Jim Goulart

As mentioned in this article we linked to in Tuesday's Link Report, LHP Steve Hammond is moving up to Nashville from Huntsville -- no word yet on a corresponding roster move for the Stars.

Huntsville Site Game Summary: First Half Ends in Disappointment, West Tenn Wins One Game Playoff DIAMOND JAXX CLINCH FIRST PLAYOFF BERTH SINCE 2005 Ryan Ketchner spun 7 1/3 impressive innings and Mike Wilson and Luis Valbuena had key two-run hits to lead West Tenn to a 5-1 victory over Huntsville Tuesday night and a first half North Division title. The Diamond Jaxx improved to 42-29 on the season and grabbed the first in-season playoff game in the Southern League since 2000, while the Stars dipped to 41-30 overall and 0-1 in the second half. The two teams were not separated by more than one game over the final 25 games of the half after the Diamond Jaxx overcame a five-game deficit to pull into a first place tie on May 22. Brent Johnson opened the game with a single before Mike Saunders grounder back to the mound was fielded by pitcher Steve Hammond, who made an errant throw to second base, allowing Johnson to remain on the bases and Saunders to reach safely at first. The runners advanced on a Mark Kiger sacrifice bunt and scored when Wilson doubled over the head of Michael Brantley in center field. Hammond had not been scored on in the first inning over his last 10 starts dating back to April 19 at Mississippi. Kiger committed a fielding error on a ground ball hit by Angel Salome to open the home second before Matt LaPorta singled and Cole Gillespie's first sacrifice bunt of the season pushed the runners along. Chris Errecart's line drive sacrifice fly to center then plated Salome with the home team's lone run. The league's best hitting team was held to four hits, matching their lowest total of the season. Johan Limonta led off the fourth with a single and moved to second base on a Hammond wild pitch and to third base on a wild throw towards third by catcher Carlos Corporan. The West Tenn first baseman had rounded the bag at second and was halfway to third base before Corporan's throw sailed into left field. Adam Moore made it a 3-1 West Tenn lead with a base hit to right field to drive in his 12th run of the season against the Stars. Limonta was thrown out at the plate for the second out in the sixth after a single by Jon Nelson to right field. Jeffrey Dominguez followed with a base hit before both runners moved up on a Hammond wild pitch and scored on a base hit by Luis Valbuena to make it 5-1. The two-out hit knocked Hammond out of the game and prevented him from going at least six innings in a 12th straight start. The southpaw suffered the loss to fall to 7-4 after yielding a season-high 10 hits, fanning two and not walking a batter. Joe Bateman retired all 10 hitters he faced in his longest outing of the season. Meanwhile, Ketchner allowed only two more Alcides Escobar singles through the seventh inning and was taken out in the eighth after hitting Corporan and yielding a Brantley base hit. Shawn Kelley, who began the year in the Midwest League, took over and got Escobar to line out and struck out Mat Gamel, the league's leading hitter, to end the frame. He walked LaPorta with one out in the ninth prior to Gillespie bouncing into an inning-ending and game-ending double play to earn his first double-A save. The series continues Wednesday night with Hunsville left-hander Derek Miller taking the hill against West Tenn right-hander Doug Fister. 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 Interesting choice that Carlos Corporan was the catcher chosen to handle Steve Hammond while Angel Salome DH'd, instead of vice versa... Huntsville Game Log

Link while active, text follows: Sherrill adjusts out west By Bret Strelow Salisbury (North Carolina) Post HELENA, Mont. - A pair of adolescent boys poked their heads through a fence opening near the left-field foul pole as the Helena Brewers conducted batting practice two hours before their season opener. A.L. Brown alum Garrett Sherrill, with Mount Helena in full view behind his left shoulder, shagged flyballs in the outfield. A decade ago, he had lofty aspirations the nearby youngsters now possess. Sherrill didn't pitch Tuesday in a 9-0 home loss to the Great Falls Voyagers, but opening night in the Pioneer League marked the long-awaited and long-distanced beginning of his professional career. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Sherrill, who recently completed his junior season at Appalachian State, in the 12th round of the draft. He signed 10 days ago, flew to Arizona for a week's worth of workouts, arrived in Montana's capital Saturday and moved in with his host family Monday. "The farthest I had ever really been was Minnesota, and that was about eight or nine years ago playing travel ball," Sherrill said. "I've never really been this far west, and I don't have a car out here, so I really have no life besides baseball. I guess that's a good thing if I want to get the best out of my baseball career." The Helena Brewers are one of eight Advanced Rookie teams in the short-season Pioneer League, which has two divisions. Helena, Great Falls, Billings and Missoula - all located in Montana - comprise the Northern Division. Clubs from Utah, Idaho and Wyoming make up the Southern Division. A crowd of 1,042 fans turned out Tuesday at Kindrick Field, which was built in 1939, and Great Falls supporters shook cowbells each time a member of the White Sox affiliate delivered a hit. Kindrick's covered grandstand is painted green, and orange seats obtained from the Oakland Athletics replaced outdated bleachers. The back of each armrest has an Athletics logo. The wall of fame hanging on the facade of the stadium's grandstand features pictures of notable players such as Gary Sheffield, Ryne Sandberg, Greg Vaughn and Ryan Braun. They wore a Helena uniform before reaching the big leagues. "This is not that much different from college, but it's more of a job now and we're getting paid to do a job," Sherrill said. "You have to be a little more serious. In college ball, you had to juggle school work and other stuff. Here, you just get to practice and play ball. It's a dream come true, and I'm having a blast out here." Helena and Great Falls squared off 113 miles from Missoula, where one of Sherrill's former A.L. Brown teammates is in his second pro season. Duke graduate Brett Bartles had a single and two RBIs for the Billings Mustangs in their 6-5 win against Missoula. Billings is 240 miles from Helena, which sits in southwestern Montana. The snow melts slowly and the Subaru Outbacks move quickly in the spacious state two time zones away from Kannapolis. Signs of wintry weather in Lewis and Clark County are visible only from atop Mount Helena, but snow fell in Helena last week as temperatures approached triple digits in North Carolina. Buffalo burgers are popular and 75-mph speed limits prevalent in a region that showcases ranches and rodeo grounds as much as baseball diamonds. Most of the scenery isn't unfamiliar to Sherrill, who spent three years in Boone. "I'm used to seeing mountains behind the field, used to seeing mountains driving around town," Sherrill said. "The elevation is a little higher here, though. "I heard it snowed a couple of inches last week, and out in Arizona it was about 110. When I arrived here, I think it was 74, and it was an unbelievable difference. It was a good difference, though." Sherrill served as Appalachian State's closer and said he expects to share the role in Helena with Mark Willinsky, a 15th-round pick from Santa Clara. Sherrill's teammates include starting pitcher Evan Frederickson (the 35th overall selection in the 2008 draft) and outfielder Cutter Dykstra. A second-round pick out of high school, he is the son of Lenny Dykstra. Rene Gonzales, who played 13 seasons in the major leagues, manages Helena. Oney Guillen - a son of Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen - and Kenny Williams - a son of Chicago's general manager - played for Great Falls on Tuesday. Eduardo Escobar, a 19-year-old shortstop, hit one of his team's two home runs. Sherrill pitched against wooden bats last summer and excelled for the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League. "When I went to the Cape, I faced some of the best talent in the country," Sherrill said. "Here, you've got first- and second-rounders on every team. I'll be facing guys that are probably going to play in the big leagues. "I'm not going to bring much of a different approach than I had at the Cape, and I had a successful summer there. I'll try to keep the ball down, throw strikes and hopefully get outs."

Final: Great Falls (White Sox) 9, Helena 0 Details later... "brutal day for the affiliates, wow.. " Yeah, but a Brewer win, and Cub, Cardinal and (hopefully) Marlin losses -- we'll take that every day of the season, but yes, brutal is a good description...

Final: West Tenn (Mariners) 5, Huntsville 1 Tough to psych themselves up for a second-half run (they're 0-1), but the Stars will have to -- details later...

That's an awesome night out, molitor fan, thanks for the update. Folks can click on the link above for the box score and game log. We may get some quotes from the Power kids in the AM if either Charleston paper is able to reach them in Greensboro.

Final: Oklahoma (Rangers) 6, Nashville 0 Nashville Site Game Summary: Link for Tony Gwynn, Jr. photo, text follows -- RedHawks Shut Out Sounds To Open Series NASHVILLE - Three Oklahoma pitchers combined on a six-hit shutout in the RedHawks' 6-0 victory over the Nashville Sounds on Tuesday evening at Greer Stadium in the opener of a four-game series. RedHawks starter Steve Rowe (3-2) picked up the win after working six scoreless frames. Kazuo Fukumori followed with a pair of scoreless innings before Brian Gordon kept the Sounds off the board in the ninth to preserve the shutout. Nashville, which has dropped all nine of its contests against Oklahoma this season, finished 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position on the evening. Sounds outfielder Tony Gwynn went 2-for-4 to account for the club's lone multi-hit effort on the night. Rehabbing right-hander David Riske made short work of the RedHawks in the top of the first inning, striking out the side in order while tossing only 12 pitches (nine strikes). Oklahoma took a 1-0 lead in the second inning against Sounds right-hander Ben Howard. John Mayberry reached on a one-out infield single, moved to second on a Ryan Roberts walk, and scored on Travis Metcalf's blooper to center. Metcalf paced the Oklahoma offense with a 3-for-5, three-RBI evening. The RedHawks doubled the lead to 2-0 in the second when Joaquin Arias tripled with one out and scored when ex-Sound Nelson Cruz legged out an RBI infield single to third. Oklahoma added three runs against Howard in the seventh to stretch the lead to 5-0. Arias led off with a double and scored two batters later on a Chris Davis RBI single to center. Later in the frame, Howard was the victim of bad luck as what looked like a potential inning-ending double play grounder off the bat of Metcalf took a bad hop off the lip of the infield and bounced over the head of shortstop Adam Heether for a two-run single. The visitors wrapped up their scoring in the eighth against Erasmo Ramirez when Cruz singled with two outs then scored on Davis' double to the wall in right-center, bringing the score to its final 6-0. Howard (2-3) took the loss after allowing five runs on eight hits while walking four batters and striking out six over 5 1/3 innings of work. One night after having his PCL co-leading 24-game hit streak snapped, Sounds catcher Vinny Rottino was kept off the basepaths by Oklahoma pitchers to end his on-base streak at 26 games, a run that was tied for the second-longest in the circuit in 2008. The teams continue the series with a noon matinee on Wednesday afternoon at Greer. Right-hander Steve Bray (1-5, 4.19) will make a spot start for the Sounds as their pitching staff recovers from back-to-back doubleheaders in Iowa. Oklahoma will counter with right-hander Elizardo Ramirez (5-3, 3.72). Nashville Box Score Callix Crabbe played third base, made a throwing error, but did walk three times; this is not a good AAA squad, but you knew that -- the Brewers have given Sounds fan a nice run up to 2008... Nashville Game Log

Game suspended -- Vero Beach (Rays) 3, Brevard County 0, after two innings Game will be completed Wednesday afternoon at 11:00 Central as the first game of a doubleheader... Brevard County Partial Box Score Randy Choate walked two and surrendered a three-run home run to open the second inning...

Zelous Wheeler is having a heck of an All-Star Game -- walk, two-run home run, single, all while playing shortstop. He may not win MVP, as there are other candidates (his North Team leads, 9-4, in the 7th), but that's great for the kid.

Link while active, text follows: ERAU's Ryan Express shines in Double-A By MICHAEL LEWIS Daytona News-Journal Staff Writer Of course there's never any guarantee that a professional pitcher will ever make the major leagues. But if Patrick Ryan does crack the show, there's a minor league baseball player named Kevin Roberts who might be due a big-time piece of his first big contract. Ryan, an Embry-Riddle graduate, was a teammate of Roberts' in Class A ball a few years ago. And it was there that Roberts taught Ryan a new way to throw his changeup. Three years later, Ryan is throwing his changeup more than he ever has, and the results have been terrific. Throwing for the Double-A Huntsville Stars, the Milwaukee Brewers farmhand has gone 2-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 22 games. The 6-foot right-hander has allowed just 26 hits in 32 innings, and issued only 14 walks. "I think I definitely owe Kevin Roberts something," Ryan said in a recent interview. "My curveball has always been there, but now I'm throwing the changeup for strikes, which makes things so much easier." Note: Roberts was traded to Pittsburgh with RHP Marino Salas in the Salomon Torres deal. -- Jim The 25-year-old Ryan has continued his upward ascent in the Brewers' organization as a middle reliever, following a strong 2007 that saw Ryan pitch well both in Brevard County in the Florida State League and with West Virginia in the South Atlantic League. Combined Ryan went 5-3 in 50 games last year. This year Ryan has been even better; before a loss on June 13, his ERA was 1.13. "He's been a staff saver for us, and we always thought he could do it," Brewers director of player development Reid Nichols said. "He's been having success at every level for us recently, so we're real happy with him." Ryan said one of his goals is to keep his ERA under 3.50. After a few rough outings at the start of the season he's rebounded. "I was walking more guys than I should have early, but I had the confidence in myself to turn it around," Ryan said. "(Pitching coach Chris Hook) has been great in helping me." Ryan said the Stars' success is a direct result of continuity; he said he looks around the clubhouse and sees teammates he's been with for years. "It's just a real close bunch of guys who have gotten to know each other, and we like each other," Ryan said. "We're winning because a lot of these guys are talented, and we have good chemistry." As well as Ryan has pitched, Nichols said he didn't think the Florida native would be promoted to Triple-A this year. "We like for guys to get a full year at this level, and this is his first year (at Double-A)," Nichols said. "But you never know when an opportunity will come up." ONE ON ONE News-Journal sports writer Michael Lewis talks with Patrick Ryan about life in Huntsville, stupid bullpen rules, and the joy of Will Ferrell movies. So, how do you like living in Huntsville, Ala.? "Huntsville's good. I have my wife with me, Christy, so that's a lot more fun. She's a big sports fan. There are some nice golf courses here, and some good restaurants. It's a little more of the Deep South than I'm used to. It's a little more Southern." Have you been to the Space and Rocket Center there? It was pretty cool when I went there years ago. "I haven't gone to it yet. Honestly, I had enough of that space and rocket stuff at Embry-Riddle. We drive by it when we go to the mall; I'd rather do that." What kind of stuff do you and the other Stars relievers talk about in the bullpen? "I don't know if we have one set topic; we have a rule of the day we have to obey. Like, one day you can't refer to anybody except for by their number. Sometimes you can only say their last name. "Then there's the rule where the first guy to talk to one of the kids asking for autographs, he has to take the ball-bag in every day.We also play 20 questions, and the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game." What do you think is going on with the Brewers this year? They've been a little disappointing. "I honestly couldn't tell you what's going on with them. It's hard to say; I haven't been watching too closely. I haven't been watching too much 'SportsCenter;' I've been playing my new Nintendo Wii a lot." Who's the best hitter you've faced this year? "I don't know, I have to think about it. I think from last year and this year, I've had a hard time with (Marlins outfield prospect) Cameron Maybin, he got a couple of hits off me. They didn't give him all that (high-draft pick) money for nothing." What's the road trip DVD that gets you through the long rides? "I like 'Old School,' and then I like 'Wedding Crashers.' Pretty much all Will Ferrell on our bus." Former Embry-Riddle standout pitcher Patrick Ryan now pitches for the Huntsville Stars, the AA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Huntsville Stars Photo http://www.news-journalonline.com/downloads/ryan061708.jpg

Scouting Report: Jeremy Jeffress So much more than you'd ever expect here -- incredible detail, and recent -- enjoy!

OF Lorenzo Cain has been transferred back to Brevard County from Nashville. When catcher Jonathan Lucroy joins Brevard later this week, a corresponding move will need to be made.

Link while active, text follows: Power's Wheeler earned his break Do-it-all star ready for SAL All-Star Game by Jacob Messer Charleston Daily Mail sportswriter Except for a four-hour road trip to the site of this year's South Atlantic League All-Star Game, Zelous Wheeler got a much-needed and well-deserved day off Monday. The West Virginia Power played 69 games in the first half, and Wheeler was the only player to appear in all of them, starting in all but one. Power Manager Jeff Isom had planned to rest Wheeler that day but inserted him midway through the game. "His energy," Isom said when asked why he couldn't keep Wheeler out of the Power lineup. Isom said Wheeler is one of the team's most valuable players because he is one of its most versatile. Wheeler played four positions (third base, shortstop, second base and left field) and batted in six spots (Nos. 2-7) during the first half. "He's an above-average defensive player anywhere we put him," Isom said of Wheeler, 21, whom the Milwaukee Brewers selected in the 19th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft. "When you're that versatile, you're going to be out there on the field. "And with what he can do with the bat, we need him in the lineup. He has been hovering around .300 all season. He has been stealing some bags, too. "He's a very valuable guy for us offensively and defensively." Wheeler, a 5-foot-10, 220-pound utility infielder, is on the Northern Division roster for tonight's SAL All-Star Game at NewBridge Bank Park in Greensboro, N.C. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM (6:00 Central). Three of his teammates -- center fielder Lee Haydel, catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitcher Amaury Rivas -- also made the low Class A circuit's all-star team. "It's a blessing for me," said Wheeler, who is from Sylacauga, Ala. "I'm going to have fun. If I don't get to play that much, I'm going to try to have fun in the dugout and do anything else I can to enjoy the time." Wheeler led the Power (32-37) in doubles (17), walks (32) and RBI (44) during the first half. He ranked second in batting average (.303), second in on-base percentage (.385), second in runs (39), third in hits (73), third in stolen bases (10), third in home runs (six) and fourth in slugging percentage (.448). Wheeler hit .311 with runners on base, .333 with runners in scoring position and .375 with the bases loaded, proving to be a reliable player in clutch situations. He also struggled with strikeouts (58) and errors (10), ranking second in both of those categories. But the positives far outweighed the negatives in the first half of his first full season in professional baseball, which is why Wheeler has a good chance of challenging former West Virginia outfielder Chuckie Caufield for the title of Mr. Durability in the Brewers' farm system. Caufield played in the Power's first 86 games last year before taking the first of his four days off. He played in 132 of West Virginia's 136 games last season. "Sometimes, it's hard to play every day," said Wheeler, who led Wallace State (Ala.) Community College to the 2006 Junior College World Series. "If I get a break, I'll take advantage of it. If I don't, I'll just go out there and stay in shape and play hard every day." Wheeler is honored that Isom thinks so highly of him and wants him in the Power lineup each game. "It's kind of a good thing, you know," said Wheeler, who hit .300 with two triples, three homers, eight doubles, 23 RBI, 25 walks, 36 runs, 41 strikeouts and 57 hits in 59 games under the Isom-managed Helena (Mont.) Brewers in the rookie Pioneer League last season. "He can do whatever he wants to do with me. I'm happy with (his decision)." Wheeler has reached base in 16 consecutive games and will try to extend his streak Thursday night, when West Virginia will begin the second half with the first of a five-game road series against Kannapolis (N.C.) at FieldCrest Cannon Stadium.

Link while active, text follows: Stars at the half: Runs galore for team of heavy-hitting prospects Heavy-hitting prospects generating runs galore By BRAD SHEPARD For The Huntsville Times Entering this season with five of the Milwaukee Brewers' top 10 prospects, the Huntsville Stars figured to boast a barrel of offensive talent. At the season's midpoint - and with the Southern League North Division's first-half title pending tonight's outcome - the lineup has been as potent as billed. Here is a look at the Stars' top prospects and how each player's stock has fared this season: Matt LaPorta, right field Baseball America ranking: No. 1 in the Brewers organization. In his first full season of professional baseball, the former Florida Gator has impressed offensively. He's around a .300 hitter, and he's leading the league in home runs (18) and second in most run-production categories to teammate Mat Gamel. One longtime scout is impressed with LaPorta's plate discipline and adjustments during an at-bat. He projects LaPorta as a major league left fielder because of average arm strength. As excellent as he has been, his season is somewhat overshadowed by Gamel and Alcides Escobar. Scout's take: "They've got to find a position for him because he's an average defensive player. He'll go as far as his offense takes him." Alcides Escobar, shortstop Baseball America ranking: No. 3 Nobody has done more to boost his status in the eyes of the organization than Escobar. Though he has a high number of errors for him (13), he makes all the flashy plays and, at 21 years old, is already a polished defensive player with the potential to be one of the best. Along with his .322 average and slick fielding, the biggest head-turner has been Escobar's surprising power - six home runs. Scout's take: "He's No. 1 on my list. He'll be an above-average hitter, score some runs, steal some bases and he is an excellent fielder." Mat Gamel, third base Baseball America ranking: No. 5 Gamel is the talk of the minors. He is leading the league in batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs, total bases, slugging percentage and is second in home runs. Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash told MLB.com Gamel would remain in Double-A for the summer: "We're probably going to leave him there and let him have an outstanding year there - let him dominate." Ash said it has been beneficial having former Gold Glove 3B and Stars manager Don Money tutor Gamel, who has trimmed his 53 errors last season to 15 so far. His throwing mechanics are improving, and he already hits the ball to all fields with authority. Scout's take: "Wade Boggs," the scout said. "That's who he reminds me the most of when he hits." Cole Gillespie, left field Baseball America ranking: No. 6 On any other team, Gillespie's numbers would look pretty potent. He is nearing double-digits in home runs and staying around .270 while ranking third in the league in doubles and RBIs. The only reason why he isn't rising is because his ranking was a little high to start with. He has average speed and defensive abilities, and it has taken him a little longer to adjust to Double-A, though he's putting together a very nice season. Scout's take: "He's the clear sixth-best prospect on the team," the scout said. "I think he's got a chance to play in the big leagues as an extra outfielder and may work his way into being a starter. He's going to be a contributor on a major league team." Angel Salome, catcher Baseball America ranking: No. 8 Everybody knew he could hit, but the bowling-ball backstop is surprisingly second in the league in hitting and sixth in RBIs. His defense is improving though he's only thrown out 25 percent (15-of-60) of base runners and is still working on calling games. Though he doesn't always look mechanically-sound at bat, he has incredible plate coverage and hits the ball to all fields. With Milwaukee's lack of catching prospects, Salome is in a prime position to escalate in a hurry. Scout's take: "He can really hit, and he's got all the tools to be an above-average defensive catcher." Michael Brantley, center field Baseball America ranking: No. 24 The biggest jumper in the rankings may be Huntsville's leadoff hitter. The 21-year-old center fielder is the catalyst for the entire offense, and he's done a perfect job of setting the table for the bombers. He steals bases and does most of the little things that makes him a manager's dream. Of late, he has shown some pop in his bat and is fourth in the league in hitting at .325. His 19 steals lead the league by one over Escobar. Brantley is the kind of player who can develop into a steal for the Brewers. Scout's take: "He's the third-best prospect on the team on my list (behind Escobar and Gamel). He just knows how to play the game and has a great approach. Really, he's just a baseball player." - SP Steve Hammond, Baseball America ranking (27): Rising. Hammond was one of the organization's top pitching prospects before a tough 2007, but the Stars' big game pitcher has found his groove again. He's 7-3 with a 3.25 earned run average and leads the league with 76 strikeouts. - 1B Chris Errecart, Baseball America ranking (29): Staying steady. Errecart is having a solid season, hitting about what the organization would expect and also third on the team with 10 home runs. He is also playing solid defense. - RP Robert Hinton, (NR): Falling. Hinton is thought to have a major league slider, but with his recent struggles, he needs a strong second half of the year. Lately, he is having difficulty getting anybody out and has 27 walks in 39 innings and a 5.26 ERA. - SP David Welch, (NR): Rising. The Aussie was a virtual unknown prior to the season, but he's thrown a no-hitter and is 8-1 with a 3.11 ERA, following the lead of Mark DiFelice, Lindsay Gulin and Sam Narron as successful, effective lefties without a lot of velocity. - RP Juan Sandoval (NR): Falling. He's righted the ship lately, but he blew several critical saves when he held the closer's role. Perhaps the most live arm on the team has found his control and old form as of late, but he needs to do it consistently.

Link while active, text follows: Brewers' player finds hope at new position By JEFF WINDMUELLER - Helena Independent Record Brock Kjeldgaard can start calling Helena home. The Brewers first baseman is returning to the friendly confines of Kindrick Legion Field for the third straight summer. However, this time won't be like any stay he's had in the past. "For me, it's a little bit different, but it's always good to come back here," Kjeldgaard said. "The past two years I've come here as a pitcher. I'm coming here as a first baseman now, so I'm pretty excited about the season." The switch to the infield - and lining up again in the batter's box - is welcomed by the 23-year-old, who was selected in the 34th round by the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 2005. Kjeldgaard said he's learned a lot playing for the Brewers in Helena, like what it takes to last an entire season with the ballclub and the work involved. He's learning something new this time around: how to accept change. While a solid pitcher in the Pioneer League, Kjeldgaard wasn't able to break out of Helena and to a higher team in Milwaukee's farm system, which is the goal of every minor leaguer at their start. "When they first told me (about the switch), I was a little down and a little surprised," he said. "But then, I just thought it was a brand-new start. And actually, I think it's the best thing for me right now. "I felt like maybe I had come to a little bit of a standstill as a pitcher. Whereas now it's a new start with the organization." Helena Brewers manager Rene Gonzales has been working with the young man over spring training and thinks Kjeldgaard might have found his niche. "He's learning a new position and the reason I think they did that is because he's an amazing athlete. He might have been wasting his talent as a pitcher," Gonzales said. As far as physical tests on strength, speed and other athletic attributes, he's in the top five, Gonzales said. Of course, there's more to baseball than just athleticism, and making the change won't be easy, especially when the player hasn't stepped inside a batter's box in nearly two years. While Kjeldgaard was recruited to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa as both a pitcher and hitter, Kjeldgaard stuck to the mound after being drafted by Milwaukee. His first swings since have come at spring training in Arizona, and he's been batting now for about three months. "It's a big change, it's completely different," he said. "Every day I feel better. At first, it was pretty off and felt uncomfortable. But I'm feeling more and more comfortable." And it's beginning to show. "He's freakishly strong. He can mis-hit balls and still drive them," Gonzales said. "He's just a genuinely nice, kind, passive person. I'm trying to get him to change that when he steps between the lines." Gonzales wants his player to be more aggressive in the box, especially when he's favored in the count. "I think we have to give him every opportunity just to get into a routine back to playing every day, swinging the bat every day," Gonzales said. "He might be inconsistent for awhile, and then he'll probably just take off from there." The same goes for his time in the field, Gonzales said. While he won't see the kind of time he used to in the spotlight as a pitcher, Kjeldgaard is happy he'll get a little more sun than before. He'll be able to play multiple games in a week, and know when his time to shine will come. "I like playing everyday, that's the main thing for me. That's what I like most about playing first base and being a position player, you get to be in the game every day," he said. "(As a pitcher) you might pitch two days in a row, then you might not pitch for eight or nine days." For Kjeldgaard, and the family members that live nearby, knowing his schedule will be more of a relief. While Montana remains far from where he grew up in London, Ontario, Kjeldgaard has extended family members just north of the border in Lethbridge, Alberta, and a sister in the province. "Usually my grandpa (Dennis) comes down to watch a few games and my sister (Kristin) lives out here now, up in Alberta," he said. "They're pretty excited about it again." Of course, he'll have the same host parents he's had the last two years, Dave and Marlene Hughes. Kjeldgaard realizes that while he hadn't planned to see Helena so much, he's grateful to still be playing for the Brewers organization. They could have easily sent him packing. "I think it says a lot about the Brewers. They didn't have to do that at all, and they must have heard something, I guess. It's kind of like they're giving me a second chance, which I really appreciate and I hope to make the best out of it," he said. "I obviously want to do well for myself, but I want to do well for them, too." Eliza Wiley Helena IR Photo Editor - Brock Kjeldgaard returns to the Helena Brewers for his third straight season, but will be covering first base instead of pitching this year. http://www.helenair.com/content/articles/2008/06/17/sports/local/100spl_080617_player.jpg

Link while active, text follows: Sidelines: Past Brewers find success at next level By TOM STUBER - Helena Independent Record The 2007 Helena Brewers had great success in moving up the ladder, as a total of 19 players are now in action at other Milwaukee affiliates. West Virginia, Milwaukee's low A affiliate, is the new home for 18 players from last year's team, including: Caleb Gindl, who led the Brewers in hitting last year at .372, Jonathon Lucroy, Steffan Wilson, Eric Farris, Curt Rindal, Zelous Wheeler, Lee Haydel, David Fonseca, Eric Fryer, Scott Houin, Roque Mercedes, Jose Garcia, Curtis Pasma, Richard Seidel, Nick Tyson, Corey Frerichs, Daniel Merklinger, and Wes Etheridge. High A affiliate Brevard County has Bobby Bramhall on the roster, along with numerous players from the 2006 Helena team. Milwaukee's AA and AAA farm clubs are loaded with players from previous Helena Brewer' teams. Considering that new Helena Brewers manager Rene Gonzales hit just 19 home runs in his major-league career you wouldn't think his baseball card would be worth much. However, there's one exception, as Gonzales' 1988 Topps card shows him wearing uniform number 88 and his Mr. 1988 Topps. Collectors might want to check and see if the card is in their collection. As for those 19 career homers, he hit them off some quality pitchers, including two off Dave Stewart, and one each off Wilson Alvarez, Tom Henke, Ben McDonald, Jose DeLeon, Rick Honeycutt, Mike Jackson, Kevin Tapani, Dave Stieb, Frank Viola and Kent Mercker. This season marks the 30th anniversary of the first Pioneer League team in Helena, but we missed two years in 2001 and 2002 when the team moved to Provo. The Helena Phillies joined the Pioneer League in 1978, giving Helena a professional baseball team for the first time in 64 years. In 1984 the Helena Gold Sox claimed the Pioneer League championship, a rarity for an independent club. The team hooked on with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1985 and changed its name to the Helena Brewers in 1987. Behind the hot bat of Al Mealing, Helena won the PL championship in back-to-back seasons in 1995 and 1996, but moved to Provo, Utah after the 2000 season. Medicine Hat relocated to Helena in 2003 and Pioneer League ball has been here ever since. Arguably the best Helena team to grace Kindrick Legion Field was the 1995 edition of the Helena Brewers. That squad went 49-22, which is the best record for any Helena PL squad, in the regular season to win the Northern Division and swept the Pioneer League championship finishing the post seaston at 4-1. The Brewers won the title again in 1996, but haven't won it since.

Link while active, text follows: Brewers set for season opener By JEFF WINDMUELLER - Helena Independent Record Summer is officially upon the Capital City as the Helena Brewers take to the diamond tonight to host the Great Falls Voyagers in both teams' season opener at Kindrick Legion Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM (8:05 Central). The game will pit last year's Pioneer League Northern Division first-half champs from Helena with the season champs out of Great Falls. The Orem Owlz of the Southern Division beat Great Falls 2-0 for the league title last year. Despite their history, both teams have new looks. Both have a new crop of young players fresh out of rookie, high school and college squads. Meanwhile, Great Falls has taken a new moniker since last year's stint as the White Sox. With just 25 men on the roster, the Brewers will make their way onto the field a bit short-staffed. The minor league team is allowed 35 men on the roster, 30 of those active for each game. "We're going to open the season with a pretty small roster," said Steve Wendt, the Brewers' director of broadcasting and public relations, who is back for his fifth year. "We've got some big fellas, just not the numbers." They suffer from a lack of depth in the outfield, which only just Chris Dennis, Michael Vass and Cutter Dykstra, son of former MLB great Lenny Dykstra, call home. They have five infielders to cover the four positions, with Brock Kjeldgaard stationed at first and Venezuelan product Edgar Trejo spending much of the time at third. John Delaney, Jose Duran and Michael Marseco have been swapping in and out of the rest of the infield. Brewers manager Rene Gonzales has been working with the group since spring training began about three months ago, and could have his hands full through the beginning of the season. After two years with the Brewers, Kjeldgaard is making the transition from pitcher to fielder for his third season in Helena. "All of them (have things to work on)," Gonzales said. "It's going to be situations. It's 'OK, what do we have here, it's one out, the scoring run at second base, do I have to pick this ball, do I have to block it.' "He'll just get better just with the repetitions and the more game situations he gets." While they can run into trouble if anyone is injured in the field, the Brewers certainly have depth in the bullpen. They have 14 pitchers ready to take the mound, beginning with tonight's starter, Efrain Nieves. Nieves, an 18-year-old from Puerto Rico, saw limited time at the end of the 2007 season. He went 1-0 in the Pioneer League, playing in just two games. In 4 2/3 innings pitched he gave up just three hits, walking one and striking out four. While he'll have the duty of starting the Brewers' season off on a good note, fans will be waiting to see how well one of Milwaukee's first-round picks will do. Evan Frederickson, the 35th overall pick out of the University of San Francisco, is expected to be tested on the mound early in the season. "He went up there for a try-out in Milwaukee and he was throwing 98," Gonzales said. "We expect big things out of him, he's one of the guys who won't be in a tandem for the games early. We're going to let him go and see what he can do." The 6-foot-6, 225-pound southpaw is welcoming the opportunity to play in Helena after going 5-3 in the college ranks and striking out 109 batters in just over 75 innings of work. "Coming from when I first got drafted I was really excited," he said. "Now, I'm ready to come here and get with the team, start working on baseball and start playing well." The Brewers also used a second-round pick on another pitcher, Cody Adams of Southern Illinois University. He ended up leading the Salukis in strike outs with 78. "We're definitely pitcher-heavy," Wendt said. Few players will probably be eyed as much as Dykstra, another second-round pick who is coming straight out of Westlake High School in Westlake, Calif. The 5-11, 180-pounder will turn 19 on June 29, and has already made an impression with his coaches. "I've been just talking to him on the plane," Gonzales said after first arriving. "He's confident, maybe you could say cocky in a good way, and I like that." Helena will host the Voyagers in a three-game series to start the season before the Missoula Osprey come to town to finish the weekend. The Brewers will take to the road Monday to face Great Falls again.

Pacific Coast League (AAA) - PCL American North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iowa 41 30 .577 - 23-12 18-18 W1 Memphis 36 36 .500 5.5 15-17 21-19 W1 Omaha 33 36 .478 7.0 15-19 18-17 L3 Nashville 28 43 .394 13.0 15-16 13-27 L1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Southern League (AA) - SOU North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carolina 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - Chattanooga 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - Huntsville 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - Tennessee 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - West Tenn 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida State League (A+) - FSL East Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Palm Beach 41 27 .603 - 26-11 15-16 L3 Brevard County 34 33 .507 6.5 21-14 13-19 L2 Daytona 34 34 .500 7.0 16-17 18-17 W3 Vero Beach 33 34 .493 7.5 21-12 12-22 W1 Jupiter 32 35 .478 8.5 18-12 14-23 L2 St. Lucie 18 49 .269 22.5 9-26 9-23 L2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South Atlantic League (A) - SAL Northern Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lake County 41 29 .586 - 19-19 22-10 L1 Delmarva 38 31 .551 2.5 22-13 16-18 L1 Greensboro 38 32 .543 3.0 17-18 21-14 L3 Lakewood 38 32 .543 3.0 19-15 19-17 W1 Hagerstown 34 35 .493 6.5 16-20 18-15 W1 West Virginia 32 37 .464 8.5 13-20 19-17 W3 Hickory 30 40 .429 11.0 14-21 16-19 L1 Lexington 21 48 .304 19.5 10-24 11-24 L3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer League (R+) - PIO North Division Standings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team W L PCT GB HOME ROAD STREAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billings 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - Great Falls 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - Helena 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 - Missoula 0 0 - - 0-0 0-0 -

Follow Tuesday'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_06_17_orhaaa_nasaaa_1 Huntsville: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_06_17_wtdaax_hunaax_1 Brevard County: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_06_17_breafa_vbdafa_1 Helena: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2008_06_17_grfrok_helrok_1

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):

Tuesday's Daily Menu: All times Central; pitchers subject to change -- Nashville: Rehabbing RHP David Riske for an inning, then RHP Ben Howard at home vs. Oklahoma (Rangers), 6:45 PM pre-game; 7:00 gametime Audio link: www.nashvillesounds.com/listenlive/ Huntsville: LHP Steve Hammond at home vs. West Tenn (Mariners), 6:50 PM pre-game; 7:05 gametime Audio link via WUMP (game will also archive at this link): http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/audio.jsp?sid=t559 Brevard County: Rehabbing LHP Randy Choate to begin, then LHP Chris Cody at Vero Beach (Devil Rays), 6:00 PM gametime; tough opponent (again) in the Ray's Jeremy Hellickson Audio link, Vero Beach's broadcast (game will also archive at this link): web.minorleaguebaseball.c...p;sid=t503 West Virginia: Four Power players take part in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game -- 6:00 gametime, check out the tail end of this thread for details, including box score and audio links Helena: 18-year-old LHP Efrain Nieves at home vs. Great Falls (White Sox), 7:50 PM pre-game, 8:05 gametime Audio link via KCAP (game will also archive at this link): http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/multimedia/audio.jsp Arizona: Season begins Monday, June 23rd

http://www.brewerfan.net/images/store/dailylinkreport.jpg

Click here for your box score, game log, and audio link -- 6:00 Central Time Tuesday the 17th. South Atlantic League All-Star Game with Jonathan Lucroy, Lee Haydel, Zelous Wheeler and Amaury Rivas

Link while active, text follows: Sounds end losing streak but hard schedule awaits By MAURICE PATTON Tennessean Staff Writer After ending a couple of streaks Monday, the Sounds hope to end yet another one today at Greer Stadium. The Sounds split a doubleheader Monday at Iowa, winning the first seven-inning game 3-1 to stop an eight-game skid, before losing the second seven-inning game 8-4. Next up for the Sounds: an eight-game homestand, starting with four games against Oklahoma. Against the RedHawks this season, the Sounds have lost all eight of their games, including four on the most recent road trip. Prior to Monday's victory, the Sounds had not won since defeating Albuquerque 6-1 on June 7. The eight straight losses were a season-high and the second-most in the PCL this season. Tucson lost 10 in a row from April 4-13. The 1987 Sounds set a franchise record with 12 straight losses. Catcher Vinny Rottino went 1-for-3 in the win to extend his hitting streak to 24 games - matching an earlier streak by Iowa's Andres Torres for longest in the PCL this season - before going hitless in two at-bats in the loss. Rottino wound up two games short of the 26-game streak that Sounds outfielder Adam Hyzdu had in 2001. David Riske will start today for the Sounds. The Milwaukee Brewers reliever, who has been on the disabled list with an injured shoulder, is scheduled to pitch one inning ahead of regularly scheduled starter Ben Howard. Riske will be on the same schedule for Thursday's game against Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Nashville will look to revive its offense. The Sounds' .224 batting average at Greer is the lowest home average in the 16-team PCL.

Final: Vero Beach (Rays) 7, Brevard County 2 Link while active, text follows: Vero Beach Rays: Price shines again, Baldelli begins rehab By Bill Whitehead, TCPalm.com VERO BEACH - Vero Beach Devil Rays pitcher David Price wowed them in his professional debut and outdueled New York Met hurler Pedro Martinez in his next start. If Monday night's 7-2 win over Brevard County is any indication, he might be heading out of Vero Beach and climbing one step closer to the Majors. As he has done during his brief time in the Florida State League, the former Vanderbilt University star was strong again Monday night, tossing five solid innings and fanning the side twice in Vero Beach's game against Brevard County. "You really want to use your defense, but my pitch-count (90) got up there. I'm happy with it, though, and we're winning," said Price after coming out as the pitcher of record with a 4-1 lead. Price (3-0) missed his outing last Thursday due to a rainout, then had to wait through the FSL All-Star weekend. Monday's start was his fifth in the High A league. The No. 1 overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft last season, Price gave up a run on a looping single by Chuckie Caufield in the first inning, but struck out the side, with a pair of Manatees looking. He worked out of jam in the second when Vero Beach catcher Nevin Ashley picked off Brent Brewer at first base to the end the inning with runners on first and second. In the third, he gave up a leadoff triple to Darren Ford, but then struck out Yohannis Perez, Taylor Green and Caufield to leave Ford stranded at third to keep the Devil Rays up 4-1. In all, he has thrown 28.1 innings in his five starts, allowing 23 hits and four earned runs - a 1.27 E.R.A. He has struck out 30 and walked five. If his performance has been good enough to earn him a promotion, it would likely be to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League. Asked if he knew what his future pitching plans were, Price replied, "I have no idea. No one's said a thing." Former Tampa Bay center fielder Rocco Baldelli, rehabbing from chronic fatigue due to a mitochondrial abnormality, debuted by slapping a two-run single in the second inning and finished 1-for-3 and drove in two runs. "It always feels good to get out there (and be productive)," said Baldelli. "To come out here, get on base and get in the flow of the game, it's just a good way to start off." He is slated to play on Wednesday and Friday this week, all as a designated hitter. The 26-year-old last appeared against Texas on May 15, 2007. He suffered a hamstring injury in the game, sidelining him for the rest of the season. This year he was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder, a malady that has resulted in chronic fatigue. The Rays placed him on the 60-day Disabled List after refusing to pick up his $6 million option on April 1. "I've dealt with multiple surgeries and had a lot of injuries during my career," Baldelli said, "but I don't think I've had anything to compare to what I've been dealing with for the last year and a half. "I was probably dealing with it longer than that and just didn't know it." Brevard County Box Score Darren Ford 3-for-4 with two triples -- a stellar second half would be nice; Alex Periard goes seven innings, gets 12 ground ball outs, quality start, he's just no David Price, for which he can't be faulted; two errors apiece for the middle infield combo of Brewer and Perez; this series actually counts towards the first-half standings... Brevard County Game Log