once I fell to the 27th round I never really considered going [to the Twins], because I knew I was better than that. Going to college turned out to be a good decision." But going to Virginia Tech, apparently, was not. After two seasons in Blacksburg, he transferred to USF. "I just never really got in a good rhythm pitching-wise [at Virginia Tech]," he said. "I liked everything about the school, I just wasn't pitching how I knew I was capable. I found a new school, and a pitching coach I liked." Frederickson credits USF pitching coach Greg Moore with his development. "He helped me a lot with every aspect of pitching, physical and mental," he said.

Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iowa 53 36 .596 - 33-16 20-20 W6 Memphis 47 40 .540 5.0 23-20 24-20 W2 Omaha 41 44 .482 10.0 17-21 24-23 L4 Nashville 34 53 .391 18.0 17-22 17-31 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tennessee 11 5 .688 - 6-4 5-1 L1 Carolina 8 8 .500 3.0 3-3 5-5 L1 Huntsville 8 8 .500 3.0 3-3 5-5 W1 Chattanooga 7 9 .438 4.0 5-5 2-4 L1 West Tenn 6 10 .375 5.0 1-5 5-5 W1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - FSL East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- St. Lucie 8 6 .571 - 6-2 2-4 L3 Daytona 7 6 .538 0.5 4-1 3-5 W3 Vero Beach 7 6 .538 0.5 2-3 5-3 L1 Palm Beach 6 6 .500 1.0 5-4 1-2 W1 Jupiter 5 6 .455 1.5 1-2 4-4 L4 Brevard County 5 8 .385 2.5 1-4 4-4 W2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - SAL Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Virginia 10 4 .714 - 6-1 4-3 W6 Lakewood 9 6 .600 1.5 4-2 5-4 W6 Hagerstown 8 6 .571 2.0 3-4 5-2 L3 Lake County 7 8 .467 3.5 2-5 5-3 L1 Delmarva 6 8 .429 4.0 1-5 5-3 W1 Greensboro 5 9 .357 5.0 1-6 4-3 L7 Hickory 5 10 .333 5.5 2-5 3-5 L1 Lexington 3 12 .200 7.5 1-8 2-4 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - PIO North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 11 6 .647 - 3-0 8-6 W4 Great Falls 10 7 .588 1.0 5-4 5-3 L4 Helena 9 8 .529 2.0 5-6 4-2 W3 Missoula 4 13 .235 7.0 1-10 3-3 L3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona League (R) - Arizona League Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZL Angels 7 3 .700 - 3-2 4-1 W2 AZL Rangers 7 3 .700 - 3-2 4-1 W4 AZL Giants 6 4 .600 1.0 4-1 2-3 W1 AZL Royals 6 4 .600 1.0 6-0 0-4 W3 AZL Padres 5 4 .556 1.5 4-0 1-4 L1 AZL Athletics 4 6 .400 3.0 2-3 2-3 L2 AZL Cubs 4 6 .400 3.0 4-1 0-5 L1 AZL Mariners 4 6 .400 3.0 2-2 2-4 L4 AZL Brewers 1 8 .111 5.5 1-4 0-4 L5